Frederick is known for its strong community and small-city feel, where neighbors look out for one another and life moves at a comfortable pace. But when an accident suddenly leaves you injured, everything can change in an instant. From economic and non-economic damages (like medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and emotional distress), the stress can quickly pile up. That’s when you need trusted Fredrick, Maryland, personal injury lawyers by your side.
At Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers, we provide a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claim, explain your legal options, and help you understand the path toward recovery. Our experienced team has helped Maryland residents with car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, dog bites, and other serious injury claims, and we’re committed to fighting for your rights as well.
Don’t wait to get the answers you deserve. Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers today at 410-753-4611 for a free consultation with an injury attorney.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle
At Zirkin & Schmerling, we represent injury victims across a wide range of practice areas. From workers’ compensation cases to medical malpractice claims and beyond, our personal injury attorneys are committed to reviewing your situation, explaining your legal options, and seeking compensation. The examples below highlight some of the most common personal injury claims we see, but they are by no means the only practice areas we handle.
Car Accidents
Car crashes are one of the leading causes of injury in Frederick and throughout the state of Maryland. Victims often face steep medical bills, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies to accept low settlements. Our personal injury lawyers know how to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, when necessary, take your case to trial. We also offer a free consultation, allowing you to understand your options and take the first step toward rightful compensation.
Catastrophic Injuries
Some injuries change a person’s life forever. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe burns can leave victims facing permanent disabilities and long-term care needs. These cases require significant resources and aggressive advocacy. Our Frederick personal injury attorney team understands the challenges these severe injuries create for families and works to hold negligent parties accountable.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Frederick have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment on their premises. When they fail to repair hazards like wet floors, uneven walkways, or poor lighting, visitors can suffer serious harm. Slip and fall accidents often lead to broken bones, head injuries, or back problems that impact daily life. Our personal injury lawyers investigate the conditions that led to your fall and pursue claims against negligent owners.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face greater risks on the road due to their exposure and limited protection. When other drivers fail to check blind spots, follow too closely, or drive recklessly, riders can suffer devastating injuries. Recovering from a motorcycle accident can mean long hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Our law firm has extensive experience advocating for injured motorcyclists and fighting for the payout they need to recover.
Rideshare Accidents
With the popularity of Uber and Lyft in Frederick, rideshare car accidents have become more common. Determining liability is difficult because multiple insurance policies may be involved. Our Frederick personal injury attorney team knows how to navigate these personal injury claims, whether you were a rideshare passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the maximum compensation available to you.
Causes of Highway Car Accidents
Highways in Frederick, MD, carry heavy traffic every day. With so many vehicles traveling at high speeds, even one moment of negligence can cause devastating crashes. Our MD personal injury lawyers regularly represent accident victims who suffer serious injuries after highway collisions. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is critical in protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.
Here are some of the most common causes of highway accidents in Frederick and throughout Maryland:
Speeding
Excessive speed is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in Maryland. Ignoring posted limits reduces a driver’s ability to react to traffic changes and increases the severity of any crash.
Victims of speeding accidents may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures, leading to long-term costs and lost income. Our Frederick personal injury lawyers investigate these collisions, work with reconstruction experts, and hold reckless drivers accountable. We fight for full compensation to cover both economic losses and pain and suffering.
Distracted Driving
From texting and using GPS to eating behind the wheel, distracted driving is another top cause of serious accidents on Maryland highways. At 65 mph, a vehicle covers the length of a football field in seconds—enough time to miss traffic, hazards, or pedestrians. When a negligent person looks away, the results can be devastating, leaving victims with severe injuries.
Our Frederick personal injury attorney team builds strong cases against distracted drivers by gathering phone records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence. With this proof, we challenge insurance companies and fight for financial recovery.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, weaving through lanes, cutting others off, and refusing to yield are common signs of aggressive driving. These reckless actions create dangerous conditions on congested highways and often cause chain-reaction crashes or multi-vehicle pileups.
Because these accidents may involve multiple drivers and conflicting accounts, proving fault can be complex. Our personal injury lawyers provide strong legal representation to sort through the evidence, hold reckless drivers accountable, and pursue full compensation.
Impaired Driving
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs remain a major threat on Maryland roads. Slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced coordination increase the likelihood of devastating crashes, whether on highways or neighborhood streets.
