If you’ve been injured in an accident in Baltimore, you may be entitled to compensation. This could include money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But even if you have a strong personal injury case, certain mistakes can damage your claim—or even cause you to lose it entirely.
Personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies are not on your side. This blog post will describe common mistakes people make after an accident in Baltimore. Avoiding these mistakes can help you get the best outcome for your case.
Not Calling the Police After an Accident
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is failing to call the police after an accident, especially a car crash. In Baltimore, police reports are often crucial in personal injury cases.
A police report provides an official record of the accident, including the date, time, location, names of people involved, witness statements, and possibly the officer’s opinion on who was at fault. Without it, your case may rely only on your word versus the other person’s.
Always call 911 after an accident, even if it seems minor. A police report can support your story and strengthen your case.
Delaying Medical Treatment
If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t serious—or that they weren’t caused by the accident.
In Baltimore, getting medical care right away shows that you took your injuries seriously. It also creates a record of your condition, which your attorney can use to prove your damages.
Even if you feel okay at first, some injuries—like whiplash or brain trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. See a doctor as soon as possible, and follow their advice.
Not Following Your Doctor’s Orders
Another common mistake is not sticking to your treatment plan. If you skip follow-up appointments, therapy sessions, or don’t take prescribed medication, it could hurt your case.
Insurance adjusters may say you didn’t do everything you could to recover or that you weren’t really hurt. In Baltimore courts, this can lower the amount of money you receive—or result in no compensation at all.
Follow your doctor’s instructions closely and keep records of your visits and treatments.
Talking to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to save their company money. If you talk to them on your own, they might use your words against you.
For example, saying “I’m feeling better” or “I didn’t see the other driver” could be twisted to make it sound like the accident was your fault or your injuries aren’t serious.
Before you speak with an insurance company—especially if it’s the other person’s insurer—talk to a personal injury lawyer in Baltimore. Your lawyer can handle communication and protect your rights.
Posting on Social Media About Your Accident
Social media can be dangerous during a personal injury case. Insurance companies and defense lawyers often look at Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms to find evidence against you.
For example, if you post a picture of yourself out with friends or enjoying an event, they might say you’re not as injured as you claim. Even simple statements like “I’m okay” can be used to hurt your case.
You should avoid posting anything about your accident or your recovery. Better yet, stay off social media altogether until your case is resolved.
Not Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Some people think they can handle a personal injury case on their own. But in most cases, that’s a mistake.
Insurance companies have experienced lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. Without legal help, you might not understand your rights or know how much your case is worth.
A Baltimore personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process, gather evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Maryland law sets a time limit—called the statute of limitations—for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation entirely. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather evidence, find witnesses, and build a strong case.
Admitting Fault at the Scene
After an accident, it’s natural to say things like “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault,” especially if you’re upset or trying to be polite. But in a personal injury case, these words can come back to haunt you.
Even if you believe you were at fault, you may not know the full details of the accident yet. There could be factors you’re unaware of—like the other driver being distracted or a broken traffic signal.
In Maryland, the rule of contributory negligence means that if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may not recover anything. Don’t say anything that could be used against you later.
Settling Too Quickly With The Insurance Company
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements soon after an accident. It might be tempting to accept, especially if you have bills piling up. But these early offers are usually much lower than what your case is really worth.
Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more—even if your injuries get worse later. It’s important to understand the full value of your case before agreeing to anything.
We hope this blog post helped you understand common mistakes people make after an accident in Baltimore.
Speak With Baltimore Personal Injury Attorney Steven H. Heisler Today
It’s common after a car accident to say or do things that might hinder a personal injury claim. If you have been involved in a car accident, give us a call to discuss your options. We understand your frustrations and anxiety and we are here to help. Call us today at (410) 625-4878 for a free consultation.