Pursuing Justice and Compensation After a Car Accident
Auto accidents leaves many people injured on the road each day. Our Rockville, MD car accident lawyer fiercely believes that you should not have to deal with the financial burden of a personal injury alone. Our trusted lawyer who knows how to help accident victims will be there for you at every step of the way. When you need help, you can contact us 24/7 to discuss your personal injury case. Our skilled and talented legal team at Azari Law, LLC can help you with your case if you have been injured and are thinking of taking legal action against the responsible driver. Our Maryland law firm is committed to offering the high-level legal services typically found at large firms, while delivering the personalized attention you’d expect from a smaller practice. Don’t wait to get the legal guidance you need to protect your rights and recover the compensation you are owed.
Table of Contents
- Pursuing Justice and Compensation After a Car Accident
- What to Do After an Accident
- Common Causes of Car Accidents
- Rockville Car Accident Infographic
- Rockville Car Accident Statistics
- Rockville Car Accident FAQs
- Azari Law, LLC, Rockville Car Accident Lawyer
- Contact Our Rockville Car Accident Lawyer Today
When you work with our team, you can always expect to receive personalized legal help specific to your unique circumstances. They will be there for you to give you the legal advice you need to manage your situation and obtain the best outcome. With our years of experience, we have assisted numerous clients obtain the settlement that they deserve and nothing less. Our attorneys are both skilled negotiators and litigators. Whether we can settle your personal injury claim in mediation or must take the case to trial, you can trust that we provide exceptional legal services in every circumstance. Contact us today for a risk-free consultation so that we can get started on your case.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whatever your injuries, you should know that a court will divide your compensation into economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are your out-of-pocket expenses that are easily quantifiable. These include the cost of car repairs, the cost of the ambulance ride (if applicable), medical bills, and any lost wages that you missed from having to take sick days off from work. Your non-economic damages, however, are your emotional damages that are best calculated by our qualified personal injury lawyer. Non-economic damages may be your pain and suffering, depression, PTSD, loss of consortium between you and your spouse, and humiliation (if, perhaps, you suffer a physical injury such as an amputation or disfigurement).
Now that we have covered the types of damages you may sue for, let’s list some common car accident injuries.
- Broken bones
- Sprained bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Headache or migraine
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Sore muscles
- Burns
Maryland’s Car Accident Liability Laws
When involved in a car accident in Maryland, understanding the state’s specific liability laws is essential. These regulations guide how the responsibility for an accident is determined and how compensation is awarded.
One of the most distinctive features of Maryland’s car accident liability system is the doctrine of “contributory negligence.” This rule states that if a party is found even slightly at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any damages. In simple terms, if you’re found to be 1% responsible for the crash and the other party is 99% at fault, you still cannot claim damages. This approach makes Maryland one of the strictest states when it comes to assigning fault in car accidents.
Like many states, Maryland operates under an “at-fault” insurance system. The person found at fault for causing the car accident is responsible for compensating any injured parties. Typically, it is the insurance company of the at-fault driver that will pay out claims for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
Drivers in Maryland are required by law to carry minimum liability coverage. This insurance pays for damages or injuries to other people if the insured driver is at fault. The minimum coverage amounts are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for total bodily injury if multiple people are hurt
- $15,000 for property damage
Another aspect of Maryland’s car accident liability landscape is the protection offered against uninsured and underinsured motorists. If a driver gets into an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages, their own policy can step in to cover the costs. This protection is mandatory in Maryland, so that drivers have some level of coverage against those who flout insurance requirements.
To handle Maryland’s stringent contributory negligence rule effectively, accurate documentation is important. It’s advised to gather as much evidence at the accident scene as possible, including photographs, witness statements, and police reports. This evidence will be vital in proving fault and helping the injured party secure the compensation they deserve.
What to Do After an Accident
Knowing the right steps to take after an accident is vital. You may be feeling disoriented right after a crash, but try to remember what you need to do so that you can protect yourself and boost your chances of having a strong personal injury claim. Some of the basic steps you should take after a serious car accident include:
- Notify police and first responders
- Seek medical treatment
- Exchange contact and insurance information
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Write down witness statements
- Obtain a copy of the police report
Taking these important steps will help you prepare the strongest case possible. If you miss any of these steps, you risk getting less compensation. Failing to receive a proper medical evaluation in time, for example, can weaken your claim because a medical report is a key piece of evidence.
Insurance companies will not work in your interest so you have to do the actions necessary to protect yourself. They will use any excuse to discredit your claim or lower the compensation amount they will give you. Do not fall for their tactics, and instead have our lawyer try to negotiate with them. They understand how to secure the offer that you deserve so your full costs will be covered.
