Maryland may be small, but it has more than its fair share of auto accidents. According to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), more than 100,000 car accidents occur in Maryland yearly, with over half resulting in injuries.
Knowing what to do after a motor vehicle accident can reduce your stress after a collision. You should call the police and exchange insurance information with the other driver. But you must also comply with Maryland's car accident reporting basics.
Remember that the steps you take immediately after your collision will impact your injury claim. Further, if you don’t comply with Maryland’s crash reporting laws, you’ll face fines, potential jail time, and a suspension of your driver’s license.
Here, we’ll explain the car accident reporting requirements in Maryland. We’ll also describe how to file a car accident report, including the information you must include in your report.
How To File a Car Crash Report in Maryland
The chart below summarizes Maryland crash reporting laws and procedures.
State Accident Statutes
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When To Report an Accident
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You must immediately notify the police by calling 911 when:
The collision causes personal injury or death
You hit an unattended vehicle and can’t locate the owner of the vehicle
You can’t safely move your vehicle after the crash
The accident involves a drunk driver
The crash is a hit-and-run
A driver cannot or will not exchange information
You hit a domestic animal
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Crash Reporting
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Note: State laws are subject to change. It's essential to verify the information by conducting research or consulting a Maryland car accident attorney.
Do the Police Always File an Accident Report?
In Maryland, the police don't usually investigate a car crash resulting only in property damage. This does not mean you can’t call 911 after a minor fender-bender. Your personal injury lawyer will need a copy of the police report to help prove your car accident claim. However, Maryland car accident laws don’t require you to do so.
The MVA created a convenient form for drivers to use in this type of car accident.
Sometimes, you have no choice but to call the police. These situations include:
- A driver, passenger, or third party suffers an injury or death
- You can’t safely move your vehicle to the side of the road
- One of the drivers appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Either driver doesn't have a valid driver’s license
- One of the drivers doesn’t have a valid insurance policy
- The accident is a hit-and-run
- One of the vehicles damages public property
When the police arrive on the scene of the accident, they’ll do a thorough investigation of the crash. The police officer will put their findings in their official police report.
Your car accident lawyer will need a copy of this report to prove your claim. The state of Maryland also requires that law enforcement forward a copy of the report to the MVA.
Completing a Personal Accident Report in Maryland
More than half of all Maryland car accidents result in personal injuries. The law requires that all drivers file a statement with the MVA within 15 days of the crash. This report must include proof that the drivers have liability insurance.
The statement must contain the following information:
- Contact information for the drivers
- The name and address of the insurance carrier
- The policy number or other identifying information for the liability insurance
- The name and address of the driver’s insurance agent
What Information Is in the Responding Officer’s Police Report?
The report you submit to the MVA is different from the investigative officer’s police report. The reports may contain similar information, such as whether the accident caused bodily injury or death. But the police report includes other information that will help with your insurance claim and, if need be, your personal injury lawsuit.
The police report contains the following information:
- Description of the accident scene
- Weather and road conditions
- The date and time of the crash
- Whether any of the drivers were under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- The damage to the vehicles
- Eyewitness statements and contact information
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. Every motor vehicle accident is different. For example, your case may involve contributory negligence. The at-fault driver may be primarily responsible for the crash. But you may have played a part as well. This will significantly impact your claim. The insurance adjuster may deny your claim if they feel you caused the crash.
What Happens if You Don't File a Maryland Accident Insurance Report?
If the vehicle owner or driver fails to file a written accident report proving that they have the appropriate amount of auto insurance, the BMV may suspend or revoke their driver’s license and registration.
These rules apply throughout the state, regardless of whether the accident occurred in Baltimore or the suburbs.
Get an Attorney To Review Your Car Crash Claim
After an accident, you may feel as if you're left all alone to deal with a mess. There are car repairs, medical appointments, and insurance phone calls to deal with before your life can get back on track. An experienced Maryland auto accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process. They’ll also work hard to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Visit Findlaw.com’s attorney directory to find a car accident lawyer near you.