A car crash can happen without any warning or time to react. It is extremely important for a driver to know what to do if he or she is involved in a vehicle wreck. Here are several things to do immediately after a crash. (Keep in mind that calling an auto accident lawyer in Columbia, MD may be necessary for legal advice and assistance.)
Move to the Side of the Road and Remain Calm
Immediately following a wreck, pull over to the side of the road if possible. If the vehicle is drivable and, more importantly, if no one is injured, move it to a safe location off to the side of the road to prevent individuals from being in the path of any other dangers on the road. Turn on the hazard lights, remain calm, and assess the situation.
The most important thing to do is to make sure that everyone in the vehicle is physically unhurt. If someone is injured, always call for emergency services immediately. If the occupants appear to be physically unharmed, safely exit and check on the other vehicle’s driver and passengers.
Exchange Driver Contact Information and Obtain a Police Report
After checking on the other driver and occupants, be sure to exchange insurance and contact information. It is very important to document everything that occurs in a car crash. A police report detailing the car crash, as well as pertinent photos, can be important. These documents are often helpful when talking with an insurance adjuster and negotiating an insurance claim.
Should You Hire an Attorney?
Regardless of how minor a car crash might be, it can be very helpful to hire an attorney to navigate an insurance claim. If any sort of injury is sustained, legal counsel may be incredibly important to ensure that an individual is adequately compensated.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, practice safety first. Then contact your insurance company and consider hiring an attorney for help navigating any claim you might have.