Victims often face extended hospital stays, ongoing rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and the emotional trauma of knowing the crash was preventable. A skilled MD personal injury lawyer helps families pursue compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. Whether the wreck involves a car or a large truck accident, we work to prove fault and show that someone else’s negligence caused it.
Poor Weather
Maryland weather can change quickly, with sudden rain, icy bridges, slick roads, or dense fog creating dangerous conditions. While drivers cannot control the weather, they are expected to adjust their speed and driving behavior accordingly. When they fail to do so and a crash occurs, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries and losses.
Poor weather accidents often lead to chain-reaction collisions on busy highways, leaving victims with property damage, medical bills, and emotional stress. Our MD personal injury lawyers know how to prove negligence in these cases, and we guide clients through the entire process of recovering both financially and emotionally.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable in crashes because they lack the protection of a vehicle’s frame. Even with helmets and gear, collisions can cause severe injuries, and in rare circumstances, be fatal. Victims often face lasting mental anguish, high medical bills, and time away from work. When someone else’s negligence causes a crash, our Frederick personal injury attorney team works to hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation on behalf of the injured party.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur even when a rider is wearing a helmet. These injuries may range from concussions to severe brain damage, often resulting in long-term cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments. TBIs require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, placing heavy financial and emotional burdens on victims and their families.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord damage is one of the most serious consequences of a motorcycle crash, often leading to paralysis and the need for lifelong care. Our Frederick personal injury attorney team fights to secure compensation for these life-altering injuries and can also assist if medical malpractice contributed to the outcome. Contact Zirkin & Schmerling today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Broken Bones
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in fractures due to the force of impact with the ground or another vehicle. Commonly affected areas include arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Broken bones can take months to heal and may limit a rider’s ability to work or carry out daily activities.
Amputation
In severe crashes, the trauma to a limb may be so great that amputation becomes necessary. This life-altering injury requires prosthetics, physical therapy, and major lifestyle adjustments. Whether caused by a motorcycle wreck, car crash, or devastating truck accident, victims deserve full compensation for their medical costs and loss of independence. Our Frederick personal injury attorney team is dedicated to pursuing justice and securing the necessary resources for long-term recovery.
Burns
Burns can result from road rash, contact with hot motorcycle parts, or fires caused by fuel leaks after a crash. These injuries are among the most painful a human being can endure and may lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement. Treatment often requires skin grafts, long hospital stays, and extended recovery periods. Our personal injury lawyers fight for compensation that covers both the economic damages and the emotional distress these injuries cause.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait to learn your options. Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation about your personal injury claim.
Maryland Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle riders in Frederick, MD, must follow state-specific laws designed to protect their safety and the safety of others. These laws can also impact personal injury claims, since violations may affect liability in the event of a crash. Our MD personal injury lawyers use this knowledge when representing clients across the state (including in Baltimore County and Prince George’s County) to build strong cases and recover compensation.
In some situations, disputes over liability or damages may even reach a Maryland circuit court, where proof of a law violation can make a significant difference. Below are some of the key motorcycle laws every rider in Maryland should know.
Licensing
To legally operate a motorcycle in Maryland, riders must hold a Class M license. Obtaining this license requires passing both a knowledge and skills test or completing an approved motorcycle safety course. This ensures that riders understand the nuances of motorcycle operation, including balancing, maneuvering, and handling at high speeds.
When unlicensed riders are involved in motor vehicle accidents, it can complicate the personal injury claim process and raise questions about who is liable. Having an experienced Frederick personal injury attorney is crucial for navigating these issues and protecting your right to compensation.
If you have questions about your personal injury claim, our team offers a free consultation to help you understand your legal options.
Helmet/Eye Protection
Maryland law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. Riders must also use protective eyewear unless the motorcycle has a windscreen. These requirements significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury or eye damage.
When riders follow these safety laws but are still hurt in a crash, it underscores that the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, not their own. Our Frederick, MD, personal injury lawsuit team makes sure compliance with helmet and eyewear rules is clear in the record when pursuing maximum compensation for an injured client.
Lane Rules
Unlike other states, lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is not permitted in Maryland. However, two motorcyclists are allowed to ride side by side in the same lane. These rules are designed to reduce confusion, improve visibility, and promote safety on busy highways and city streets.
