What To Do After an Accident in Maryland
After a car accident in Maryland, the most important steps are to get medical care right away, call the police, document the crash, and avoid mistakes when dealing with insurance companies. Even collisions that seem minor can lead to delayed injuries or insurance disputes, so acting quickly helps protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.
The aftermath of a crash can feel confusing and stressful, especially if you are hurt or worried about medical bills. A Maryland car accident lawyer can help you understand what to do next, coordinate the right medical care, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. At Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers, we focus on real access to medical treatment, clear communication at every step, and fighting for outcomes that help you move from hurt to help.
Call (410) 449-7900 or contact us online to learn how we can help you move forward.
I’ve Been Injured in a Maryland Accident: What Steps Should I Take Next?
If you were injured in a Maryland car accident, what you do next can directly affect your health, your insurance claim, and your ability to recover compensation. Because Maryland follows strict fault and insurance rules, even small missteps after a car accident can have an outsized impact on a claim.
The steps below focus on protecting your medical recovery first while also preserving the evidence and documentation needed when evaluating fault and damages. Start with your health and documentation first, then focus on insurance and legal steps.
Document Your Injuries and Track Symptoms
Start keeping a record of your injuries and symptoms as soon as possible. Many crash-related injuries, including whiplash, headaches, neck pain, and soft tissue injuries, may not appear right away or can worsen over time. A clear symptom log helps connect your injuries to the accident and supports medical and legal claims.
Write Down What You Remember About the Crash
Create a written timeline of the crash while details are still fresh. Note where it happened, traffic conditions, what you observed, and what each driver did before and after the impact. Small details can become important later if fault is questioned.
Preserve Evidence From the Accident
Save damaged personal items, clothing worn during the crash, and photos of your vehicle before repairs are made. Physical evidence can help show how the collision occurred, the severity of the impact, and whether injuries are consistent with the damage involved. Once evidence is repaired, discarded, or lost, it may not be recoverable.
Do Not Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and doing so rarely helps your claim. Insurance adjusters may ask questions designed to minimize the severity of injuries or shift blame. Even well-meaning comments can be used against you later.
Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
Most Maryland auto insurance policies require timely notice of a crash. When reporting, stick to basic facts such as the date, location, and vehicles involved, and avoid speculation or admissions of fault. An attorney can step in early to handle communications and reduce the risk of mistakes.
Track All Accident-Related Expenses
Keep records of medical bills, prescriptions, transportation to appointments, and other out-of-pocket costs. Document missed work, reduced hours, or lost income caused by your injuries. These records are essential for showing the full financial impact of the accident.
Follow Up With a Doctor
Even if you received initial treatment, follow-up care is important for identifying delayed injuries and monitoring recovery. Insurance companies often use gaps in treatment to argue that injuries were minor or unrelated. Ongoing medical documentation helps protect your claim.
Obtain a Police Report and Other Official Records
Request a copy of the Maryland police crash report from the responding law enforcement agency or the Maryland State Police. These reports often include driver information, witness details, diagrams, and officer observations. Official records can play a key role in establishing liability.
Document Vehicle Damage and Get Repair Estimates
Take clear photos of all vehicle damage and obtain written repair estimates before repairs begin. The location and severity of damage can affect how insurers evaluate both property damage and injury claims. Accurate documentation helps support fair settlement discussions.
Don’t Post on Social Media
Insurance companies frequently review social media activity. Photos, comments, or check-ins can be taken out of context to suggest you are not injured or that your injuries are less serious. It is safest to avoid posting until your claim is resolved.
Speak With a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer Early
Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect evidence, manage deadlines, and avoid mistakes when dealing with insurance companies. Early guidance can also help clarify fault issues, preserve medical documentation, and reduce the risk of a claim being denied under Maryland’s contributory negligence rules.
At Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers, we can help gather and preserve key records, handle insurer communications, and explain what to expect at each stage of the process. Early guidance also makes it easier to coordinate medical care and move forward with confidence while you focus on recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Maryland
After a car accident, it is normal to have questions about your rights, insurance claims, and when legal help may be necessary. The answers below address some of the most common concerns Maryland drivers have after a crash and can help you understand what to expect as you move forward.
How Soon Should I Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident?
It is best to contact a Maryland personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. Maryland generally allows three years from the date of your accident to file an injury claim, but waiting can weaken your case.
Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become harder to reach, and insurance companies may gain an advantage early on. Speaking with an attorney right away helps protect evidence, ensure deadlines are met, and prevent mistakes that could limit your ability to recover compensation.
What Information Should I Provide to My Attorney?
Your attorney will typically ask for basic details about the crash, including the date, location, and vehicles involved. Helpful documents include the police report, photos or videos of the scene and damage, medical records and bills, insurance information, and any communication from insurers. You should also share notes about your injuries, symptoms, missed work, and how the accident has affected your daily life.
Can I Handle Insurance Claims Myself After a Maryland Car Accident?
You can handle an insurance claim yourself, but it often carries risks, especially when dealing with the other driver’s insurer. Adjusters may push for quick statements or low settlements and look for ways to shift blame. In Maryland, even a small mistake can jeopardize a claim. Having legal guidance helps protect your rights, manage communications, and avoid errors that could reduce or eliminate compensation.