AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN WHITE MARSH, MARYLAND
Were You Injured in an Auto Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault?
Baltimore, Maryland Personal Injury Attorneys Will Help You Recover Damages
Personal injury law allows an injured individual to receive monetary compensation when another person’s wrongful conduct causes them to suffer harm. Automobile accidents account for most personal injury claims made in the U.S. In Maryland, 95,507 traffic accidents were reported in 2020, and 546 of those involved fatalities.
Those who are injured in auto accidents often deal with multiple issues, including property damage, physical injuries, loss of income, and emotional pain. Filing a personal injury case can allow them to receive compensation for their losses, but in Maryland, fault must be proven before damages can be awarded.
Determining Fault for an Auto Accident
State law controls whether injured persons can recover damages for injuries suffered in auto accidents. In no-fault states, there is no obligation to determine fault for an accident. However, in fault states, negligence must be proven through investigation and evidence such as photographs, accident reports, medical records, witness statements and accident reconstruction.
Maryland, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. are pure contributory negligence states, meaning that an injured person can only recover damages if they were not at fault for the accident that led to their injuries. If they were responsible at all – even as little as one percent – they will not be allowed to recover compensation.
What to Do if You’re in an Accident
If you’re involved in an auto accident in Maryland, here are the steps to take:
Call the police to report the accident, even if the damage appears to be minor.
Exchange information with others involved: name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, motor vehicle registration number, and insurance information.
Record your observations surrounding the crash, including the time of day, road conditions, what the other driver said to you, visible damage to your vehicle, and any injuries sustained.
Photograph the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and the damage sustained.
Request contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
Call your insurance company to report the accident.
Don’t move your car until after the police arrive. Allowing the cars to remain in position will provide clues as to how the accident happened and what may have caused it.
Get a medical examination - urgent care clinics, chiropractors, and hospital emergency rooms are all good options for immediate care.
Obtain a repair estimate from an auto body shop as soon as possible.
Avoid speaking to any representatives of the other driver’s auto insurance company, and don’t agree to provide a written or recorded statement.
It’s also important to avoid accepting any settlement offers from insurance companies until after consulting with a qualified Maryland personal injury attorney.
Contact an Experienced Baltimore Auto Accident Law Firm
Did you suffer injuries in a Maryland car accident? For competent legal representation, contact Atkinson Law online or call 410-882-9595 (Baltimore office) or 443-384-0013 (Bel Air Office) to schedule your free initial consultation with a competent personal injury attorney today.