Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | October 3, 2025 | Car Accident
At first glance, a minor car accident in Maryland might not seem like something you’d need a lawyer for. After all, if no one is seriously injured and the damage to your vehicle looks minimal, what’s the harm in letting the insurance company handle it?
However, even the most minor fender benders can spiral into legal and financial headaches—especially under Maryland law. If you were recently in a car accident in Maryland and are unsure whether to call a lawyer, this guide is for you.
Hidden Costs of Minor Car Accidents
One of the most common misconceptions drivers have is that a “minor” crash means minor consequences.
Even low-speed collisions can lead to long-term problems, such as:
- You feel fine at the scene, but wake up the next day with neck or back pain.
- Your bumper has a small dent, but your mechanic finds frame damage that could cost thousands to repair.
- The other driver admits fault on the scene, but changes the story once they speak with their insurer.
- The other driver gives you insurance information, but it turns out their policy has expired, and they are actually uninsured/underinsured
In these situations, you could be left with unexpected bills and legal complications.
Maryland’s Harsh Contributory Negligence Law
One reason Maryland car accident claims can be uniquely challenging is the state’s pure contributory negligence rule. This law means that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover compensation from the other driver. This legal doctrine is unforgiving, and insurance companies know it. That’s why they often look for any reason to pin partial blame on you.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Minor Car Accident in Maryland?
Hiring a lawyer may still be in your best interest even if your injuries are minor.
An attorney can assist in several ways:
- Evaluate your case honestly so you know what your rights are
- Gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements to support your claim
- Communicate with the insurance adjuster so you don’t inadvertently say something they can use against you
- Challenge blame-shifting or bad-faith insurance tactics that could invalidate your claim
- Negotiate a fair settlement so you don’t walk away with unpaid bills or financial stress
Legal representation can ease the process and help you avoid costly mistakes.
When You Might Not Need a Lawyer
There are a few cases where legal help might not be necessary, such as if:
- There were no injuries, not even soreness or stiffness
- Property damage was extremely minor and fully covered by insurance
- Liability is 100% clear and undisputed
- The insurance company pays quickly and fairly
These types of accidents are extremely rare. Nevertheless, running your case by a Maryland personal injury lawyer wouldn’t hurt. Many offer free consultations and honest assessments.
Delayed Impact of Injuries in Car Crashes
In the hours after a crash, your adrenaline is pumping. You might feel totally fine—but that doesn’t mean you haven’t been hurt. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash, concussions, and herniated discs often develop slowly. If you wait too long to seek treatment, it could hurt your chances of receiving compensation later.
Understanding the Insurance Company’s Playbook
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job isn’t to make sure you’re taken care of—it’s to protect their company’s bottom line.
Tactics insurance companies often use to avoid payouts include:
- Offering quick settlements before the full extent of your injuries is known
- Asking for recorded statements that can be used against you
- Delaying responses to wear you down or force you to accept an unfair settlement offer
- Pressuring you to sign a release of liability
Navigating this process alone, without understanding the nuances of policy language and valuation, can leave you significantly shortchanged. An attorney can protect you from these tactics. That way, the insurance company can’t strong-arm you into accepting less than you deserve.
How to Protect Yourself After a Minor Crash in Maryland
Taking the proper steps after an accident can make a big difference later.
Even if the accident is minor, it is helpful if you:
- Call 911 and wait for the police to arrive.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries (if any).
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel you’ve been hurt.
- Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company before talking to a lawyer
These steps will protect your health and legal rights. Obtaining immediate medical attention, for instance, safeguards your health and establishes a record. Documenting the incident creates a solid foundation for any future lawsuits.
Additional Legal Considerations for Minor Car Accident Cases in Maryland
Maryland law typically gives victims three years after an accident to file a lawsuit. If things escalate and you end up needing to file a lawsuit, securing legal help early could help ensure you don’t miss any critical filing deadlines. Early legal consultation also allows for more informed decision-making and provides you support in navigating the complexities of insurance claims.
What if the Other Driver Offers to Pay Out of Pocket?
Sometimes, the at-fault driver might ask you not to report the accident and offer to pay for repairs out of pocket. While this might seem like the easiest way to move on, it’s rarely in your best interest.
Such an offer can backfire in many cases because:
- You don’t know the full cost of the damage or your injuries yet
- They can deny the accident ever happened once you leave the scene
- You risk losing your right to file a claim if new issues arise
Always report the accident, get an official police report, and protect your rights. A short-term handshake deal can turn into a long-term problem.
Call Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Maryland Car Accident Attorneys
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a car accident alone—even a minor one. Get straightforward answers and trusted guidance from a team that knows how Maryland law works.
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how to get you the recovery you need and deserve. Our Maryland personal injury attorneys have 125 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100,000,000 in compensation for our clients.
Even if your case seems minor, it’s worth talking to someone who can help you understand your options. A simple consultation can make a big difference. For more information, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Maryland car accident lawyer.
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7