Whether you’re driving to work, running errands, or picking up the kids from school, the last thing you expect is to have what’s otherwise a normal day in Baltimore derailed by a car accident. As the result of a fender-bender or head-on collision, you may suffer confusion, shock, and injuries that make it hard to think logically. That is why you must familiarize yourself with what to do immediately after a car accident in Baltimore. You may need medical attention, and you’ll certainly want to speak with authorities to explain what happened in order to obtain a detailed police report.
Consulting with an experienced attorney is also wise if you want to protect your best interests. With years of experience, attorney Steven H. Heisler is a trusted and skilled professional who can guide you through the aftermath of an accident with the legal support and representation you need to pursue a compensation claim.
Since 1996, Steven H. Heisler has focused exclusively on helping personal injury clients fight insurance companies and at-fault parties for fair compensation.
Check for Injuries
Take a Moment to Assess What Just Happened
Following a vehicle collision, you may suffer shock or feelings of panic. Understanding what to do immediately after a Maryland car accident can help you remain calm and take the necessary steps. With that in mind, the very first thing to do is assess your condition to determine whether you need immediate medical attention. From there, you should check in with your passengers in the same manner. Next, you’ll want to assess your situation at a larger scale. Put on your hazard lights and move your vehicle to the nearest safe location out of traffic, if possible. Finally, call 911 to report the accident and request police and medical assistance. Generally speaking, it’s safest to stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on until help arrives.
Seek Medical Help
Immediately after a Baltimore car accident, you need to seek medical attention if you are hurt. For serious injuries, you should be assessed by EMTs at the scene to determine whether you need to go by ambulance to the hospital. But even if you only suffer what appear to be minor cuts and bruises, it’s best to be diagnosed as soon as possible. You may be able to take yourself to the hospital or make an appointment with your physician later on, but some symptoms may appear several hours or even days after the accident. Therefore, seeking prompt medical aid is critical to maintaining your safety and well-being. Doing so is also essential for generating the documentation you need to file a claim.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to the negligent or malicious behavior of others, contact Steven H. Heisler today at (410) 625-4878 to discuss your case.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
When a car, truck, or motorcycle accident occurs, you must gather evidence that will support your eventual compensation claim. That’s because insurance providers will look for any excuse to minimize, delay, or outright deny your claim. The details and items you should work to collect include the following:
Witness Statements and Contact Information
Proper evidence gathering starts with obtaining the contact information of other drivers, passengers, and witnesses at the scene. In a similar sense, the best time to collect information about what witnesses observed during an accident is immediately after it occurs, when the events will still be fresh in their minds. If possible, take detailed notes to provide to both your insurance agency and lawyer.
Take Photos and Videos
If an insurance company decides to fight your claim, perhaps by contradicting your version of events, you will likely need to turn to an expert witness who can reconstruct the accident. Providing pictures and videos of the aftermath, including damage to vehicles, skid marks, and other such details, can help that individual determine what took place and how it happened. You can also ask witnesses at the scene to send you any photos or videos they captured.
Request a Copy of the Motor Vehicle Crash Report
You’ll want to tell your version of events to the police so they can include it in the accident report. It may be several days before a crash report is available, but it’s a matter of public record, which means it’s easy to request a copy. You can contact the Central Records Division of the Baltimore Police Department by phone or submit an online request. For incidents outside the city, you can obtain a copy of the motor vehicle crash report from the Maryland State Police Central Records Division.
Contact Your Insurance Provider to Report the Accident
Beyond seeking medical attention and putting together a collection of evidence, another thing to do immediately after a car accident in Maryland is to contact your insurance provider to initiate the claim process and activate any coverage that may apply. Some policies will provide you with temporary vehicle coverage while your car is being repaired, for example.
Consult With a Qualified Car Accident Lawyer
Ensure Your Best Interests Are Protected
When you contact a qualified car accident lawyer, you can alleviate stress and get help with all the details of building a case to negotiate for compensation or go to trial. Select an attorney who has experience with cases like yours and a proven track record of success.
Partner With Steven H. Heisler to Fight for Fair Compensation
It’s not always easy to remember what to do immediately after a car accident in Baltimore. You may be overwhelmed or in shock, or your injuries may prevent you from collecting the necessary evidence. Above all, you may need professional help to fight for compensation in the weeks and months that follow. Attorney Steven H. Heisler has the experience and compassion to help you through this challenging process, along with a long history of satisfied clients who can recommend the firm.
If you are struggling to recover from accident injuries while fighting the insurance companies for compensation, contact Steven H. Heisler at (410) 625-4878 to schedule a free case review.