What to do when you are in an accident in Maryland

If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maryland, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether the collision is a minor fender-bender or a serious crash, the decisions you make in the minutes, hours, and days afterward can affect your health, your insurance claim, and even your legal rights. Here's what you should do if you're involved in an auto accident in Maryland.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

Your first priority should always be safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if the accident appears minor, contacting law enforcement is often a good idea. An officer can investigate the accident and prepare a police report, which may become important if there is a dispute about who was at fault.

2. Move to a Safe Location

If your vehicle is creating a hazard and it is safe to do so, move it to the shoulder or another safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and help prevent additional accidents.

3. Exchange Information

Maryland law requires drivers involved in an accident to provide certain information. Be sure to exchange:

• Full name and contact information

• Driver's license number

• Insurance company and policy number

• Vehicle registration information

Avoid discussing who caused the accident. Even a simple apology may later be interpreted as an admission of fault.

4. Gather Evidence

If you are physically able, document the scene before the vehicles are moved. Useful evidence includes:

• Photographs of all vehicles and the damage

• Pictures of skid marks, debris, and road conditions

• Traffic signs or signals

• Weather conditions

• Visible injuries

• Contact information for any witnesses

The more documentation you have, the stronger your insurance claim or legal case may be.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Not every injury is immediately apparent. Conditions such as whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries may not cause symptoms until hours or even days after the accident.

Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates medical records that may be important if you later pursue a personal injury claim.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide the basic facts but avoid speculating about fault or giving a recorded statement to another driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney if injuries or significant damages are involved.

7. Obtain the Police Report

If law enforcement responded to the accident, request a copy of the police report. The report typically contains:

• Driver and witness information

• Insurance information

• Officer observations

• Diagrams of the accident

• Any citations that were issued

While a police report is not the final word on liability, it can be valuable evidence.

8. Understand Maryland's Contributory Negligence Rule

Maryland follows one of the strictest negligence rules in the country: pure contributory negligence.

This means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for causing the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages from the other driver. Insurance companies are well aware of this rule and often look for ways to argue that an injured driver shares some responsibility.

Because of this, it is important to avoid making statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame.

9. Keep Records of Everything

Maintain copies of:

• Medical bills

• Repair estimates

• Rental car receipts

• Lost wage documentation

• Insurance correspondence

• Photographs

• Police reports

Good documentation can significantly strengthen your claim.

10. Speak With an Attorney

If the accident involves injuries, disputed liability, significant property damage, or a possible lawsuit, consulting with an experienced Maryland attorney can help protect your rights. An attorney can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advise you on the best course of action.

Final Thoughts

An auto accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Remaining calm, documenting the scene, seeking medical treatment, and understanding your legal rights can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Because Maryland's contributory negligence law is so unforgiving, it's especially important to protect yourself from the very beginning.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maryland and have questions about your legal rights, contact Grote Law Firm for a free consultation. An experienced attorney can review your case, explain your options, and help you navigate the legal process with confidence.