Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Baltimore Personal Injury Claim
Personal injuries in Baltimore are, unfortunately, common. While you can hold those at fault liable, filing an injury claim is often both confusing and stressful. Unfortunately, victims and their families may unknowingly make mistakes that weaken their case and jeopardize their rights to compensation.
Knowing what to avoid helps protect your rights and increases your chances of getting the maximum amount you need to recover. Whether you were injured in a car crash or due to a fall or other accident, our experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers share ten common mistakes to avoid:
- Taking Too Long to File a Baltimore Injury Claim
Under Maryland law, you have up to three years from the date of the injury to file a negligence lawsuit. While this seems like adequate time, you would be surprised how many people wait until it is too late. In addition, depending on who the Defendant is (for example a governmental agency), there may be a requirement to place the Defendant on notice much sooner than three years. Under Maryland law, you must also notify the PIP (personal injury protection) insurance carrier of your intention to make a PIP claim within one year of the injury.
- Not Seeking Immediate Medical Care
Not getting treatment right after your accident can make it harder to prove your injuries and how they relate to the incident.
- Not Documenting the Accident
Photos, witness contacts, and medical records from right after the accident are essential forms of evidence that support your case.
- Making Statements Without Getting Legal Advice First
Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements, but have a tendency to twist your words. Avoid talking to them until you get legal help.
- Accepting A Quick Settlement
While tempting, insurers use quick settlements to avoid paying the maximum amount in a claim.
- Ignoring the Importance of Legal Representation
Don’t navigate the situation alone. Getting professional representation helps ensure you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to by law.
- Posting About Your Case on Social Media
Social media is one of the first places insurers look for information to use against you. Avoid posting about the incident or your injuries.
- Overlooking Lost Wages and Future Medical Costs
To avoid out-of-pocket costs, your personal injury claim should include compensation for all financial impacts, not just immediate medical bills.
- Not Following Doctor’s Orders
Not undergoing recommended testing, failing to follow prescribed treatments, or disregarding work or other activity restrictions enables insurers to argue that your injuries are not severe or that your own actions impacted your recovery.
- Underestimating Emotional and Pain Damages
Accidental injuries often cause emotional trauma. Be sure to document pain, suffering, and other emotional harm and discuss it with your lawyer.
To Avoid Out-Of-Pocket Costs, Contact Our Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers
Whether negotiating with insurers or filing a lawsuit through the Maryland District Court, mistakes such as the above can undermine your Baltimore personal injury claim. To protect your rights, know these common pitfalls and get legal help before making statements or signing any documents.
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we have decades of combined experience protecting injury victims and their families in the Baltimore area. Don’t let avoidable errors jeopardize your injury claim. Contact our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers and request a consultation today.
Sources:
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-109
courts.state.md.us/district
