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What to do after an Automobile Accident.

Written by: George Pittman Patterson

Reputation Level 11

Posted over 2 years ago. Applies to Maryland, 1 helpful vote, 0 comments

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Obtain the necessary information at the scene.

After an automobile accident, you should obtain the other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance information and driver's license number. The vehicle owner's name, address, tag number and insurance information is also important. If you are involved in a hit and run accident, the police must be called. In other accidents, the police may be called to write a report and help collect the necessary information. Also, if there are witnesses to the accident take down their names, phone numbers and addresses.

Call your own insurance company.

As a policy holder, you are contractually obligated to notify your insurance company of an accident within a reasonable time. This is particularly important if the other driver is uninsured. If the other driver is uninsured, then you would need to pursue a claim against your own insurance company.

Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before contacting a lawyer.

You are under no legal obligation to provide such a statement and the insurance company, if possible, will use the statement against you. A lawyer should take care of all communications with the liability adjuster.

Contact the other drivers insurance company to have your car repaired.

If the other driver's insurance company has completed its investigation and accepted responsibility, then they should agree to fix your car. If they deny your request, then under your collision coverage, your insurance company will repair the car. Your own insurance company may then pursue the other driver's insurance company to recover the amount paid. If your insurance company is successful, then they will collect the deductible and reimburse you.

Contact a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to your own insurance company.

If the driver of the other vehicle is uninsured, then you may need to pursue a claim against your own insurance company. You have a duty to cooperate with your own insurance company, but it is important to consult with a lawyer before providing such a statement.

If you are injured go to a doctor.

After an automobile accident, many people will not feel injured until a few hours to 72 hours afterwards. This is not uncommon and has been documented by the medical community. If you are experiencing pain and try to "tough it out" for several days or more, then you may have difficulty convincing an insurance company, jury or judge that your complaints were caused by the accident. Upon feeling injured you should consult a doctor. Your attorney can advise you about the various methods to pay for medical treatment including using PIP coverage or obtaining medical care under an Assignment and Authorization agreement with a board certified doctor.

Consult a lawyer.

Can you trust an insurance company to explain your rights under Maryland Law? A lawyer can advise you of and explain your rights. He can help you recover lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. In Maryland, medical bills and lost wages may be paid under Personal Injury Protection coverage. These payments may be made shortly after the medical bills and lost wages are incurred and without a determination of fault. The lawyers at Sasscer, Clagett and Bucher have all brought and defended personal injury lawsuits. Our lawyers can assess the value of your case and successfully guide you through the claims and if necessary, litigation process.