What Happens if It’s My Word Against the Other Driver’s?

When it’s your word against the other driver’s after a car accident, the truth is that evidence determines the outcome. In the immediate aftermath of a crash, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, worried about your health, and anxious about mounting medical bills and car repairs. You might wonder how you can recover compensation if the other driver refuses to admit fault.

However, you’re not without options. It is possible to prove the other driver’s negligence through careful investigation and gathering of evidence. We will walk you through how Maryland’s laws affect your case, what steps can be taken to protect your rights, and how a Baltimore car accident lawyer can help you rebuild and recover.

Why “Word Against Word” Isn’t the End of the Story

Even if it feels like it’s just your account against the other driver’s, Maryland courts and insurance companies don’t simply take people at their word. Instead, they rely on evidence to piece together what truly happened. Your credibility is important, but it’s only one part of the larger picture.

There are many types of evidence that can support your version of events:

• Police Reports: Officers document their observations at the scene, take statements, and may even assign fault based on what they find. If you believe part of the police report is inaccurate, we can get it corrected.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Neutral third parties who saw the accident can be powerful allies for your case.
• Traffic Camera or Surveillance Footage: Many intersections, businesses, and even residential homes have cameras that might have captured the crash.
• Physical Evidence: Damage to the vehicles, skid marks on the road, debris patterns, and other physical signs can help reconstruct the accident.
• Medical Records: Prompt medical treatment can create a clear link between the accident and your injuries, undermining arguments that your injuries were unrelated.

In many cases, a lawyer can uncover critical evidence that you may not even know exists. From requesting nearby surveillance footage before it’s erased to consulting with accident reconstruction experts, a thorough investigation can turn a “he said, she said” case into a strong, evidence-backed claim. 

How is Negligence Proven in a Maryland Car Accident Case?

In any car accident case, especially when it’s one driver’s word against another’s, proving the other party’s negligence is the key to recovering compensation. Under Maryland law, the person bringing the injury claim must establish that the other driver was legally responsible for the accident. This is done by proving four essential elements:

• Duty: The other driver owed you a duty of care. Every driver in Maryland has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
• Breach of Duty: The other driver breached that duty. Examples include running a red light, speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield.
• Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries. You must show that if the driver had acted responsibly, the accident and your injuries would not have occurred.
• Damages: You suffered actual harm. Harm may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other measurable losses.

Proving negligence isn’t just about telling your story but about supporting your account with facts. An attorney will know what evidence to seek out, how to preserve it, and how to present it compellingly to insurance companies or, if necessary, a Maryland court.

What You Should Do After an Accident to Protect Your Health and Preserve Your Legal Rights

The moments and days after a car accident are overwhelming, but what you do (and don’t do) during this time can make a significant difference for both your recovery and your ability to seek compensation later. Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal position if it becomes your word against the other driver’s. 

Here’s what you should do:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is your priority. To protect it, you should:

• Get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
• Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments.
• Document all treatment, such as receipts for anything paid out of pocket.

Medical records provide crucial evidence linking your injuries directly to the crash.

Call the Police and Get a Crash Report

Always report the accident to law enforcement. In Maryland, a police report can be vital in:

• Documenting fault indicators (such as traffic violations)
• Recording statements from both drivers and witnesses
• Providing an objective, official account of the accident scene

Be polite and cooperative, but stick to the facts when speaking to officers.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able and it is safe to do so:

• Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries.
• Get contact information for witnesses and the other driver (if the other driver is non-aggressive).
• Record details about the time, location, weather, and any admissions of fault made by the other driver.

This early evidence can be critical if disputes arise later.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Maryland drivers are generally required to promptly report accidents to their insurer. However, be sure to:

• Stick to the basic facts when reporting the accident.
• Avoid giving recorded statements without first speaking to a lawyer.
• Do not speculate about fault or injuries.

This advice applies regardless of whether you are speaking to your insurer or the other party’s insurer.

Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media

Insurance companies and opposing attorneys often monitor social media accounts.

• Do not post about the accident, your injuries, or recovery online.
• Even seemingly innocent posts can be twisted and used against you.

Contact a Baltimore Car Accident Attorney Today

When it feels like it’s just your word against the at-fault driver’s, remember: facts and evidence ultimately decide car accident claims in Maryland. Through careful investigation, medical documentation, and the strategic collection of evidence, it is possible to prove the other driver’s fault and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

At a time when you’re coping with physical injuries, financial stress, and emotional uncertainty, you shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. Our Baltimore car accident lawyers are here to support you every step of the way, protecting your rights, advocating for your health, and fighting for your future.

If you’ve been hurt in a Maryland car accident and are worried about how to move forward, contact Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our legal team is ready to stand by your side and help you seek the justice and recovery you deserve.