When you are involved in an accident, the last thing you expect is for the other person to ask you not to call the police. They may tell you that they will pay for damages out of pocket so you can both avoid the lengthy holdup of waiting for the police to arrive. Though it may seem enticing to take their phone number and proceed on your way, it’s not in your best interest to do so. It’s important to realize there are certain circumstances in which you must call the police after an accident in Maryland, but it is still in your best interest to do so regardless. The following blog explores these matters in further detail and explains why it’s imperative to connect with a Baltimore County auto accident attorney who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
When Do I Have to Call the Police After an Accident in Maryland?
In most states, you’re legally required to call the police if there is a certain amount of damage done to the vehicles involved. However, in Maryland, there are several scenarios in which you must call the police after being involved in a collision. They are as follows:
- Someone is injured
- One or more of the vehicles cannot be safely moved
- Public property is damaged
- The driver does not have a license
- The driver appears to be under the influence
- The driver refuses to exchange information or attempts to flee the scene
Why Should I Regardless of the Damage?
Even if none of the aforementioned scenarios where it is legally required for you to call the police to apply, it’s still in your best interest to do so as it can help ensure there is proper documentation of the accident you were involved in. This is vital in the event you wish to pursue a lawsuit for an accident you were involved in.
In some instances, you may feel okay or not realize the extent of your injuries at the time of the collision, which means you may think calling the police is unnecessary. However, if your injuries worsen, and you wish to pursue a claim from the negligent party, the fact that you did not call the police to report the accident can hurt your case.
Additionally, if you do not report the accident, you run the risk of the other party giving you false information, meaning you will have no way to contact them bout the compensation they promised to provide. Additionally, a police report allows you to prove that the accident did actually happen.
If you are involved in a collision in Maryland, it’s in your best interest to contact the police to file an official report. Additionally, you should contact the team at the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi who can help you if you wish to pursue compensation for the damages you’ve endured as a result of the negligent actions of another party. Contact our team today to learn how we can assist you through these complex times.
