Steps to Take After a Car Accident
You’re sitting at stop light, and suddenly your car lurches forward. You’ve been hit. Even if the accident is a small fender bender, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure that the recovery process goes smoothly.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
The first priority after an accident is getting everyone to safety. Try to pull over to the side of the road and get out of the flow of traffic. If this is not possible, exit the vehicle safely. Call for medical assistance even if you and your passengers seem okay, as many injuries may not be obvious at first glance.
2. Call the Police
Even if the damage to your car is minimal, it’s still a good idea to have a police report on file, especially if you need to file an insurance claim to be compensated for damages. The person who caused the accident may want to keep a report from being filed, but this is not in your best interest.
3. Document Everything
A police report is a good start, but it’s smart not to rely on another person’s account of what happened. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and get copies of the report as well as the contact and insurance information of the other driver.
4. Hire an Attorney
If there is significant damage to your car or if you or your passengers were injured, you need to hire an auto accident attorney in Columbia MD. The other driver’s insurance agent may offer you less than you deserve or try to convince you to have your insurance cover the damages. Having an advocate in your corner who is well-versed in these types of negotiations is definitely a plus.
Getting into a car wreck is already an inconvenience. Following these tips can help you prevent this interruption to your day from becoming a larger ordeal than it needs to be.