You may start your usual commute in Maryland by getting on your scooter like you have done plenty of times. While riding, you are focused, alert and trying to get to your destination. However, your plans for the day may change abruptly when a distracted driver collides with your scooter.
To make matters worse, some drivers may attempt to protect themselves after a crash by offering immediate explanations that shift responsibility onto you. Familiarity with the excuses that motorists frequently use in these situations can help you challenge them to protect the strength of your claim.
Common driver excuses after a crash
Drivers do not always take responsibility after a scooter accident. Instead, they may tell the police that they never saw you coming because of the following reasons:
- You darted out from the sidewalk on your scooter
- You entered the intersection without warning
- You violated traffic rules
- You had your scooter hidden in a blind spot
- You went too fast for them to react
These explanations can shift blame onto you and can take away attention from the driver’s own negligence. They may have crashed into you because they were not paying attention, speeding or failing to yield.
However, a driver’s statement alone does not establish who actually caused the crash. If you disagree with the driver’s account, it is vital to explain the facts calmly to the responding police officer while avoiding guesses about details you do not remember.
How evidence can disprove it
Your argument becomes more compelling and credible when you have accurate data to support it. Technology often reveals facts that drivers may attempt to conceal by providing verifiable evidence worth preserving, such as:
- Your scooter app’s records of your exact speed, braking patterns and location at the time of the accident
- Traffic camera footage of the entire incident
- Digital photos of your injuries and vehicle damage
Additionally, testimony from bystanders who witnessed the car crash can also help demonstrate that the driver is at fault. Collectively, presenting this kind of evidence can help prevent your insurer from delaying the processing of your claim due to inaccurate accounts.
How much time do you have to gather proof?
It is also vital to act promptly to compile this evidence as it can disappear over time. Moreover, Maryland has a three-year window for filing personal injury claims. Missing this deadline can affect your ability to secure compensation and hold the driver accountable for their action.
When the facts matter in your recovery
After getting hurt in a scooter crash, the loudest story at the scene is not always the factual one. The driver’s excuses can sound convincing at the moment, but they do not replace evidence. An experienced lawyer can help preserve the supporting evidence for your claim so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
