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Serving Injury & Accident Victims
in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
Serving Injury & Accident Victims
in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
Any type of car accident can be scary. Yet if the responsible driver leaves the scene, it can only add to the stress and frustration. In a matter of seconds, you’ll be left with vehicle damage, injuries, and uncertainty…while the at-fault driver disappears.
If you are hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Maryland, knowing exactly what to do next can protect you in several ways, including by strengthening your legal claim and improving your chances of a full financial recovery. This guide walks you through the essential steps to take after a hit-and-run accident in Maryland, including an explanation of how your own insurance might pay for your losses. If you want to move forward with a claim, our Silver Spring car accident attorneys can help.
At DuBoff & Associates, we offer legal representation to clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC who have been hurt in all types of accidents. Whether you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident, a slip-and-fall accident, a distracted driving accident, or another type of accident, we will fight for your right to full compensation. Contact our law firm at any time to schedule a free consultation with a Maryland personal injury lawyer.
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or render aid. Maryland law requires all drivers involved in a traffic accident to stop, remain at the scene, and share their contact and insurance information. A driver who leaves the scene of the accident could be charged with a criminal offense and may face fines, jail time, and points on their license.
Even if the other driver flees the scene, you are still legally obligated to remain at the scene of the crash if the accident involved property damage, injury, or death. Unless you are receiving emergency medical care, you will need to stay until law enforcement arrives. Below, we have put together a guide for what you should do to keep yourself safe and protect your legal rights.
The most important thing after any accident is your safety. If your vehicle is drivable, move it out of traffic to prevent any further collisions. Otherwise, get to the side of the road or a safe place away from traffic.
Next, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, even if the injuries seem minor, call 911. Some injuries, like concussions, internal organ damage, or whiplash, might not be immediately obvious.
While you might be tempted to do so, it is important not to try to chase down the fleeing driver. Doing this can put you in greater danger and may also complicate your legal case.
Reporting the accident to law enforcement is one of the most important steps that you can take to protect yourself after a Maryland hit-and-run accident. Under Maryland law, accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported.
A police report can also be useful for your case. It creates an official record of the incident and provides documentation for any insurance claim. It can also be helpful because the authorities will attempt to locate the at-fault driver for you.
When you call 911, make sure to provide as many details as possible. This includes the time and location of the accident, a description of the other vehicle, any portion of the license plate (if you saw it), and the direction the vehicle fled. Even if you didn’t call the police immediately, you should file a report as soon as possible.
If you are physically able, you should gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident scene. This documentation can be critical for your case.
You should take photos and videos of:
You should also try to talk to any witnesses, as they can play an important role in hit-and-run cases. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information. A witness may be able to provide a description of the fleeing vehicle, confirm how the accident occurred, and offer videos of what happened.
When you have a moment, you should also write down everything that you remember about the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. Even small details, like a bumper sticker, can help to identify the driver.
Even if you feel fine, it is essential to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries can take hours or days to appear, so even if you feel OK initially, it still makes sense to get checked.
Seeking prompt medical care protects your health. It also strengthens any claim that you might bring, as it creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Be sure to keep all medical records, bills, and treatment documentation. These will be important if you pursue a claim.
After a hit-and-run accident, you should report the incident to your insurance company promptly. In Maryland, drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can be accessed in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. This means that even if the other driver is never located, you can still recover money for your losses from your own insurance company.
However, you should be cautious when talking to the insurance adjuster. Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement before you have talked to a lawyer. Remember that even in this situation, where you are filing a claim with your own insurer, your interests are not aligned.
This is particularly important because Maryland has strict rules regarding contributory negligence. Under these laws, if you are even slightly at fault for the accident, you could be barred from recovering compensation. For this reason, you should avoid making any statements to your insurance company that could even vaguely indicate that you might be somewhat at fault for the accident.
Hit-and-run accident cases can be legally complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies or unidentified drivers. An experienced Maryland car accident lawyer can help you navigate insurance claims, investigate the accident, identify possible sources of compensation, and protect your rights under Maryland law.
Legal representation is especially important given Maryland’s strict contributory negligence laws and the challenges of uninsured motorist claims. If you want to get full compensation for your injuries, your best option is to consult with a Silver Spring personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your hit-and-run accident.
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling powerless, but taking the right steps after a crash can make a significant difference. You may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company even if the responsible driver is never located. Our law offices can help you get maximum compensation for your losses.
DuBoff & Associates has significant experience navigating hit-and-run accident cases in Maryland, including pursuing UM claims. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you’ll never pay a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Maryland car accident lawyer, give us a call at 866-210-6821 or fill out our online contact form.
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