What to Do After a Car Accident in Maryland: A Step-by-Step Guide

A car accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. But in Maryland, where the strict 1% Rule means you can lose your entire claim if you’re found even 1% at fault, the steps you take immediately after a crash can make or break your case.

Whether your accident happened in Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Baltimore County, or Washington, D.C., this step-by-step guide will protect your health, your rights, and your financial recovery.

Why Your Actions After a Maryland Car Accident Matter So Much

Because Maryland follows pure contributory negligence, insurance companies carefully analyze everything you do after a collision. If they can argue you made even the smallest mistake hesitated, apologized, delayed treatment, or said the wrong thing they can deny your entire claim.

This guide shows you how to protect yourself from those tactics.

Step 1: Call 911 Immediately

Even if the crash seems minor, always contact police. You need a police report for your claim.

Tell the dispatcher:

• Location

• Number of vehicles

• Whether there are injuries
  

Do not say:

• “It was my fault.”

• “I’m sorry.”

• “I’m okay.”
  

These statements can be used against you under Maryland’s 1% Rule.

Step 2: Take Photos and Videos at the Scene

Photos are some of the strongest evidence you can collect.

Capture:

• All vehicle damage

• License plates

• Roadway debris

• Skid marks

• Traffic signals

• Weather and lighting

• Your injuries

• The intersection layout
  

Take multiple angles of the same scene.

Step 3: Get Witness Information

Witnesses often disappear before police arrive.

Ask for:

• Name

• Phone number

• Email
  

Witnesses can confirm:

• Who had the light

• Who was speeding

• Who was distracted

• Whether you were stopped properly
  

Their testimony can eliminate false liability claims.

Step 4: Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Get the other driver’s:

• Full name

• Phone number

• Address

• Driver’s license

• Plate number

• Insurance information
  

Stay calm and polite but do not apologize, speculate, or discuss fault.

Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Injuries often appear hours or days later:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Concussions

• Headaches

• Shoulder injuries

• Tingling or numbness

• Torn ligaments
  

Insurance companies argue you “weren’t really hurt” if you delay treatment.

Go to:

• The ER

• Urgent care

• Your primary doctor
  

Within 24 hours.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Careful)

You should report the accident quickly to avoid coverage issues, but you should not:

• Give a recorded statement

• Guess what happened

• Downplay your injuries

• Accept fault

• Talk about speed, distraction, or timing
  

Let your attorney handle all detailed communication.

Step 7: Do NOT Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

The adjuster will seem friendly.

Their goal?

To get you to say something they can twist into:

“You were 1% at fault.”

Common traps:

• “What could you have done to avoid the crash?”

• “Were you distracted?”

• “Were you in a hurry?”

• “When did you first feel pain?”
  

Simply say:

“I am represented. Please speak with my attorney.”

Step 8: Preserve All Evidence

Keep:

• Medical bills and records

• Photos

• Dashcam footage

• Repair estimates

• Tow receipts

• Missed work documentation

• Prescription receipts
  

We will use this evidence to build your case.

Step 9: Follow All Medical Treatment Consistently

Insurance companies deny claims by arguing:

• You stopped treatment early

• You missed appointments

• Your injuries were “minor”

• Your gaps in care show you recovered
  

Consistent treatment = higher settlement.

Step 10: Contact a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Early

This is the most important step.

A skilled injury lawyer in Maryland will:

• Preserve evidence

• Obtain 911 recordings

• Request body-worn camera footage

• Secure surveillance videos

• Fight liability disputes

• Prevent insurance traps

• Negotiate medical bill reductions

• Maximize your compensation
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Maryland Car Accident

Avoid these costly errors:

❌ Leaving the scene

❌ Apologizing

❌ Not calling police

❌ Not seeking medical care

❌ Talking to the other insurance company

❌ Accepting a quick settlement

❌ Missing medical appointments

❌ Assuming the crash is “straightforward”

These mistakes allow insurance companies to deny your claim under the 1% Rule.

Serving Car Accident Victims Across Maryland & Washington, D.C.

Falodun Law proudly represents clients injured in:

• Baltimore City

• Baltimore County

• Howard County

• Montgomery County

• Prince George’s County

• Charles County

• Anne Arundel County

• Washington, D.C.
  

We know the courts, the judges, and the tactics insurers use in every jurisdiction.

Contact Falodun Law — Protect Your Claim from the Start

The steps you take after a crash determine everything that follows.

Let us guide you, protect you, and fight for the recovery you deserve.

📞 Call or Text: (301) 289-7737

🌐 www.falodunlaw.com

💬 Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win