Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Baltimore Car Accident (and How a Lawyer Can Help)

A car accident can be disorienting, frightening, and even life-changing. In the aftermath, your actions—or inactions—can have a significant impact on your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Unfortunately, many crash victims in Baltimore make preventable errors that jeopardize their insurance claims and legal rights.

At SG Legal Group, we’ve seen how common missteps like not calling the police, delaying medical care, or dealing with insurance alone can damage even the strongest cases. This article outlines the top five mistakes to avoid after a Baltimore car accident—and explains how legal counsel benefits your recovery every step of the way.

‍

1. Not Calling the Police

Failing to contact law enforcement is one of the most damaging mistakes you can make after a car accident. Even in what seems like a minor fender bender, not calling police can lead to complications when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.

Why It Matters:

• A police report serves as an official, unbiased account of the crash.

• It documents key facts: driver information, statements, road conditions, and initial fault assessments.

• Insurance companies often require a police report before approving claims.

• Without it, the other driver may change their story or deny the accident occurred at all.

In Maryland, you're legally required to report an accident involving injury or death. Even if injuries aren’t immediately obvious, you should err on the side of caution and call 911.  

Legal Counsel Benefit: Your attorney will use the police report to corroborate your version of events, identify potential eyewitnesses, and dispute false claims from the other party.

‍

2. Delaying Medical Care

Some crash victims “tough it out” or delay medical care because they believe their injuries are minor. This is a critical mistake. Delaying medical care gives insurance companies ammunition to argue that your injuries were either not serious or unrelated to the crash.

Why This Hurts Your Case:

• Adrenaline can mask pain from soft tissue injuries, whiplash, or internal trauma.

• Gaps in treatment may cause insurers to deny or devalue your claim.

• A lack of immediate documentation breaks the chain of causation between the accident and your injuries.

• Delayed care could lead to long-term health complications and higher treatment costs.

In Baltimore, where traffic congestion and rear-end collisions are common, whiplash and back injuries often worsen over time. It’s essential to see a doctor immediately after the crash, even if you that you are only slightly injured. Always describe your symptoms thoroughly and follow all treatment recommendations.

Legal Counsel Benefit: A car accident lawyer will help you track and organize your medical records to strengthen your claim and ensure all accident-related injuries are properly documented.

‍

3. Admitting Fault at the Scene

After a crash, many people instinctively say things like “I’m sorry,” “It was my fault,” or “I didn’t see you.” While these statements may be well-intentioned, admitting fault—even casually—can seriously jeopardize your case.

Why It’s Risky:

• Fault in Maryland is based on contributory negligence—if you’re even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.

• Anything you say at the scene could be used against you by insurance adjusters or in court.

• You might not be fully aware of the circumstances (e.g., the other driver was texting or speeding).

Instead of speculating or apologizing, stick to the facts. Exchange contact and insurance information, and let the police and insurance companies determine fault based on evidence.

Legal Counsel Benefit: Your attorney will gather critical evidence—like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and crash reconstruction experts—to establish liability and protect you from unjust blame.

‍

4. Dealing with Insurance Alone

One of the most damaging mistakes car accident victims make is dealing with insurance alone. While adjusters may sound helpful, their job is to minimize payouts, not to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

Common Tactics Used by Insurers:

• Offering a lowball settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known

• Pressuring you into a recorded statement that can later be used to deny your claim

• Blaming you or alleging that your injuries are pre-existing

• Delaying the process until the statute of limitations nears

This is especially dangerous in Maryland due to its strict contributory negligence rule. Insurers will look for any way to shift partial blame onto you so they can avoid paying.

Legal Counsel Benefit: A lawyer will handle all communications with insurers, push back against lowball offers, and ensure no damaging statements are made. They know the tactics and how to counter them effectively.

‍

5. Not Hiring a Lawyer Soon Enough

Time is of the essence in a car accident case. Waiting too long to seek legal help can lead to lost evidence, missed deadlines, and reduced compensation. Yet many victims hesitate to contact an attorney, believing their case is too small or fearing the cost.

Why You Need Prompt Legal Help:

• Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years—but waiting even a few weeks can hurt your case.

• Surveillance footage, dash cam recordings, and witness memories fade or disappear quickly.

• Medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses can accumulate rapidly.

• You may inadvertently settle for less than your case is worth if you go it alone.

At SG Legal Group, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning we don’t get paid unless you win. Our firm is based in Towson and proudly serves Baltimore residents who have been injured due to another driver’s negligence.

Legal Counsel Benefit: From start to finish, your attorney will serve as your advocate—investigating the crash, dealing with insurers, negotiating fair compensation, and representing you in court if necessary.

‍

How SG Legal Group Helps Baltimore Crash Victims Avoid These Mistakes

At SG Legal Group, we focus on car accident cases throughout Baltimore and surrounding areas, and we know exactly what pitfalls to avoid. Our personalized, client-centered approach ensures that you never feel alone or overwhelmed in the aftermath of a crash.

When you work with us, we:

• Immediately investigate the accident and preserve evidence

• Help you locate qualified medical professionals for treatment

• Handle all interactions with insurance companies

• Accurately calculate your damages, including pain and suffering

• Keep you informed and involved every step of the way

We know how to navigate Maryland’s strict negligence laws, and we fight tirelessly to hold at-fault drivers accountable. Whether your accident happened on I-695, U.S. Route 40, or a neighborhood street in Baltimore, we’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.

Don’t Let a Simple Mistake Cost You Everything

Being in a car accident is stressful—but making a poor decision in the aftermath can be even more damaging. By avoiding these five common mistakes—not calling police, delaying medical care, admitting fault, dealing with insurance alone, and waiting too long to hire a lawyer—you protect your legal rights and increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation.

Call SG Legal Group Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one was injured in a Baltimore car accident, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

📞 Call SG Legal Group at (410) 618-1277
📧 Or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.