What the insurance company does not want you to know is this: you are allowed to file a Maryland crash claim even if you do not read English well, and you do not have to guess what their forms say or give a recorded statement on the spot.

In the next 24 hours, do three things. First, get the Maryland State Police or Hagerstown Police Department report number if officers came out, especially for crashes on I-70, I-81, U.S. 40, or rural roads with farm equipment or grain trucks during harvest season. Second, tell the insurer only the basic facts: who, when, where, and what vehicles were involved. Third, say plainly: "I need an interpreter. Send everything in writing." Do not sign medical releases you do not understand.

In the next week, open the claim with every insurer that may apply: the other driver's liability carrier, your own PIP/MedPay coverage if you have it, and your collision carrier if your vehicle is damaged. Ask for the claim number, adjuster name, and deadline for property-damage documents. In Maryland, if police did not investigate and the crash caused injury, death, or major damage, a report may need to go to the Motor Vehicle Administration. Keep copies of towing bills, repair estimates, ER records from Meritus Medical Center, and wage loss proof.

In the next month, expect the insurer to review liability, vehicle damage, and medical records separately. They may ask for photos, a repair inspection, and treatment updates. Maryland is not a no-fault state for injury claims, and contributory negligence rules are strict, so be careful with recorded statements. If they send a release, settlement check, or denial letter, get it translated before responding. For injury claims, Maryland generally gives you 3 years to file a lawsuit, and there is no cap on auto accident damages in most personal injury negligence cases.