Most people’s first instinct after a car accident is to check for injuries. Alerting first responders comes in a close second. The state of Maryland doesn’t require you to report all car accidents.
Maryland police don’t typically investigate car crashes only resulting in property damage. However, this shouldn’t deter you from reporting an accident, even a minor one. Accidents are disorienting and injuries and other damages aren’t always apparent right after a crash.
Failing to follow the correct procedures for reporting an accident can end up costing you in the long run. Keep in mind that you can’t make an insurance or personal injury claim without a car accident report.
When are you required to file a car accident report to the police?
Maryland has several laws underscoring circumstances in which drivers must report a crash to police. Failure to comply could result in penalties such as fines, imprisonment and driver’s license suspension.
In Maryland, you are required to file a car accident report if:
- Someone is hurt
- A domestic animal is hit
- A vehicle needs to be towed
- Damages result to public property or unattended vehicles
- Any driver doesn’t have a valid driver’s license
- Any driver is drunk
- Any driver flees the scene
- Any driver refuses to or can’t exchange information
For crashes that result in death or bodily injury, the drivers of each vehicle must also provide the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) with a written report within 15 days, along with evidence of liability insurance or other security requirements.
When should you notify the MVA of a car accident?
The safest answer is “always.” Maryland law requires drivers to complete a Collision Information Exchange Form at a crash scene. The form collects information such as:
- Driver contact information
- Vehicle owner names and addresses, if different from the drivers
- Driver insurance carriers and insurance policy numbers
- Driver insurance agent’s contact information
The MVA encourages drivers to keep printed copies of the form in their glove box in case of an accident.
Whether you’re filing a police report or completing a personal accident report with the MVA, it’s best to accomplish it quickly and accurately. Delays and errors in your report can affect the claims process.
If you’re in an accident, the best protection is to consult with your insurance company and lawyer to make sure you’re meeting all the legal requirements.