A rear-end crash can interrupt a routine commute in seconds, whether you are driving along Route 2 in Severna Park, heading toward Annapolis or sitting in traffic on I-95. Knowing what to do next can help you stay organized and create a clearer record of what happened.
Move to safety and exchange information
Your priority is safety. If no one is injured and your vehicle can be driven, move it out of the travel lanes to a safe nearby location.
After you reach a safe area, exchange information with the other driver. You should collect:
- Contact information
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
You must also gather witness information and, if possible, take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals and the area where the crash happened.
A rear-end crash may also create a rebuttable presumption of negligence against the following driver. However, because this can be challenged, your photos and witness details remain vital evidence.
Get medical attention and track your symptoms
Symptoms like neck pain, headaches or stiffness often develop hours or days after the impact. Seeking medical care immediately documents your condition. This is especially important because Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If your own actions contributed to the accident, your ability to recover compensation might be at risk. Clear medical records help establish the timeline of your injuries.
Report the crash when required
While state law specifically requires reporting crashes involving injury, death or property damage above the statutory reporting threshold, it is best practice to call 911 if there is any dispute, suspected impairment or blocked traffic. If officers respond, the police report can be useful evidence for an insurance claim or lawsuit, though it is not required in every case.
Also check your policy for Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Maryland auto insurers must offer PIP coverage, which can help settle medical bills and cover lost wages regardless of fault unless you waive it in writing.
Keeping the claim organized
Keep all bills, repair estimates and insurance correspondence in one place. Timing is critical. In Maryland, you must file most personal injury lawsuits within three years of the accident.
Staying organized from the start makes the recovery process less confusing. If you have questions about your rights, consider speaking with a legal professional to discuss your specific situation.
