What to Do After a Car Accident

Getting into a car accident can be scary and stressful. Even a small crash can leave you feeling shaken. At MAIF Auto Insurance Online in Towson, Maryland, we’re here to help you understand what to do and what to expect after an accident. Knowing the steps to take can help keep you safe and make the insurance process easier.

The Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Here’s what you should do directly after a car accident:

Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

Right after a crash, try to stay calm. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if the accident seems small, it’s a good idea to get checked by a doctor later.

Move to a Safe Place

If your car is drivable, move it to the side of the road to stay safe and avoid blocking traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. If your car can’t move, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

Call the Police

In Maryland, you should call the police for any accident that causes injury or property damage. The police will come and make a report. This report can help with your insurance claim. Be sure to get the officer’s name and badge number, too.

Exchange Information

Talk to the other driver and get their:

Name
Address
Phone number
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Insurance information

Don’t admit fault or argue. Just collect the facts. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.

Take Pictures

Use your phone to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, the location of the crash, and any injuries. This can help when you file your claim.

Call MAIF Auto Insurance

As soon as you can, call MAIF to report the accident. Our team is ready to guide you through the next steps. We’ll ask for the details of the accident and help you start your claim. We may also help you find a repair shop or set up a rental car if your policy covers it.

What Happens Next?

Once your claim is filed, a claims adjuster will review the information. They might inspect your vehicle, look at the police report, and talk to the other driver’s insurance company. The adjuster will decide who was at fault and how much damage was done.

If your policy covers repairs or medical bills, we’ll help get those costs taken care of as soon as possible. We’ll also keep you updated throughout the process, so you always know what’s happening.