What You Need to Know About Highway Car Crashes in Maryland

Any car accident is scary. We have seen fatality cases at very low speeds with minimal property damage. But highway car accidents that occur on interstates and freeways are a far greater concern. Drivers traveling at a high rate of speed, as most of us do on the highways, create immense impact when they collide. Maryland is dedicated to saving lives and preventing injuries and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle car crashes. Despite new advances, in-vehicle technology, such as backup cameras, adaptive headlights, and advanced collision warning systems, motor vehicle car wrecks still happen daily.

Every day, interstates such as I-95 and I-695 serve as major arteries that connect drivers between Baltimore, Maryland, and other cities. While the high-speed limits on these roads provide a way to move between cities with greater efficiency, they also raise the risk of severe car accidents, especially when head-on car collisions or multi-vehicle pile-ups occur. It is no surprise that more car wrecks are being reported now than ever before. Not a day goes by without Marylanders seeing or reading a news story about an automobile crash on a highway or interstate.

Despite driving awareness campaigns and vehicle safety standards, statistics from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) show an increase in traffic-related injuries and fatalities over the years, especially on roadways, and interstates with heavy traffic. If you have been injured during a car collision on a highway, interstate, or freeway then this guide is for you. It will provide you with crucial information on what to do if you are injured during a highway car crash, and when seeking legal representation could be beneficial to your insurance claim.

What to Do if You Are Injured During a Highway Car Crash

If you have been injured in a highway, interstate, or freeway car accident, there are roughly 10 steps that you should take immediately after the auto wreck. Even though you cannot predict when and where you are going to have a car crash, being prepared and knowing what to do after can have a huge impact on whether you get the compensation you are entitled to when you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault vehicle’s insurance company.

After an auto accident on the highway, interstate, or freeway, 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 on the highway 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 who was at fault for the accident. 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 crash is arguing with other drivers about who is 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 videos. If you can, take detailed pictures and/or videos 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 is 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 on the highway, interstate, or freeway, ask them to stay to give a statement to the police officer. 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 accident. 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, Snapchat, Twitter, and all other social media platforms. Anything you post online about your collision on the highway 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 have been in a collision, so call them to let them know you were in a car wreck on the highway, interstate, or freeway. 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 highway car crash, 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.

If you plan to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, be sure to follow all required procedures and deadlines. There is a three-year statute of limitations in Maryland – what this means is a lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of the accident, or the claim is forever barred. However, a person injured in a car crash on the highway should not wait three years. You should contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt immediately. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Baltimore can help guide you through the often-complex legal process.

When to Consider Hiring a Baltimore, Maryland Car Accident Attorney After a Highway Car Collision

After a highway, or interstate car crash in Maryland, working with a trusted Maryland personal injury car accident law firm can be crucial to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here are specific situations where legal representation is advisable:

• Serious injuries or fatalities. The stakes are significantly higher in car crashes involving serious injuries or death because the potential consequences and financial impacts are much more severe. Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation and could result in permanent disability or loss of life. Legal representation is crucial in ensuring that all compensation for medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other related costs are thoroughly pursued.
• Disputed liability. Maryland is a no-fault state; it is a contributory negligence state, which is a type of at-fault system. This means that if you are even partially at fault for a car accident, you cannot recover any damages from the at-fault parties insurance company. In contrast to no-fault states, Maryland requires you to prove the other driver was 100% at fault for the collision to be compensated by their insurance.
• Insurance denials or delays. If an insurance company denies your claim or there are undue delays in the handling of your claim, an attorney can help expedite the process and appeal unjust decisions.
• Multiple-party involvement. Accidents involving multiple vehicles can lead to complicated legal issues and multiple insurance companies. An attorney can help you more easily manage the communications and negotiations involved with multiple stakeholders to maximize your compensation.
• Insurance settlement offers. If you receive a settlement offer from an insurance company, it is wise to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to ensure the offer is fair and covers all your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Attorneys are skilled in evaluating whether settlement offers are adequate and can often negotiate a far better deal.
• Complex legal issues. Certain legal issues, such as claims involving out-of-state policies, commercial vehicles, or government entities, require an understanding of varied and complex legal rules. An attorney knowledgeable in Maryland law can provide crucial guidance and representation to ensure your rights are protected.

Hiring a Maryland car crash attorney and their legal team after a highway, interstate, or freeway car crash is advisable when facing any of these complex or significant issues. Legal experts not only provide peace of mind but also ensure that your case is handled efficiently and your compensation reflects the full extent of your losses.

Maryland Highway and Interstate Car Crashes

Hundreds of vehicle car crashes occur every day in Maryland. While some may only result in minor property damage, others can cause serious injuries or even death. Learn more about common causes behind highway and interstate car accidents, from distracted driving to reckless behavior. To better navigate the challenging legal process after a car collision, consult with the experienced personal injury car accident attorneys at the law Offices of Larry B. Litt.

If you or someone you love has been in a car crash while on the highway, interstate, or freeway, you know first-hand how scary an experience like this may be. A car collision at highway speeds can be terrifying and the consequences could be dire. If you have been hurt in an interstate roadway crash, talk with our car accident attorney about your situation for free today. Call the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt at 443-844-1528 anytime, day or night for a free 1:1 consultation.