After a traffic accident, confusion often sets in quickly. Between checking for injuries, exchanging information, and assessing vehicle damage, many drivers wonder whether they are legally required to involve the police. In Maryland, the answer depends on the specific circumstances of the crash; however, in many situations, calling the police is not just recommended, but necessary.

At The Law Office of Robert Castro, we assist accident victims in Waldorf, Maryland, and throughout the Washington, D.C. area in understanding their rights and obligations following a collision. If you are unsure about the legal steps to take after an accident, our team can provide the guidance you need. Contact us today to get started.

When Are You Required to Call the Police in Maryland?

According to Maryland law, drivers are required to report certain accidents to law enforcement. You are required to call the police if any of the following occur:

• Someone is injured or killed
• A vehicle cannot be safely moved from the scene
• One of the drivers appears to be under the influence
• There is a dispute about what happened or who is at fault

In these cases, police will respond to the scene, create a formal accident report, and assist with any emergency services. The report may be critical evidence if you pursue a legal claim later.

Even when none of these conditions apply, calling the police can still protect your interests. An officer can help mediate disagreements, gather witness information, and document the scene more thoroughly than either driver could do alone. If you’re working with a car accident lawyer, this report becomes a key document when proving what happened.

What If the Police Do Not Respond?

In some situations, especially minor collisions without injury, law enforcement may not be dispatched to the scene. However, this does not mean the accident can go unreported. Maryland law requires drivers to submit a written report to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 15 days if the crash involved bodily injury or death and no police officer investigated the scene.

This report must include key details about the accident and proof of insurance coverage. Failing to submit it can result in fines, administrative penalties, or even license suspension. For a clear summary of your legal responsibilities, visit FindLaw’s guide to Maryland car accident reporting.

If you are unsure whether a report has already been filed or what your reporting duties are, a qualified personal injury attorney in Maryland can help you understand your next steps and ensure all documentation is handled correctly.

Why an Official Police Report Matters

A police report provides an unbiased, third-party account of what occurred. It typically includes:

• Time and location of the crash
• Names and contact details of those involved
• Vehicle and insurance information
• Observations about the road, weather, and conditions
• Witness statements
• Preliminary assessments of fault

This document can significantly impact your insurance claim. If the report supports your version of events, it can strengthen your position during settlement negotiations. If you choose to work with an auto accident attorney, the report is used to support your legal strategy, especially in fault-based claims.

Additionally, the report may include citations or charges against the other driver. This could help prove negligence in a personal injury case.

When You Should Still Call the Police

Even if the accident appears minor, it is often safer to involve law enforcement. Consider calling the police if:

• The other driver refuses to exchange information
• You suspect the other driver is uninsured
• The other vehicle leaves the scene
• There are verbal disputes or escalating tensions
• You believe injuries may surface later

In any of these situations, calling the police helps document the event more thoroughly. Your car accident lawyer in Maryland will rely on those early records to advocate for your compensation. Without them, disputes over fault or damage can escalate into lengthy and expensive conflicts with insurance companies.

What If You Did Not Call the Police at the Scene?

If you did not involve the police immediately, it is still possible to file a report after the fact. However, your claim may be more challenging to prove without immediate documentation. Insurance companies may question delays or inconsistencies in reporting.

In this case, it is essential to gather all other evidence available:

• Photos of the scene and vehicles
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Medical evaluations if injuries occurred
• Repair estimates

You should also contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options. Legal guidance can help you build a stronger case, even if law enforcement was not involved right away.

How Delayed Reporting Affects Insurance Claims

Most insurance companies require prompt notice of any accident. Failing to report the collision promptly may result in denied claims, reduced compensation, or even policy cancellation for noncompliance. Whether or not the police were involved, you should notify your insurer promptly and provide any available documentation. Avoid making recorded statements or accepting a quick settlement until you have spoken with an attorney.

An auto accident attorney can deal with the insurer directly, ensuring that your rights are protected and that nothing is said or signed prematurely.

How a Lawyer Helps After an Accident

Even in cases where the police are called and a report is generated, things can still get complicated. Liability may be disputed, injuries may worsen over time, and insurers may attempt to undervalue your claim.

When you work with our firm, we review all reports, request supplemental documentation, communicate with insurers, and prepare your case as if it might go to court. This ensures no detail is overlooked.

You can read what past clients have said by visiting our reviews page, or explore real-world outcomes on our case results page.

Protecting Your Rights Starts with One Call

Reporting an accident is more than a formality. It can shape the outcome of your entire case. At The Law Office of Robert Castro, we guide clients across Maryland and Washington, DC, through every legal step after a collision. Whether or not you called the police at the scene, our firm is prepared to help you protect your rights, prove your case, and recover compensation.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. When it comes to your legal recovery, timing and preparation matter.