Every driver hopes that the motorists they are sharing the road with are operating their vehicles responsibly. Unfortunately, some drivers may be operating their vehicle in a negligent manner that could cause a serious accident. If you or a family member was a victim of a car accident, contact an experienced Baltimore negligent car accident lawyer today.
At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we have an unwavering commitment to providing our clients with the legal representation they deserve to fight their legal claims. Accident lawyer Randolph Rice has a wealth of experience litigating various types of car accident cases in Baltimore, and he would be pleased to work with you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291, or contact us online.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident with a Negligent Driver in Baltimore
Victims of car accidents are often left with a number of injuries that leave them saddled with expensive medicals bills and an inability to work. If this happens, the victims of the accident should be aware of appropriate steps to take if they wish to pursue a legal claim against the negligent driver that caused their injuries.
Contact Paramedics and Law Enforcement
The first priority after being involved in a car accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of any other parties involved in the crash. If any person is injured, you should contact paramedics to assess their injuries. it is also important to contact law enforcement as they are typically required to respond to an accident where a person has been injured.
Exchange Information with Negligent Driver
Next, a victim of a car accident should look to exchange information with the negligent driver that caused the accident. the following information should be gathered from the negligent driver:
- Name and contact information
- Driver’s license
- Make and model of vehicle
- Insurance policy and registration for the vehicle
- License plate number
The type of insurance coverage that the other driver has can play a large role in determining the compensation you can receive after an accident. For example, if a motorist has the bare minimum insurance coverage available, it will be difficult for a victim to pursue compensation that covers their injuries and damage to their vehicle.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Documenting the scene of the accident with photographs and videos can also be helpful if you wish to file a claim. the following evidence should be documented for use by your insurance company and your injury attorney:
- The damage to the vehicles involved in the accident
- Injuries you suffered or injuries suffered by other occupants in your vehicle
- Whether there was any adverse weather that may have contributed to the accident like rain or snow
- The street or intersection where the accident occurred
- The details of how the crash happened
Additionally, if any person was around to witness the accident, you should consider speaking with these individuals. If a witness agrees to supply you with a statement regarding the accident, you should request their name and contact information.
Request a Copy of the Police Report
As mentioned, whenever a person is seriously injured in a car accident, law enforcement will usually need to investigate the scene of the accident. After law enforcement investigates the scene of the accident, you should request a copy of the police report for your records.
Seek Medical Attention for Your Injuries
If you were the victim of a car accident, it is important to be medically evaluated for injuries. Some people who are injured in a car accident may not be aware that they were injured. As a result, a victim may avoid medical attention until symptoms of their injury may begin to affect them days or weeks later.
Being evaluated for injuries can not only help you discover any injuries you suffered, but it can help you determine the extent of those injuries. This can help you when making a claim for medical expenses.
Contact Your Insurance Company and an Experienced Attorney
As soon as you are able, you should report the accident to your insurance company. it is possible that a claim adjuster representing the negligent driver may also contact you to speak about the accident. If this happens, you should consider referring them to your lawyer as they are likely trying to discover a way to diminish their liability for your accident.
Additionally, if you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit, you should waste no time in speaking with an experienced attorney.
Consult with Our Baltimore Negligent Driver Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a family member was injured in a serious car accident, contact an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney today. Rice, Murtha & Psoras has a long history of serving residents of Baltimore, and we have recovered large sums of money for our clients. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal situation, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.