Accident Information

Williams & Williams, P.C.

Information about being involved in a Maryland, D.C. or Virginia car accident. Brought to you by Williams & Williams, P.C. - Car accident lawyers serving Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia since 1966.

Sub Menu

The section deals with what to do before, at the scene and after a car accident. Below is information concerning what to do, and not do, immediately after a car accident at the scene of the collision.

To the left are two additional links leading to more accident information, including what to do to prepare for a car accident and what to do in the days following a car accident.

What to do after a car accident at the scene of the collision:

The scene of a car accident can be a very hectic and stressful place. There are steps you should take to insure safety at the scene and properly document the collision and start you on the way to your recovery. A list of things to do at the scene of the accident that we feel are crucial is listed below:

1. Check to see is anyone is injured. If there are injuries, call an ambulance. If you are injured have someone call an ambulance for you. Note your exact location so that the ambulance can arrive as quickly as possible. Even if there are no injuries, notify the police.

2. Do not move your vehicle unless instructed by the police. Do remove yourself to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Never stand near your vehicle as too often secondary collisions occur and can injure you further.

3. Do not say anything to anyone, except the police and medical personnel, concerning the cause of the accident. This includes apologizing if you think you are at fault. You may not be, and anything you say can be used against you.

4. Get the names, address and telephone numbers of any witness to the collision.

5. Exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes: name, address, telephone number, tag number and state and insurance information. If you get nothing else, get the tag number of the other vehicle. While all of the information is important, your Maryland Lawyer can use the tag number to obtain the name, address and insurance information of the vehicle's owner.

6. Take pictures of the scene if a camera is available. Otherwise note on a piece of paper: the location of all of the vehicles, the traffic patterns, the weather and the conditions of the road.

7. If the accident is investigated by the police ask for the report or case number, the name of the officer and their unit or district.

8. Be leery of people taking pictures or arriving on the scene, telling you to go to their attorney, these are runners and should not be trusted. In Maryland this is an unethical practice and can make those Lawyers subject to disciplinary action.

Note

One of our Lawyers was involved in a car accident recently . We understand that the scene of an accident can be a hectic and confusing situation. The fact is that it is not hard to forget to do something at the scene of an accident. Emotions are running high and your mind may not be entirely clear. Therefore we recommend printing a copy of this page and putting it in your glove compartment. This short list will advise you of the essential things you should do at the scene of a Maryland car accident.

Williams & Williams

888 17th Street, N.W.

Suite 504

Washington, D.C.20006

4824 Edgemoor Lane

Bethesda, Maryland 20814

202-296-3320

301-951-9525

This may be considered AN ADVERTISEMENT or Advertising Material under the Rules of Professional Conduct governing lawyers in the District of Columbia and/or Maryland. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.