A car accident is a harrowing experience, and the fallout afterward is no better. The costs of an accident are often dire and you may not know if your insurance will cover them. However, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Our Rockville car accident lawyer can work with you to make a claim for compensation and take legal action against the responsible driver. To make sure you get the help you need, follow these steps.
Assess the Situation
First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries and, if possible, move off the road and get to safety. Next, call 911—injuries may not be immediately apparent, and even if nobody is injured, the police will file an accident report. Turn on the hazard lights or use road flares to warn oncoming drivers, then wait for emergency services to arrive.
During this time, you should also exchange information with the other driver, including:
- Name and contact info
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license
- License plate number
- Type, color, and model of vehicle
Avoid admitting fault, accepting blame or declaring fault of other parties, as such statements could be used against you.
Document the Incident
Insurance companies try to avoid compensation, and our lawyer will need as strong a case as possible to make sure the insurer gives you what you need. This outcome requires detailed documentation. Along with the information from the other driver, you should talk to any witnesses and request a copy of the accident report from the police. Also, take pictures of both vehicles to show the damage done. This will serve as evidence during the claims process. Don’t rely on memory to relay important information later—get everything in written statements or recordings.
Take Photos and Gather Evidence
If you were injured in a wreck it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. Photos of the actual scene are one of the most powerful pieces of evidence you can have. Here are a few tips for taking photos of a car accident scene.
- Use any camera. When it comes to taking car accident scene photos, any camera will do. You don’t need a high-tech camera to capture decent photos. You can even use your smartphone camera. These days, many smartphone cameras have a flash built-in and can take clear photos.
- Capture shots at different angles. It is better to have too many photos than too few. As such, you should try to take photos from multiple different angles.
- Don’t forget the details. The more details your photos have, the better. Take up-close photos of the damage to your vehicle, skid marks on the road, traffic signals, and other vehicles involved in the accident.
- Take photos of your injuries. Did you suffer visible injuries from the car accident, like bruises or cuts? If so, you should take photos of them promptly.
- Ask someone to take photos for you. If you are too injured to take photos of the car accident scene, don’t hesitate to ask a bystander to do it for you. Photos can dramatically increase the credibility of your personal injury case, so you shouldn’t miss out on your opportunity to do so.
Contact Insurance Companies
Call your insurance agent to start the claims process, ideally while still at the scene. Filing a claim becomes more difficult if you put it off, especially if the other driver files a claim against you. Even if they don’t take action against you, your insurer may need to contact their carrier and negotiate over repair costs. If an insurance adjuster shows up, do not sign or agree to anything, or you may inadvertently waive your right to a claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death worldwide, with a vast array of factors contributing to their occurrence. Understanding these factors is important for prevention and for knowing when to seek legal assistance. We have witnessed firsthand the impact of car accidents on individuals and families. Through our experience as car accident lawyers, we aim to shed light on the common causes of these tragic events and encourage those affected to reach out for the support they deserve.
- Distracted Driving
One of the most prevalent causes of car accidents today is distracted driving. This occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road, often due to using a cell phone, eating, or interacting with passengers. Such distractions can delay reaction times significantly, making it difficult to respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions or hazards on the road.
- Speeding
Exceeding speed limits is another leading cause of accidents. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the severity of an accident should one occur. Our team has extensive experience handling cases where speeding was a factor, and we urge individuals affected by such recklessness to consult with us to explore their legal options.
- Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous and often deadly decision that impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Despite widespread awareness campaigns and strict laws, drunk driving remains a significant problem. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident caused by an impaired driver, we encourage you to reach out to us.
- Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, fog, and wind, play a significant role in car accidents. These conditions can make roads slippery, reduce visibility, and make it challenging to control a vehicle. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and adjust their driving according to the weather. If you have been in an accident where weather played a role, our team can help determine if negligence was involved and what legal recourse may be available.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Ignoring traffic signals and signs is a common cause of accidents, often resulting in side-impact collisions or rollovers. These accidents can be particularly severe, leading to significant injuries or fatalities. We have the skills to assist victims of such accidents in understanding their rights and pursuing justice.
- Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, including aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and overtaking in dangerous circumstances, contributes to many accidents. Such actions not only endanger the driver but all road users. Our firm advocates for those impacted by reckless driving, helping them to secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Rockville Car Accident Infographic
Rockville Car Accident Statistics
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 563 total fatalities in Maryland in motor vehicle crashes. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and those involved on bicycles. As difficult as it is to discuss and think about, car accidents can be gravely serious. After your car accident, you may require physical therapy. You may struggle walking or making use of certain limbs. This predicament can negatively impact your work capacity, as well. For example, let’s suppose that you work for a construction company. Such a job requires lots of heavy lifting. If you can no longer make full use of your limbs or if your injuries are such that it will take months or years of therapy to improve, you’ve now lost your earning capacity because you will have to take a different, usually lower-paying job, such as a desk job.
