What Can I Do if Another Driver Accuses Me of Causing a Car Accident in Maryland?
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough especially if you were injured, but when the at-fault driver refuses to take responsibility, the situation can become so much worse. Owning up to their actions can mean facing potential consequences like increased insurance rates or damage to their driving record. Fearing the potential legal repercussions of causing a car accident, the driver may try to deflect blame and point the finger at you.
Being accused of being at-fault for the car automobile crash can result in more stress and add a layer of complexity. When you are unfairly blamed for a Maryland car crash, it could leave you liable for thousands of dollars, if not more. A crash can affect your life for years and even a minor fender-bender can spoil your day.
Unfortunately, some car accidents turn into a situation involving finger-pointing. There may be no witnesses, and without solid proof of the facts of the accident, it becomes a matter of one person’s version of events against the others. What can you do in this situation? The attorneys at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt have seen this scenario numerous times before. Although you may believe you are in the clear because you did not cause the auto collision, that does not stop the other driver from trying to put the blame on you.
Protecting Yourself Against the Blame Game
It is vital to understand the steps to take if you are accused of being at-fault after a Maryland car collision. Is someone else blaming you for an auto accident they caused? There are some steps that you should take at the accident scene, to protect yourself and build a strong claim showing that the other driver is at-fault for the car wreck. Here is what you can do:
Step 1: Stay Calm and Start Documenting
The first few moments after the car crash are crucial. Regardless of what the other driver says:
- Take clear photos and videos of the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, vehicle positions, and visible injuries.
- Record the other driver’s license plate, driver’s license, and insurance card.
- Gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Write down your own detailed facts of the car collision as soon as possible.
This documentation could become your strongest ally in disputing false claims.
Step 2: Call the Police and Request a Police Report
Always contact local law enforcement, especially if you suspect dishonesty. A state trooper, or police officer’s impartial police report provides an official record that insurance companies and courts can reference.
- Ask the state trooper, or police officer to include your version of the facts of the accident.
- If the other driver makes false statements, politely ask the state trooper, or police officer to note the discrepancies.
- Request a copy of the police report for your records.
If you are unsure how to interpret the police report or its impact, a traffic accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt’s office can help.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, see a medical doctor right away. Delaying treatment could affect both your health and your bodily injury claim with the at-fault insurance company.
- Medical documentation is crucial evidence that links your injuries to the auto collision.
- It can help disprove any false claims that your injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated.
Personal injury attorneys often stress how vital timely treatment is for protecting your case.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the car accident to your insurance company as soon as possible:
- Stick to the facts of the car accident.
- Share your photos, videos, witness information, and police report.
- Avoid discussing fault unless advised by your attorney.
- Let your insurance agent know if you suspect the other driver is being dishonest.
A good insurance adjuster will begin their own investigation, but having your own legal counsel provides an extra layer of protection.
Step 5: Secure Additional Evidence
Beyond the initial documentation, other evidence may help prove your version of the facts of the accident:
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Traffic camera recordings (ask local municipalities)
- Expert car crash reconstruction reports
- Written or recorded statements from any witness
Car accident lawyers can help you access this evidence efficiently and as quickly as possible.
Step 6: Contact a Maryland Car Accident Attorney
If the other driver is not being truthful, it is best to consult a legal professional as soon as possible. Look for experienced attorneys for automobile car accidents, car crash lawyers near me, or vehicle collision attorneys.
How a Maryland Attorney at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt help:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation
- Subpoena critical evidence like footage or phone records
- Communicate directly with the insurance companies
- Represent you in negotiations
Most law firms offer a free consultation from their legal team, which means you can explore your legal options without any risk.
Sometimes, even with the facts on your side, the other driver keeps pointing the finger and their insurance company may follow suit. That is when having your documentation ready really matters. It gives you something solid to stand on if things escalate. Keep a folder with everything related to your auto accident handy. If the other side tries to twist the facts of the accident, having a well-organized timeline and supporting evidence helps you stay one step ahead.
Common Lies Drivers Tell After a Car Crash
Understanding the types of lies can help you spot and respond to them:
- Denying Fault: The at-fault driver insists they were not responsible.
- Altering Details: They change the facts of the collision like traffic signals, speed, or road conditions.
- Exaggerating Damages or Injuries: They claim more than what happened.
- Blaming You: Even in clear-cut rear-end car crashes, the other driver may say you reversed or braked suddenly.
- Fake Witnesses: The other driver may even produce false witness statements.
How Is Fault Determined in an Auto Accident?
After a car crash occurs and the insurance companies are notified by their policyholders, an insurance adjuster will investigate the incident. The adjuster’s job is to determine how the car wreck occurred and which driver is at-fault.
To try and determine who is at fault, the adjuster will inspect the damage to both vehicles. Interview both drivers and any witnesses to the car crash. Examine all available evidence, including the accident scene photos, videos, police reports, and medical records if they are available.
Because the insurance adjuster can only decide liability based on the evidence that is presented; the photos, videos, and other evidence that you gathered in the steps outlined above can help the insurance adjuster make an informed decision.
Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney for Help Today
It is not unusual to get blamed for a car crash that you did not cause. It happens more than you think. Whether they claim you were at fault, deny key facts, or even fabricate witnesses, false statements can seriously affect your insurance claim and your ability to recover damages for your personal injury or vehicle damage. The good news? Truth matters, and with the right legal support, you can still prove your version of the facts of the car crash.
Being falsely accused of causing a car crash is a daunting experience, but you do not have to face it alone. By staying calm, gathering evidence, and consulting with an experienced Maryland car crash lawyer, you can protect your rights and prove your innocence. The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt is here to help you every step of the way.
If you are accused of being at-fault for a Maryland car crash, contact the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt immediately for legal help. We have helped countless car accident victims in Maryland navigate situations where the facts were disputed or misrepresented. From securing police reports to gathering video footage, we know how to build a case that stands up against dishonesty. Call the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt at 443-844-1528 for a free consultation with a Baltimore attorney. Do not wait, call today. We are available 24/7/365.