If you are a new driver, you are most likely very excited to get your car on the road. The freedom that driving gives a person can be exhilarating, however, it is important to remain composed, careful, and conscious of others on the road. Unfortunately, sometimes you can be doing everything you’re supposed to be doing, yet it is still not enough. If you were struck by another vehicle, nobody would blame you for being shaken up at first. These accidents happen quickly and without warning. However, if you have a solid plan beforehand, you can shake off the initial shock and conduct yourself calmly and professionally, ensuring you handle the situation as effectively as possible. Here are some of the questions you may have about what to do after a car accident:
What causes car accidents?
Car accidents can be caused by several factors, such as poor road conditions or design, inclement weather conditions, or even defective car parts. However, unfortunately, though rather unsurprisingly, the most common cause of car accidents is driver negligence. Some examples of negligent driving behavior can include, but are not limited to:
- Texting while driving
- Eating or smoking while driving
- Navigating directions while driving
- Failing to yield
- Unsafely changing lanes
- Speeding
- Driving while drowsy
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring traffic lights or signs
- Disobeying other rules and regulations of the road
What should I do after being involved in a car accident?
The first thing you should do is call the police. Though it is always best to avoid a verbal confrontation if possible, the police will help diffuse the tension and will document the incident as it happened. Next, you should ask the other party for their name and insurance information. You should take a picture of their information when they retrieve it. From there, you will call your insurance company to report the accident. Most importantly, you should always seek medical attention following an accident. A physician will treat your injuries accordingly and provide you with medical documentation regarding their extent.
How do I recover financial compensation if I was injured in a car accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident, you are most likely looking into recovering financial compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills, in-home care, lost wages, and more. However, to qualify, you must first prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence.
How do I prove another party’s negligence?
To prove another party’s negligence, you and your attorney will have to recover sufficient evidence. You may use security camera or dashcam footage of your accident, pictures of your accident or its aftermath, medical documents, police reports, witness statements, and more to verify your claim.
Contact our experienced Maryland firm
The legal team at Markey & Orsi has proudly represented clients who have been injured throughout the state of Maryland due to the negligence of another party for nearly 30 years. If you require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.
