When you get into a car accident, one of your first thoughts will probably be to call the police. Do you really have to involve the cops after a car accident, though? You may be surprised to learn that you are actually required to call them in certain situations. Additionally, obtaining a police report following an accident can be critical to protecting your personal injury claim. As such, if you have sustained injuries in a car accident, working with a Prince George’s County car accident lawyer is critical to understanding and fighting for the compensation you deserve during these difficult times.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
When you are involved in a car accident, it can be incredibly overwhelming. However, there are steps you must take to protect yourself and your right to file a claim.
Steps to Take at the Scene
- If possible, move all vehicles to a safe location
- Call 911 and request police and medical assistance to the scene
- Take pictures of the cars, the accident scene, and your injuries
- Exchange information with any involved drivers or witnesses
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing
When Do You Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident?
You are legally required to call the police after a car accident if certain circumstances are present, such as a hit-and-run, drunk driving accidents, and collisions that involve major damage.
Situations Where Reporting is Mandatory
- Someone was hurt
- The driver involved was inebriated
- A driver will not exchange information
- A driver is not licensed
- Someone flees the scene
- A vehicle is damaged enough that it must be towed
Police will come out and make a report. Then this report can be used by the insurance companies or deployed as evidence in a personal injury case.
Nearby states have similar rules. So if you get into a crash in Washington, D.C., or Virginia, you should also assume that calling the police is a necessity if there’s been an injury or serious damage.
Why Calling the Police Helps Protect You After a Crash
Even if you do not meet the legal requirements to call the police, it can still be a good idea to get an officer to come out to the scene.
Hidden Injuries that May Not Immediately Appear
In some instances, you may feel fine after an accident. However, there are a number of injuries, like whiplash or concussions, that may have a delayed onset, appearing 24-72 hours following the accident. As such, ensuring you have a police report is critical in these instances.
A Police Report Strengthens Your Legal Claim
When you want to pursue a claim against a negligent driver, having a police report is critical. This can help formally document:
- The date and time of the collision
- The drivers involved
- Road conditions
- Witness statements
- Driver behavior
- Assessed damage
- Fault
Police Can Make the Scene Safer
When you are involved in an accident on a roadway, especially when you cannot safely move your vehicle, traffic may accumulate. As such, having a police presence on the scene allows the officers to direct traffic around the accident, preventing additional damage and allowing you to collect evidence safely
What Should I Do if I Want to Pursue Compensation After the Accident?
In the event that you have suffered injuries and subsequent damages, understanding the legal process you can take to fight for the compensation you deserve is critical.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
When you are hurt in a collision in Prince George’s County, it’s critical to understand that seeking immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay, is vital to your claim. As mentioned, some accidents may not immediately appear, and delayed care can weaken your claim. The negligent party may claim that your failure to seek treatment proves your injuries are not as severe as you claim, or that you worsened your injuries by delaying care.
Step 2: Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
Though a police report is not often admissible as evidence during a trial because it is often considered hearsay, it is still incredibly valuable to your claim. Police reports can be used during:
- Insurance negotiations
- Investigations
- Settlement evaluations
Additionally, having a copy of the police report can be beneficial, as it can help refresh your memory of the events of the collision, ensuring your statements align with what you told officers at the accident scene.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence
If you are considering filing a claim against the negligent driver in Prince George’s County, you should gather the following evidence to help support your claim prior to meeting with a personal injury attorney:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Your medical records
- Witness statements and information
- Insurance letters or emails
When Can I Sue For Damages?
If you have suffered damages as a result of the collision, it’s important to understand that you do not have to bear this burden. You can seek compensation for the losses you have suffered due to the negligent actions of another driver.
Economic Damages
Economic damages reflect the quantifiable losses you have suffered as a result of another person’s negligence. These include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages represent subjective losses. Unfortunately, these are more difficult to recover because there is no quantifiable amount attached to these losses. You may be able to fight for compensation for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Statute of Limitations
It’s important to understand that you only have a set amount of time to file a claim against a negligent driver in Maryland, known as the statute of limitations. Under Maryland law, this limit is three years from the date on which the accident occurred. As such, if you fail to file within this time frame, you relinquish your right to recover the compensation you deserve.
Work With a Prince George’s County Accident Attorney Today
If you were in a car accident and you plan to sue for compensation for injuries you suffered, the team at McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. is here to help. We understand that suffering injuries in a car accident can be devastating, which is why we are committed to helping you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free case consultation to learn how we can assist you during these difficult times.
