Protecting Your Rights After a Maryland Car Accident
A car accident can leave you dealing with physical injuries, vehicle damage, unexpected expenses, and uncertainty about what happens next. The situation can become even more stressful when an insurance company attempts to argue that you were responsible for the crash.
In Maryland, determining fault after a collision is especially important because the state follows a contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if an injured person is found even partially responsible for causing the accident, they may be prevented from recovering compensation. Because of this, insurance companies may carefully review every detail of a crash in search of ways to reduce or deny a claim.
If an insurer tries to shift blame onto you, it is important to take steps that protect your rights. The actions you take immediately after a crash can impact your ability to pursue a claim later.
Do Not Assume the Insurance Company Has Your Best Interests in Mind
After a collision, an insurance adjuster may contact you quickly to ask questions about what happened. While the conversation may seem routine, remember that insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their financial interests.
An adjuster may ask questions that appear harmless but could later be used to argue that you contributed to the accident. Statements about your speed, awareness, actions before impact, or injuries may be taken out of context.
You are not required to provide a detailed recorded statement before understanding your legal rights. Before discussing fault or accepting responsibility, consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate communication with the insurance company.
Gather and Preserve Evidence From the Crash Scene
Evidence can be critical when an insurance company disputes responsibility for an accident. If you are physically able to do so after a crash, take steps to preserve important information.
This may include:
- Taking photos of vehicle damage and the surrounding area
- Photographing traffic signs, road conditions, and visible hazards
- Getting contact information from witnesses
- Keeping copies of medical records and accident-related expenses
- Saving communication from insurance companies
Even details that seem minor at the time may become important when determining how the accident occurred.
Be Careful About Discussing the Accident
Many people unintentionally harm their own claim by saying too much after a crash. This can happen during conversations with insurance companies, other drivers, or even through social media posts.
Avoid making statements that suggest you are accepting blame before all facts are known. For example, apologizing at the scene or saying you “did not see” another vehicle does not necessarily mean you caused the collision, but those statements may later be used against you.
It is important to allow a thorough investigation to determine what happened, rather than letting assumptions shape your claim.
Seek Medical Attention and Follow Your Treatment Plan
Some injuries from accidents may not appear immediately. Conditions involving the neck, back, brain, or soft tissue can develop symptoms hours or even days after a collision.
Seeking medical care creates documentation of your injuries and allows doctors to evaluate your condition. Following your recommended treatment plan also demonstrates that you are taking your recovery seriously.
Insurance companies may attempt to argue that delayed treatment means your injuries are unrelated to the crash. Prompt medical attention can help protect your health and your potential claim.
Understand How Maryland’s Fault Rules Can Affect Your Claim
Because Maryland follows contributory negligence rules, insurance companies may have an incentive to argue that an injured driver is partly at fault for the collision.
A dispute over fault may involve questions such as:
- Whether traffic laws were violated
- Whether another driver was distracted
- Whether road conditions contributed to the crash
- Whether witness statements support your version of events
- Whether the available evidence shows negligence by another driver
These cases are not always as straightforward as an insurance company may suggest. A thorough investigation may reveal important facts that support your claim.
Contact Rowe Weinstein & Sohn After a Maryland Car Accident
When an insurance company tries to shift blame after a serious collision, having experienced legal guidance can make a difference. Rowe Weinstein & Sohn represents injured individuals and works to investigate the circumstances surrounding car accidents, protect clients’ rights, and pursue the compensation they may be entitled to receive.
If you were injured in a Maryland car accident and the insurance company is questioning fault, contact Rowe Weinstein & Sohn today at (888) 482-3882 to discuss your situation.