Frequently Asked Questions: What to Do After a Maryland Car Crash

Getting into a car accident is one of the most stressful experiences you can face. In those first moments after a collision, your mind races, your adrenaline spikes, and it can be hard to think clearly. But what you do in the minutes, hours, and days after an automobile accident can make or break your ability to recover fair compensation for your damages and injuries. The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt offers simple answers about what to do after a car crash on our Maryland roadways. It is normal to feel upset, confused, and overwhelmed in the aftermath of a car wreck. What information do you need? What are you supposed to say to the other driver? Are you supposed to call the police? Is there any evidence you need to collect at the accident scene? What if someone has been seriously injured?
A car crash is a heavy burden to carry alone. From the moment you stop your vehicle to the time you finish your medical treatment, every step matters. You have to be careful about what you say and who you trust. The roads in Maryland can be tricky, but the legal system does not have to be. The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt are here to help you through every part of this journey. We know the pain of a sudden injury and the worry about bills.
Our legal team can help you through the confusion and strain that follow a serious car collision in Maryland. Our personal injury attorneys put over four decades of legal experience toward helping injured people just like you recover not only the compensation they are entitled to, but also their lives. Let us help you, too. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about car crashes in Maryland. If we can provide you with more information, call the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt anytime for a free review of your case. We are dedicated to our clients.

What Steps Should I Take to Protect My Rights After a Car Crash in Maryland?

10 Steps to take after a car accident, even though you cannot predict when and where you are going to have a car wreck, being prepared, and knowing what to do after can have a huge impact on whether or not you get the compensation you’re entitled to when you file a claim.

After an auto accident, you should:

1. Keep calm and assess the situation – if anyone has been injured and needs immediate medical attention, call 911 right away to request an ambulance. Otherwise, you should move your car out of harm’s way so that you do not impede traffic or have another collision. Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers that there has been a wreck, and place down flares or safety triangles if you have them.
2. Call the Police – Let the dispatcher know you were in an auto accident and where you are located. When the investigating officer arrives, tell the truth about what happened and just stick to the facts. You should be able to obtain a copy of the police report from the police department for a fee within a few days. This is an important step to take, as police accident reports are often critical pieces of evidence that can make or break your claim.
3. Get information from the other driver – You will want to get the name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance company name, and insurance policy number from everyone involved in the wreck. If you were involved in a car accident with a commercial vehicle, be sure to get the name and contact information of the driver’s employer.
4. Do not talk about fault – The last thing you should be doing at the scene of your car wreck is arguing with other drivers about who’s at fault. You are better off not saying anything. Remember, even saying something that seems harmless like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as admitting fault.
5. Take pictures and video – If you are able to, take detailed pictures and/or video of your car crash. Make sure to show all the damage, skid marks, streets signs, traffic lights, road markings, construction, hazards, and any visible injuries. Do your best to paint a clear picture of the accident scene. Bonus tip: Take notes about your wreck while it’s all still fresh in your mind. Write down then and where the auto accident took place and any important details that could be useful down the road when filing a claim.
6. Seek out witnesses – If anyone saw your car collision happen, ask them to stay to give a statement to police. Before they leave, see if you can get their name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony is often a difference-maker when trying to prove fault.
7. Get examined by a medical professional – Even if you do not have visible injuries or symptoms, you should get checked out by a licensed medical doctor within 24 hours of your car wreck. Some injuries have delayed onset symptoms and are not immediately noticeable. Make sure to document your doctor visits and attend all follow-up appointments.
8. Go off the grid – Do not post anything online about your car accident. This includes talking about your car crash on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Twitter, and all other social media platforms. Anything you post online about your collision could potentially be used against you to challenge or deny your claim. You are simply better off not discussing the details of your accident online or with your family and friends.
9. Notify your insurance company – You are required to notify your insurance company that you’ve been in a collision, so call them to let them know you were in a car wreck. Give the facts of what happened but do not go into too much detail. If an insurance adjuster pressures you for more information or wants you to give a recorded statement, politely decline and refer them to your lawyer. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
10. Call a car accident lawyer – An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to meet with you, learn the details of your wreck, discuss your legal options, answer your questions, and help you figure out the best way to maximize the value of your claim. Since most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and will represent you on a contingency fee basis, it probably will not cost you any upfront money to have a car wreck lawyer tackle your claim.

How Long Do You Have to See a Doctor After an Auto Accident in Maryland?

Most insurance companies consider 72 hours to be reasonable. This means that for insurance purposes, you have 72 hours to see a doctor for a post-accident injury before you risk a serious reduction in the compensation you receive. Upon getting an appointment, make sure to tell your doctor that you were involved in an auto accident so they document this properly and ensure they keep an eye out for future complications. Doing so provides you with a record that can be used when submitting an insurance claim, pursuing damages from another driver, and seeking further treatment if issues arise later.

A Baltimore personal injury attorney can still take on these cases but it becomes more difficult to convince the insurance company you suffered a serious injury because of the auto accident. You should see a doctor within 72 hours to better protect yourself and your injury claim.

What If You Experience Delayed Pain or Injuries?

We understand that each individual experiences pain differently and individual’s bodies may not show signs of trauma immediately. The pain and discomfort caused by an auto accident injury does not show itself for a day or two after a car crash. However, it is still important to have an initial consultation with a doctor as soon as possible following an accident and request follow-ups as additional complications arise. For example, the following types of injuries may not manifest for up to a week:

• Soft tissue bruising and soreness
• Neck and back pain or stiffness
• Stress fractures only visible with special bone scans
• Dislocated spinal discs
• Abrasions

Be sure, after each visit, to retain documentation in the event you need it for insurance claims or seeking damages from another party. An auto accident attorney will need this to build your case.

What Happens if You Miss Doctor’s Appointments or Delay Treatment?

Depending on the particulars of your situation, choosing to delay or completely miss appointments can jeopardize an insurance claim’s pay-out or a case’s settlement. Along with the doctor’s documentation, you may wish to keep a separate journal or list of your appointments, dates, and pain levels for future reference.

What Is the Average Time for a Car Accident Settlement?

There is no average time for a car accident settlement because many factors play into how long it takes to compute and settle a claim. Every car collision is different, obviously, and the time it takes to resolve an auto accident case varies based on the details and facts of the case.

It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months (or years) for an auto car accident case to settle. There is plenty to investigate on each party’s end, and if you suffered extensive injuries and property damage, this could explain why the settlement process is lengthy.

Contact Us Today!

Car crashes are never pleasant, whether they result in catastrophic injury or just a scratched bumper. Some are minor. Others change lives in an instant. One way to navigate complex procedures and interactions with insurance companies is to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can be your advocate, advising you on the best course of action, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensuring that your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident and are facing the daunting task of dealing with insurance companies, mounting medical bills, or too many phone calls do not do it alone. The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt has a team of experienced personal injury lawyers ready to guide you through the process. We are here to answer any and all questions that you may have even if they were mentioned above.

At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of auto accident cases. When you hire an experienced Maryland car accident lawyer, they work for you and should have your best interest at heart. At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt we do all the communicating and negotiating with the insurance companies, medical doctors, and police department on your behalf. We are here to help and guide you through the whole process 24/7. Call our Baltimore office today at 443-844-1528 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with our knowledgeable attorneys.