Car accidents happen all the time, and knowing how to assess the damages immediately afterward is critical to a speedy recovery. At MAIF Insurance, we provide Maryland drivers with affordable auto insurance. Our goal is to help our customers repair their cars and get back on the road as soon as possible after a car accident. Once a car accident occurs, remember to ask these three questions:
Am I safe?
The most important thing to acknowledge after a car accident is safety. Check yourself thoroughly for injuries and call 911 immediately. Even if the accident was minor, calling the police will ensure that everything is documented for future use. It’s common for people to notice injuries a day after a car accident once their adrenaline has subsided; however, any immediately noticeable injuries should be addressed with an EMT at the scene. Once you are safe, determine if the passengers of your vehicle are also safe and free of injuries. You may also want to determine if it is safe to keep your car where it’s at following the accident or if you need to move the vehicle to the side of the road. If you are unable to safely move your vehicle, just wait until the police arrive to help.
Is there evidence?
Once you know that you and your passengers are safe, it’s time to think about evidence. If there are injuries or damages, you’ll need to have the necessary information needed to secure insurance coverage. Even though the police will hand you a detailed report following the accident, it’s still good to have your own documentation for reference. Take a photo of the positioning of the vehicles before they’ve been moved to the side of the road, if possible. Additionally, photograph any injuries or damages as well as car tags of all cars involved. You should exchange contact information with other drivers involved in the accident, as your insurance will ask for this later on. Also, consider photographing the surrounding area to provide more context to the scene of the accident. When in doubt, it’s better to have too many pictures than not enough.
Am I covered?
Now that you are safe and have collected evidence of the car accident, it’s time to call your insurance company. Luckily, for Maryland drivers, MAIF Insurance makes it easy to file an accident report. A claims adjuster will evaluate your situation and help you find a Maryland Auto Insurance Collision Damage Assessment Center to get an official auto repair quote. To submit a claim, call 800-492-7114. Remember, car accidents can happen at any time, and having car insurance is Maryland State Law. Get protected today with Maryland Auto Insurance Providers. Request a free quote online.