Common Mistakes Made by Maryland Car Accident Victims

In the moments right after an auto crash, you may be overwhelmed, upset, and even a little dazed. But what you do, and do not do at that time could be critical to building a personal injury claim later. After years of representing accident victims, we know what common mistakes can hurt an injury case, and how to avoid them.

Every car accident is frightening; the unexpected impact, the noise and, in some cases, the pain you experience can all contribute to that fear. Some collisions, however, can have severe consequences, affecting your health and your finances. The severity of those consequences could be linked to the type of accident you had. We specialize in auto accidents, all types of accidents.

The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, understands what the long-term repercussions of a serious car wreck might be. For many decades, our car accident lawyers have represented clients in Baltimore, Maryland. We know what kind of future you might have if you do not hire an experienced car wreck lawyer. Let us help you protect yourself and your family.

If you are hurt due to the negligent or intentional behavior of another person, you likely have a personal injury case and could be entitled to financial compensation.

The at-fault party who causes your injury is liable for your damages. In most case, you will use an experienced car crash injury attorney to file a claim against that party’s insurance company for your:

• Medical expenses present and future
• Property damage
• Lost wages/earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

10 Mistakes To Avoid After a Maryland Car Crash

You can strengthen and protect your Maryland car crash case by avoiding common mistakes victims often make after their car collision. Never assume that the worst is over after you leave the crash scene. The steps you take afterward might cost you thousands of dollars in damages, including:

• Waiting too long for medical care: If you are not taken to the Emergency Room from the scene of your accident by Ambulance, make sure you see a doctor right away, even if you do not have visible injuries, because a doctor’s exam can reveal injuries that might not present immediately after your car collision. A doctor will have medical reports and diagnosis documents providing the injuries you have suffered are a direct cause from the auto accident. Be sure to keep all doctor’s appointments and follow all medical advice. Keep records/receipts from all treatments/prescriptions.
• Not gathering evidence at the accident scene: Anyone needing medical attention after an accident should be a priority. After that, try to document on-site details of the auto collision, using your smartphone or camera if you have one available. Some helpful evidence that you can collect yourself include: the visual damage, the scene and time of day, other drivers’ insurance and license information, witness information, and visible injuries.
• Not calling the police or making a police report: Reporting your accident/injury to the police is crucial because the official police report of your auto collision proves that the accident happened when/where you say it did. The police will investigate the scene and report details that can help serve as evidence to support your claim with the insurance companies.
• Posting on social media: In today’s world, it may be tempting to post details or pictures of an accident or your injuries. But the information that you post or share on the internet could be considered later in an investigation. You should not post anything about your accident or injuries on any social media platform until you have had a chance to discuss your claim with an auto accident lawyer. The at-fault party’s insurer will look for anything you post and try to use it against you, if possible.
• Giving information to insurance adjusters: After your auto accident, you will probably be contacted by the insurance adjuster that was assigned to handle your claim. The adjuster will ask questions about your injuries, how the accident happened, and your current condition. They will try to get a recorded statement from you and try to obtain access to your medical records. The adjuster may offer you a quick, low settlement and pressure you to accept it. The purpose of this call is not to help you in any way. Get the name, claim number, and phone number of the adjuster and refer them to your auto accident attorney.
• Ignoring the statute of limitations: The statute of limitations for an auto accident in the state of Maryland is three years from the date of injury/accident. This might seem like a long time, but the process of negotiation can be slow and tedious, so you should not wait to file your claim. It is best to contact a car accident attorney who will be sure you adhere to all deadlines and other procedural requirements in your case. If you miss the statute of limitations deadline by even one day, your claim or lawsuit is likely to be dismissed, preventing you from ever recovering compensation for your damages.
• Being dishonest: Tell only the truth to the police and your personal injury lawyer about your case, all details about how the accident happened, and your injuries. Avoid discussing your case with anyone else.
• Repairing property damage too soon: If your vehicle or other personal property is damaged in your auto accident crash, the damage could be crucial evidence for your claim, so do not rush to get it fixed. The insurance companies will want to see all damages right away.
• Admitting fault, saying “sorry”: Apologizing after an accident may seem like the right thing to go, but it could work against you. Comments that you make about the accident at the scene could be used later as evidence, so be cautious about your words. Do NOT ever admit full or partial responsibility for your auto wreck, or injuries to anyone at any time. Since Maryland follows a contributory negligence standard in personal injury claims, being found even one percent at fault for your own injury or damages can bar you from recovering any compensation.
• Not consulting Maryland car accident attorneys: Most Maryland personal injury lawyers will offer you a free first consultation and charge you no attorney fees up front. You will pay a percentage of your award only after your case is settled or won in court, so you have much to gain and little to lose by consulting an experienced car accident lawyer.

Car accidents can be overwhelming and stressful experiences, and it is crucial to handle them properly to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. In Maryland, where traffic accidents are unfortunately common, it is important to be aware of the common mistakes many people make after an accident. Failing to take the proper steps after a car crash could lead to your rights not being respected, taking on the fault of the accident, or your insurance claim being denied.

Have you suffered an injury due to an auto accident crash? Contact our Maryland personal injury attorneys today!

The experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt can help you avoid mistakes and will fight to get you fair compensation.

A car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, will work for you to fight for the financial award you deserve, keeping your best interests in mind. You might not want to wait to reach out, as it takes time to build a case before Maryland statute of limitations runs out. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get to work on your behalf. Call us at 443-844-1528 today for a free initial consultation with a member of our legal team. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.