Tip No. 1: If you are in an accident be sure to obtain the other person's name, address, phone number, tag number, and insurance information. Also, get the investigating police officer's address, name and the case number, for the report. Do not admit fault as that can be both a question of determining the facts and applying the law to your case.
Tip No. 2: Do not give a tape recorded interview by telephone or by person with personnel employed by the driver or opposing driver's insurance company. Take down the person's name and number, and tell them you will contact them later with more information when you better understand your rights.
Tip No. 3: In Maryland a driver is required to be afforded or offered a minimum coverage of $2,500 for medical expenses for personal injury protection as well as part of lost wages, coverage which is often called "PIP" for short. Generally that coverage will pay all reasonable medical bills caused by the accident and 85% of lost wages, up to the coverage amount. Your lawyer can be of assistance in completing the forms.
Tip No. 4: Take photographs of the damaged vehicles and of the scene. If you are injured you should have photographs made of your injuries too.
Tip No. 5: Keep a file of all bills, estimates, and correspondence, concerning your injury. Also keep a list of your medical providers and expenses. Tip No. 6: Make a log of all of the ways your injury has affected you, both at home, work and elsewhere. This will be of assistance months down the road when your memory is not sharp.
Tip No. 7: Contact an attorney right away. He can organize your information and advise you of the best way to proceed. Your attorney will be at an advantage to be able to contact the doctors, hospitals and insurance adjusters about the initial aspects of your claim so that your PIP benefits are not delayed and the claim against the other driver has accurate and reliable information.
For a general discussion of Maryland Accident Law, see that topic on this website.
