WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | May 24, 2025 | Car Accidents
Many car accidents that happen in Maryland are just minor fender benders. When no injury occurs and there is minimal property damage, the accident might not even need to be reported. In fact, most minor accidents in Maryland do not have to be reported. Dive into all the details below to learn more about the accident reporting requirements in the state.
Accident Reporting Requirements in Maryland
Maryland law sets the rules about when an accident must be reported. According to §20–107 of Maryland’s transportation code, an accident must be reported when:
- The accident results in injuries
- The accident results in a death
The accident report must be filed with the Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days after the accident occurs. In some cases, the police may respond to your accident. When that happens, the police will take care of the report for you. There is no need to file a separate report on your own.
Additionally, an exception may apply if you are physically unable to file the accident report. For example, if you suffer catastrophic injuries, you might not be physically able to file the report. In that case, you would have to file the report as soon as you are able.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you stay calm and handle the situation appropriately. Here are the steps you should take after a motor vehicle accident:
Get Medical Treatment for Any Injuries
If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, seek immediate medical treatment. Remember that your adrenaline will be pumping right after the accident, so you might not even be aware of your injuries right away. Failure to get treatment for your injuries will make it much more difficult to get compensation for them later.
Exchange Information With The Other Driver
If other vehicles are involved, exchange information with the other drivers. Share names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Also, obtain information about the other vehicles, such as the make, model, year, and license plate number.
Call The Police
While most minor accidents do not need to be reported in Maryland, notifying the police can still be a good idea. The police can perform an initial investigation of the accident to help determine who was at fault, and that police report may be used as evidence during the claims process. You should call the police if:
- You suspect alcohol was involved
- The other driver refuses to share their information or does not have insurance
- There are any injuries
- The other driver flees the scene
- One or more vehicles may need towing
- The other driver becomes belligerent
The jurisdiction you are in at the time of the accident will determine which police department responds to your call.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
If you are able, go ahead and gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take photos of the vehicles and the area around where the accident occurred. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. This evidence can be extremely helpful if you need to pursue a claim for damages.
Notify Your Insurance Company
In most cases, it is best to go ahead and notify your insurance company after an accident, even if you were not at fault. Your insurance company may still need to get involved in the claims process, especially if the other driver did not have insurance. In that case, your own uninsured motorist coverage would likely have to pay for your damages.
Plus, most insurance companies require that all accidents be reported. Failure to report your accident to your insurance company could have some serious consequences. They might even cancel your policy if you fail to report your accident.
Talk With a Lawyer
It is always a good idea to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer after a crash. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation, so there is no risk in having a lawyer listen to your situation.
A lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and help you get compensation for your damages. You should also keep in mind that your time to file a lawsuit after an accident is limited, so consider contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Contact the Maryland Personal Injury Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Maryland personal injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080