One of the most important things you can do following a collision is to get as much information as possible about the other driver. Not only is this critical in filing a claim, but it’s also the law! If you do not exchange information following a collision, it can result in serious legal charges. As such, the following blog explores what information you must swap with the other driver, the additional steps you should take after an accident to best protect yourself, and the importance of working with a Baltimore County auto accident attorney to fight for the justice you deserve.
What Information Must I Exchange Following a Collision?
After you are involved in an accident, you may know that you must exchange information with the other driver so you can submit a claim to the insurance company. However, you may not know what details you need to recover. Generally, you’ll need to obtain the following information to submit to insurance:
- The full name of each party involved
- Contact information, like phone numbers and home addresses
- The name and address of the vehicle’s owner, if it’s not the driver at the time of the accident
- The other party’s insurer and policy number
- Vehicle information, like the make, model, year, color, license plates, and VIN
It’s imperative to understand that both parties, regardless of fault, should exchange information. Even if you have an abundance of evidence that the other driver is liable for the collision, you should still provide your details.
In some instances, the other driver may be uncooperative or aggressive following a collision. If this is the case, you should refrain from interacting with them until the police arrive. In the event you are the victim of a hit and run, in which the driver responsible for the collision flees the scene before you can obtain their information, you should not try to follow them. Instead, call the police and provide as much information about the vehicle as possible.
What Else Should I Do After an Accident?
After you have exchanged information with the other driver, you should take photos and videos at the scene of the accident. This includes the damage to both vehicles, any visible injuries you have sustained, and any conditions at the accident scene that could impact the outcome of your case, like wet road conditions or missing stop signs.
You should also speak with witnesses who can provide additional information about the accident and write down their contact information. Statements from bystanders who saw the accident occur can help when filing a claim.
Finally, one of the most important things you can do after an accident is to seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Unfortunately, you may find that if you have sustained injuries and delayed your medical care, the negligent party can use this to prevent you from recovering compensation. Maryland is a contributory negligence state, so the other party can claim that you failed to mitigate damages by failing to seek medical care after the accident, and as a result, you would be unable to recover any compensation for the injuries you’ve endured.
As you can see, being involved in a car accident in Maryland can be an incredibly complex matter. That is why it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi as soon as possible. Our firm understands these matters and can assist you in fighting for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