When another driver violates lane rules and causes a crash, our injury attorneys use this evidence to hold the right party accountable. For motorcycle accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries, compliance with lane laws can play a critical role in proving liability and securing compensation for victims.
If you have questions about your rights after a collision, we encourage you to contact our firm for a free consultation.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents are common in places like grocery stores, restaurants, and office buildings. Victims may suffer broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries that bring costly medical bills, time away from work, and lasting pain. Because Maryland follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, proving fault in these cases can be challenging.
Taking the right steps is essential to protect your claim. Workplace falls may also involve workers’ comp, adding complexity. Our firm offers a free case evaluation to review your situation and explain your options for pursuing compensation.
To strengthen your case, here are the most important steps to take after a slip and fall accident:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always come first after an accident. Even if injuries seem minor, conditions like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical care not only protects your well-being but also creates a record of your injuries, which is vital evidence in an MD personal injury lawsuit.
Keep every bill, receipt, and treatment note, as these documents help demonstrate the actual cost of your recovery. In some cases, especially workplace accidents, you may also have the right to pursue workers’ compensation in addition to a personal injury claim.
Report the Accident
Notify the owner, manager, or landlord about your fall as soon as possible. Request a written incident report and ask for a copy for your records. This helps establish the timeline of events and confirms the owner was made aware of the hazard.
Our injury attorneys regularly rely on these reports to hold negligent parties accountable in unsafe-premises cases. If the fall happened at work, be sure to report it to your employer as well, since you may have a workers’ comp claim in addition to a personal injury case.
Document the Scene
Take photos or videos of the exact location where the fall occurred, capturing hazards such as wet floors, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or broken railings. If conditions are fixed or change later, your evidence may be the only way to prove what caused the accident.
Preserving this type of physical evidence can strengthen your personal injury representation. In workplace incidents, these same photos can also support a workers’ compensation claim alongside your injury case.
Gather Witness Information
If others witnessed your accident, collect their names and contact details immediately. Witnesses can provide unbiased accounts that support your version of events and help establish liability. In the legal process, their testimony can demonstrate that you acted responsibly while the property owner failed to correct a dangerous condition.
Keep Records and Contact a Lawyer
From medical bills and lost wages to the emotional strain of an accident, every detail matters in a personal injury case. Save copies of your medical records, insurance correspondence, and any receipts related to your injuries. Then, contact a Frederick, MD, personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, explain your legal options, and provide the strong representation you need to protect your rights.
At Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers, we have built a successful practice by helping injured individuals recover compensation and move forward. Whether your case involves a car crash, a slip-and-fall, or a workers’ compensation claim, we’re here to fight for you. Call today for a free consultation and learn how our personal injury lawyers can help: 410-753-4611.
How To Preserve Evidence in Personal Injury Cases
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful Frederick personal injury claim. After an accident, what you do in the hours and days that follow can make a major difference in proving liability and damages. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, so the more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. To start building your case, focus on gathering as much clear and reliable evidence as possible and keep it organized from the very beginning.
Accident Scene
If it is safe to do so, document the scene of the accident as soon as possible. Take photos or videos of vehicles, property conditions, skid marks, or hazards that contributed to the incident. Capture wide shots to show the full context as well as close-ups of specific hazards. If weather conditions or lighting may have contributed, include those details too. Capturing everything before it changes or is altered can provide powerful evidence of what really happened and help recreate the circumstances later in court.
Physical Evidence
Keep any physical items related to the accident, such as damaged clothing, broken personal items, or vehicle parts. These objects may help demonstrate the force of impact or the dangerous condition that caused your injuries. For example shattered glasses or crushed car panels can all illustrate the severity of the accident. Avoid repairing or discarding anything until your personal injury lawyer has had the chance to review it and determine its value to your personal injury claim. Storing these items safely is another way to preserve their condition for later use.
Witnesses
Witnesses can provide unbiased accounts of the accident, which may significantly strengthen your claim. Gather names, phone numbers, and email addresses from anyone who saw what happened so their testimony can be preserved. Neutral third parties often carry more weight than friends or family members, so make sure you don’t overlook bystanders. Your lawyer can later reach out for formal statements or depositions to support your case. In workplace incidents, witness accounts may also play a crucial role in workers’ compensation proceedings, helping to confirm both how the injury occurred and whether safety rules were ignored.
