Help! I just had an automobile accident! What do I do?

This information is intended to inform the public and not serve as legal advice.

Don't leave the scene

Leaving the scene of an accident can cause more trouble than the accident itself. If possible, stop near the accident scene and see whether you need to call the police or an ambulance. And don't block oncoming traffic! One accident is enough!

Help the injured

If anyone is injured:

• Render first aid to the extent you are qualified;
• Stop bleeding
• Call a doctor or an ambulance or both;
• Do not move an injured person in any way that could possibly add to his or her injury.
• Protect the Scene and those Involved from Further Damage or Injury

If the accident has blocked the road, make sure to adequately warn oncoming traffic. If the accident happens at night, try to light up the accident. Use your hazard lights (flashers) to let other car's know that your car is stopped in the road.

Call the authorities

State and local police officers are neutral third parties who are also trained accident investigators. A police report is usually invaluable in determining who is responsible for an accident.

Get the facts; write them down

An accident is a traumatic, emotional time. Your memory can play tricks on you afterwards. Write down all the facts as soon as possible, including the names and addresses of witnesses; skid marks and distance measurements; and the names, addresses and license plate numbers of the drivers involved.

The law requires that all drivers involved in an auto accident exhibit their driver’s licenses and provide their vehicle registration numbers, insurance carriers, insurance policy numbers, and names and addresses of their local insurance agents to all other drivers involved in the accident. Print this form and keep it in your car to help you collect the appropriate information if you should need it.

Name(s) Address(es) of Driver(s)____________________________________________________

License Plate Number(s)__________________________________________________________

Insurance Carrier(s)______________________________________________________________

Name(s) and Address(es) of Agent(s)_____________________________________________

Name(s) and Address(es) of Witness(es)_______________________________________________

Skid Mark Measurements__________________________________________________________

Distance Measurements__________________________________________

Don't make any admissions at the scene

Even if you think the accident was your fault, don't say so at the scene of the accident. When you know the whole story, you might discover that the other driver was equally or more responsible. Your well-meaning statements made during the excitement of an accident may be misconstrued or misquoted by others who are trying to evade their responsibility. Discuss the accident with the police, your attorney and your insurance company before you accept the blame.

Get checked out

Symptoms of serious injuries sometimes don't surface for days. Consult a doctor or hospital as soon as possible if there is the slightest chance you may be injured.

Your Insurance Company is on your side

Your insurance company wants to prove your innocence. That way, they don't have to pay a claim. Their trained investigators will attempt to develop all possible evidence for your defense. Notify your insurer right away after the accident: failure to notify them may void your policy and leave you without insurance coverage for damage resulting from the accident.

Speak to an Attorney

All too often, the one responsible for the accident tries to duck his or her responsibility. Speak to an attorney if you have any question that you will need help protecting your rights. Your lawyer will speak to the witnesses while their memories are still fresh and get sworn statements to assure that the true facts are preserved.

Get your lawyer’s advice before giving any interviews or statements, except to representatives of your insurance carrier.

File an Accident Report with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

Regardless of fault, the operator of every motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death or personal injury within the State of Maryland must report the accident to the Motor Vehicle Administration. You are not required to file an accident report with the MVA if the accident has been investigated by the police and a report has been filed with the Maryland State Police or if the accident resulted in property damages only.