Accidents
As a Maryland car accident attorney, I have seen firsthand how quickly a crash can disrupt someone’s life. Even so-called “minor” collisions often leave victims with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term injuries. Recent data show that car accidents and fatal crashes are on the rise in Maryland, making it more important than ever to understand your rights and the steps you should take immediately after being hit by another driver.
If you’re wondering, “I Was Hit by Another Driver in Maryland – What Should I Do Right Now?”, this article explains exactly what to do, why it matters, and how my team at SG Legal Group can help protect your claim from the very beginning.
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), more than 115,000 traffic crashes occur in Maryland each year. Thousands result in injuries, and over 500 are fatal. These numbers have been trending upward in recent years, especially as distracted driving and speeding continue to plague Maryland roads.
Even when a crash appears “minor,” the legal and financial consequences can be major. A sore neck after a rear-end collision may develop into long-term whiplash. A bruise today could reveal a more serious internal injury tomorrow. Insurance companies know this, which is why they often push victims into quick settlements that fail to cover the true cost of care.
That’s why I tell clients: you need a lawyer even for a minor crash. My role is to investigate, preserve evidence, and make sure you do not become another statistic of underpaid or denied claims.
When you’re a car accident victim in Maryland, taking the right steps in the first few hours and days is critical. Here are the seven I recommend to every client:
1. Call the Police — Always
One of the biggest mistakes I see is failing to call the police. Too often, drivers assume the other party will tell the truth later. Unfortunately, stories change once insurance companies get involved. A police report creates an official record of the crash and can make the difference in proving liability.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Do not try to “tough it out.” Many injuries — concussions, spinal damage, internal bleeding — are not obvious at the scene. Waiting days or weeks gives insurers an excuse to argue that your injuries were unrelated. Protect your health and your claim by seeing a doctor right away.
3. Gather Evidence if You Can
Photos of the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and your visible injuries are powerful evidence. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. In my practice, witness testimony and surveillance video have been decisive in winning cases that otherwise would have been lost.
4. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurer, but avoid giving recorded statements to the at-fault driver’s carrier. Let your attorney handle all communications to prevent misstatements being used against you.
5. Use Your PIP Coverage — Do Not Waive It
In Maryland, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is one of the most important tools accident victims have. It helps pay medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. I strongly advise clients never to waive PIP coverage — the benefits far outweigh the modest cost.
6. Contact a Lawyer Early
The sooner you bring in an attorney, the stronger your case will be. I have handled many claims where early investigation — securing black box data, locating surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses — was the difference between denial and full compensation.
7. Focus on Recovery, Not Negotiation
Your health is your priority. Let your lawyer take on the burden of negotiating with insurers, dealing with medical providers, and preparing the case for litigation if needed.
I once represented a Maryland driver who was struck at an intersection. The at-fault driver initially admitted fault at the scene, but weeks later denied responsibility. Without quick investigation, my client’s claim could have been denied. By locating a nearby business’s surveillance video and obtaining witness statements, we secured proof of liability. That case underscores why calling the police, preserving evidence, and involving a lawyer early can completely change the outcome.
Unlike most states, Maryland follows the strict rule of contributory negligence. This means that if you are found even 1% at fault, you can be barred from recovering damages entirely. Insurance companies use this harsh standard to their advantage, often suggesting that a victim’s small action — like glancing at a phone or rolling slightly into an intersection — contributed to the crash.
As your attorney, I anticipate these arguments and prepare evidence to refute them. Understanding this rule is critical for every Maryland accident victim.
The Role of Evidence in Building Your Case
Objective, verifiable evidence often makes or breaks a case. In my practice, the following have been most persuasive:
The sooner an attorney is involved, the more likely this evidence can be preserved before it disappears.
Why Fatal Crash Rates Are Rising in Maryland
Several factors contribute to Maryland’s rising fatal crash rates:
Fatal crashes are not just statistics — they represent families torn apart. At SG Legal Group, I represent not only injured survivors but also families pursuing wrongful death and survival actions when negligence leads to the ultimate loss.
If you’re asking, “I Was Hit by Another Driver in Maryland – What Should I Do Right Now?”, here is my straightforward advice:
Car accidents in Maryland are on the rise, and even a minor crash can lead to major consequences. By taking the right steps — calling police, seeking medical care, preserving evidence, and contacting a lawyer early — you protect your health and your legal rights.
As a personal injury attorney, I have seen how early decisions shape the entire claim. My team at SG Legal Group is here to guide you through every step, from investigation to resolution.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, contact me at SG Legal Group. My team and I will help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 410-618-1277 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please contact me directly.
Joshua C. Sussex, Esq.
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