Every year, thousands of Maryland residents find themselves in the frightening and confusing aftermath of a car accident. That moment when metal crunches, glass shatters, and your heart pounds in your chest—it’s something nobody plans for, but many of us will experience. In those first moments, you’re not thinking about insurance claims or legal procedures—you’re just trying to process what happened.
But what you do in the hours, days, and weeks following a Maryland car accident can significantly impact your physical recovery and financial future. As Baltimore car accident attorneys who’ve guided countless clients through this process, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the steps after a collision in Maryland.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Accident Scene
When the unexpected happens and you find yourself in a car accident on Maryland roads, those first few minutes are critical. Your actions at the scene can protect your safety and strengthen any future legal claim. Here’s what you need to do:
Safety First: Get to a Secure Location
The moments right after impact are disorienting, but your first priority must be safety. If possible and if your vehicle is creating a hazard, carefully move it to the shoulder or nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you cant move your car, or if someone is injured, leave the vehicles where they are and get yourself and others to safety if possible.
Sometimes, the safest place is actually inside your vehicle with seatbelts still fastened, especially on busy highways where exiting the car could be dangerous. Trust your instincts about what feels safest in your specific situation.
Call 911 Immediately
In Maryland, you are required by law to report accidents involving injuries, deaths, or significant property damage. Even for what seems like minor fender-benders, having an official police report can be invaluable later.
When speaking with the 911 operator:
- Clearly state your location (look for mile markers, street signs, or landmarks)
- Report any injuries, even if they seem minor
- Answer all questions calmly and accurately
- Stay on the line until instructed to hang up
The responding officer will create an accident report that includes critical details about the crash. This report becomes important evidence for insurance claims and potential legal action. Make sure to ask how to obtain a copy of this report before the officer leaves the scene.
Exchange Information—But Be Careful What You Say
While waiting for police to arrive, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). You’ll need:
- Full names and contact information
- Insurance company and policy numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Make, model and year of all vehicles involved
But be extremely careful about what else you say during these exchanges. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of fault. Stick to exchanging the necessary information without discussing who caused the accident or making statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I was distracted for a second.”
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means if your found to have contributed to the accident even slightly (as little as 1%), you could be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes what you say at the scene particularly important.
Document Everything
Your smartphone is your best tool for documenting the accident scene. Take photos of:
- Damage to all vehicles from multiple angles
- The overall accident scene, including road conditions
- Traffic signs or signals in the area
- Weather conditions
- Visible injuries
- License plates of all vehicles involved
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information. Independent witnesses can provide crucial unbiased accounts of what happened. Write down or record (with permission) their description of the accident while memories are fresh.
Don’t forget to make notes about the time of day, weather conditions, and any other factors that might have contributed to the accident. These details might seem minor now, but could become important later.
Seeking Medical Attention After a Maryland Car Accident
After ensuring immediate safety and handling the accident scene requirements, your next priority should be your health. This isn’t just about physical wellbeing—proper medical documentation creates a critical link between the accident and your injuries for any future claim.
Get Checked Out Even If You Feel “Fine”
One of the most common mistakes we see is people declining medical attention because they “feel okay” after an accident. The reality is that many serious injuries don’t present symptoms immediately. The adrenaline and shock from the accident can mask pain, and injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, and whiplash often develop symptoms hours or even days later.
I’ve seen clients who felt perfectly fine at the accident scene, only to wake up the next morning unable to turn their head or experiencing severe headaches. By that point, insurance companies may try to claim these injuries aren’t related to the accident.
Medical professionals know what to look for after an accident. They can identify potential issues before they become serious problems and establish documentation connecting your injuries to the accident from day one.
Common Delayed-Onset Injuries to Watch For
Be vigilant for these symptoms in the days following your accident:
- Headaches or dizziness (potential sign of concussion or brain injury)
- Neck or shoulder pain and stiffness (possible whiplash)
- Back pain (could indicate spinal injury)
- Abdominal pain or swelling (possible internal bleeding)
- Numbness or tingling in extremities (potential nerve damage)
- Changes in personality or thinking (sign of traumatic brain injury)
- PTSD symptoms like flashbacks or anxiety when driving
If you notice ANY of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and make sure to tell your doctor about the accident. Don’t minimize your symptoms or “tough it out”—some of these conditions can worsen without proper treatment.
