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The minutes right after a car accident are chaotic. Adrenaline is up, you're checking on everyone involved, and it's hard to think clearly. This checklist is built so you, or a passenger, can follow it step by step, even in the moment.
Your safety comes first. Call 911 for any injury, no matter how minor it seems. Some injuries, especially whiplash and concussions, don't show symptoms right away. A police report also becomes one of the most important pieces of evidence in your claim.
If the vehicles are drivable and it's safe to do so, move them out of the lane of traffic. If not, leave them where they are and use hazard lights, flares, or triangles to warn other drivers.
Adrenaline masks pain. Get checked out the same day if possible. A documented, prompt medical visit is one of the strongest pieces of evidence connecting your injury to the crash. Waiting days or weeks gives the insurance company room to argue your injury came from somewhere else.
Start a folder, physical or digital, with the police report, medical bills, photos, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Missing paperwork slows down a claim, or weakens it.
Insurance companies often move fast with an early settlement offer, usually before you know the full extent of your injuries or costs. Once you accept, you generally can't go back for more, even if it turns out you needed surgery or months of therapy. A quick, free consultation costs you nothing and tells you where you actually stand.
Contributory negligence. Maryland is one of only a handful of states that still follows the strict "contributory negligence" rule: if you're found even partially at fault for the crash, it can bar your recovery entirely. This is exactly why documenting the scene carefully and never speculating about fault matters so much here. Even a stray "I'm sorry" at the roadside can be turned into an argument that costs you the whole claim.
Your PIP benefits. Maryland auto policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), commonly $2,500, unless it was waived in writing when the policy was bought. PIP pays medical bills and a portion of lost wages after a crash regardless of who was at fault, and using it doesn't raise your rates. Many clients are surprised to learn they have it - check your policy, or ask us to check for you.
The deadline. In Maryland you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for your injuries. That sounds like a long time, but building a strong claim takes months: finishing treatment, collecting records, negotiating with the insurer. The earlier the work starts, the better positioned you are.
Uninsured drivers. Maryland requires every auto policy to include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the other driver has no insurance or too little, your own policy may step in. Claims against your own carrier still need to be handled carefully, since your insurer's interests and yours aren't the same in that negotiation.
Do I need to call the police for a minor accident in Maryland?
Yes, especially if there's any injury or significant property damage. A police report protects you if the other driver later changes their story.
How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?
As soon as possible, ideally the same day. Delayed treatment gives insurers an argument that your injury wasn't caused by the crash.
Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company?
Not without talking to a lawyer first. You're generally not obligated to, and early statements are often used against injured people later.
What if the insurance company offers me money right away?
Don't accept before speaking with an attorney. Early offers are often far less than what a claim is actually worth, and accepting one usually closes the door on getting more later.
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*This article is general information about what to do after a Maryland car accident, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you were injured, speak with an attorney promptly.*
Every case turns on its own facts, and a short conversation is the fastest way to find out where you stand. Call Portner & Shure at (410) 995-1515 for a free consultation, or contact us online. We have offices across Maryland and Virginia and have recovered over $500 million for our clients.
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