If you are involved in an automobile accident that is not your fault, chances are that it was simply beyond your control. You were driving along to a destination when suddenly you were drawn into a collision with no warning.
Following a vehicular collision, you may want to consult with an auto accident lawyer in Columbia, MD to seek compensation. In such situations, you will want to be in the best position possible to be fairly compensated. The following basic steps should be taken by anybody immediately following an accident to make sure that a record of who was at fault is established and that evidence is preserved.
Call the Police
Regardless of the severity of the accident, it is always a good idea to call the police. The responding officer will document what happened, collect information, and take photographs. All of this will ultimately be compiled in a traffic crash report, and a copy will be made available to you.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
All drivers involved should exchange basic identifying information. This includes names, telephone numbers, and insurance information.
Identify Any Witnesses to the Accident
If there were any witnesses to the accident who were not involved in the collision, you should obtain their names and contact information. They could be needed to provide a statement to the police or eventually to testify in legal proceedings.
Document the Scene
Use your cell phone camera to take photographs or even video. Document vehicle damage, physical injuries, any skid marks, the posted speed limit, and the license plate number of every vehicle involved.
Seek Medical Attention
It is always a good idea to see a medical professional for an exam after being involved in an accident. This applies even if you believe that you were not hurt.
Obviously, you cannot control when a vehicular collision occurs that was not your fault. By immediately taking the aforementioned steps, however, you are more likely to be fairly compensated for any damages you sustained.