If you are involved in a car crash, understanding how to proceed is vital. Unfortunately, many people make auto accident mistakes that can inhibit their ability to recover compensation for the damages they’ve sustained. As such, understanding these errors and how to avoid them is crucial. The following blog explores what you must know about these situations and how an experienced Prince George’s County auto accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for the injuries you’ve endured due to a negligent driver.
What Are the Most Common Auto Accident Mistakes?
It is crucial to understand that Maryland is a contributory negligence state. Essentially, this means that if you are found to have contributed to the collision, even 1%, you will be barred from collecting damages. As such, it is vital to proceed with caution when navigating the aftermath of a car accident.
The most crucial thing you must avoid at the scene of the accident and in the following weeks is taking responsibility for the crash. Even something as simple as apologizing to the driver who hit you can be twisted into you assuming liability for the collision.
Similarly, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you do not, and the injuries you sustain become severe, the defense may claim you contributed to your damages by failing to mitigate the injuries you endured. As such, you should request emergency medical technicians at the scene of the accident to establish medical care. At the very least, you should visit your primary care physician as soon as possible after the incident.
Finally, you’ll want to avoid posting on social media. One of the most common mistakes people make comes from their social media use following an accident. Though you may assume no one connected to your case is looking at your posts, this is far from the truth. Anything you say, like, share, repost, or comment on can be held against you in court. Additionally, if you post a photo of you smiling with friends, the defense can claim your injuries aren’t severe. It’s in your best interest to avoid posting on social media until your case has been closed.
What Compensation Can I Recover Following a Collision?
When you are involved in a car accident, understanding what compensation you can fight for is crucial. The most common is economic damage. These include definitive losses, like medical expenses, repair bills, and lost wages. However, you can also fight for non-economic damages which include pain and suffering, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are calculated on several factors, including the age of the victim, the activities they participated in before the accident, and the severity of their injuries.
At McCarthy, Winkelman, Mester & Offutt, we understand how these injuries can turn your life upside down. As such, our team is committed to examining every facet of your case to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for you during these challenging times.
