It’s not always easy to tell who is at fault when you’ve found yourself in a Maryland car crash. The suddenness of a crash can leave your mind in a blur.
Any experienced Maryland car accident attorney will admonish you not to readily admit fault for an accident for three very good reasons:
1. You don’t know the whole story.
Accidents occur suddenly and are over in the span of a few seconds. It can be difficult to remember every detail vividly, and you only know what was going on in your vehicle. It’s quite possible that the other driver:
- Was distracted
- Was drunk
- Performed an illegal maneuver
- Was driving with a suspended license
Before you assume that your inability to avoid a crash caused the accident, check to see that you have all the facts.
2. Anything you say can be held against you.
It’s wise to hold your tongue when speaking with the insurance companies because anything you say to them can be used against you. This is why your attorney will suggest that you politely refuse to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. They may press you, but you are not required to talk to them, and it’s usually best that you don’t.
3. You might relinquish your right to compensation.
Because Maryland is a “contributory” state, any person who causes or contributes to the cause of a Maryland car accident cannot be compensated for any injuries received in the accident. If you admit fault — even if it turns out that you were not at fault — you may have trouble recouping damages.
Before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company, talk to an experienced Maryland car accident attorney who can educate you on your rights. Call the skilled lawyers at Nickelsporn and Lundin at 1-800-875-9700 for more information on how to avoid the common mistakes of car accident victims.