Many motorists are unsure of what to do after a car accident in Baltimore, Maryland. However, you need to be familiar with your legal obligations and ways to protect yourself in case a legal battle ensues.
Even if you follow all the proper steps, you may have questions or need help after a collision. The Baltimore car accident attorneys at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers are available to provide assistance 24/7. Our legal team has over 80 years of combined experience, and we’re well-equipped to handle your claim from start to finish.
Contact our law office today by calling (410) 837-2144 or completing an online form. We offer a free consultation to discuss the details of your car accident, injuries, and avenues for compensation.
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How Our Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers Can Help If You Were Injured in a Collision
If you were involved in a minor fender bender with minimal property damage and no injuries, you may not need an attorney. However, if you sustained injuries or there are complex issues in your case, you will benefit from legal representation.
The team at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers will help you fight for the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
If you hire our Baltimore car accident lawyers for help after a collision, you can expect us to:
- Examine the details of your crash, including how it happened and who is liable
- Collect evidence proving each aspect of your claim, including the value of your damages
- Negotiate on your behalf and protect you from unsubstantiated claims of shared fault
- Take your case to court if we fail to reach a fair settlement
We’re here if you need us, so schedule a free initial consultation if you’ve been injured in a car crash in Baltimore, MD.
Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident in Baltimore, MD
What you do following a Baltimore car accident will affect any claims you file (or claims filed against you). Taking the following steps will protect your rights and ensure that you fulfill legal obligations imposed by state law.
Immediately Stop Your Vehicle At the Scene
Maryland law requires all drivers involved in auto accidents to immediately stop their vehicles if the collision causes injury, death, or property damage. If stopping at the accident scene would unreasonably obstruct traffic, you should stop as close to the scene as possible.
Failure to stop at the accident scene could be considered a hit-and-run, resulting in criminal charges.
You must remain at the scene until you fulfill your legal obligations, including rendering reasonable assistance to any injured parties. This may include calling 911 and arranging for them to be transported to the nearest medical center.
Call the Police
You should immediately call the police if a car accident involves:
- Injuries
- Death
- Public property damage
- A vehicle that needs to be towed or cannot be safely moved
- A hit-and-run driver
- A drunk driver
- A driver who refuses to exchange information as required by law
- An uninsured driver
- Injury to a domestic animal
Even if none of the above applies to your collision, it’s always best to call 911 at the accident scene. If a police officer is dispatched, they’ll complete an accident report objectively detailing the accident. This will be a key piece of evidence if you need to file an insurance claim (or if the other motorist decides to file a claim against you).
If the police didn’t respond and complete a report, you must self-report the collision to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days if it resulted in injury or death.
Exchange Information With Other Involved Parties
Before you leave the scene, be sure to exchange information with other parties involved, including:
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle registration number
- Driver’s license
- Insurance carrier information, including the name, address, and policy number
You should also get contact information from any eyewitnesses in case their statements are needed in the future.
Collect Evidence At the Accident Scene
If you can, you should document the accident scene as best you can. This includes taking videos and photos of things like:
- Property damage to vehicles and any other structures
- Skid marks
- The location of the accident
- Traffic conditions
- The position of the vehicles
- Location of impact
- Debris around the scene
- Your injuries
This will be incredibly helpful if you need to file a claim. However, if you’re too injured to take this evidence, our attorneys will gather the necessary proof.
Seek Prompt Medical Treatment
If you aren’t examined by EMTs or transported to a hospital, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor or the nearest urgent care clinic. You should do this even if you think your injuries are too minor to require medical attention.
After a car accident, your adrenaline levels are often elevated, which may mask any pain you’re experiencing. This can last for days in certain situations. Seeking prompt medical care will allow you to determine whether there are any undiscovered injuries and protect your health.
Seeing a doctor will also create a causal link between the car accident and your injuries, which will be vital if you file a personal injury claim. If you fail to seek treatment, the insurance company will likely argue that your injuries didn’t occur from the collision or that you failed to mitigate your damages.
Contact Our Baltimore Car Accident Attorneys If You Have Questions or Need Assistance
These are just a few of the steps you should take after a wreck. There may be other things you need to do, depending on the circumstances.
Contact WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your car accident. We’ll ensure that you’ve met your obligations and help you determine whether you have a valid claim.
