Car Accidents in Baltimore: Steps to Take Afterwards
More than 5.8 million auto accidents happen every year in the US. Luckily, most just involve property damages. But two in four accidents involve injuries to the passengers or drivers, and three out of ten accidents result in severe injuries.
If you get involved in a car accident in Baltimore, there are steps you may take. Some of these steps may include the following:
1. Get Medical Help
Any chiropractor, physical therapist, doctor, or other medical expert you get treatment from, and every medical provider who recommended you to other caregivers.
You must consider keeping detailed information on the medications or treatments you get. Plus, ask for copies of the medical bills and reports as they may help to cover your medical costs later.
Medical expenses are simple to document. However, pain & suffering is tricky to prove. Keep records of how the injuries you sustained impacts your everyday life. The list includes routine activities, how injuries affect your family’s life, and missed workdays.
2. Seek Legal Counsel
Some car accident claims can be settled out of court, especially soft tissue injury cases with moderate property damage. However, laws associated with accident injuries are complex and change often.
Plus, insurance firms are aware of the laws though most victims aren’t. This is why it is best to enlist the services of a Baltimore car accident attorney to help you. Your attorney won’t just explain the law applying to your case. They will also guide you every step of the way.
3. Dial 911
Whether your accident is considered a major collision or a minor fender-bender, dialing 911 is vital, and in most states, it is required legally.
The responding officer you contact will document scenes and fill out a report of the accident. If a police officer is unable to come to the accident scene, go to a nearby police station and complete the report yourself. This report is important as your insurer will ask for a copy.
4. Collection Helpful Information
Use the camera of your smartphone to take photos of documents. And using paper and pen, write the phone number, driver’s license number, and name of everyone involved. If the driver’s name doesn’t match up with the insurance papers or registration of the car, determine the individual’s relationship to the car’s owner.
Afterward, gather the vehicle details, including vehicle identification number, license plate number, color, model, make, and year. Plus, get the insurance policy number and the insurers’ phone details in case the at-fault party fails to report the incident.
5. Start the Claim Procedure
Regardless of which party is at fault, it will be a great idea to notify your insurer that you got involved in a car accident. Note that it is up to you to file a car insurance claim with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer. You may as well file a claim without filing a report at a police station.
Conclusion!
Auto accidents happen, and it will be best to know the steps to take afterward. Taking the right steps following your car accident will help to stop bad situations from worsening and ensure you get compensated.
