Call For An Initial Consultation (443) 290-3337

  • By: James Ellison, Esq.
Lady making a call near an accidental car, tied to Cambridge, MD post-accident actions.

In this article, you can discover…

  • What to do if the other driver refuses to give you insurance information.
  • How to carefully document the scene of an accident.
  • What not to say to insurance companies after a car accident.

What Should I Do If The Other Driver In My Accident Refuses To Provide Insurance Details?

Under Maryland law, drivers involved in an accident are required to exchange contact and insurance information. If you’re physically able, your first step should be to ask the other driver for their name, contact details, and insurance information. Also, try to get any contact info for witnesses, whether they’re passengers, other drivers, or bystanders, if at all possible.

If the other driver refuses to share their information or allow you to photograph their documents, call the police immediately. An officer will respond to file an accident report, which will include the necessary details.

How Can I Best Document The Scene Of A Car Accident To Support My Insurance Claim?

Be sure to use your phone to take at least three to four photos of the accident scene. Start with:

  • A close-up of the damage.
  • A wider shot of both vehicles.
  • A photo from a safe distance showing the vehicles’ positions on the road.

In addition to photographs, consider recording a short video where you describe what you’re seeing in real-time. It’s helpful to capture:

  • The position of the vehicles.
  • Any damage to both your car and the other vehicle.
  • Skid marks, road signs, or relevant traffic signals.

If the other driver is willing, you can also record them describing how they believe the accident happened. Even though this is not required, it may be helpful later.

What Should I Do If I Have Hidden Injuries After A Car Accident?

If you’re in pain or feel unwell after a crash, even if it’s minor, call 911. Request both police and emergency medical assistance. It’s important to get evaluated at a hospital or by a medical provider as soon as possible.

Also, bring your vehicle to a reputable body shop of your choice. Why? Because some newer cars are designed to absorb impact without showing visible damage. Bumpers may “bounce back,” and paint may appear untouched, but underneath, hidden structural damage could indicate a more serious impact.

This matters for your personal injury claim. The severity of vehicle damage can support the severity of your injuries, so having a professional inspection is incredibly important.

What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid When Talking To Insurance Companies After A Car Accident?

The biggest mistake people make is speaking to insurance companies without legal guidance. Insurance adjusters may use vague or leading questions like, Are you okay? Or it wasn’t that bad, right? to get you to unintentionally downplay your injuries. These statements can be used later to minimize your claim, even though they have nothing to do with liability and are often made before you’ve even seen a doctor.

Instead:

  • Contact an attorney who can be present during any call with the insurance company.
  • Stick to facts about the accident, and let medical professionals speak to your injuries.
  • Avoid making statements about your health or speculating about fault.

Is It Ever Too Early Or Late To Contact A Car Accident Lawyer?

It’s never too soon to call a lawyer. Ideally, we should be your second or third call, right after 911 and your medical provider. The sooner an attorney is involved, the easier it becomes for you. We can:

  • Deal directly with the insurance companies so you’re not bombarded with calls and risk undermining your case.
  • Arrange interviews and documentation at your convenience.
  • Protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
  • And more.

Even if you think it might be too late, call anyway. We’ll evaluate your case and determine if any legal options or exceptions still apply.

The Power Of Handling The Accident Scene Well

Knowing and following the appropriate steps after a car accident is important. We’ve helped many clients over the years, but one case in particular stands out. Our client followed these steps, and it paid off.

This client was cited by the police for allegedly making an illegal turn that caused an accident. However, they had taken clear photographs at the scene and gathered contact info from witnesses, including a bystander who saw the whole thing.

Thanks to those photos and witness statements, we were able to prove in both criminal and civil court that the other driver was actually at fault. We successfully defended against the traffic citation and secured a favorable outcome for the personal injury claim.

That case is a great example of how doing the right things early on, that is, taking pictures, gathering witness info, and staying calm, can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case later on.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on the steps to take after a car accident in Cambridge, MD, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (443) 290-3337 today.