A car accident is one of the most stressful situations a driver can face. Even a minor fender bender can leave you shaken, unsure of what to do next, and worried about your safety and your vehicle. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after an accident can protect you, prevent further damage, and make the recovery process much smoother.
At Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing in Davidsonville, MD, we’ve helped Maryland drivers after accidents for nearly 50 years. Here’s a clear, practical guide on what to do after a car accident in Maryland—and how Catlett’s can help when you need it most.
1. Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Your safety comes first. Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt—even slightly—call 911 immediately. Some injuries aren’t obvious right away, especially with adrenaline running high.
If you’re able to do so safely, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)
If the vehicles are drivable and no one is seriously injured, move to the shoulder of the road or a nearby safe area. This helps prevent secondary accidents and keeps traffic flowing.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives—especially on busy Maryland roads.
3. Call the Police
In Maryland, it’s strongly recommended to call the police after an accident, especially if there’s damage, injury, or a dispute about what happened. A police report provides official documentation that may be required for insurance claims.
Remain calm and factual when speaking with officers. Avoid speculating or admitting fault at the scene.
4. Exchange Information
Exchange the following details with the other driver(s):
- Name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information as well.
5. Document the Scene
If it’s safe, use your phone to take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- License plates
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
- The overall accident scene
These photos can be very helpful during insurance claims or repairs.
6. Don’t Attempt to Drive a Damaged Vehicle
Even if your car looks drivable, internal damage may make it unsafe. Issues with steering, brakes, suspension, or alignment aren’t always visible.
Driving a damaged vehicle can:
- Make repairs more expensive
- Cause additional damage
- Put you and others at risk
This is where professional towing makes a difference.
7. Call Catlett’s for Reliable Accident Towing
After an accident, you need a towing company you can trust. Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing provides 24/7 accident towing throughout Davidsonville and surrounding areas.
We offer:
- Fast response times
- Safe, damage-free towing
- Local and long-distance transport
- Direct towing to our full-service repair shop if needed
One call gets your vehicle off the road and into professional hands.
📞 410-798-5446
8. Get Your Vehicle Inspected Before Repairs
Accidents often cause hidden damage beneath the surface. At Catlett’s Auto Service, our technicians can inspect your vehicle for:
- Frame and suspension damage
- Brake and steering issues
- Alignment problems
- Fluid leaks
- Safety system concerns
Catching these issues early ensures your car is safe to drive and prevents future breakdowns.
9. Follow Up with Insurance
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with the accident details and police report number. Having professional towing and repair documentation from Catlett’s helps streamline the claims process.
Why Drivers Trust Catlett’s After an Accident
Since 1976, Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing has been a trusted name in Davidsonville because we provide:
- Honest, straightforward service
- Fair, competitive pricing
- Experienced towing operators
- Full repair and maintenance services
- True local reliability when it matters most
We understand that accidents are overwhelming—and we’re here to make the next steps easier.
Help Is One Call Away
If you’ve been in an accident or need emergency towing, don’t take chances. Call Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing anytime, day or night.
📞 410-798-5446
From the roadside to repairs, Catlett’s is here to help you move forward safely and confidently.