When Must I Report a Maryland Car Accident to the MVA?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

If you are involved in a car accident in Maryland, it is important to know when and how to report the incident to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). In this blog post, we will discuss when you are required to report a car accident to the MVA and what steps you need to take following an accident. If you have any questions after reading this post, contact an experienced Maryland car accident attorney for more information.

What is an MVA Report and When Do You Need to File One?

A Motor Vehicle Administration accident report is a document that details an automobile accident. It includes information about the time and location of the crash, as well as the names of any drivers and passengers involved. The report also includes a description of the collision and damage to vehicles or property.

Finally, it lists any injuries sustained by people involved in the accident. The Motor Vehicle Administration accident report is an important document for insurance claims and legal proceedings. It can also help authorities investigate the cause of a traffic collision.

When you are involved in a car accident, it is important to get as much information as possible. This includes exchanging contact information with the other drivers involved, taking pictures of the scene,

Maryland Vehicle Code 20-107 governs motor vehicle accidents and accident reporting. This law requires that anyone involved in an accident that results in bodily injury or death must file an accident report with the Motor Vehicle Administration.

Drivers have 15 days to file. 

There are exceptions to this rule though. For example, you are not required to file an MVA report if:

  • You called the police after the accident and they completed a report. They will be responsible for filing the report with the MVA
  • You are physically incapable of filing the report.

However, reporting a minor accident is usually not required.

How Do You Report a Car Accident to the MVA in Maryland?

To report a car accident to the MVA in Maryland, you can either call their customer service line at 800-950-1682 or go online to their website and submit a collision report. Be sure to have as much information about the accident as possible ready when you call or submit the report. This will include the date and time of the accident, the location, the names of any drivers and passengers involved, and the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved. You will also need to provide a brief description of how the accident occurred.

Once you have reported the accident to the MVA, they will send you a copy of the collision report. Keep this report safe as it will be very useful if you have to file a car insurance claim following the accident.

What are the Consequences of Not Filing A MVA Report After an Accident in Maryland?

The consequences of not filing an MVA report after an accident in Maryland can be serious. This is especially true if you are planning to file car insurance claims as it will significantly reduce your chances of getting the claim honored by the insurer and may result in large financial losses for you. Other problems that might arise include:

  • Having your driver’s license suspended or revoked
  • Having your vehicle registration (for all vehicles, not just the one in the accident) revoked or suspended

It is therefore highly recommended that you report any car accidents to the MVA as soon as possible.

Next Steps After an Accident

Following a car accident in Maryland, it is important to take certain steps in order to protect yourself legally and financially. By reporting the accident to the MVA and filing an insurance claim, you can ensure that you are doing everything possible to get back on track after a traumatic event.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Car accidents often result in serious injuries and failing to receive treatment could make your injuries worse.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Maryland, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have successfully represented clients in many car accident cases and know what it takes to win. Contact us today for a free consultation.

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.