If you were involved in a car accident, knowing what you should (or should not do) can greatly impact your ability to recover compensation for your damages. Our attorneys explain the basic steps you should take following a car accident in Maryland and one common mistake to avoid.

Every car accident scene is different, but as a rule of thumb, your priority should be to check for injuries. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is hurt, call 911 right away. Next, you will want to call the police, and if they come to the accident scene, ask for a copy of the police report.

If it is safe to do so, take pictures and video of the accident scene, write down the contact information for any witnesses and get the name and number of the other driver’s insurance company. The more information you can preserve from the accident scene, the stronger your evidence for your case will be.

When Is It Necessary to Call the Police After a Car Accident?

It is advisable to call the police and report an accident even when the damages were not serious. If a law enforcement officer is sent to the accident scene, it may be in your best interest to obtain a copy of the accident report. A police report is important so you can obtain an unbiased view of what happened and who was at fault for the accident. If no police officer shows up, you will at least be able to show that you called and tried to make a report.

What Are Some Common Mistakes I Should Avoid After an Accident?

Remember that Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means contributing to the accident even slightly may mean you lose eligibility to recover compensation. For that reason, avoid making the mistake of apologizing or making any statements at the scene of the accident. In addition, do not sign anything from the other insurance company without asking your attorney first.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?

A car accident attorney can provide the advice you need to maximize your chances of recovering compensation. Maryland contributory negligence laws may be hard on victims, and insurance companies may try everything to bar a victim from getting compensation by showing that the victim was also at fault. If you were involved in a car accident, your attorney can handle all aspects of your case for you, so all you need to do is focus on healing. If you were hurt in a car accident, contact the attorneys at Paré & Associates, LLC as soon as possible. Call Paré & Associates, LLC today at (301) 515-1190 to schedule a free consultation.