Content Reviewed by:
Tucker Clagett •
August.18.2020
Vertified Content
Aug 18, 2020
| Read Time: 9 minutes
We prepared this short guide to give you a step-by-step process to follow if you have been in a car accident. We cannot make it as if the accident didn’t even happen. But if you follow our advice you will be on your way to making sure you don’t make things worse now that the car accident is over.
And after the dust settles, you should read our Free Legal Consumer Guide to Car Accident Cases in Maryland, to get answers to your questions now.
Article Contents
What to Do After a Car Accident in Maryland
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call for Help
After a car accident, the first thing to do is check yourself and others for injuries. If everyone is okay and it’s safe to move your car, pull it to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic or causing another accident. Turn on your hazard lights to make sure other drivers see you.
Call 911 to report the accident. In Maryland, you must contact the police for injuries, significant property damage, or worse. Knowing what to do if you get in a car accident starts with creating a police report—an important document that can help with insurance or legal issues later.
A car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing your next steps can make all the difference. Taking the right steps early on can make the path forward clearer, offering peace of mind during a tough time.
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Step 2: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
It’s important to exchange the correct details with the other driver. Make sure you get:
- Their name and contact information,
- Their driver’s license number,
- Vehicle registration details, and
- Their insurance company name and policy number.
When talking to the other driver, stick to the facts. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing—it’s better to let the police and insurance companies handle that.
Don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see their driver’s license and insurance card. We have had cases where a driver made up a name, number and even used a fictitious insurance company!
Step 3: Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Be very careful about making comments at the scene of the car accident. The adverse driver could take it the wrong way, and it could be used against you later.
Our best advice is to NEVER talk about how the car accident happened. It is over, so that is irrelevant anyway. Technically, you do not have to explain it to the police officer either. However, we advise clients to be honest with the police. By then, you will be able to tell a coherent, organized story. It is usually the offhanded comment to the other driver that will get you in trouble later.
Step 4: Get Checked by a Doctor
Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is wise. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, don’t show up immediately but can get worse over time. A medical checkup ensures that you’re okay and gives you documentation of your injuries, which is helpful for your claim.
Keep copies of everything related to your medical care—bills, doctor’s notes, prescriptions—so you have a record if you need to prove the accident caused your injuries.
Step 5: Get Witnesses to the Car Accident
Get the name, address, and phone numbers of all witnesses to the car accident. This will be vital later if a dispute arises about who was at fault. Do not necessarily trust the police officer to get this information. We have seen many cases where they fail to get the witness contact information, probably because the witness left the scene before they could get it.
You should be your own private investigator, to the best of your ability, and gather evidence at the scene. If the car accident is in Waldorf, Maryland and you live near here, then this easy.
Step 6: Take Pictures of the Scene
Cell phone cameras are very common today. If you have one, take some pictures of the car accident scene, and the vehicles involved, and even the person who hit you.
Take pictures that show the complete scene, including where the other driver was coming from. You want to be able to prove they were negligent. This is true no matter what they say at the scene, or how obvious you think it was that the other person was at fault.
I have two personal stories that prove that point.
Years ago, a woman rear-ended me and apologized profusely on the scene. She was very nice, but it was obviously her fault, and she admitted it. It was just a bit of minor property damage, so I didn’t think much of it. We exchanged information and went our separate ways. Later, I got a call from her insurance company because when she called them, she claimed I rolled backwards into her! Lucky for me, they caught her in that lie (I had an automatic transmission and was on an incline, so I couldn’t have rolled back) and she had to pay for my bumper, but I was completely shocked that the “nice” lady who apologized for hitting me tried to lie like that. After 20 years as a practicing attorney, I would almost expect it today. But I did not then.
That is why, when someone pulled out in front of me a few years ago in a parking lot, I took pictures with my cell phone. He later tried to claim I was driving too fast, but my pictures proved the story and his insurer paid to fix my bumper. The earlier incident kept me from trusting him and I was glad later that I had the pictures to prove my side of the story.
So take pictures if you have a camera or your cell phone takes pictures. And not just one. Take enough pictures to accurately show the scene.
Also, take pictures of the cars and the damage. Property damage is often used by insurers to gauge whether you are really injured or not. This isn’t always fair, but they do it. If you have property damage, take pictures to prove it before the car gets repaired.
The last thing to take pictures of are any visible injuries. This may sound like something you do not want to do, but documenting your visible injuries will be very helpful to your legal case later.
