What To Do After a Car Accident To Protect Your Claim for Damages

 Posted on November 12, 2025 in Personal Injury

The steps you take immediately after a car accident can directly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Whether you are dealing with minor injuries or serious damage, following the right process will help protect your rights and strengthen your case. If you were injured in a crash, we can help. The sooner you contact our Bowie, MD car accident lawyer, the faster we can help you build your claim with the evidence needed to recover all available damages.

Do You Have To Call the Police After a Car Accident in Maryland?

In most cases, you should call the police immediately following a crash. Maryland law requires that accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage be reported to law enforcement under Md. Code, Transportation § 20-107. The responding officer will create a police report that includes key details such as vehicle positions, witness names, and possible causes of the crash.

Having an official report can be helpful when you file an insurance claim. It provides an objective record of what happened and can protect you from false accusations later. The investigating officer will often address fault in the report, which you can use when establishing liability.

Should You See a Doctor Even if You Feel Fine After a Crash?

Some people think about skipping medical care after an accident because they do not feel immediate pain, but that is a major common mistake. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bruising may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeing a doctor ensures you get the treatment you need. It also creates documentation that supports your claim for damages.

If you wait too long, insurance companies may argue that something other than the crash caused your injuries. Under Md. Code, Insurance § 19-505, Maryland drivers can use Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to pay for medical expenses regardless of fault. Using this coverage right away helps avoid delays and shows you took your health seriously.

What Evidence Should You Collect After a Car Accident?

Once everyone is safe and you have called for help, you can try to gather as much information as possible from the scene. Useful evidence includes:

• Photos of all vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries

• Contact and insurance information for all drivers

• Names and phone numbers of witnesses

• The police report number and the responding officer’s name

Avoid discussing who caused the crash with anyone other than the police or your lawyer. Even a natural inclination to apologize could be used against you later.

Should You Talk to the Insurance Company After a Car Crash?

You will likely need to contact your insurer to report the accident. However, you should be cautious about what you say, especially when speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to get you to make statements that hurt your case.

Do not agree to a recorded statement or sign any settlement offers before speaking with an attorney. Your lawyer can handle all communication, review documents, and make sure you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Hyattsville, MD Car Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a crash, having the right attorney can make all the difference in protecting your claim. With over 10 years of legal experience, Attorney Jason Kisner offers honest guidance and straightforward advice. He maintains strong relationships with local judges and insurance companies, using those connections to move cases forward efficiently. You can count on him to fight aggressively for your right to fair compensation.

To learn more about car accident claims, call Kisner Law at 240-459-0097 today to speak with a Bowie, MD car accident lawyer who cares. Our office is available 24/7, and we can meet remotely or in person. We will even travel overnight if your case requires it.