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The accident happened so fast that it’s all a blur. Now that it’s over, you can’t help but wonder if you could have done something to prevent the accident. You start thinking about anything you might have changed. A word of advice: don’t share that information with the insurance agent.
We are certainly not advocating that you lie. However, you don’t necessarily have to volunteer information that may in fact be irrelevant to the case. If you have information that you believe did not cause the accident but could be wrongly used against you, then you should consult with an experienced Maryland car accident attorney first. Here are four examples of facts that may or may not be relevant to your car accident case:
- “I was on the phone.”
Cell phone use is currently one of the top driving distractions in Maryland. Mention the fact that you were on the phone at the time of the accident to any insurance agent, and they will likely assume that you were the cause of the crash—and therefore don’t deserve any compensation for your injuries. Instead of giving a biased insurance agent information regarding potentially false leads, let the police use the facts to determine the true cause of the Maryland car accident. - “I am on medication.”
Maybe you recently started a new prescription painkiller or anxiety medication. Perhaps you took a dose of cough syrup or popped an allergy pill before getting behind the wheel. In either case, an insurance agent may attempt to use that information against you, falsely accusing you of somehow contributing to the accident because you were under the influence of a drug. - “I was exhausted.”
Fatigue is a common issue for drivers of all ages and backgrounds. Yes, sleepy drivers do sometimes cause car accidents, but just because you were tired doesn’t necessarily mean that you were the one who made some critical mistake that caused the crash. Again, an insurance agent may hear that and make assumptions without knowing the facts. - "My car hasn’t been working right."
Whether you’ve been driving with a taillight out, your brakes are bad, or that funny noise just won’t quit, vehicles often require maintenance. In some cases, these issues may have contributed to the cause of a car accident. If so, the police will discover that in a standard vehicle safety check rather than guessing the same way an insurance agent might.
Because Maryland still operates as a contributory state, some insurance agents have a tendency to jump on anything you say to try to prove that you somehow contributed to the accident. This way, they can avoid paying you any compensation for your injuries. Don’t give these people ammunition for a false case. Instead, contact a skilled Maryland accident attorney who can help you maintain your innocence and right to compensation following a serious crash. Call 800-875-9700 today for a free consultation.