Follow these 5 simple steps in any Maryland auto accident

A Maryland auto accident can leave you disoriented, shaking, and unsure of what to do. If you find yourself in a stupor and just going through the motions, you're not alone.

Still, there are a few key steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are five simple tips to follow at the scene of a Frederick car accident:

Stop.

Law requires all parties involved in an accident to stop at the scene of an accident. Hit-and-run is a serious offense. Even if you believe there was little damage, it's still important to stop and exchange information.

For safety, pull your car off the side of the road onto the shoulder. If there is no shoulder, try pulling off onto a nearby side road.

Call the cops.

While many minor Maryland car accidents can be settled between the parties involved, it's still a good idea to call the police. This is especially true in cases where any injuries are apparent. The police will take photos of the accident scene, talk to any witnesses, and write a report that can be used as leverage in any future negotiations.

Exchange information.

Get the other driver's insurance information and provide them with yours. If available, keep a few copies of your insurance information in the vehicle so you can simply hand over a printed copy in case of an accident.

Check the date to make sure the other driver's insurance is current. If their insurance is expired or if they don't have a valid insurance card with them, ask to see their driver's license. Write down all pertinent information, including date of birth, address and driver's license number. You may also want to jot down the license plate number.

Don't accept blame.

Of course, you must tell the police the truth about the accident, but don't offer additional information. Don't guess at the cause of the crash or assume responsibility for something that may not be your fault.

Accidents happen quickly, and you may be unaware of other factors involved in the accident, such as drunk or distracted driving by the other driver. Simply state the facts, and let the police determine the rest. This is important for protecting your rights should you later decide to file a car accident injury claim.

See a doctor.

An adrenaline rush may leave you feeling OK at the scene of the accident, but you should still make a doctor's appointment as soon as you get home. An experienced doctor will recognize signs of a potential injury and can tell you to be on the lookout for particular symptoms. Some injuries don't surface until much later, so follow up with another appointment if you do experience pain in the weeks following the accident as this could be related to the crash.