Car Accidents Basic Moments
There are dozens of car accidents every day in Baltimore. They have different causes and circumstances, but all have consequences. Resolving issues related to car accidents can be complex. There is a need to seek help from Baltimore car accident lawyers. This article is intended to help you understand the process of finding and hiring good Baltimore car accident lawyers.
What about car accidents in Baltimore
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 20,534 vehicle accidents reported in Baltimore County in 2022:
Fatal Crashes – 63
Injury Crashes – 4,405
Property Damage Crashes – 16,066
in which the following were injured:
Total of All Fatalities – 66
Total Number Injured – 6,279
As can be seen from the statistics, almost a quarter of accidents resulted in injuries to participants. An injury sustained in an accident will be a serious reason to contact a car accident lawyer in Baltimore.
Many Similar Car Accidents are Happening in Baltimore
To understand the common causes of car accidents, look again at the 2022 Maryland Department of Transportation report:
| Distracted Driver Involved | Drivers who talk on the phone, text, eat, or do other activities while driving while driving cause more than a third of car accidents | 7,868 |
| Driver Speed Involved | Often, drivers try to make up for time lost in traffic jams by exceeding the speed limit. This increases the risk of getting into a car accident | 1,400 |
| Driver Alcohol or Drugs Involved | Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is unacceptable and highly irresponsible. The driver’s ability to adequately respond to changing road conditions decreases. This leads to sad consequences | 764 |
| Aggressive Driver Involved | Failure to yield, failure to use turn signals, and other similar actions are not the best way to participate in traffic | 519 |
In addition to these reasons, there are also pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, road conditions, and vehicle breakdowns.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Baltimore
Most car accidents involve injuries. For ease of understanding, injuries can be divided into:
Head injuries. In a high-speed collision, you can be injured by hitting your head on objects inside the car, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. This can lead to skull fractures and brain injury. A mild concussion can also be caused by a sudden change in the speed of head movement, even without contact with objects. TBI is not visible and often requires special diagnosis and medical attention to identify it.
Injuries to the neck, back, and thoracic region. The most common neck injury in car accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck moves quickly back and forth. Back injuries are characterized by slipped and fractured discs, nerve damage, and strained core muscles. With various impacts, for example, on the steering wheel, you can get broken ribs and bruises of internal organs.
Limb injuries. Limb injuries range in severity and consequences from muscle strains, joint dislocations, and bone fractures to complete amputation of limbs.
Burns and lacerations. Typically, such injuries occur through contact with damaged parts of the car. Burns can also result from a car fire resulting from an accident.
Psychological trauma. These injuries may not appear immediately and may take a long time to recover. More often they occur if you have experienced an accident in which the participants were killed or severely injured.
Baltimore Car Accident Liability Laws
Baltimore is located in the State of Maryland and applies all laws of that state. Maryland car accident laws are very strict.
Maryland is one of the few states that applies “pure” negligence. This means that only the completely innocent can claim compensation. Those. If the participant in the accident is at least 1 percent at fault, he will not be able to receive compensation.
Maryland has a three-year limitation period for personal injury claims.
Maryland drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and must be insured for at least:
- bodily injury: $30,000
- bodily injury to two or more people: $60,000
- property damage: $15,000.
Why Hire Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers
Let’s look at a few reasons to hire car accident lawyers in Baltimore.
As a result of a car accident, some of the blame is placed on you. An experienced lawyer will help in a thorough investigation of the case, collecting the necessary evidence to determine the true culprits of the accident.
Insurance companies use various averages when calculating compensation. If you are not satisfied with the amount of compensation, you can contact a Baltimore car accident lawyer. A lawyer can professionally assess the value of your case and, if necessary, negotiate with the insurance company to obtain fair compensation.
If you have suffered injuries as a result of a car accident, it is recommended that you contact a lawyer. Usually, good car accident lawyers in Baltimore seek compensation not only for the injury itself but also for its further consequences. This amount will not be superfluous for a successful recovery after an accident.
Some cases cannot be resolved through negotiations and are referred to the courts. In this case, it is best to have qualified legal representation on your side. This will significantly increase the likelihood of a positive outcome in your case.
Qualities to Look for in Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers
Analytical skills
An important aspect of Baltimore car accident cases is the collection of evidence of the participant’s innocence. Good Baltimore car accident lawyers must be able to collect and analyze information. It is good to understand and find cause-and-effect relationships.
Ability to select a team
Good car accident lawyers in Baltimore work with a variety of specialists: accident reconstruction specialists, insurance adjusters, data analysts, forensic engineers, and others. A properly selected team will be able to obtain maximum information useful for the investigation.
