Car Accident Checklist

Were you or a loved one injured in a Baltimore car accident? Is another driver responsible for your injuries? Understandably, you may be wondering what to do next and whether you need to retain a Baltimore car accident attorney.
Pursuing an injury claim with the other driver’s insurance is not a straightforward process. You need someone who can protect your rights and help you fight for the maximum compensation possible. Consider setting up an initial consultation with an experienced attorney who can advise you on the best course of action and who will go over each step on our car accident information checklist. We will work tirelessly to hold the liable party responsible for your injuries.

Here is our Car accident checklist:

• Move to safety/remain calm
• Call 911/contact law enforcement
• Exchange information
• Don’t talk about fault
• Take photographs & videos
• Look around for witnesses
• Seek medical attention
• Go off the grid with social media
• File a claim with your insurance company
• Call an Attorney

What should I do after a Car accident?

It’s normal to feel upset, confused, and overwhelmed in the aftermath of a car accident. What information do you need? What are you supposed to say to the other driver? Are you supposed to call the police? Is there any evidence you need to collect at the accident scene? What if someone’s been seriously injured?
These are all common questions people have after being in a car accident, which is why the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt has created a checklist of steps to take following a car accident. Read these useful tips from our Baltimore car accident attorneys and you’ll be better prepared in the event you get into an accident.
10 Steps to take after a car accident, this is our auto accident checklist in detail, even though you can’t predict when and where you’re going to have a car wreck, being prepared and knowing what to do after can have a huge impact on whether or not you get the compensation you’re entitled to when you file a claim.
After an auto accident, you should:

1. Keep calm and assess the situation – if anyone has been injured and needs immediate medical attention, call 911 right away to request an ambulance. Otherwise, you should move your car out of harm’s way so that you don’t impede traffic or have another collision. Turn your hazard lights on to alert other driver’s there’s been a wreck, and place down flares or safety triangles if you have them.
2. Call the Police – Let the dispatcher know you were in an auto accident and where you’re located. When the investigating officer arrives, tell the truth about what happened and just stick to the facts. You should be able to obtain a copy of the police report from the police department for a fee within a few days. This is an important step to take, as police accident reports are often critical pieces of evidence that can make or break your claim.
3. Get information from the other driver – You will want to get the name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance company name, and insurance policy number from everyone involved in the wreck. If you were involved in a car accident with a commercial vehicle, be sure to get the name and contact information of the driver’s employer.
4. Don’t talk about fault – The last thing you should be doing at the scene of your car wreck is arguing with other drivers about who’s at fault. You’re better off not saying anything. Remember, even saying something that seems harmless like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as admitting fault.
5. Take pictures and video – If you’re able to, take detailed pictures and/or video of your car crash. Make sure to show all the damage, skid marks, streets signs, traffic lights, road markings, construction, hazards, and any visible injuries. Do your best to paint a clear picture of the accident scene. Bonus tip: Take notes about your wreck while it’s all still fresh in your mind. Write down then and where the auto accident took place and any important details that could be useful down the road when filing a claim.
6. Seek out witnesses – If anyone saw your car collision happen, ask them to stay to give a statement to police. Before they leave, see if you can get their name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony is often a difference-maker when trying to prove fault.
7. Get examined by a medical professional – Even if you don’t have visible injuries or symptoms, you should get checked out by a licensed medical doctor within 24 hours of your car wreck. Some injuries have delayed onset symptoms and aren’t immediately noticeable. Make sure to document your doctor visits and attend all follow-up appointments.
8. Go off the grid – Do not post anything online about your car accident. This includes talking about your car crash on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and all other social media platforms. Anything you post online about your collision could potentially be used against you to challenge or deny your claim. You’re simply better off not discussing the details of your accident online or with your family and friends.
9. Notify your insurance company – You are required to notify your insurance company that you’ve been in a collision, so call them to let them know you were in a car wreck. Give the facts of what happened but do not go into too much detail. If an insurance adjuster pressures you for more information or wants you to give a recorded statement, politely decline and refer them to your lawyer. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
10. Call a car accident lawyer – An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to meet with you, learn the details of your wreck, discuss your legal options, answer your questions, and help you figure out the best way to maximize the value of your claim. Since the majority of personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and will represent you on a contingency fee basis, it probably won’t cost you any upfront money to have a car wreck lawyer tackle your claim.

Who needs to be notified about an accident?

Once an auto accident occurs, you should immediately call the Police. In most cases, it’s best to involve the police so there is an official record of the accident. Police are professional investigators, so the information they report could be helpful later.

Sometimes people try to avoid involving their insurance company for severe or minor accidents because; they fear a rate increase or they think it’s easier to work directly with the other driver.

Not reporting an accident to the insurance company is a bad idea. All insurance companies require reporting. Failure to report even minor accidents to the insurance company can have significant ramifications. Some insurance providers may cancel a driver’s policy for failing to report an accident promptly.

Even if the accident is minor, it’s wise to speak with a Baltimore accident lawyer. An attorney will have valuable advice that could save you from making a costly mistake. Contact the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt for a free consultation today.

Should you hire a lawyer for your Car accident case?

Car accidents are complex legal matters because of the resources that insurance companies bring to minimize or deny your claim. Insurance companies have teams of investigators, adjusters, and lawyers and are extremely difficult to deal with if you don’t have legal help. Here’s why the assistance of a Baltimore accident Lawyer is crucial for a successful outcome:

Personal injury attorneys allow you to focus on recovering, working, and being with your family. You’ll avoid stressful phone calls from the insurers as they’ll be dealt with by your car accident attorney.

We know that injuries cause problems that last far longer than insurance companies say they do. Missed wages, psychological distress, future medical costs, and more are all often overlooked. We’re aware of this and will factor it into your claim.

• We ensure all evidence is preserved correctly. Evidence can get lost quickly; we will work to make sure it is safe.
• We know which evidence can sway your case. Under Maryland law, recovering compensation is only possible if it is clear that another person’s negligence caused the accident.
• Insurance companies will exploit your lack of knowledge, often manipulating you into making a mistake. They want to pay you as little as possible. Our experience will avoid these pitfalls so we can get you the money you deserve.
• A lawyer can get to work immediately. Acting fast will give you the upper hand even if the at-fault driver turns out to change his/her story.
• The longer you wait without a lawyer, the more time the insurers gain to devalue your claim.
• Evidence proves that vastly greater compensation is paid out when using a lawyer compared to taking on the case alone.
• We’ll be your advocates from start to finish and handle all legal work and procedures for the optimal outcome.

Conclusion:

When you need to reach us, we will be available. We understand that availability matters. We always have someone on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to speak with you when something happens. If you need a case evaluation date or night, we are here for you.

There are no upfront costs to hire our Baltimore car accident attorneys either. We offer free initial consultations and a no-fee guarantee. What that means is that you incur no costs or fees unless we win.

When we say we are committed to our communities, we mean it. The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, can help you seek the compensation you deserve, no matter how complex your case may be.

Remember our car accident checklist is here to help guide you through the beginning of your car accident claim. Call us today at 443-844-1528 so that we may answer your questions, help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, and recover the compensation that you deserve.