Medical Documentation
Seeking prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates a record of your injuries. Save all medical reports, test results, prescriptions, and treatment plans, as these documents connect your injuries directly to the accident and help show the financial impact of recovery. Keeping a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and limitations can also demonstrate how your injuries affect daily life. These records are valuable in other situations too—for example, when an injury happens on the job and supports a workers’ comp claim, or when questions arise about medical malpractice and whether proper care was given.
Out-of-Pocket Personal Injury Compensation
When people consider personal injury compensation, they often focus on obvious economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. However, victims in Maryland may also recover out-of-pocket expenses—such as transportation to appointments, medical supplies, rehabilitation costs, or home modifications—that can add up quickly during recovery.
Our Frederick personal injury attorney team presents the full scope of damages, whether the case involves car crashes, workplace injuries, or serious truck accidents. We know how to navigate the Maryland legal system to pursue both economic losses and non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
In some situations, you may also qualify for workers’ compensation, and we can guide you through the entire process of both claims. Contact Zirkin & Schmerling today for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to learn your options.
Travel Expenses
Trips to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, or specialist visits can require significant mileage, parking fees, and even hotel stays if treatment is far from home. These travel-related costs are often recoverable economic damages in many Frederick, MD, personal injury cases. Keeping receipts and mileage logs ensures you are fairly compensated for the burden of getting necessary care. Our personal injury lawyers have helped clients from Frederick to Baltimore County recover these overlooked expenses as part of their claims.
Miscellaneous Medical
Not all medical expenses are fully covered by insurance claims. Out-of-pocket purchases such as prescription co-pays, over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, or adaptive equipment may become part of your personal injury case. These smaller costs can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. By carefully documenting each purchase, our team can include them when pursuing insurance claims to maximize your recovery after a car or workers’ compensation accident.
Personal Care
Severe injuries sometimes require outside help with daily activities like bathing, cleaning, cooking, or childcare. Whether you hire professional caregivers or rely on family members, the value of that assistance can be included in your compensation. Recognizing personal care expenses helps ensure victims are fully reimbursed for the impact of their injuries.
Emergency Services in Frederick
Frederick has a strong network of emergency providers ready to help after an accident. Our personal injury attorney team is part of the local legal community and offers a free consultation to guide you once your immediate medical needs are met.
Frederick Police Department
(301) 600-2101
100 E All Saints Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Frederick County Fire Department
(301) 600-2356
5370 Public Safety Place, Frederick, MD 21704-6728
Frederick Health
(240) 566-3300
400 West 7th Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Frederick District Court
(301) 600-2000
100 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701-5548
Living in Frederick, MD
Frederick, MD, is one of the state’s most historic and fastest-growing communities. With its small-town charm, vibrant downtown area, and easy access to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, it’s a place where families and professionals alike thrive. However, busy roads like I-70, Route 15, and Route 40 also pose a risk of serious car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and truck accidents.
When injuries occur, victims often face steep medical bills, lost wages, and pressure from insurance companies. That’s when having a trusted Frederick, MD, personal injury lawyer makes all the difference. At Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team provides compassionate, skilled representation to help clients navigate the process and pursue full and fair compensation.
Our reputation extends throughout Maryland, including Prince George’s County, and our numerous positive client testimonials reflect the care and results our law firm delivers. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer and take the first step toward recovery.
Contact our Dedicated Team of Personal Injury Lawyers
Our law office has years of experience handling personal injury cases across Maryland. Every case is unique, and our goal is always to secure maximum compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. With an experienced MD personal injury lawyer providing strong legal representation, you can focus on recovery while we manage the details of your claim.
At Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers, we believe that every personal injury victim deserves more than just legal services, they deserve personal service and an advocate who will hold negligent parties accountable. Whether you’re dealing with a motor vehicle accident, a workers’ compensation dispute, or a complex case involving medical malpractice, our Frederick personal injury attorneys are here to help.
Clients often describe us as an amazing attorney team in their positive client testimonials, reflecting the trust we’ve built through proven results. Zirkin & Schmerling proudly serve clients throughout Frederick County and beyond. Call our law firm today at 410-753-4611 for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer and take the first step toward justice and recovery.