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Requirements for Reporting Car Accidents in Maryland
Posted on behalf of Peter T. Nicholl in Car Accidents Published on February 5, 2020 and updated on April 24, 2026.
After a car accident in Maryland, you may be required to report the incident. Knowing what to do could help save you from facing a penalty for failure to file under the law.
The car accident lawyers from our Baltimore location further explain the state’s reporting requirements and why filing an accident report could be beneficial.
In Maryland, a car accident must be reported if someone is injured or killed, a vehicle needs to be towed, the crash involves a hit-and-run or drunk driver, a driver refuses to exchange information, unattended property is damaged, or a domestic animal is hit. If required, drivers generally have 15 days to file the necessary written report.
If you were injured in a crash, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injury and other damages. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your available legal options.
Reporting Requirements for Drivers
If you happen to be involved in an accident on a Maryland roadway, it is important that you know when a car wreck must be reported to law enforcement. Not all accidents require reporting.
When Accident Reports Must Be Filed
A car accident must be reported if one of the following factors applies:
- Any person involved is injured or killed
- Unattended vehicles or property was damaged, and you are unable to find the owner
- A vehicle needs to be towed
- A drunk driver is involved in the accident
- The accident is a hit and run
- A driver cannot or refuses to exchange information with you
- A domestic animal was hit
Why Accidents Need to Be Reported
Reporting a collision is important because the accident report created provides evidence of the incident. Whether pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit, the report offers a great deal of information that is useful to an attorney when building a strong case on your behalf. The insurance company will also need to have access to this report for use in a claims investigation.
Filing an Accident Report in Maryland
After an accident that requires reporting, drivers have 15 days to file a written statement with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The statement must include:
- The name and address of the driver’s insurance company
- The policy number for the driver’s liability insurance policy
- The name and address of the driver’s local insurance agent
All drivers involved in the accident are also required to submit reports to provide evidence of liability insurance. If a driver is unable to make the report due to injury or refuses to comply, the MVA may require the owner of the vehicle to report the accident and provide evidence of the driver’s liability insurance.
Once the report is received, the MVA may request supplemental written reports. This is done if the original report did not contain sufficient information to prove the driver’s liability coverage.
It is important to note that it is not necessary to file a report with the MVA if a police officer responded to and investigated your accident and filed a police report with the Department of State Police.
If a report is not filed for an accident that requires reporting, the MVA may suspend or revoke the driver’s license and registration for all the driver’s vehicles, not limited to the vehicle involved in the accident in question. A suspension order can be placed on any vehicle involved in the accident, even if the driver was not the owner of the involved vehicle.
FAQs About Reporting Car Accidents in Maryland
Do I have to report a car accident in Maryland?
Yes, certain car accidents in Maryland must be reported, especially when someone is injured, killed, or property damage is significant. Reporting the crash creates an official record that may help establish fault, document injuries, and support an insurance or personal injury claim.
When should I call the police after a Maryland car accident?
You should call the police after a Maryland car accident if anyone is injured, a vehicle cannot be driven, a driver appears impaired, or there is a dispute about what happened. A police report can preserve key facts and help connect the crash to the injuries and damages being claimed.
Can failing to report a car accident hurt my injury claim?
Yes, failing to report an accident can make it harder to prove what happened and when your injuries occurred. Insurance companies may use the lack of an official report to question liability, causation, or the seriousness of your damages.
What information should I collect after a Maryland car accident?
You should collect names, contact details, insurance information, license plate numbers, photos, witness information, and the responding officer’s details. This evidence can help establish fault, document the scene, and support the value of your injury claim.
How does a police report help prove fault after a crash?
A police report may help prove fault by documenting the crash location, driver statements, witness information, citations, and the officer’s observations. While it may not decide the entire case, it can be important evidence when liability is disputed.
What if I did not feel injured until after leaving the accident scene?
You may still have a valid injury claim even if symptoms appeared hours or days after the crash. Delayed pain, headaches, dizziness, or back and neck symptoms should be medically documented because insurers often question injuries that are not reported promptly.
Should I notify my insurance company after a Maryland car accident?
Yes, you should usually notify your insurance company after a crash, even if the other driver appears to be at fault. Insurance policies often require timely notice, and delays can create coverage disputes or make it harder to recover available benefits.
When should I contact a lawyer after reporting a car accident?
You should contact a lawyer soon after reporting the accident if you were injured, fault is disputed, or the insurance company is pressuring you for a statement or quick settlement. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl can help protect the claim, preserve evidence, and evaluate the full extent of your damages.
Contact Our Lawyers for Legal Help
If you were injured in a car accident, our experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl are ready to help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Request a free consultation to get started on your claim. There are no upfront fees, and you only pay for our services if we recover compensation for you.
We are available to take your call anytime. 410-244-7005.
