A common concern for Maryland motorists is whether it is always necessary to call the police after a car accident. If you have been involved in a car accident, even if the accident is minor or you believe you can handle it alone, it’s crucial to understand the legal consequences and financial implications of not reporting an accident to law enforcement. If you decide to pursue legal action against the responsible party, failing to call the police could jeopardize your chances of being fairly compensated for your damages. As such, it’s imperative to know when you are legally required to call the police after an accident in Maryland to protect your rights. Please continue reading to learn why it’s in your best interest to call the police after an accident regardless of the damage and how a trusted Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer can help you attain justice.
When Do I Have to Call the Police After an Accident in MD?
In many states, calling the police after a car accident is the law. Generally, you are legally required to call the police if there is extensive property damage to the vehicles involved. However, there are several instances in which you must call the police after being involved in a car accident in Maryland. They are as follows:
- Someone is injured or killed
- A domestic animal was injured or killed
- One or more of the vehicles can’t be safely moved
- The other motorist appears to be intoxicated
- The other motorist doesn’t have a driver’s license or won’t exchange information
- The other motorist tries to flee the accident scene without providing the proper information
- The accident caused public property damage
Is it a Good Idea to Call the Police Anyway?
Even if the above-listed scenarios where it’s legally required for you to call the police to apply, it’s still important to do so as it will help ensure there is proper documentation of the incident. This is crucial if you decide to pursue legal action against the responsible party as you will be responsible for satisfying the burden of proof. Essentially, you will have to prove the other party acted negligently and caused your injuries.
When the police arrive, they will often provide basic medical care for anyone who is injured. They will investigate the circumstances of the accident and prepare a report. A police report is extremely important as it will include an assessment of the cause of the accident and the damage done in the crash. This can help establish liability for the crash. It’s important to note that Maryland is a contributory negligence state, meaning you will face the absolute bar of recovery if you contributed to the cause of your injuries in any way. Even if you are just 1% to blame, you will not be able to recover compensation. As such, you must gather as much evidence as possible to demonstrate that you were not negligent in these matters.
As you can see, contacting the police after a car accident is crucial. If you have been involved in a collision in Maryland, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated team at Timian & Fawcett, LLC, who can effectively represent your interests and guide you through each step of the legal process to come. Connect with us today so we can start fighting for the compensation you deserve and need to heal.
