Car accidents rank high as a leading cause of injuries in the US, and statistics in Maryland reveal the risk locally. According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, there are almost 106,270 crashes statewide every year, affecting thousands of lives.
Unfortunately, victims often make costly, yet avoidable, mistakes in the aftermath of a crash. You can avoid these pitfalls by consulting with a Maryland car accident attorney right away, but here are some important steps to take.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention at a Local Hospital
Your health comes first after a traffic collision. Depending on the severity of your injuries, visit a local emergency room, urgent care center, or your primary care physician as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for hours or days. From a legal standpoint, a prompt medical evaluation also creates an official record and evidence that links your injuries directly to the crash.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, start collecting evidence at the accident scene. Use your phone to photograph:
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks
- Road and weather conditions
- Traffic signs
- Visible injuries
In addition, obtain contact information from all involved motorists and any nearby witnesses. In Maryland, strong evidence can be the difference between a successful claim and a denied one.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Maryland law requires you to report a car accident to your insurance company promptly. However, be very careful about what you say. Stick to the basic facts, such as when, where, and that the accident occurred. Also:
- Avoid admitting fault.
- Do not speculate about your injuries.
- Never give a recorded statement without legal guidance.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and even an innocent comment can be used against you. Before providing any detailed statements, strongly consider speaking with a Baltimore County personal injury attorney.
Review Important Maryland Personal Injury Laws
The state follows a contributory negligence rule that is one of the strictest liability standards in the country. Under this law, if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Another law to know is Maryland’s statute of limitations, which gives accident victims three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Though there are some limited exceptions that extend the deadline, you could lose any financial recovery if you miss the three-year window.
Contact an Experienced Baltimore County Car Accident Lawyer
A final critical step to take after being injured in an auto crash is reaching out for legal help. When processing your claim, insurance companies are keeping an eye on their own bottom line – not yours.
At the Law Offices of Michael A. Freedman, our attorneys fight stingy insurance companies that try to undervalue or deny legitimate claims. We serve injured accident victims throughout Maryland, so please contact our offices in Owings Mills or Glen Burnie. You can call 410.363.6848 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
