A car accident is a traumatic and intimidating event. It can leave you with injuries, damage to your personal property and other issues that can affect multiple areas of your life. The days and weeks after this type of event are important, especially if you believe that you could have grounds to move forward with a personal injury claim at some point in the future.
If you think you could have a claim because another person caused your accident by acting negligently or recklessly, what you do after an accident is important. It is in your interests to know how to proceed so that you avoid complications with your civil claim and maximize the compensation available to you. You have the right to fight for a full and fair recovery after this type of event.
At the scene
The scene of a car accident is overwhelming. You could have injuries, and you may not even be sure exactly what happened. If you are able to do any of the following, it can help you get the help you need in the moment, protect yourself and improve your chances of a successful claim:
- Call for emergency help and check on others involved in the accident.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including the position of the cars and damage.
- Exchange information with other people involved in the accident.
- Get contact information from people who saw what happened in case you need an eye witness account later.
Days and weeks following
In the days and even weeks following a serious car accident, you may want to do the following things:
- Contact your insurance company and file a claim, if necessary.
- Go to doctors and keep track of your medical expenses.
- Explore the legal options available to you.
It’s not always immediately clear what caused your accident or who may be to blame for what happened to you. One of the steps you may find beneficial is to reach out for legal guidance as soon as possible after a crash.
The right help from the very beginning
You do not have to take one step by yourself after an accident. As soon as possible after a crash, you can seek experienced guidance from a Maryland personal injury attorney that can help you navigate the aftermath. This includes everything from dealing with your insurance company to gathering evidence for your personal injury claim. An assessment of your case can help you understand where to begin.
