Imagine cruising down the JFX on a beautiful Baltimore afternoon, wind in your face, when suddenly, screeching tires, a flash of metal, and everything changes instantly. Motorcycle accidents happen fast in our busy Baltimore streets, leaving riders disoriented and vulnerable. Your decisions can significantly impact your physical recovery, financial stability, and legal rights in those critical moments.
The minutes following your motorcycle accident can determine the success of your entire case.
Here in Maryland, motorcycle accidents occur with alarming frequency. The bustling streets of Baltimore present particular dangers for motorcyclists navigating alongside distracted drivers, construction zones, and our notorious potholes. At The Snyder Law Group, we’ve seen too many Baltimore riders make innocent but devastating mistakes after an accident that cost them proper compensation and delayed their recovery.
While knowing what to do is important, understanding what not to do can be even more crucial. We’ve compiled this guide based on our years of experience helping Baltimore motorcyclists through the aftermath of serious accidents. The road to recovery is challenging enough—don’t let these common mistakes make it harder.
Immediate Post-Accident Mistakes to Avoid
Immediately following a motorcycle accident, the moments are chaotic and overwhelming, especially on busy Baltimore roads. Your adrenaline is pumping, and you might not be thinking clearly. However, these crucial first steps can make or break your case later on.
Leaving the Accident Scene Prematurely
We often see Baltimore riders eager to get home after a crash, especially when they believe their injuries are minor. However, Maryland law requires you to remain at the scene, exchange information with all involved parties, and wait for law enforcement if there are injuries or significant property damage. Leaving too soon can result in serious legal consequences, including potential hit-and-run charges that could complicate your case.
You must exchange full names, contact information, insurance details, vehicle registration information, and driver’s license numbers with all parties involved. This information will be crucial for your claim process later on.
Failing to Contact Police and Obtain a Report
Some Baltimore riders, especially those who feel they may have been partially at fault, avoid calling the police after an accident. This is a critical mistake. Maryland uses contributory negligence laws, meaning even if you were only 1% at fault, it could affect your ability to recover damages. A police report provides an objective third-party account of the incident and serves as crucial documentation for your claim.
Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law can destroy your case with just one small mistake.
The report will typically include the accident’s date, time, location, names and statements of all involved parties, witness information, officer’s observations, and a diagram of the accident scene. Police reports from the Baltimore Police Department carry significant weight with insurance companies. Without this official documentation, it becomes your word against the other driver’s, substantially weakening your position.
Neglecting to Document the Scene
With Baltimore’s busy streets, accident scenes change quickly as traffic continues moving. Evidence disappears fast, so documentation is essential. Many riders are too injured or shaken to think about gathering evidence, but if you’re able, take photographs or ask someone to help you capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Weather and road conditions
Don’t forget to collect contact information from witnesses. Fellow Baltimoreans who saw what happened can provide invaluable testimony later, especially if the other driver’s story changes.
Medical Mistakes That Can Harm Your Recovery and Claim
Your health should be your priority after any motorcycle accident. However, we regularly see Baltimore riders make medical decisions that impact their physical recovery and significantly damage their potential compensation.
Delaying or Avoiding Medical Treatment
“I feel fine,” a dangerous phrase after a motorcycle accident. The human body produces endorphins during traumatic events that can mask pain temporarily. Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal damage, may not present immediate symptoms.
Baltimore has excellent medical facilities like Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical Center, specializing in trauma care. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. This creates a medical record connecting your injuries to the accident—a critical link that insurance companies often try to dispute.
Your medical records tell the story of your injuries—make sure they begin on the day of your accident.
We’ve seen many cases where Baltimore riders delayed treatment only to discover more serious injuries days later. By then, the insurance company questioned whether these injuries were actually caused by the accident or something else entirely.
Inconsistent Medical Follow-up
Starting medical treatment isn’t enough—you must follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all scheduled appointments. Many motorcycle injury cases in Baltimore have been undermined when riders missed follow-up appointments, stopped treatment prematurely, failed to follow recommended therapy, or didn’t fill prescribed medications.
Insurance adjusters review your medical records carefully, looking for any gaps in treatment that might suggest your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Consistent medical care helps you heal faster and strengthens your claim.
Oversharing on Social Media
Baltimore is a tight-knit community, and it’s natural to want to update friends and family about your accident. However, insurance companies regularly monitor the social media accounts of claimants. That innocent post about taking your dog for a walk could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.
During your recovery, consider limiting your social media presence or at a minimum:
- Set all accounts to private
- Avoid posting about physical activities
- Don’t discuss your accident, injuries, or legal case online
Insurance Communication Pitfalls
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident in Baltimore requires caution. Their representatives may seem friendly and concerned, but remember: their primary goal is to minimize what they pay you.
