A car accident is a stressful event. When local police respond to the accident scene, it can be tempting to blurt out the whole story of the accident. Resist the urge to do so. Instead, you should respond to the police officer’s request to exchange specific information with the other involved driver. Do you know what to do if the police ask you any questions about the accident and its cause?
On your own, it can be hard to know if you should keep any information from the police when giving a statement following a car accident. Answer their basic questions and do not make any statements that might later incriminate you in the accident’s cause. Do not make apologies to the police or the other involved driver. Save your recollections for the personal injury attorney who will represent you.
Insist On Calling Police To The Accident Scene
A car accident can seem minor and turn out to be anything but. If you are involved in any kind of accident, insist on calling the police to the scene. There are many important reasons to do so. The police can:
- Summon emergency medical care if needed
- Record accident witness names and statements
- Preserve the accident scene and initiate an investigation
- Take photos of each involved car including points of impact
The police who arrive on the scene will also create a car accident report. It will contain important details about your case that will prove valuable to your lawyer. They will also generate a narrative that describes what they observed and what was said.
Information You Are Required To Share With Police
To pursue compensation, you need to know how to prove you were not at fault in your car accident. The lawyer who handles your case will do this for you. At the scene, though, you are required to share some information with the police upon request.
According to Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Collision Policy, this can include:
- Name and address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company
- Insurance policy number
- Insurer contact details
- Local insurance agent details
If you are driving a borrowed or rented car, police will also request the name and contact details of the vehicle’s owner. Share and exchange all required information but refrain from saying anything that might potentially damage your right to compensation.
Information You Are Not Required To Share With Police
Just as you are required to provide certain information to the police after your accident, there are some things you should not say. Avoid doing or saying any of the following:
- I am not hurt — if medical help is offered, accept it because you could have internal or hidden injuries
- I am sorry — or any other statement that can be seen as accepting fault or blame for causing the collision
- Interrupting the police when they speak to the other driver or making any statements that might cause an argument
Answer any questions succinctly and without elaborating. Speak to your lawyer in detail and share as much information as possible. When speaking to police, be more cautious and avoid making any negative statements that might later be misconstrued.
For legal consultation, call (410)777-8960
It Is Never Too Soon To Contact A Personal Injury Law Firm
Your first priority after an accident is to get any required medical care. It is never too soon after that for you to contact a personal injury law firm. Most will review the details and merits of your case at no cost or obligation to you.
Your lawyer will also:
- Investigate your accident
- Identify the at-fault driver
- Answer all your questions
- Collect supporting evidence
Your lawyer will also handle all communication related to your case. They will negotiate with the insurance company for a favorable settlement agreement. If one cannot be reached, they will take your case to court for resolution.
A Lawyer Can Help Build A Strong Case For Financial Recovery
To pursue compensation, you are required to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence. That means proving four important elements — duty, breach, cause, and damages. To establish these elements, your lawyer will compile your:
- Medical records
- Written prognosis
- Salary history records
- Accident report
- Medical referrals
- Injury photos
- Accident scene photos
- Witness statements
Your law firm will obtain these documents for you. While you focus on recovering from your car accident injuries, your lawyer will focus on building your case and fighting for your financial recovery.
Contact Our Case Review Team Today
If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, you should give police all required information when giving a statement following a car accident. You should keep certain information between yourself and the attorney who handles your case. Contact the case review team at the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow to learn more about how the information you share after an accident is used in your case.
We are committed to our client’s well-being. If you do not have medical providers you trust, we have a list of providers we trust our own families with. We also provide our clients with a unique text number so they can contact us at any time. We are here to help you through this challenging time.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
