1. Start Gathering Evidence Immediately

Strong evidence is the backbone of every successful claim. You don’t need to present it right away, but collecting it early helps strengthen your position during settlement negotiations or at trial.

Useful evidence may include:

• The at-fault driver’s name and insurance information
• Photos of the vehicles, damage, debris, skid marks, and road conditions
• The police report number
• License plate information
• Surveillance or dashcam footage (if available)
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical records and bills
• A written account of what you remember from the crash

Keep everything organized in a folder or digital file. Even small details can matter under Maryland’s strict contributory negligence laws.

2. Seek Medical Care Without Delay

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is assuming they aren’t hurt. Many injuries—such as internal bleeding, concussions, nerve damage, or soft-tissue injuries—do not show symptoms immediately.

You should:

• Tell the responding officers you are unsure about injuries
• Visit a hospital or urgent care the same day
• Follow up with your primary doctor
• Keep all medical documents and receipts

Prompt treatment protects your health and strengthens your claim by proving your injuries were caused by the accident.

3. Understand Your Legal Rights

Car accident law varies significantly from state to state. Maryland has unique rules that heavily influence the outcome of personal injury claims.

Important Maryland rules include:

• You must file your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer (fault-based system).
• You have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
• If you are even 1% responsible, you may be barred from recovering compensation (contributory negligence).

Because of this strict system, many victims lose compensation simply because of a small mistake in the process. Working with a lawyer reduces that risk.

4. File an Insurance Claim Promptly

Once you have received medical attention, contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Most insurers require claims to be filed “as soon as possible.”

An insurance claims adjuster or analyst will follow up with you. However:

• ➡️ Do not admit fault
• ➡️ Do not allow your statement to be recorded
• ➡️ Do not accept the first settlement offer

Insurance companies protect their bottom line—not your well-being.

5. Be Wary of Insurance Tactics

Claims adjusters may act friendly, but their goal is to reduce payouts. Common tactics include:

• Asking misleading questions
• Pressuring you into accepting a low settlement
• Attempting to record your statement
• Delaying communications
• Claiming your injuries are unrelated to the crash

With Foster Law Consulting LLC, we take over all communication so you never risk damaging your claim.

6. Filing Your Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If settlement negotiations fail or the insurance company denies your claim, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.

In Maryland:

• Claims worth $5,000 or less go to small claims court
• Higher-value cases are filed in civil court
• The statute of limitations is three years

Once your lawsuit is filed, your case proceeds through negotiations, mediation, and possibly trial. Foster Law Consulting LLC will be with you every step of the way.