When you are involved in any type of accident, there are typically a flood of emotions and uncertainty. You were hit by a car while crossing the street and suffered multiple fractures. Maybe you were bitten by a dog, slipped in a grocery store and broke your collarbone, or were run off the road by a semi truck causing a traumatic brain injury. No matter how you were injured, if you are at all like most victims of negligence, you are likely confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next. Listed below are three main things to keep in mind in regard to a personal injury claim.
Understanding The True Value of Your Claim Takes Time, and Cannot be Rushed
While the other party’s insurance company may argue that your injuries are not worth all that much and that you should just accept their initial offer or prepare for the case to be dragged out, you should never accept an initial offer without speaking to an attorney first. For one thing, it takes time to fully understand the true value of your claim. You may have been billed $8,000 at the hospital, but your damages likely extend much further than that. Will your injuries prevent you from being able to work in the next few months? Will you be left with an injury that will impact your life into the future, such as causing chronic pain or arthritis when you are older? What type of pain and suffering did you experience, and will you continue to suffer in the coming months?
Maryland’s Cap on Non Economic Damages May Limit Your Pain and Suffering Compensation
In Maryland, insurance lobbyists and legislators have limited non economic damages to $875,000 for 2020. So, regardless of your injury, under Maryland § 11-108, non economic damages such as the following, will be limited:
- Physical pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Emotional distress;
- Permanent disability; and
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Non economic damages are sometimes the largest aspect of a plaintiff’s damages. Unfortunately, they may be capped due to Maryland law.
Why You Should Avoid Discussing Your Case With an Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company of the negligent party has a single goal in mind—to limit your compensation by as much as possible. As such, they may encourage you to take a lowball offer, argue that your injuries are not as severe as you and your doctors claim, and try to disprove the other facts about your case, such as pinning blame on you. Do not discuss your case with an insurance company before you hire an attorney. Even then, everything that you say can be recorded and used against you to devalue your claim, even if you misspoke or unintentionally said something inaccurate. In addition to refraining from speaking with the other party, it is best to stay off social media and from posting updates about your condition.
Our Maryland Personal Injury Attorneys are Here to Help
Your financial stability may rest on the actions that you choose to take in the days and weeks following your accident. This is why it is important to discuss your options with an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney. Call the Maryland personal injury attorneys at Frame & Frame today to schedule a free consultation. We provide a very personalized approach to legal issues by listening to your story and creating unique solutions to take the weight off your shoulders.
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