What to do after a car accident at the scene of the collision
The scene of a car accident can be a very hectic and stressful place. There
are steps you should take to insure safety at the scene and properly
document the collision and start you on the way to your recovery. A
list of things to do at the scene of the accident that we feel are
crucial is listed below:
1. Check to see is anyone is injured. If there
are injuries, call an ambulance. If you are injured have someone
call an ambulance for you. Note your exact location so that the ambulance
can arrive as quickly as possible. Even if there are no injuries,
notify the police.
2. Do not move your vehicle unless instructed by the police. Do remove
yourself to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Never stand near your
vehicle as too often secondary collisions occur and can injure you further.
3. Do not say anything to anyone, except the police and medical personnel, concerning
the cause of the accident. This includes apologizing if you think you are at
fault. You may not be, and anything you say can be used against you.
4. Get the names, address and telephone numbers of any witness to the collision.
5. Exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes: name, address,
telephone number, tag number and state and insurance information. If you
get nothing else, get the tag number of the other vehicle. While all of
the information is important, your Maryland Lawyer can use the tag number to
obtain the name, address and insurance information of the vehicle's owner.
6. Take pictures of the scene if a camera is available. Otherwise note on a piece
of paper: the location of all of the vehicles, the traffic patterns, the weather
and the conditions of the road.
7. If the accident is investigated by the police ask for the report or case number,
the name of the officer and their unit or district.