When A Maryland Car Accident Happens: How To Protect Yourself At The Scene

Car accidents in Maryland happen with little warning and can leave you suffering severe personal injuries and extensive property damages. When other drivers are at fault, you can hold them liable for your losses.

Our Maryland car accident attorneys have extensive experience in these cases. Our legal team investigates, gathers evidence, and takes other legal actions to ensure the at-fault driver pays. However, the first step is protecting yourself and any passengers at the scene.

Maryland Car Accidents: Be Aware of Common Hazards At The Scene

Car accidents in Maryland can cause chaos on local roads. Your vehicle may be blocking traffic or sitting along a narrow shoulder as other cars go by at high rates of speed. This puts you at risk for potentially life-threatening injuries.

According to an October 19, 2024, Southern Maryland News report, police responded to a crash at the intersection of Patuxent Beach Road and South Patuxent Beach Road in California, Maryland.  Two drivers were involved and waited by their vehicles. Property damage was extensive, but no injuries were reported.

However, as State Troopers filled out accident reports and waited for a tow truck, one of the drivers inexplicably stepped into a nearby lane and was struck by a passing car. He suffered life-threatening harm and had to be airlifted to a local trauma center.

Unfortunately, this happens all too frequently. If you are lucky enough to survive a crash unharmed, common hazards at the scene could still put you at risk:

• Broken glass, jagged metal, and other debris;
• Leaking gas or other fluids;
• Angry and aggressive behavior on the part of the other driver involved;
• The speed at which other motorists are passing by;
• Being distracted or engaging in other reckless behavior while driving past the scene.

In A Maryland Car Accident? Take Steps To Protect Yourself At The Scene

When a car accident in Maryland happens due to reckless driving on the part of other motorists, you have the right to hold them liable for your losses. Compensation may be available through an insurance claim or by filing a car accident lawsuit through the Maryland court system.

Our Maryland car accident attorneys generally advise clients to protect their rights by notifying the police immediately, getting contact information for the other driver and any witnesses, and taking photos or videos of the scene. However, it is important to take steps to protect your safety at the crash site as well:

• Move your vehicle to the side of the road, if possible;
• Use extreme caution when getting out, particularly near traffic;
• Wait as far off the road as possible for police to arrive;
• Refuse to engage in any type of dispute with the other driver involved.

Contact Our Maryland Car Accident Attorneys Today

Car accidents in Maryland can cause potentially life-threatening injuries. Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP provides experienced, local legal representation, helping you get compensation. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our Maryland car accident attorneys.

Sources:

smnewsnet.com/archives/539714/man-flown-to-trauma-center-with-life-threatening-injuries-after-being-struck-by-vehicle-at-crash-scene/

courts.state.md.us/district