Maryland and DC Car Accident Attorneys
At Costello & Edwards, LLC, we understand how being injured in an accident can affect every aspect of your life causing you undue stress, pain, and financial difficulties. This is why we make it our goal to use our skill and experience to alleviate the hassle associated with recovering the compensation you deserve. After an accident, we want you to be able to focus on what really matters: your health. Personal injury claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not make anything unless there is a successful recovery via settlement or court verdict. You do not pay anything out of pocket.
Our attorneys are well-versed in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Rear-End Collisions
- T-Bone Collisions
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Fatal Accidents
- Subway Accidents
- Head-On Collisions
- Sideswipe Collisions
- Pedestrian Involved Accidents
- Single Vehicle Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- DUI Accidents
- Distracted Driving Accidents
What should I do if I’ve been injured in a car accident?
Stop: Never leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minor you consider the accident or injuries to be.
Do not admit fault: It is crucial that you do not admit fault of any kind to anyone after the accident.
Call the police: Even if it is a minor accident, it is a good idea to have the police on the scene. Make sure to tell the officer exactly what happened. It is critical that the officer have a clear picture of what took place. Do not speculate or enhance what happened. Identify any witnesses to the officer. Request that the officer draft a report – do not assume they are automatically going to do so. Be sure to obtain the name and contact information for the responding police officer(s) and confirm how to obtain a copy of the police report.
Obtain witness information: Obtain names, contact information, and automobile insurance information for all parties involved. This is typically handled by the police but in the event police are not present, be sure to obtain this information. Ask to see insurance cards for all vehicles involved in the accident. Additionally, obtain names and contact information for any witnesses. A single corroborating witness can mean the difference in a future court case.
Take pictures: The value of photographic evidence cannot be overstated. Therefore, if you can safely do so, take pictures of any vehicles involved in the accident (particularly the damage to any and all vehicles), the scene of the crash, your injuries, and the injuries of any passengers.
Report the accident: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible and cooperate with them fully. Find out if you have personal injury protection, “PIP”, benefits under your policy. PIP can be used to pay for medical bills and reimburse you for lost wages as a result of time missed from work due to accident-related injuries.
Do not speak with the adverse insurance company: You can expect to hear from a representative of the other driver’s insurance company. They will want to obtain a recorded statement from you. Do not do so. The opposing driver’s insurance company does not have your interests in mind. We recommend that you not speak with a representative from the insurance company at all. Instead, refer them to your personal injury attorney.
Seek Medical Care: If you or anyone else involved in the accident are injured, call 911 immediately. When emergency medical personnel arrive, do not refuse their care even if you feel your injury is not serious. If medical personnel are not summoned to the accident, seek medical care as soon as possible. Many injuries may not be immediately noticeable.
Beware social media: We live in a world where posting statements and pictures on a social media account is commonplace. However, insurance companies will use any posts or comments you make, no matter how innocently intended, against you in your personal injury claim. It is best practice to avoid making any statements or posting any pictures related to your accident on social media.
Maintain a file: Keep all information and documentation related to your accident together and in a safe place. This should include the names and contact information of all individuals involved, insurance claim numbers, insurance adjusters, and receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the accident such as a rental car.
Protect your rights: contact the attorneys at Costello & Edwards. We will investigate your case thoroughly to ensure your recovery is maximized. Do not expect to be treated fairly by the other driver’s insurance company. They will undoubtedly try to resolve your claim for an amount far below fair compensation. Our firm has 60+ years of experience handling motor vehicle claims and will fight for you.
Contact Costello & Edwards Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, contact our firm today at 301-925-9080 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our car accident attorneys. We are eager to use our skill and knowledge to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.