Even the most careful drivers in Baltimore, Silver Spring, or Annapolis can find themselves in a car crash. One moment, you’re navigating the Beltway, heading down Route 1, or cruising through your local neighborhood streets, and the next, you’re dealing with the shock of a vehicle collision.
The first 24 hours after a car accident in Maryland are critical, not just for your health and safety, but also for protecting your legal rights and potential insurance claims.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do during that crucial period.
Protect Your Safety First
Immediately after a car collision, your priority is safety. If you are in the middle of the road, try to move your vehicle to a safe location if it is drivable. Turn on hazard lights and make sure everyone in your vehicle is safe.
Check for injuries for you and everyone else involved. Even minor whiplash or bruising can worsen over time, so err on the side of caution.
If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away. Paramedics can provide immediate medical attention. Additionally, the report they generate becomes an important record for insurance or legal purposes.
Call the Police
Under Maryland law, you are required to report certain accidents to the police, especially if there is injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500.
Even if it seems minor, calling the police is a good idea. A police report documents the scene and collects statements from those involved. This provides an official record of the accident.
When the officer arrives, be polite and factual. You don’t want to admit fault or speculate about the cause of the accident. Stick to what happened. An accurate police report protects you from misrepresentations by the other party or insurance companies.
Exchange Information
You want to exchange necessary information with the other driver involved in the accident. Make sure to get their:
- Full name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
You may also want to see if any witnesses saw the crash. If they did, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can help if the at-fault driver or insurance company tries to deny the facts of the claim.
Document the Scene
Your documentation can make a huge difference in any insurance claim or legal action. You want to take clear photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage
- The surrounding area, including traffic signs, skid marks, or road conditions
- Injuries
- The positions of all vehicles after the crash
It is important to write down your own account of what happened while it is fresh in your mind. Make sure to include other details like:
- Time
- Weather
- Road conditions
- Anything else you observed
Sometimes, the rush of being involved in an accident can cause you to miss out on important facts. Taking notes can help if you forget the details of the accident.
Seek Medical Attention Away from the Scene
Even if you feel okay, seeing a doctor within the first 24 hours is vital. Many accident-related injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, do not always show symptoms immediately.
A medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates documentation linking your injuries directly to the accident. This is an often-overlooked step for insurance claims or personal injury cases.
For this reason, you want to keep copies of all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and any follow-up treatment. These documents may be necessary to prove the severity of your injuries and the costs associated with them.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Depending on your policy, you may need to contact your insurer within 24 hours. You want to make sure to stick to the documented information, photos, and notes you’ve collected.
Keep in mind that insurance companies try to resolve claims quickly. Unfortunately, they will try to minimize their payout. When you provide thorough, accurate documentation, it strengthens your case and ensures you’re fairly compensated for damages and medical costs.
Avoid Social Media Oversharing
While it may be tempting to post about the accident on social media, anything you share could be used against you. Making statements like “I was fine” or “That other driver caused it” can be twisted by insurance companies or legal opponents. You want to keep your posts general or private until your claim is fully resolved.
What Are Your Legal Rights?
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule. Unfortunately, that means if you’re even partially at fault, you might be barred from recovering damages. For this reason, careful documentation, witness information, and medical records are more critical in the first 24 hours.
If the accident could result in substantial medical bills, lost wages, or disputes about fault, consulting an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney should be your first move.
Get Help from a Maryland Personal Injury Firm
If the accident caused injuries, significant vehicle damage, or complicated circumstances, reaching out to a skilled attorney can make all the difference. At GDH Law, we help Maryland drivers understand their rights, document their cases, and negotiate with insurance companies.
With our experienced guidance, you can protect both your health and your rights. In turn, that sets you up for a smoother recovery and fair resolution.
