The moments after a vehicle accident are understandably unsettling. However, involved parties must rise above the chaos and carry out their legal obligation to share information.
After Maryland drivers involved in collisions stop their cars, pull up somewhere safe and render assistance, state rules require them to exchange information. Failure to do so may result in specific complications.
What can happen if drivers don’t exchange information
Drivers must prepare to give and receive complete names, contact numbers, car registration numbers, license plates and insurance details.
If they miss or intentionally avoid this crucial step in the process, they may face the following potential consequences:
- Hit-and-run charges for leaving a scene involving severe injuries, deaths and property damage
- Insurance claim difficulties and delays in processing due to incomplete details
- Increased chances of sharing liability for the collision due to noncompliance
The state’s law also recognizes that victims may not always be in a condition to receive or provide information immediately after a wreck. They may have sustained injuries severe enough that they needed to rush to the hospital for urgent treatment. When this happens, the responding police may have filed a report containing details that can move the case forward.
Why a proactive approach matters
A wreck’s traumatic circumstances can prevent crash victims from upholding their civic responsibilities. They may not accurately remember the things they must do due to the shocking turn of events. To avoid suffering any further from their own oversight, proactively addressing the concerns with legal guidance proves paramount. Doing so can help them file a timely claim, secure the compensation they deserve and not pay for an accident they did not cause.
