[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/car-accident-maryland-washington-dc\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/car-accident-maryland-washington-dc\/","headline":"What to Do After a Car Accident","name":"What to Do After a Car Accident","description":"Nothing ever can prepare you for the shock of a car accident. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a crash can be difficult, especially if you\u2019re disoriented and injured. But taking the right actions after a collision can protect your legal rights and any future injury claims you may need to file. Follow...","datePublished":"2022-01-31","dateModified":"2026-01-16","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/author\/matt\/#Person","name":"Matt Trollinger","url":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/author\/matt\/","identifier":31,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/67ad78881e5089151d1fc32954c9c595699fe15b67f1db6f45fa62c436b0e901?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/67ad78881e5089151d1fc32954c9c595699fe15b67f1db6f45fa62c436b0e901?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Trollinger Law LLC","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Logo-Header-1.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Logo-Header-1.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/What-to-Do-After-a-Car-Accident-in-D.C..png","url":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/What-to-Do-After-a-Car-Accident-in-D.C..png","height":600,"width":800},"url":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/car-accident-maryland-washington-dc\/","about":["Car Accidents"],"wordCount":492,"articleBody":"Nothing ever can prepare you for the shock of a car accident. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a crash can be difficult, especially if you\u2019re disoriented and injured. But taking the right actions after a collision can protect your legal rights and any future injury claims you may need to file. Follow these tips from the car accident lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC.Remain at the SceneUnder \u00a7 50\u20132201.05c of the District of Columbia\u2019s legal code, you must stop and remain at the scene of a car accident to render reasonable aid and exchange information as necessary. If you can, pull your vehicle over to a secure location on the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights immediately after any collision.Check for InjuriesCheck everyone involved in the crash for injuries. If anyone seems seriously injured or incapacitated, call 911 for emergency assistance.Call 911If anyone was injured or killed as a result of the accident, you must call 911 and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. However, be careful about what you say to the emergency operator and the police. Anything you say could be used against you later, so keep your statements truthful and brief.Collect InformationIf you can, identify the other driver(s) involved in the crash and exchange information with them, including:NamesAddressesContact detailsVehicle makes and modelsLicense plate numbersDriver\u2019s license numbersInsurance company namesInsurance policy numbersSeek Medical AttentionSeek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you just feel discomfort or \u201coff\u201d from normal. Not only will this ensure you get the care you need, but it will also establish a report of your condition in your medical records. This component will be an important part of your car accident claim.Follow Your Doctor\u2019s Care PlanAttend all follow-up medical appointments and follow all treatment plans exactly. This is the best way to maximize your physical recovery and demonstrate to insurance companies and other investigators that you take your health seriously.Keep Track of Your ExpensesKeep a record of your medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, and other accident-related receipts or invoices. Providing formal documentation can help you demonstrate precisely how much the accident cost you and support your claim for maximum compensation.Contact a D.C. Car Accident LawyerDon\u2019t count on the insurance company to give you a fair settlement offer from the beginning. Adjusters always make initial offers that are far lower than the true value of a claim. An experienced Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer can provide dependable advice and take over all negotiations with the insurance company for you.How Trollinger Law LLC Can Help YouAt Trollinger Law LLC, our trusted attorneys can determine whether you are entitled to compensation in a free consultation. Call or contact us today to speak with a proven Washington, D.C. car accident attorney."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What to Do After a Car Accident","item":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/car-accident-maryland-washington-dc\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]