What are the Reporting Requirements for Maryland Car Accidents?

With so many vehicles on the road, car accidents are a regular occurrence across the state of Maryland. When such an accident results in property damage, physical injury or death, then the driver must adhere to certain reporting requirements. If the driver fails to comply with these requirements, they may face administrative penalties under Maryland law. As a result, it is paramount for all drivers to adhere strictly to the reporting requirements after a car accident.

Reporting Requirements for Car Accidents Generally

Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-104 establishes certain reporting requirements for any driver involved in a car accident. Immediately after the accident, the driver must render reasonable assistance to any injured parties, including but not limited to arranging for medical treatment.

Additionally, the driver must report the following information to other parties involved in the accident:

• Full name;
• Driver’s license;
• Address; and
• Vehicle registration number.

Until the driver reports the information above, they must remain at the scene of the accident. Though there is an important exception. If there is no other person capable of receiving the information above at the accident scene, the driver may leave. But that driver must submit an immediate report to the nearest law enforcement agency, including all of the information above.

Car Accidents Resulting in Injury or Death

Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-102 requires drivers to stop their vehicle — without obstructing traffic — immediately after an accident that results in an injury to or the death of another person. In most cases, the driver must remain at the scene of the accident until they satisfy all of the reporting requirements under Section 20-104.

Car Accidents Resulting in Property Damage

Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-103 requires drivers to stop their vehicle — without obstructing traffic — immediately after an accident that results in property damage. In most cases, the driver must remain at the scene of the accident until they satisfy all of the reporting requirements under Section 20-104.

Car Accidents and Domestic Animals

Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-106 requires drivers to report any car accident that strikes a domestic animal. Unlike the previous sections, however, the driver is not required to stop. Instead, the driver must submit a report to law enforcement or an appropriate state agency.

Penalties for Violating Reporting Requirements

Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-109 establishes the penalty structure for violating car accident reporting requirements. If a person fails to report an accident — or submits a false report — then the state may:

• Suspend or revoke that person’s driving license; or
• Suspend or revoke that person’s vehicle registration.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you have legal questions about car accidents in Maryland, it can be tremendously helpful to reach out to an accomplished personal injury attorney in Baltimore. The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP in Baltimore, Maryland, have experience helping clients recover compensation after a damaging car accident. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Resource:

mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=gtr&section=20-104&ext=html&session=2017RS&tab=subject5