When you’re in a car accident, one of the first things you’ll deal with is the insurance company. Whether it’s your own insurer or the other driver’s, you’ll be contacted quickly—and often before you’ve had a chance to process the accident. While insurance companies advertise themselves as being “on your side,” the reality is that their main goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery.
In Maryland, where car accident laws are especially strict because of the state’s contributory negligence rule, insurance adjusters often use tactics to minimize, delay, or outright deny valid claims. In this guide, we’ll explain how insurance companies really handle auto accidents, what they don’t tell you, and how working with a skilled Maryland personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
How Insurance Companies Approach Auto Accident Claims
1. Their Primary Goal: Protect Profits
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Every claim they pay out cuts into their profits. This means their adjusters are trained to look for reasons to deny, undervalue, or delay claims—even if you’re entitled to full compensation.
2. Quick Settlement Offers
One common tactic is offering a quick settlement soon after the accident. While this might sound like a relief, these offers are often far below the true value of your case. Once you accept, you lose the right to pursue additional compensation—even if new injuries appear later.
3. Recording Your Statements
An adjuster may ask for a recorded statement “just to get your side of the story.” In reality, they’re trained to ask questions that could get you to admit partial fault—or say something they can twist to reduce your payout.
4. Monitoring Your Social Media
Many claimants don’t realize insurers monitor social media. A single photo of you at a family barbecue could be used to argue your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
5. Exploiting Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law
In Maryland, if you are found even 1% at fault in an accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies use this harsh rule to look for any evidence—however minor—that shifts blame onto you.
What Insurance Companies Don’t Tell You
They Don’t Have to Offer You Everything You Deserve
Adjusters won’t explain all the damages you may be entitled to—like lost wages, future medical care, or pain and suffering.
They Know You’re at a Disadvantage Without a Lawyer
Insurance companies know that unrepresented claimants often accept far less than they deserve. That’s why they may discourage you from hiring an attorney.
Delay Is a Strategy
By dragging out your claim, insurers hope you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer.
Their Doctors May Not Be Neutral
If you’re required to attend an “independent medical exam,” be aware: the doctor is often chosen and paid by the insurance company. Their reports often downplay injuries to reduce payouts.
How a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer Levels the Playing Field
- Investigating the accident to uncover all liable parties
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters to push back against lowball offers
- Calculating the true value of your case including future costs
- Challenging unfair contributory negligence claims
- Preparing for trial if necessary to secure maximum compensation
Steps to Protect Yourself After an Auto Accident in Maryland
- Seek medical care immediately – Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries may surface later.
- Document everything – Photos, witness statements, police reports.
- Notify your insurance company promptly – But avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice.
- Do not post accident details on social media.
- Contact an attorney before signing anything from the insurance company.
Get Started Today With Traffic Violation Help
At The Law Office of Hillel Traub, P.A., we understand how overwhelming auto accidents can be—especially when dealing with aggressive insurance companies. Don’t let them take advantage of Maryland’s harsh contributory negligence laws or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation and let us fight to protect your rights.
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