Keep Detailed Medical Records
From your first emergency room visit to every follow-up appointment, keep detailed records of:
- Doctor’s names and specialties
- Dates and times of appointments
- Diagnosis and treatment recommendations
- Medication prescriptions
- Therapy sessions
- Medical bills and expenses
- Travel costs to medical appointments
Request copies of all medical records, test results, and imaging studies. These records establish the nature and extent of your injuries and directly connect them to the accident.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
Insurance companies look for any reason to reduce your claim. One of their favorite tactics is pointing to “gaps in treatment” as evidence that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
Follow your doctor’s advice exactly:
- Attend all scheduled appointments
- Take medications as prescribed
- Complete the recommended therapy
- Follow activity restrictions
- Keep follow-up appointments even if you’re feeling better
If you can’t make an appointment, reschedule immediately and document the reason for the change. If a treatment isn’t working or is causing problems, don’t just stop—talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
Most insurance policies require you to notify them “promptly” or “as soon as practicable” after an accident. This generally means within 24-72 hours, but check your specific policy for requirements.
When reporting to your insurance company:
- Stick to basic facts about when and where the accident occurred
- Report injuries in general terms without minimizing them
- Don’t speculate about fault or give recorded statements without legal advice
- Don’t accept any settlement offers without understanding the full extent of your injuries
Remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize the company’s financial exposure. Being polite but cautious in these conversations protects your interests.
Maryland MVA Requirements
In addition to police and insurance reporting, Maryland law requires you to file a report with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 15 days if the accident resulted in:
- Bodily injury
- Death
- Property damage exceeding $3,000
This reporting requirement exists regardless of who was at fault. You must complete the Maryland Accident Report form (available at MVA offices or online) and submit it with any required documentation.
Failure to report an accident to the MVA when required can result in license suspension and other penalties, so this deadline should be taken seriously.
Documenting Your Maryland Car Accident Case
One of the most important steps after an accident is creating comprehensive documentation. This documentation serves as evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
Create a Dedicated Accident File
Start by establishing a single location—whether digital or physical—where you’ll store all accident-related documents. This might include:
- Police report
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Medical records and bills
- Communication with insurance companies
- Witness contact information
- Vehicle repair estimates and bills
- Rental car receipts
- Pay stubs showing lost wages
- Notes about your recovery process
Having organized documentation makes it easier to substantiate your claim and provides your attorney with the evidence needed to build a strong case.
Track All Expenses and Losses
Many accident victims focus only on major expenses like hospital bills and car repairs, but overlook smaller costs that add up significantly over time:
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment (crutches, braces, etc.)
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Modifications to your home for accessibility
- Childcare expenses during recovery
- Help with household tasks you can’t perform
- Parking fees at medical facilities
Keep receipts for all these expenses and note how they relate to your accident. These “incidental” costs are often recoverable but easily forgotten without documentation.
Maintain a Pain and Recovery Journal
One of the most effective ways to document the impact of an accident is through a daily journal. This should include:
- Pain levels and locations
- Limitations on daily activities
- Emotional impacts (anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances)
- Missed family events or activities
- Changes in relationships
- Treatment experiences
- Progress or setbacks in recovery
Be specific and detailed: instead of writing “back hurt today,” note “Lower back pain at level 7/10 prevented me from picking up my child and required pain medication that made me too drowsy to drive to work.”
This journal creates a contemporaneous record of how the accident has affected your life and can be powerful evidence for “non-economic” damages like pain and suffering.
Document Communication with Insurance Companies
For every interaction with insurance representatives:
- Note the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with
- Summarize what was discussed
- Save copies of all written communication
- Follow up important conversations in writing to create a paper trail
- Request copies of any statements you provide
If possible, communicate via email or writing rather than by phone, as this creates an automatic record of your exchanges.
