What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, most people feel shaken and unsure of what to do next. If you are involved in an accident, you should first assess any injuries and seek medical attention.

Quickly thereafter, make sure that you take a few extra steps to strengthen your insurance claim or lawsuit.

• File a police or incident report. Even in a minor accident, you can protect yourself by filing a police report. Having documentation of the accident helps shield you against any false claims. In addition, police reports often contain information about the likely cause and contributing factors to the accident.
• Collect and preserve evidence. If possible, take pictures and video of the accident scene, as well as any resulting injuries and damages to the vehicle. If the other driver is still at the scene, collect that person’s insurance-related information (name, address, birthdate, phone number, driver’s license and insurance policy information). If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information as well. Eyewitness testimony can sometimes be the deciding factor in determining liability.
• Contact a car accident attorney. While you may be tempted to give immediate statements to the insurance company, your best interests are served by contacting a skilled car accident lawyer first. An attorney can provide expert advice when it comes to filing claims and seeking damages.

To best protect your rights and best interests after a crash, be sure to contact an experienced auto accident attorney in Baltimore immediately. A skilled Maryland car accident attorney at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. can help you investigate the circumstances of your collision and seek the compensation you need and deserve.