Injured in a Baltimore Car Crash? Here’s What to Do Next
Congested roadways, aggressive drivers, and unpredictable traffic, especially on I-95, I-83, and the Beltway, make car accidents in Baltimore more likely to happen. If you get injured in a crash, the steps you take in the minutes, days, and weeks that follow can affect both your recovery and your right to compensation.
Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers understand what you are going through and are here to help during this confusing time. Find out how to protect your health and your rights to compensation when a crash happens.
What To Do Immediately After A Baltimore Car Accident
The Maryland Highway Safety Office reports that nearly 500 car accidents occur in Baltimore County each year. If you are involved in a collision, you may feel confused or overwhelmed, but try to stay calm and focus on safety first. If possible, follow these steps:
- Call 911 right away and wait for police and emergency medical services to arrive.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including license, insurance, and vehicle details.
- Take pictures or videos of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Get contact info for witnesses, as bystanders often leave before police finish reports.
- Don’t downplay injuries or symptoms and get medical care right away.
Taking quick action at the scene helps document what happened and protects your rights in a claim if another driver is at fault.
Take These Four Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident in Baltimore
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that insurers earn over $150 billion in profits each year. One way they protect those profits is by denying and undervaluing claims.
You only have one opportunity to get compensation in a Baltimore car accident claim. When dealing with insurers, take these steps:
- Notify your insurance company in the days following a crash, but stick to basic facts. Avoid recorded statements until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- Get follow-up care from your doctor, follow treatment recommendations, adhere to activity restrictions, and keep records of all visits, diagnoses, and expenses.
- Save all accident-related documents, including medical bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, and missed-work records.
- Avoid posting about what happened on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media, since insurers can use your posts against you.
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you’re found even slightly at fault for a crash, it can jeopardize your right to compensation.
Before Speaking to Insurers, Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers
Recovering after a car accident in Baltimore is never easy, but you don’t have to handle it on your own. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we have decades of combined experience representing clients in these cases and protecting them when dealing with insurers.
Our Maryland car accident lawyers negotiate with these companies on your behalf and fight to get you the maximum settlement. To get the total amount you are entitled to, give us a call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FY2024_Baltimore-County_PID
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-industry-overview
dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf
