Although a car accident can happen in just a moment, the aftermath can last for months, years, or even a lifetime. If you have been injured in a car accident in Catonsville, Maryland, a knowledgeable car accident attorney can defend your rights and help you understand your options.
In this guide, you will find valuable information about strategies for proving who was responsible, steps to take after an accident, and information on when to reach out to a Catonsville, MD car accident lawyer for a free consultation, as well as the many challenges you may face while dealing with insurance companies who don’t want to pay out a meaningful settlement that covers your losses.
Understanding Maryland’s Car Accident Laws
Every state has its own laws governing car accidents and personal injury lawsuits. Maryland is no exception.
In Maryland, there are several key concepts that you will hear about while you are seeking damages to help you recover from your accident.
Contributory Negligence
Maryland is one of only five US jurisdictions (Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.) that follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which says that if you were even partially responsible for the accident, you may be unable to collect compensation.
In other states, comparative negligence policies divide liability between multiple parties. However, in Maryland, if the other driver’s insurance company or attorney can prove that you were just 1% responsible for the accident, you may be barred from getting any compensation at all!
This is one of the reasons why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. You need someone who can prove what you know to be true: that you were not responsible for the crash.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations in Maryland is three years from the date of the accident. If more than three years have passed, you may not be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you can still schedule a free consultation with an attorney to find out if you have any remaining options.
In general, the earlier you start the process, the better.
This is a little bit different than a wrongful death lawsuit. In a wrongful death case, the statute of limitations begins three years after the death of the victim. This is because a victim’s injuries may not cause a fatality for months or years to come.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Maryland requires all drivers to carry an uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage insurance policy, as this is what provides compensation if you are in a collision with an uninsured party. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance, you will make a claim against your policy.
Experienced car accident lawyers can help you navigate these laws and many more to ensure that your rights are protected.
What Is a Personal Injury in Maryland?
A personal injury in Maryland is any injury caused by another person or entity through negligent or reckless behavior.
Some common types of personal injury include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Truck crashes
- Slip-and-falls
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle crashes
- Animal bites
- Wrongful death
Schedule a free consultation with an attorney to find out more about whether or not they are eligible to make a claim against the responsible party.
Proving Fault in Catonsville, MD Car Accidents
One of the most important aspects of an auto accident case is to determine who is liable for damages. The liable party is also known as the “at-fault” party.
There can be more than one individual responsible for an accident. Some car accidents are caused by many different entities at once, including drivers, municipalities, passengers, and manufacturers.
In Maryland, you have to prove that you were in no way responsible for the accident that caused you to file a claim.
Common Ways that Catonsville, MD Drivers Cause Accidents
One of the most common things we see in Catonsville, MD when it comes to accidents is negligent driving.
This can take many forms, but these are some negligence that we see often:
- Driving too fast (speeding), including in a construction zone, school zone, or neighborhood
- Erratic driving
- Tailgating and aggressive driving
- Failing to follow traffic rules (such as red lights, stop signs, yield signs, etc.)
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, configuring dashboard controls, paying attention to passengers instead of the road, etc.)
- Failing to properly signal when changing lanes
- Making illegal turns
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
These aren’t limited to Catonsville, MD, of course. They also occur in places like Columbia, Lutherville Timonium, Baltimore, Upper Marlboro, Owings Mills, Glen Burnie, and more.
How to Prove Fault and Recover Damages
Here are some useful strategies for what you can do to prove who was responsible for your personal injury:
- Gather evidence: Collect eyewitness statements, photographs, and video footage of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Obtain a police report: The official police report can provide valuable information about the circumstances of the accident and the officer’s assessment of fault.
- Preserve vehicle evidence: If possible, avoid repairing or altering the vehicles involved until an expert can examine them.
- Seek medical attention: Prompt medical treatment not only ensures your well-being but also creates a record of your injuries, which can be used as evidence.
- Work with an attorney: A personal injury lawyer will know more about proving liability than any layperson. Choose an attorney who knows how to present a compelling argument about who was responsible for the incident that left you injured.
The Importance of Preserving Evidence After a Car Accident
When you speak with a personal injury lawyer, you will likely be asked about any evidence you have collected from the accident. Preserving evidence after a car accident is crucial for building a strong case.
Follow these steps:
- Take photographs and videos of the scene of the accident: If you are physically able to do so, document the accident scene, property damage to your vehicle, skid marks, and any other relevant details.
- Obtain witness information: Collect the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. If you are unable to take statements at the scene, you or your personal injury lawyer can reach out to them and get a statement at a later date.
- Become a meticulous record-keeper: Maintain detailed records of any medical treatment, expenses, lost wages, and other damages or losses you experience. These will be used to create a comprehensive list of your total losses.
