Maryland Car Accident Laws: Your Legal Duty After an Accident

In Maryland, you have responsibilities to other drivers after a car accident. Read this to learn what you must do to avoid penalties.

Car crashes are an unfortunate part of the daily commute in Maryland. Before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to know your legal duties in case you get into an accident.

In this article, we’ll outline the basic steps you must take after a car accident in Maryland, and explain what can happen if you don’t follow them. You can also read Title 20 of the Maryland Transportation Code to learn more.

1. Maryland Driver Exchange of Information Law

Under Maryland law, if you are involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury or death, you must stop your vehicle as close to the scene of the accident as possible.

You must remain at the scene until you have provided your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other parties involved and any police officer investigating the crash. You also must show your driver’s license if requested to do so.

 The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to another person immediately shall stop the vehicle as close as possible to the scene of the accident, without obstructing traffic more than necessary.

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to another person immediately shall return to and remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has complied with § 20–104 of this title.

MD Trans. Code §  20-102

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person or in damage to an attended vehicle or other attended property shall give his name, his address, and the registration number of the vehicle he is driving and, on request, exhibit his license to drive, if it is available, to:

  • Any person injured in the accident; and
  • The driver, occupant of, or person attending any vehicle or other property damaged in the accident.

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person or in damage to an attended vehicle or other attended property shall give the same information and, on request, exhibit his license to drive, if it is available, to any police officer who is at the scene of or otherwise is investigating the accident.

MD Trans. Code § 20-104

2. Maryland Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid

If you are involved in a car accident that results in injury to another person, you are required by Maryland law to render “reasonable assistance.” This includes arranging for transportation to a medical facility if treatment is necessary or if the injured person asks to go to the hospital.

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person or in damage to property shall render reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident and, if the person requests medical treatment or it is apparent that medical treatment is necessary, arrange for the transportation of the person to a hospital.

MD Trans. Code § 20-104

3. Maryland Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police

In Maryland, you are required to report any car accident that results in bodily injury or death to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days. However, you are not obligated to make a report if a police officer investigates the accident or if you are physically incapable of submitting one.

Additionally, if a police officer is not present at the scene of the accident and you cannot exchange information with the other parties involved, you must report the crash to the nearest local police authority.

If a police officer is not present and none of the specified persons is in condition to receive the information to which the person otherwise would be entitled, the driver, after fulfilling to the extent possible every other requirement, immediately shall report the accident to the nearest office of an authorized police authority.

MD Trans. Code § 20-104

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person shall, within 15 days after the accident, report the matter in writing to the Administration.

A written accident report is not required under this section:

  • If the accident has been investigated by a police officer and a report by the police officer has been filed with the Department of State Police; or
  • From any person while that person is physically incapable of making the report.

MD Trans. Code § 20-107

What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Maryland?

According to Maryland law, if you fail to report an accident when you are required to do so, you can face up to two months in prison and a fine of up to $500. You can also have your driver’s license and registration suspended or revoked in certain situations.

A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

MD Trans. Code § 20-104

If a person fails to file a written accident report as required by § 20-107 of this title or to give correctly the information required by the Administration in connection with the report, the Administration may suspend or revoke:

  • The license to drive of the person; and
  • The registration of each vehicle owned by the person.

MD. Trans Code § 20-109

4. Maryland Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty

When you’re in a Maryland car accident that results in only property damage, you must immediately stop your vehicle without obstructing more traffic than is necessary. You must remain at the scene until you exchange information with the other driver and, if required, contact the police.

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results only in damage to an attended vehicle or other attended property immediately shall stop the vehicle as close as possible to the scene of the accident, without obstructing traffic more than necessary.

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results only in damage to an attended vehicle or other attended property shall return to and remain at the scene of the accident until he has complied with § 20–104 of this title.

MD Trans. Code § 20-103

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person or in damage to an attended vehicle or other attended property shall give his name, his address, and the registration number of the vehicle he is driving and, on request, exhibit his license to drive, if it is available, to:

  • Any person injured in the accident; and
  • The driver, occupant of, or person attending any vehicle or other property damaged in the accident.

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person or in damage to an attended vehicle or other attended property shall give the same information and, on request, exhibit his license to drive, if it is available, to any police officer who is at the scene of or otherwise is investigating the accident.

MD Trans. Code § 20-104

5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Maryland?

If you hit a parked car in Maryland, you must stop your vehicle as soon as possible. You then must attempt to locate the owner of the damaged vehicle and give your name and address, the registration number of the vehicle you are driving, and the name and address of the vehicle’s owner.

If you are unable to locate the damaged vehicle’s owner, you must leave a note containing this information in a conspicuous place on or near the damaged vehicle.

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in damage to an unattended vehicle immediately shall stop the vehicle as close as possible to the scene of the accident, without obstructing traffic more than necessary.

The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in damage to an unattended vehicle shall attempt to locate the driver, owner, or person in charge of the damaged vehicle or other property and notify him of:

  • His name and address;
  • The registration number of the vehicle he is driving; and
  • The name and address of the owner of that vehicle.

If the driver, owner, or person in charge of the damaged vehicle cannot be located, the driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in damage to an unattended vehicle or other unattended property shall leave in a conspicuous, secure place in or on the damaged vehicle or other property a written notice providing the information required.

MD Trans. Code § 20-105

It is crucial that you understand Maryland’s car accident laws, as well as your legal duties after a crash. By learning the law and obeying it, you can ensure you stay out of trouble and keep your driving privileges intact.