Good manners are definitely important, but there’s one circumstance when it’s a good idea to temporarily forget the lessons learned in childhood. After an accident, regardless of the circumstances, don’t politely apologize and accept any blame for the accident. Insurance companies love polite people and use their words against them.
Contributory Negligence
Maryland courts are governed by a very strict rule known as contributory negligence. This law could cause an injured person to lose the right to collect any amount of compensation for an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. All the insurance company has to prove is that their client was less than 100% responsible for the accident.
How Contributory Negligence Works in Maryland
Maryland law states that an injured person who was even slightly responsible for an accident cannot collect money from anyone else who was also at fault. The injured person must be 100% blameless in order to collect compensation for their injuries. In many other states, if the court decided that the injured party was 10% at fault and the damages from the accident were estimated at $100,000, then the injured party would receive 90% of the award, or $90,000. In Maryland, since the victim had been determined to be 10% at fault, the victim would receive zero compensation.
Insurance Companies Take Full Advantage of Contributory Negligence and Polite Victims
After auto accidents, the victim’s statement will be recorded on the police report. If the victim says anything that can be construed as proof that they weren’t paying full attention or were driving a few miles over the speed limit, for example, then those statements will be used against them. Feeling compelled to be polite and speak with anyone representing the insurance company can easily result in statements that can be misconstrued and used later to deny lawful claims. Insurance companies in Maryland find it easier to avoid paying claims to injured victims than in many other states.
Accident victims in Maryland should talk with personal injury attorneys in Baltimore instead of talking to the insurance company. Too many people have been denied the compensation that they deserved because they weren’t aware of contributory negligence and what it could mean to them.
Experienced personal injury attorneys in Baltimore at the Law Offices of Frank E. Turney, P.A. have been dedicated to maximizing the settlement potential for accident victims since 1992. Call today for a free consultation.
