Have you been in a car accident in Maryland? If so, you’re likely no stranger to the whirlwind of legal proceedings following a crash.
Everyone — from law enforcement to the other driver’s legal counsel — will want a statement from you, including an insurance company. Insurance companies will ask you about every single detail of what caused your accident in an attempt to use your statements against you; even the slightest inkling of fault or negligence will give insurance companies room to devalue your car accident claim in Maryland.
When giving statements to an insurance company after a car accident in Maryland, you can protect your claim by avoiding the following:
1. Any Admission of Fault for a Car Accident in Maryland
A thorough investigation of the facts will determine who is at fault. You should never admit any degree of responsibility in a car accident, even if you only suppose that you might have contributed.
Maryland operates on a contributory negligence principle. Under this principle, you could lose your eligibility for compensation if you are partly to blame for your accident.
If they are able to get an admission of partial fault from you, insurance companies will use this law to their advantage.
2. Any Statement Blaming the Other Driver
While you should avoid admitting fault for the accident, you should also not point fingers at the other driver. Such statements will be on record and give an insurance company ground to devalue your claim. Worse yet, the other driver may counter-sue for defamation, escalating matters to a full-on legal battle.
3. Your Medical Providers
You have likely sought medical treatment for your injuries. Extensive coverage and reimbursements are among the payouts an insurance provider must give you. Unfortunately, insurers will use information about your medical providers and costs to undervalue your claim.
For this reason, under no circumstances should you disclose your medical providers to an insurance company. Only do so once you’ve filed a personal injury claim with your car accident attorney in Frederick, MD.
4. Any Willingness to Accept an Early Settlement
At first glance, an early settlement offer may seem generous. However, do not accept any settlement without consulting a car accident lawyer. Whatever amount the insurer presents, it is more likely than not less than what you deserve, and you would have to retract your car accident claim to receive it.
It is not advisable to express a willingness to accept an early offer, as doing so will enable the insurance company to issue a lowball settlement.
Say Nothing to the Insurance Company — Speak With a Car Accident Attorney in Frederick Instead
Many statements you make can potentially bar you from a successful car accident claim from your insurance company after a car accident in Maryland. As a safe rule of thumb, we recommend that you speak to an experienced car accident attorney first to establish what you should and should not say.
Have you been in a car accident? Call us to maximize your chances of a successful claim with our legal services in Frederick.
Leave nothing to chance. Reach out now for a free initial consultation.
