There’s no way to truly prepare for a car crash. When you’re in an automobile collision you will most likely be hit with a wave of emotions including shock, fear, and disorientation. These overwhelming feelings can sometimes distract you from taking the proper steps immediately after the incident has occurred. If you are ever involved in a crash try to remember the following tips.
- Pullover to the side of the road. If your car is moveable, do your best to pull over to stay out of the line of oncoming traffic. Make sure to turn your hazard lights on, if possible.
- Make sure everyone is okay and call 911. Even if no one is hurt, it’s important to call in an unbiased third party to document the collision in detail.
- Get the other driver’s name and address. If possible, snap a photo of the other driver’s license.
- Exchange insurance information. Make sure to document the other driver’s insurance information. Snap a photo of their insurance card if you can.
- Identify any witnesses. If someone saw the collision and stopped, be sure to get their information, as they will be considered a witness.
- Take photos. If possible, try and take pictures of both vehicles and the surrounding collision scene. This will help establish weather conditions, lighting conditions, road conditions, vehicle details, and the position of cars following the collision.
- Get a police report. A police report is a summary of what the reporting officer has gathered from the collision.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Potter Burnett Law is well versed in all of Maryland and D.C.’s automobile collision laws and will accurately evaluate your situation to protect your rights.