Experience
Under such a broad concept there are various aspects. This includes experience in conducting investigations, experience in negotiating with an insurance company, and experience in handling cases in court. Experience can be assessed by positive settlement results for clients and the amount of compensation received.
Specialization
Another important criterion when choosing a car accident lawyer in Baltimore. The lawyer should specialize in personal injury law and handle auto accidents.
Where Can I Find the Best Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers?
Finding good car accident lawyers in Baltimore can be challenging. By moving step by step according to the recommendations given, you can achieve your goal.
You should start your search with specialized resources
Bar Associations
Check with the Maryland State Bar Association or the Baltimore Bar Association for information. They can provide recommendations for qualified Baltimore car accident lawyers. Search their catalogs using search criteria by specialty.
Legal assistance services
Organizations like these in Baltimore can help you find a car accident lawyer. As a helpful option, they can help you find an inexpensive lawyer or a lawyer who can offer services for free.
Specialized Internet directories
Examples include Avvo, FindLaw, and Lawyers.com. Using flexible search filters by specialization, rating, and other useful criteria, you can find a good lawyer in your area.
It would be a good idea to ask your friends; perhaps they have contacted car accident lawyers in Baltimore and will be able to give recommendations.
Recommendations
Take some time to interview your family members, friends, or colleagues. Ask for recommendations from those who have had positive experiences hiring car accident lawyers.
Initial consultations
Before making a final decision on hiring a lawyer, it is advisable to have a preliminary meeting with him. Most law firms and Baltimore car accident lawyers welcome free initial consultations. At these meetings, you need to discuss your case, evaluate the lawyer’s experience, and find out how much the lawyer understands your needs.
Recommendations for Actions After a Car Accident in Baltimore
Any car accident is a stressful situation. Therefore, you need to remain calm and follow some simple recommendations:
- seek medical attention if injured
- protect road accident participants and the scene of the accident
- report the incident to the police and wait for their arrival
- document the scene of the incident, the best way to do this is to use photos and videos
- collect information about the participants in the accident and possible witnesses
- notify your insurance company
- consult a Baltimore car accident lawyer for advice
- follow the instructions and recommendations of the police, lawyer, and insurance company
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Guilty plea
Admitting guilt is the biggest mistake you can make. When communicating with the police, insurance company, or other participants in the accident, report only the facts, and do not make any assessments of what happened. No one should doubt your innocence. Remember, even a small part of the fault may leave you without the right to compensation
Fast settlement
Try not to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company. It may be underestimated due to various factors. Consult a car accident lawyer for advice. An experienced car accident lawyer in Baltimore will be able to help evaluate your case.
Ignoring seeking medical help
If as a result of the accident you have even a minor injury or simply feel worse, seek medical help immediately. This important step cannot be delayed. Only timely seeking medical help will help speed up the rehabilitation process. This may also affect the level of compensation you are entitled to, of course upward.
Compensation Possible as a Result of a Car Accident
A car accident victim must file a claim. The amount of compensation is calculated based on an assessment of the extent of injuries, property damage, and other losses suffered by the victim.
Here are some key factors to evaluate a claim:
- economic damage: the cost of replacing or restoring damaged property
- lost income: the amount of wages or other income that the victim lost as a result of the accident, unable to work due to his injuries
- medical expenses: the cost of medical services caused by a car accident
- pain and suffering: compensation for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident
- future damages: any future loss of income or additional medical expenses caused by the accident.
Tips to Prevent Getting Involved in a Car Accident in Baltimore
Follow traffic rules
Strict adherence to traffic rules will minimize the risk of getting into a car accident. In addition, in the event of an accident, it will be easier to prove innocence and be able to claim compensation.
Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
While under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your ability to adequately respond to traffic conditions deteriorates. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a direct route to an accident. The right decision would be to hire a special driver or use a taxi service.
Always adapt to weather conditions
When driving in adverse weather conditions, change your driving style. Reduce speed, increase the distance to the vehicle driving in front of you, and other reasonable actions.
Be careful
While driving, pay full attention to the road situation. You must understand and take into account all maneuvers of all road users. Also, avoid distracted driving, making calls, texting, or other activities that take your attention away from the road.
FAQs
Yes. A passenger injured in a car accident in Maryland can file a claim against the at-fault driver. This makes it possible to receive compensation for medical bills and other damages.
Most Baltimore car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. The lawyer’s fee is calculated as a percentage of the settlement amount. Payment for a lawyer’s services occurs only if the case is won and after receiving compensation.
You can negotiate directly with the insurance company. It is recommended that you consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Baltimore before making a final settlement decision. Discussing your case with a lawyer can help you understand the prospects and potential costs of your case.