Car Accident FAQs
What Are My Legal Rights If I’m Injured In a Car Accident?
When you are involved in a car accident, it is critical to understand that you have legal rights, especially if you sustain injuries. Firstly, you have the right to seek medical treatment for any injuries sustained during the accident. It is important to document these injuries for potential compensation. Secondly, you have the right to consult with an attorney. This makes sure that your interests are represented and maximizes the likelihood of securing the compensation you deserve.
How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident?
Filing a personal injury claim after a car accident involves several steps. First and foremost, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, even if you think you have not sustained any serious injuries. Medical documentation serves as important evidence when pursuing your claim. Next, report the accident to the police and verify that they create a report. This document provides an unbiased third-party account of the incident. Then, gather as much information as you can from the accident scene including witness information, photographs, and the other driver’s details.
What Evidence Do I Need To Prove That the Other Driver Was At Fault?
To prove that the other driver was at fault, you need to gather compelling evidence. This may include photographs from the accident scene showing the position and condition of the vehicles, skid marks, and any visible injuries. A police report is another vital piece of evidence that can help determine liability. Additionally, eyewitness testimonies can be instrumental in corroborating your account of the incident.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Car Accident Case?
The time frame to resolve a car accident case can be influenced by many factors, making it difficult to provide a definitive timeline. The complicated details of the case, the severity of the injuries involved, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle all play a part. While some cases can settle car accident cases in a matter of months, others may take a year or longer, particularly if a lawsuit is filed. It’s important to consult with our personal injury attorney to get a more precise estimate based on the specifics of your case.
Rockville Car Accident Glossary
If you’ve been injured in an accident, consulting our experienced Rockville, MD car accident lawyer can provide legal aid for car crashes, as well as guidance on how to proceed and maximize your compensation. At Azari Law, LLC, we understand the legal terms that attorneys and insurance companies use. Familiarizing yourself with these legal terms can make managing the aftermath of a car accident less overwhelming.
No-Fault Insurance
No-fault insurance is a system in which an individual’s own insurance company pays for their medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This system is designed to reduce litigation and help injured drivers receive compensation quickly. However, in some no-fault states, an injured party may only file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if their injuries meet a certain severity threshold. Understanding whether your state follows a no-fault or at-fault insurance system can impact how you pursue compensation.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a type of auto insurance coverage required in some states. It helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes even rehabilitation costs and funeral expenses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. According to our skilled Rockville car accident attorney, PIP coverage is often a key component of no-fault insurance systems. It can be especially beneficial for those who need immediate medical treatment but want to avoid a lengthy legal battle over fault and liability.
Contingency Fee
A contingency fee is a payment structure commonly used by car accident lawyers. Under this arrangement, the attorney only gets paid if they win the case or secure a settlement for their client. Instead of charging an upfront fee, our lawyer takes a percentage of the final settlement or court award, usually ranging from 25% to 40%. This arrangement allows accident victims to obtain legal representation without worrying about upfront costs, making legal services more accessible to those who might not otherwise afford them.
Settlement
A settlement is an agreement reached between the parties involved in a car accident dispute, typically through negotiations between the injured party’s attorney and the insurance company. Instead of going to trial, the parties agree on a compensation amount to resolve the claim. Settlements can be beneficial as they often result in faster payouts and lower legal costs compared to litigation. However, insurance companies may initially offer low settlements to minimize their payouts, which is why it’s important to have our skilled motor vehicle accident lawyer negotiate on your behalf.
Demand Letter
A demand letter is a formal document sent by an accident victim (or their lawyer) to the at-fault party’s insurance company, outlining the details of the accident, the injuries sustained, and the compensation being requested. The letter typically includes evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements to support the claim. Our personal injury lawyer understands that a well-crafted demand letter can be a powerful tool in negotiating a fair settlement and often serves as the first step in resolving a claim without litigation.
Azari Law, LLC, Rockville Car Accident Lawyer
Contact Our Rockville Car Accident Lawyer Today
Our dedicated team at Azari Law, LLC in Rockville, MD have established ourselves as a reliable resource for those affected by car accidents. Our knowledge and experience in handling the challenges of car accident claims means that our clients receive the personal injury legal support they need and deserve. We prioritize understanding our clients’ unique situations, working tirelessly to advocate for their rights and securing favorable outcomes. We have multiple locations, including Rockville, Ellicott City, Takoma Park, and more. Get started with a risk-free consultation. Contact our Rockville car accident lawyer today.