Providing Recorded Statements Without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims quickly, sometimes while they’re still in the hospital. They’ll request a recorded statement, claiming it will “speed up” your claim. In our experience helping Baltimore motorcycle accident victims, these statements rarely benefit the injured party.
Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to elicit responses that could undermine your claim. They may try to get you to downplay your injuries, accept partial blame, or provide inconsistent details while still in a state of shock or on medication. You have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. We recommend politely declining and referring them to your attorney.
Accepting Initial Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers to Baltimore motorcycle accident victims, hoping to resolve claims before the full extent of injuries becomes apparent. These initial offers almost always undervalue your claim significantly.
Behind every quick settlement offer is an insurance company afraid of what your case might really be worth.
Motorcycle accidents typically result in more severe injuries than car accidents, leading to extended medical treatment, longer periods away from work, possible long-term disabilities, higher medical bills, and greater pain and suffering.
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more money, even if your condition worsens or you require additional treatment. We’ve seen too many Baltimore riders accept inadequate settlements only to face unpaid medical bills months later.
Admitting Fault or Apologizing
Baltimore roads can be challenging; multiple factors often contribute to motorcycle accidents. However, Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law means that you could be barred from recovering any compensation if you’re found even 1% at fault.
Many people naturally apologize after an accident, even when they’ve done nothing wrong. Simple statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as admissions of fault. When discussing the accident, stick to objective facts and avoid speculating about what caused it.
Legal Mistakes That Can Devastate Your Case
The legal aspects of motorcycle accident claims in Baltimore require specialized knowledge and careful timing. Even small mistakes can have significant consequences.
Waiting Too Long to Seek Legal Advice
Maryland has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but waiting that long is rarely advisable. Critical evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and your case becomes more difficult to prove. Baltimore traffic cameras, business security footage, and other valuable evidence may be erased or recorded within days or weeks.
Early legal intervention allows for preservation of evidence, timely accident reconstruction, witness interviews while memories are fresh, protection from insurance company tactics, and proper documentation of injuries and damages.
Hiring an Attorney Without Motorcycle Accident Experience
Not all personal injury attorneys understand the unique aspects of motorcycle cases in Baltimore. Our city’s specific traffic patterns, local ordinances, and court systems require specialized knowledge. Motorcycle accidents differ from typical car accidents in several important ways:
- Injuries are often more severe
- Bias against motorcyclists can affect claims
- Different insurance considerations may apply
At The Snyder Law Group, we have specific experience with Baltimore motorcycle accident cases and understand the local legal landscape.
Withholding Information From Your Attorney
Complete honesty with your legal team is essential. Some clients withhold information about pre-existing conditions, previous accidents, or their actions before the crash, fearing it will hurt their case. In reality, surprises during legal proceedings are far more damaging.
Your attorney needs to know potentially problematic facts to prepare appropriate strategies. Attorney-client privilege protects your communications, so you can speak freely about all aspects of your case.
Financial Recovery Errors
The financial impact of a motorcycle accident extends far beyond immediate medical bills and motorcycle repairs. Baltimore riders often make mistakes that limit their financial recovery.
Failing to Track All Accident-Related Expenses
Many accident victims focus only on major expenses like hospital bills and lost wages, overlooking other recoverable costs. Keep detailed records of:
- Mileage to and from medical appointments
- Prescription medications and medical supplies
- Replacement services (housekeeping, childcare, etc.)
Baltimore’s cost of living means these expenses can accumulate quickly. You should save every receipt and invoice and provide them to your attorney.
Returning to Work Prematurely
Financial pressure causes many Baltimore riders to return to work before they’re physically ready. This can aggravate injuries and prolong recovery, reduce compensation for lost wages, and give insurance companies reason to claim your injuries weren’t serious.
Your health should be the priority. Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding work restrictions and return dates. If financial concerns are pushing you to return early, discuss this with your attorney, as there may be other options to address immediate financial needs.
Conclusion
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash in Baltimore is filled with potential pitfalls that can undermine your recovery and compensation. From leaving the scene too early to accepting inadequate settlement offers, the mistakes we’ve outlined can have devastating consequences for injured riders. When you’re dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and aggressive insurance companies, having an experienced motorcycle wreck attorney Baltimore residents trust can make all the difference in protecting your rights.
As dedicated motorcycle wreck attorneys in Baltimore, The Snyder Law Group fights tirelessly for riders throughout Maryland. Our experienced team understands motorcyclists’ unique challenges on the road and during the claims process. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today for a consultation at (410) 843-3476. Don’t just sue them – Snyder them!