Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers
Injured in a Car Crash? Mike Slocumb Law Firm Can Help
No one expects to be involved in an accident, but thousands of people in Maryland are injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents every year.
If you were injured or if someone you love tragically passed away due to an auto accident, and you believe someone else was to blame, reach out to Mike Slocumb Law Firm right away. You could be entitled to take legal action against the liable party, and our Baltimore car accident attorneys can help.
With decades of experience and more than $500 million recovered for our clients, our team has earned a reputation as one of the area’s leadingpersonal injury law firms.
We are aggressive when it comes to working with insurance adjusters, and we prepare every case for trial. Although most car accident claims are settled outside of the courtroom, our goal is to always stay a step ahead of the other side and ensure that your rights are protected.
Injured in an auto accident? Contact Mike Slocumb Law Firm at (443) 201-2334 for a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Baltimore.
Maryland Car Accident Laws
In Maryland, car accident laws operate under a fault-based system, meaning that the party responsible for the accident is also liable for any resulting damages. When a collision occurs, the injured party can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, seek compensation through their own insurer if they have coverage like personal injury protection (PIP), or file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver. To successfully recover compensation, the injured party must prove that the other driver was negligent or reckless, and that their actions caused the accident and the injuries.
Maryland follows the legal doctrine of contributory negligence, which can significantly impact car accident cases. Under this rule, if an injured party is found to be even slightly at fault for the accident—no matter how minor their contribution—they may be barred from recovering any compensation. This is a strict standard that differs from the comparative negligence laws used in many other states, where fault can be apportioned between the parties.
The state also has specific requirements for drivers to carry minimum levels of auto insurance. Maryland law mandates that all drivers have at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage. Additionally, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must be included in policies to protect drivers in the event they are involved in an accident with someone who lacks adequate insurance.
Maryland’s statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to personal injury and property damage claims. Failing to file within this time frame typically results in losing the right to pursue legal action, which makes it crucial for injured individuals to act promptly to protect their rights.
Determining Fault After a Car Accident
Because Maryland is one of few states to follow the plaintiff-unfriendly rule of contributory negligence, you must prove that another person or party was entirely at fault for an accident if you wish to file an injury claim.
However, it is not always easy to prove that someone else was completely at fault. First, you will need to identify the exact cause of the accident; then, you will need to show how the cause was related to the defendant’s negligent or wrongful conduct.
Some common causes of car accidents which may be attributed to negligence or wrongful conduct include, but are not limited to:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Texting
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Unlawful turns
- Aggressive driving
- Road rage
- Tailgating
- Traffic violations
- Careless or reckless driving
- Dangerous maneuvers
- Sudden stops
- Swerving
All motorists have a responsibility to pay attention, follow the rules of the road, and take reasonable measures to prevent accidents. When a driver causes an accident by failing to uphold this duty of care, they can be held legally accountable for the victim’s damages.
Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident
After a car accident, emotions can run high, and decisions made in the aftermath can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are some of the most common mistakes individuals make and how they can affect your ability to recover compensation:
- Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Many people underestimate the severity of their injuries and delay seeking medical care. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away, such as whiplash or internal injuries. Failing to get a prompt medical evaluation can make it harder to prove the connection between your injuries and the accident later.
- Not Documenting the Scene: A lack of evidence can weaken your claim. If you fail to document the accident scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and obtaining a police report, you may lose critical evidence needed to establish liability.
- Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Too Soon: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Speaking with an adjuster without legal representation may result in unintentionally saying something that could be used against you to deny or reduce your claim.
- Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer: Some victims accept the first settlement offer without understanding the full extent of their damages, including future medical expenses or lost wages. Once a settlement is accepted, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation.
- Admitting Fault: Saying “sorry” or admitting partial fault at the scene can be used against you in a state like Maryland, where contributory negligence laws bar recovery if you are even slightly at fault.
- Waiting Too Long to File a Claim: Maryland’s three-year statute of limitations is strict. If you delay too long, you risk losing the right to pursue compensation altogether.
- Not Knowing When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident: Many people wait too long to consult a lawyer, thinking they can handle the claim themselves. However, an experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance and help avoid common pitfalls.
How an Attorney Can Help You Avoid Mistakes After a Car Accident
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney immediately after a crash is one of the best ways to protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes. Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Provide Legal Guidance from the Start: Knowing when to get an attorney for a car accident can make all the difference. An attorney will explain your rights, help you avoid self-incriminating statements, and ensure you follow all necessary legal procedures.
- Handle Communication with Insurance Companies: An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance adjusters to prevent you from being taken advantage of. They will ensure your statements are accurate and will advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Gather and Preserve Evidence: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, including gathering witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony. This evidence is crucial for proving fault and building a strong case.
- Evaluate the Value of Your Claim: Many people underestimate the value of their claim. An attorney will assess all damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering, to determine what you are truly owed.
- Protect You from Contributory Negligence Laws: Maryland’s contributory negligence rule is one of the strictest in the country. An attorney can strategically present evidence to prove the other party’s fault and protect you from being unfairly assigned any blame.
- Negotiate and Litigate on Your Behalf: A skilled attorney will negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, they can take your case to court and fight for your rights.
- Ensure Compliance with Legal Deadlines: Your attorney will ensure that all claims are filed within Maryland’s statute of limitations and that no deadlines are missed, preserving your right to seek compensation.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of catastrophic injury and wrongful death in the United States. Even a seemingly minor collision can result in serious, life-changing injuries.
Often, victims face extensive medical care, which comes with exorbitant costs, not to mention months, weeks, or even years out of work. They may even be permanently disabled and/or unable to obtain any form of gainful employment.
Collectively, the economic and non-economic damages you suffer after an accident or injury are known as “damages.” By filing a car accident injury claim, you can seek fair financial compensation for these damages.
While this cannot undo the pain and suffering you have endured, it can allow you to secure the financial resources you need to manage unexpected costs related to your injury, as well as heal and move forward with your life.
Damages you may be able to recover after an auto accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care costs
- Mental and physical pain and suffering
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Loss of future earnings
- Diminished earning capacity
- Lost quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
Reasons to Call Mike Slocumb Law Firm
Experience and Expertise
One of the main reasons to hire our car accident lawyers in Baltimore is our experience and expertise in handling these cases. Our lawyers have years of experience and a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding these types of cases, including Maryland’s contributory negligence laws. We also have the necessary skills to negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your rights in court if needed.
Maximizing Compensation
Another reason to hire our car accident attorneys is that we can help you maximize your compensation. After a car wreck, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Proving Liability
In order to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses, it must be proven that another party was at fault for your crash. Our lawyers have the resources and knowledge to thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability. This may include obtaining witness statements, reviewing police reports, and consulting with experts if necessary.
Focus on Your Recovery
Hiring Mike Slocumb Law Firm can also provide you with peace of mind during a difficult time. Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can be overwhelming and stressful, but having an experienced legal team on your side can alleviate some of that burden. Our lawyers will handle all aspects of your case so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries without worrying about legal matters.