Step 7: Call Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as you can. Maryland uses an at-fault system, so the other driver’s insurance will generally cover damages if they cause the accident. However, your insurer still needs to be informed.
Give them the facts of what happened, but avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything until you’ve spoken to a car accident attorney. You do not have to let them record your statement. We usually advise people not to do that. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly, but you’ll want to ensure the offer covers everything you’ve lost.
Step 8: Write Down How the Car Accident Happened
Write a detailed description of the car accident very soon after it occurs. You should do this as soon after the accident as you can. Do it even if you think the car accident was simple and will be easy to remember.
Do not trust your memory. What you think are minor details now may become important later. And you may not remember the smaller details as well as your attorney will wish you did.
Do not show this description to anyone other than your attorney. Do not provide it to anyone representing any insurance company. Do not even tell them about it until you have hired an attorney. When in doubt, consult an attorney.
Step 9: Get Medical Care
A crucial step after your Maryland car accident is to seek medical attention right away if you need it. It is very common for a person to feel fine immediately after an accident, but develop pain an hour or more after the accident is over. Your body is in shock, and it takes a while for your muscles to tighten up. It is even more common to feel badly the next morning after you sleep that night.
If that happens to you, go to the hospital or your primary care doctor. You may just be sore, or you may have a serious condition that requires treatment. Only a doctor can tell.
Be honest with your medical provider when describing your injuries. Never exaggerate your injuries, but do not minimize them either. Be honest and be complete in describing your pain or symptoms. That is the only way they can accurately treat you.
The insurance company will carefully review your medical records for clues to the accident and its affect on you. So be complete when you are telling the doctor how you feel, and what happened to make you feel that way.
Your health care providers will write down what you say, and the insurance company will get a copy of that report. It should be as accurate as possible. This is not only important for your case – it is even more important for your medical care! The doctor cannot properly treat you if you do not tell him or her what happened and how you feel.
By the way, if the Doctor tells you to stay off work, be sure to get that in writing. This is true even if you are self employed. Most doctors will do this, but you may have to remind them if they are busy seeing patients. The insurance company will not pay for your lost wages unless you have a written excuse from a doctor.
Remember to do what we attorneys do – document, document, document.
Step 10: Learn About Maryland’s Laws
Maryland has specific laws that could affect your case. One of the most important is the contributory negligence rule. If you are even slightly at fault for the accident, you won’t be able to recover compensation.
Another key detail is Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline means you lose the chance to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.
Step 11: Speak with an Attorney
Sorting out insurance and legal issues after a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Maryland car accident attorney can handle the challenging parts, like dealing with insurance companies and building a solid case, so you can focus on recovering.
Southern Maryland Law has spent decades helping personal injury clients. We’ve built a reputation for getting results while treating our clients with care and respect. We’re not what you might expect from a typical law firm—our team is approachable, relatable, and focused on real solutions to real problems. Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court, we’re here to stand by you every step of the way.
Step 12: Stay Organized
Keeping track of everything related to the accident can make things much easier later. Create a folder or use a digital app to store:
- The police report,
- Medical records and bills,
- Receipts for car repairs, and
- Any correspondence with insurance companies.
Being organized can save time and help your attorney or insurer resolve things faster.
Step 13: Be Careful with Settlement Offers
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but that doesn’t mean it’s fair. Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t ask for more later, even if you find out your injuries are worse than you thought. Before accepting any offers, speak with an attorney to ensure the settlement covers everything, from medical bills to lost wages. They can negotiate on your behalf to get you what you’re entitled to.
Why These Steps Matter
Taking these steps after a car accident isn’t just about following the law—it’s about protecting yourself and your future. Whether documenting the scene, seeing a doctor, or contacting an attorney, every action you take now helps ensure you’re in the best position to recover physically, financially, and emotionally.
Let Southern Maryland Law Help
At Southern Maryland Law, we’re more than a law firm—we’re part of the community. For over 55 years, we’ve been helping car accident victims in Waldorf, Lexington Park, and Southern Maryland get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We know the stress a car accident can cause, and our goal is to make this part of the process easier for you.
If you’re unsure what to do after getting hit by a car, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you. Your first consultation is free, and with our contingency fee structure, you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the support you need.
Need a Personal Injury lawyer? Please contact us for a consultation today if you need a Maryland personal injury lawyer for your car accident case.
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