Car accidents can be a minor inconvenience or a major life-changing event. The actions you take following an accident can affect your liability or the compensation you receive for your injuries and property damage. Consider taking these three steps after you have been in an accident.
Don’t Leave the Scene
Accidents often happen when you need to be somewhere at a particular time and if your damage seems minor it can be tempting to just go on your way, rather than having to wait around for the police. In some cases, you may face legal action for leaving the scene of an accident, particularly if you are found to be at fault for injuring someone in the other vehicle.
Call 911 or the Police
If no one was injured in the accident, you can probably call the local non-emergency number for the police. They may or may not come out, depending on how busy they are and the severity of the accident. If someone is injured, you should call 9-1-1 even if the injuries do not seem severe. Do not let the other driver talk you out of calling. It is important for all injuries to be evaluated and for the details of the accident to be documented by the police.
Contact an Attorney
If your accident was minor, involving only property damage, then you probably will not need a lawyer. However, if anyone was injured, there was a substantial amount of property damage or the two parties can not agree with who is liable or the amount of the damages, it can be wise to contact a car accident lawyer Baltimore MD.
Whether you have been involved in a minor fender bender or a major accident, your actions after an accident can affect how much you are liable to pay or receive in compensation for your damages. If you are unsure how to proceed after an accident, your local police department or your insurance agent should be able to assist you.