Why Silence is Golden After a Baltimore County Car Accident

negligence law

Motorists are well-aware of the minimum auto insurance requirements established by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), which make it mandatory to carry $30,000 for bodily injury, $60,000 for multiple victims, and $15,000 in property damage coverage. However, aside from wanting to be in compliance with the law, not as many people understand the importance of insurance coverage and Maryland’s contributory negligence law. When you are involved in a car accident, it is through the at-fault driver’s insurance company that you will seek compensation. In doing so, you will need to prove that the other motorist’s negligent acts were the direct cause of the crash.

Though this burden may seem straightforward, there are many factors working against you in a vehicle collision claim. The best way to protect your own rights is to avoid harming them, you might do so by saying too much. Along with retaining a Baltimore County auto accidents lawyer, you should appreciate why silence is golden after a crash.

You might trigger Maryland’s contributory negligence law.

Like other US states, Maryland personal injury laws take into account the actions of a victim and whether they played a role in causing the accident. Still, Maryland’s version of contributory negligence goes further than other jurisdictions and can have a harsh impact on your case. The law states that you are completely barred from recovering any compensation if you were even slightly at fault.

As such, do not discuss the causes of the accident, who was at fault, or any other details. Other than confirming contact information, you should not talk to other drivers or insurers. You might say something that could be considered an admission, potentially triggering the contributory negligence law. 

You could misrepresent the nature of your injuries.

To support your health and your rights, it is critical to get medical care after a car accident. The medical records generated by your treating physicians should be the only source of information about your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis – NOT your own words. Therefore:

  • Make no mention of your level of pain.
  • Avoid speculating aloud about your injuries, even those that are obvious.
  • Do not answer questions from an insurance adjuster asking about your injuries.

You may inadvertently sign away your rights.

It is best to avoid conversations with an insurer entirely. Adjusters are experienced in techniques to get details from you. Not only could you get into trouble with admitting fault or information on your injuries, but the insurance company will attempt to get you to sign a release. By agreeing to the terms in the document, you will forgo all right to seek compensation.

Reach Out to Our Maryland Car Accident Attorneys Right Away

You do not have to worry about revealing too much when you retain experienced legal counsel to deal with the insurer. Our team is prepared for the challenges, so please contact attorney Michael A. Freedman to set up a free consultation. We can meet with you at our offices in Owings Mills or Glen Burnie, MD to review your case.

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