Questions and Answers


WHAT DO I DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT?


1. STOP your car, regardless of how much damage is done.


Moving your car can complicate matters if it has to go to court


2. Call 911 and inform them about the accident.


Let them know where you are currently located, what happened, and ask
them to send an ambulance if you feel that either you or the other party
needs emergency medical assistance.


3 File a police report.


A police report is necessary in order to legally document the accident.
No matter how much the other party wants to deal with matters without
police or insurance interference, you still have to do the right thing and
call the police. This is because in the future the other party can turn the
story to his or her benefit and report you. In addition, Maryland has a
law in regards to all automobile accidents: when police arrives, it does
not have to make a report if the victim is not seeking medical help.
However, having a report from police is essential in order for the
insurance company to make a decision in regards to how much money to award
to the victim for all the car and health damages. Lack of police report
can result in a longer procedure of receiving financial compensation from
the insurance company. 


4. Take a picture of the accident.


Include details such as the various car angles, car peaces on the road,
people on the streets and other details which may become significant
factors in later decisions. Always keep a one-time camera in your glove
compartment. You never know when it may come in useful.


5. Record the following:


Each other's license plate numbers, car models, home and cell phone
numbers, driver license numbers, insurance company names and policy
numbers, names and phone numbers of witnesses, street and business names in
the vecinity of the accident, accident date and time

All this information is essential to have in various cases of emergency.


WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT?


Never discuss who was right or wrong with anyone at the time, including the
other party!