The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and disorienting. The Poole Law Group offers simple answers about what to do after a car accident.
The Poole Law Group fields countless questions each month from clients (and friends) about what to do after a car accident. Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions we receive; we hope that these answers help anyone dealing with the aftermath of a car accident.
If you need a car accident attorney, please call us at 301-790-3600 for a free case consultation.
After a Car Crash: Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call the police after my accident?
Absolutely. As vehicle accident attorneys, we recommend that you always call 911 after a severe car crash. Even if the accident was just a “fender bender,” notifying first responders will make it easier to make your claim against the other driver. The more witnesses — and the clearer the written records —the easier it will be to collect damages and repair costs.
Do not attempt to settle things “off the record” with the other driver; they may not want to involve the police because they are uninsured. When the police interview you, give a full account of your experience, and always tell the truth. The officer will determine who is at fault, and the at-fault driver will likely receive a citation.
What happens when I call the police after a motor vehicle accident?
When you call the police after a motor vehicle crash, they will file a police report; this is an official document that describes the incident, names of people involved (including witnesses), details of the event, license plate numbers, offenders involved, and other details about the nature of the incident. If possible, try to stay calm while giving a police report.
Having a copy of the police report will speed up the claims process; it will help you handle your insurance claim with your own insurance company (called a “first party” claim), as well as a claim against the other person’s insurance company (called a “third party” or “liability” claim).
What information should I collect after a car accident?
After you have checked for injuries and pulled to the side of the road, it’s time to exchange information. The more information you collect at the scene of the accident, the stronger your case for compensation — and the easier your case will be to resolve. Before you leave the scene of the incident, make sure you have exchanged information with the other drivers who were involved in the accident:
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The other driver’s name and contact details
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Any information related to the passengers in the other driver’s car
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The other driver’s auto insurance information
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The make and model of the other driver’s car, as well as any relevant descriptors
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The names and contact information of every witness, including bystanders and other drivers
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Professional contact details (name, title, phone number, email badge number etc.) of first responders, including police officers and paramedics
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Photos of traffic signs, weather conditions, position of cars after impact, injuries, auto body damage. Plus get any dashcam or security camera footage showing the accident or the events leading up to it if available.
In the time between dialing 911 and when the police arrive, take a moment to jot down any information you remember about the accident. This could be weather details, time of day, erratic driving, or any other circumstances of the crash. You may even want to sketch a map to show which way each car was going, where witnesses were present, and any other details (roadwork, construction equipment, potholes, etc.) If you can, be sure to take pictures of both cars from multiple angles; this will help document property damage.
Whose insurance company do I call?
The other driver’s insurance company. Maryland is an “at-fault state”, which means that you are entitled to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, you could also file against the driver’s employer’s insurance company.
Your own insurance company. After an accident—even a car accident that is not your fault—always call your own car insurance company first. In the best-case scenario, your claims adjuster will explain your coverage and begin to evaluate your claim; then, depending on what your insurance covers (personal injury, collisions, damages, medical expenses, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, etc.), you may be able to collect compensation.
Depending on the extent of the damage and the insurance policy, your insurance adjuster will adjust your compensation to cover the services you need. This may include medical bills, wage loss, physical therapy, and property damage.
If your insurance company is delaying payment or undervaluing your claim, call a car accident attorney immediately: 301-790-3600
When should I see a doctor?
You should seek medical care as soon as possible after the accident, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain. In a collision event, your body will have released a huge dose of adrenaline; this may mask immediate pain signals directly after a crash. Your injury claim will be based on your first medical examination after the accident; shortening the length of time between the accident and your medical evaluation will strengthen your case.
Physical markers of whiplash, concussions, spinal damage, soft-tissue injuries, and brain injuries are often more readily apparent to medical professionals than to you in the immediate aftermath of a collision. Don’t wait for the first sign of physical trauma to get evaluated; it may take days, or even weeks, for pain symptoms to appear.
IMPORTANT: Do not call your primary care physician (PCP) after a car accident.
Many PCPs are general-care practitioners and will not have the training to diagnose and treat injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident. An incorrect diagnosis could delay your recovery and even make your injuries worse in the long run; for example, untreated whiplash and spinal injury may result in long-term chronic pain. Worse still, untreated concussions may result in permanent brain damage. Always call a specialty medical practice that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of motor vehicle accident injuries.
How do I recover from a motor vehicle accident?
After you’ve collected information, given a police report, contacted your insurance company, and seen a doctor, the next step is to start the sometimes-long recovery process.
If your car needs repairs, it’s best to start that process soon; depending on the type of car and the extent of the damage, this can take several weeks. Always keep documentation of every repair required, including cost estimates and the final bill. If you require a car rental, keep track of those expenses, as well. In many cases, these costs are 100% recoverable — but only if there is sufficient documentation.
Next — and most critically — you must look after your physical and mental health in the wake of the event. Many motor vehicle accident survivors report ongoing physical issues (lethargy, body aches, back pain) as well as mental health issues (brain fog, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD). As you begin the long road to recovery, always keep track of your medical records, physician notes, and any x-ray or imaging scans. These count as evidence for your insurance company as they evaluate your claim for compensation.
Other paperwork to keep track of may include:
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Doctors’ notes
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Medical bills
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Prescription labels
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Medication list
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Physical therapy protocols
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Counseling appointments
It may seem silly to keep track of every minute detail — but every doctor's note and diagnosis can affect the value of your insurance claim.
Motor vehicle accidents can be highly traumatic for your physical, mental, and financial health. Even if you are not responsible for the accident, you can take responsibility for documenting your recovery and advocating for yourself as you get the help you need.
It may take a while for your claim to be fully resolved; in the meantime, you should always follow your doctor’s orders, eat well, drink lots of water, and get plenty of rest. Returning to a healthy baseline is extremely important in the wake of a traumatic auto accident.
Do I need a motor vehicle accident attorney?
We highly recommend speaking to a qualified car accident lawyer in your area as soon as possible after your accident. Auto accident attorneys specialize in recovering damages from your insurance company, as well as the at-fault driver’s insurance company, in the wake of a motor vehicle accident. No two car accident cases are the same; finding an attorney who has experience with injury cases such as yours may make a significant difference in your financial recovery.
Depending on the type of vehicle involved (truck, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), you may require the help of a personal injury attorney who specializes in cases like yours. The law firm you retain should be able to advocate for you all the way through the claims process, from filing a lawsuit to representing you in a trial.
Speak To A Car Accident Attorney Now: 301-790-3600