- Wait to repair your vehicle: If possible, avoid repairing your vehicle until after it has been thoroughly inspected and documented by an expert.
By saving and preserving these types of evidence, you increase the chances of proving fault and obtaining the settlement or court award that you deserve.
Understanding the Different Types of Damages in Car Accident Cases
In a car accident case, you may be entitled to various types of damages, including both monetary and non-monetary damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Experienced Catonsville car accident lawyers can help you accurately calculate the full extent of your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Catonsville, MD Personal Injury FAQs
When should I contact a Catonsville, MD car accident lawyer?
Seeking legal representation from a car accident lawyer is a good idea after any accident in Catonsville, as well as crashes in:
- Columbia
- Lutherville Timonium
- Baltimore
- Upper Marlboro
- Owings Mills
- Glen Burnie
- The rest of Maryland
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries, property damage, or other losses due to an accident, a lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for meaningful compensation. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s still recommended to consult with a lawyer, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
You may have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim, but waiting a long time can make it harder for your attorney to gather evidence and create the most compelling case. You can request a free consultation with an attorney at any time after an accident to learn more.
What are the Challenges of Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident?
What do insurance companies focus on after an accident? The answer is always the same: limiting the amount of money they pay out to accident victims.
The simple truth is that the job of the insurance company is to protect its bottom line. Ensuring fair compensation for accident victims is simply not their goal. Because of this, motor vehicle accident victims often need to work with an attorney to make sure that they get the maximum compensation they are owed, instead of a small portion.
Here are some of the common challenges that victims face when dealing with insurance companies:
- Lowball settlement offers: Insurance companies may offer a low personal injury settlement amount that doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages and losses.
- Delayed or denied claims: Insurance companies may find reasons to delay or deny your claim. This is because they are hoping you’ll give up or accept a low settlement. After all, you need the money you can get now.
- Shifting blame: Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto you — or another party — to avoid paying out a settlement.
- Confusing paperwork and processes: The claims process can be complex and overwhelming, making it easier for insurance companies to take advantage of your lack of experience.
Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can help level the playing field and ensure your rights are protected.
What Steps Should I Take Following a Hit-and-Run Crash?
Hit-and-run car accidents are often caused by uninsured motorists who flee the scene after the crash. Even though it may be easy to prove that the other party was responsible, the problem is that you may not be able to find the person who drove off.
Here are some steps to take in this kind of situation that has caused a personal injury:
- Remain calm and call the police: Report the incident immediately and provide as many details as possible about the other vehicle and driver.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Personal injury victims don’t always experience pain right away, especially if their adrenaline is pumping after the accident.
- Document the scene: Take photographs and videos of the area, skid marks, debris, and any other relevant evidence.
- Gather witness information: If there were any witnesses, obtain their contact information and statements. Witnesses may have seen the car, the license plate, the driver, or other identifying information.
- Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the incident and follow their instructions.
- Schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer: Hit-and-run car accident victims act in their best interests when they seek the guidance of an attorney who can walk them through their options.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Catonsville, MD Law Firm for your Personal Injury Case
While it’s possible to handle a car accident case on your own, choosing a Catonsville, MD law firm can significantly increase your chances of obtaining maximum compensation.
Here are some key benefits of working with an experienced attorney:
- Knowledge of the law
- Negotiation skills
- Courtroom experience
- Access to resources like expert witnesses, accident deconstructionists, and more
- Peace of mind
After a personal injury, you are likely dealing with the stress of recovery, as well as physical pain and new financial burdens from lost income. You shouldn’t have to seek justice on your own, without any help. At Zirkin & Schmerling Law Firm, we believe that motor vehicle collisions shouldn’t ruin people’s lives. We do everything we can to support you while you heal from your injuries.
Contact a Catonsville Car Accident Lawyer at Zirkin & Schmerling Law
If you or a loved one needs help with a personal injury claim in Catonsville, MD or the surrounding areas, it’s essential to seek legal representation from an experienced and dedicated attorney. At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, our team of skilled attorneys has a proven track record of fighting for the rights of our clients by securing real, meaningful compensation.
Whether we are working with personal injury victims, family members of wrongful death victims, medical malpractice victims, or any related practice areas, our clients can always expect us to do our work with compassion, empathy, and professionalism.
Our lawyers will work tirelessly to gather evidence for our clients, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We understand the emotional and financial toll that a car accident can take, and we are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal support throughout the entire process, from the free initial consultation to the day that your case is resolved.
Don’t hesitate to take action and protect your rights.
Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Law today at 410-753-4611 for a free consultation and let us guide you through this challenging time. Our dedicated car accident lawyers in Catonsville will be by your side every step of the way, advocating for your best interests and ensuring that justice is served.