Understanding Maryland’s At-Fault Insurance System
Maryland’s insurance laws can significantly impact your recovery after an accident. Understanding these laws helps you navigate the claims process more effectively.
Maryland operates under an “at-fault” or “tort” insurance system. This means that the person responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying the resulting damages. This differs from “no-fault” states where each person’s insurance covers their own losses regardless of who caused the accident.
In practice, this means you have several options after an accident:
- File a claim with your own insurance company
- File a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver
Each approach has advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific situation. A knowledgeable Maryland car accident attorney can help you determine the most advantageous strategy.
The Contributory Negligence Challenge
Maryland is one of only a few states that follows the strict “contributory negligence” rule—and it’s a rule that can dramatically impact your case.
Under contributory negligence, if you are found to be even 1% responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering ANY compensation. This is unlike “comparative negligence” states where your percentage of fault would simply reduce your compensation.
This harsh rule makes it essential to have strong evidence and skilled legal representation when pursuing a claim in Maryland. Insurance companies will search for any evidence that you contributed to the accident, knowing that even slight contributory negligence can eliminate their liability entirely.
When to Contact a Maryland Car Accident Attorney
While some minor accidents might be handled without legal representation, many situations benefit significantly from professional legal guidance.
Consider consulting with an attorney if:
- You’ve sustained significant injuries requiring medical treatment
- You’ve missed work due to your injuries
- The insurance company disputes liability or coverage
- Multiple parties were involved in the accident
- The accident involved a commercial vehicle
- Your accident occurred in a construction zone
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- You’re being pressured to accept a quick settlement
- Your accident involved a government vehicle or employee
- The insurance adjuster requests access to all your medical records
The more complex or serious your situation, the more important legal representation becomes. Many people dont realize that insurance companies often offer higher settlements to represented claimants, even after accounting for attorney fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Maryland Car Accident
The path to recovery after a car accident has potential pitfalls that can seriously damage your claim. Even well-intentioned victims often make mistakes that insurance companies quickly exploit. Understanding these common errors can protect your rights and strengthen your position for fair compensation.
- Delaying medical treatment – Insurance companies view gaps between the accident and medical care as evidence that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash. See a doctor within 24 hours, even if injuries seem minor, and never miss follow-up appointments.
- Giving recorded statements without legal advice – Adjusters request these statements, hoping you’ll say something they can use against you. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Remember, these statements are designed to limit liability, not help you.
- Accepting early settlement offers – Those quick offers are almost always too low and don’t account for the long-term impacts of your injuries. Once you accept and sign a release, you can’t ask for more compensation later, even if your condition worsens.
- Oversharing on social media – Insurance investigators routinely monitor social media for evidence to undermine claims. Consider deactivating accounts or setting strict privacy controls, and never post about your accident, injuries, or activities that could contradict your injury claims.
- Missing essential deadlines – From insurance notification (often 24-72 hours) to MVA reporting (15 days) to statute of limitations (3 years), numerous deadlines can affect your claim. Missing any of these can result in claim denials or permanent loss of rights.
- Handling negotiations alone – Insurance adjusters are professional negotiators who handle claims daily. You’re severely disadvantaged in settlement discussions without understanding fair claim value and insurance tactics.
- Failing to document everything – Undocumented expenses and impacts often go uncompensated. Keep all receipts, take photos of injuries, maintain a recovery journal, and create a comprehensive record of how the accident has affected your life.
Conclusion
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Maryland involves numerous steps that can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and emotional trauma. From those critical first moments at the accident scene through the complex process of securing fair compensation, your actions can significantly impact your physical and financial recovery.
Finding the best car lawyer for your situation can make all the difference in your recovery journey. Remember that while focusing on healing, you don’t have to handle the legal aspects alone. At The Snyder Law Group, we’ve guided countless Maryland accident victims through this challenging process, fighting to protect their rights and secure the compensation they deserve. We understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped people like you. When insurance companies try to minimize your claim, remember: Don’t just sue them—Snyder them!