You see what's going to happen seconds before the impact. When another car strikes yours, there may not seem to be a lot of damage initially, and you may be tempted to part ways, feeling lucky that no one got hurt. Many injuries and damage don't show up until after the fact, however. It's important to follow this checklist no matter how minor the accident seems.
Call the Police
Even if you are in a minor fender bender, filing a police report is a good idea. It is worth the extra time that it takes to wait for the officers to arrive and take everyone's statement. The police report gives you official documentation of the wreck. That way, if you discover physical damage to your car or you develop medical issues due to the wreck, you have proof to back up your insurance claim.
Go to the Doctor
Many people walk away from a wreck assuming that they are fine. Being in an accident can be jarring, though. You never know if you have whiplash or some injury that manifests later. Getting checked out by your doctor after a wreck can give you peace of mind if nothing is wrong. If, on the other hand, the doctor does discover a problem, you at least know about it before it gets worse.
Hire an Attorney
If the accident is the other driver's fault, you need to hire a personal injury attorney Columbia MD. Even if the other person seems to be cooperating, his or her insurance company is going to try to avoid paying for the damages to your vehicle or person. An attorney can represent you and protect your interests.
Any time you're in an accident, you need to report it. Even if you don't think there was damage, it's better to have the protection and documentation you need than to find yourself without it.
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