Few moments are more disorienting than realizing the driver who just struck your vehicle is speeding away. A hit and run accident can leave you injured and unsure of how to move forward. Knowing what to do in the minutes and days that follow can protect both your health and your legal rights under Maryland law.
Stay at the Scene and Call 911
After a hit and run accident, your first priority is safety. If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 right away. Police involvement is essential, both for emergency response and for creating an official report that documents what happened.
Do not attempt to chase the fleeing driver. Leaving the scene can put you in danger and may complicate the investigation.
Gather Information Quickly
Details fade fast after a traumatic event. As soon as it is safe, write down or record everything you can remember about the other vehicle. Useful details include the make, model, color, partial or full license plate, direction of travel, and any identifying features such as bumper stickers or damage.
Look for witnesses who may have seen what happened. Their statements and contact information can be valuable when officers investigate or when an insurance claim is filed.
Document the Scene
Photograph your vehicle, the surrounding area, debris, skid marks, and any visible injuries. If there are nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or homes, security footage may have captured the incident. Mentioning this to the responding officer can help investigators follow up.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel uninjured, see a medical provider promptly. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries take hours or days to surface. A medical record created soon after the crash ties your injuries to the accident, which is important if you later pursue compensation.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the crash to your insurance company as soon as possible. Maryland drivers typically carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can apply when the at-fault driver flees the scene and cannot be identified. This coverage may help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage following a hit and run accident.
Be careful with recorded statements. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Hit and run cases often involve complex interactions between criminal investigations and civil insurance claims. Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule means even small missteps can affect your ability to recover compensation. An experienced attorney can help preserve evidence, coordinate with law enforcement, and negotiate with insurance adjusters.
Contact Mobley & Brown After a Hit and Run Accident
If you have been hurt by a driver who left the scene, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. Mobley & Brown represents accident victims throughout Maryland and works to pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact Mobley & Brown today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights.
