In the state of Maryland, drivers are not permitted to leave the scene of an accident that they were involved in, most commonly known as a hit-and-run accident. This includes hitting a vehicle on a highway, a fender bender in the city, bumping property on a side street, or swiping a parked vehicle with no one inside.
Maryland drivers are required to get out, document the accident, and contact the police following any accident resulting in property damage or bodily injury.
Learn about the penalties for a hit-and-run in Baltimore, what legalities a driver may face for leaving a scene, and what to do if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Baltimore.
Disclaimer: articles on sallerlaw.com are not intended as legal advice and should not be taken as such, please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation.
What is a Hit-and-Run in Baltimore
A hit-and-run accident in Baltimore, Maryland is when a driver leaves the scene of an accident in which there was injury, fatality, property damage, or a disabled vehicle before providing identifying information.
Drivers must stop when involved in an accident to exchange information and notify the police with a report. This is especially important when a vehicle is disabled and cannot move, there is property damage even with no other driver (i.e., parked vehicle or a telephone pole), or a person is injured.
Consequences for Leaving an Accident in Baltimore, MD
In Baltimore, drivers who are involved in an accident and flee the scene may face jail time, fines, and/or license points. In most cases, a hit-and-run is considered a misdemeanor charge.
The severity of the penalty depends on the severity of the accident – if there are severe injuries or fatalities, hit-and-run drivers will face higher penalties.
Penalties for hit-and-run accidents in Baltimore that include property damage:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- $500 fine
- 8 points added to the license
Penalties for hit-and-run accidents in Baltimore that include injury:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- $5,000 fine
- Possible 12 points added to the license and loss of license
Penalties for hit-and-run accidents in Baltimore that are fatal:
- Felony charges
- 10-years in prison
- $10,000 fine
Why Drivers Flee the Scene of an Accident
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are distracted by texting, phone calls, eating, or other distractions may flee the scene following an accident. They may continue being distracted and underestimate the severity of the accident, panic may set in, or they think they can get away before being caught.
Drunk Driving
Drunk drivers who cause accidents are operating under impaired judgment. Drunk drivers flee the scene of an accident because they are scared of being caught and charged with a DUI, they think they can escape without being caught, or they do not realize the severity of the accident due to alcohol or drug impairment.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving may include speeding, rough handling, tailgating, ignoring road signs, and more. Reckless drivers may flee the scene of an accident due to fear of being caught, road rage, or other factors.
Uninsured
Uninsured motorists often do not stop following an accident because they have no coverage. Without insurance coverage, drivers know they must pay for the damages and medical bills while facing fines and penalties for driving without insurance. Uninsured motorists believe it is easier to flee than face the fines and financial responsibilities.
Legal Concerns
Drivers who have a warrant for their arrest, are driving with a suspended license, or are facing other legal issues will want to avoid confrontations with the police. Drivers who flee an accident may already be in legal trouble and are looking to avoid being caught breaking other laws.
Panic
Many drivers act in a panic and flee the scene of an accident because they are scared. For whatever reason personal to them, fight-or-flight kicks in and they run from the responsibilities, fear, and damages.
There is no excuse for running from an accident and fleeing a hit-and-run accident in Baltimore. Drivers should always remain present, comply with the police, and work to help all injured parties.
What To Do if You’re the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident in Baltimore
- Safely pull over and check everyone for injuries
- Do not chase the fleeing driver
- Contact the police and make a report
- Document the accident with photos, videos, and any witness statements
- Seek medical assistance and get checked for injuries
- Contact your insurance company and report the hit-and-run accident
- Contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Baltimore for assistance
Baltimore Hit and Run Accident Lawyers at Saller Law
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be scary. There are damages to be compensated for, medical bills to pay, and insurance companies to handle. It can feel fruitless trying to find a hit-and-run driver in Baltimore with no identifying information.
Saller Law helps hit-and-run victims represent themselves against insurance companies, work with the police to find the party at fault, and ensure they get the compensation needed for the damages, injuries, and complications.
Get a free consult today to learn how Saller Law hit-and-run accident lawyers in Baltimore can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being involved in a hit-and-run accident?
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, your safety should be your first priority. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention if necessary. Try to gather as much information as possible, such as the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate, and direction of travel. Additionally, take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any injuries.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a crime in Maryland?
Yes, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in Maryland. Drivers are legally required to stop, provide their information, and render aid if necessary. Fleeing the scene can result in criminal charges, including fines, jail time, and license points.
Can I still file an insurance claim if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Yes, you can still file an insurance claim even if the driver fled. Maryland law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover damages if the at-fault driver is unknown. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident.
How can a lawyer help with my hit-and-run case in Baltimore?
A lawyer can assist in multiple ways, including investigating the accident, identifying the at-fault driver (if possible), negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress.
What if the hit-and-run driver is found? Can I sue them?
Yes, if the hit-and-run driver is identified, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them to recover damages. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. One of our personal injury lawyers can guide you through this process.
How long do I have to file a claim for a hit-and-run accident in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, for insurance claims, it’s important to notify your insurer as soon as possible, as they may have their own deadlines.
What if I didn’t get the fleeing driver’s license plate number?
Even if you didn’t capture the license plate number, there are still ways to investigate the case. Witness statements, security camera footage, and police reports can help identify the fleeing driver. A lawyer can work with investigators and law enforcement to build your case.
