Car Accidents in Maryland: 5 Things You Need to Know

Believe it or not, traffic crashes kill more people in Maryland than homicides each year.

Over a five-year-period, there’ve been approximately 105,000 traffic crashes in Maryland—close to a 1,000 of them have been deadly. Experts say that the majority of those crashes, over 90 percent, are preventable and caused by driver error.

If you’ve been in an accident, don’t worry, you’re in good company. The reality is most people have been at some point in their life. After all, no one is perfect. Fortunately, many people are able to walk away from a crash unscathed. However, if you find yourself in a car wreck, DuBoff & Associates, Chartered offers these five tips below.

1. Never leave the scene of your accident

You could find yourself on the opposite side of the law if you’re involved in a collision with another vehicle. From leaving the scene of an accident to failure to render aid, these are just a few of the charges that could cost you your license, a hefty fee and jail time. If you’re ever involved in accident with another car:

· If possible, move your car to a safe nearby location

· Check to see if anyone is hurt

· Contact 9-1-1 to report the accident

2. Do not admit guilt

After a car accident with another driver, it’s very important to watch what you say. There’s nothing wrong with asking the other driver, “Are you okay?” Doing so shows you’re sympathetic. However, saying things like, “I’m sorry,” “I didn’t see you,” or “I looked down for only a second,” can be used to establish your liability in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

3. Never make an agreement

Not all car crashes involve significant damage. A good portion of them are called “fender benders.” To avoid a higher insurance premium, the other driver may want to simply pay for any damage. However, don’t accept it! You may have vehicle damage that’s not easily visible or bodily injuries that have yet to surface. The amount of money the other driver is likely won’t add up to the actual cost of your injuries and/or vehicle damage. That’s why it’s important to insist on getting the other driver’s insurance information.

4. Be cautious of insurance settlements

Many insurance companies will want to settle claims right away. It’s not uncommon for many of them to offer settlements that are significantly lower that what your actually damage/injuries are worth. Before accepting an a settlement from an insurance company, confirm that the amount they’re offering is able to cover all of your expenses.

5. Consider talking to a personal injury attorney

Many people are hesitant to reach out to lawyers because they fear a long, drawn-out legal battle in court. However, most lawyers offer free initial consultations—including DuBoff & Associates, Chartered. An experienced personal injury attorney can offer advice on how to best handle the wreck. It’s important to note that contacting a lawyer will not automatically result in a lawsuit. In fact, most accidents are settled out of court, and many attorneys don’t get paid unless you collect.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at no fault of your own, feel free to contact DuBoff & Associates, Chartered today at (301) 495-3131. With more than three decades as a leading Maryland law firm, they’re prepared to put their reputation and skills to work for you.