Car accidents can occur due to various reasons, some of which are unavoidable and some of which happen due to a driver’s negligence. If you suffered injuries in a car crash that another driver caused, you may be more focused on recovering and returning to as normal a life as possible, rather than on receiving compensation for your injuries.
That is where the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow can help. Our team is ready to provide advice, helping you determine the best path forward for your particular situation.
As an Aberdeen car accident lawyer, we have seen the devastating effects an automobile accident can have on the victims. Some people spend months trying to recover, and some never recover fully. For a free consultation regarding your case, contact us today at (410) 777-8960.
Common Victims in Injury Accidents
Auto accidents in Maryland come with a variety of circumstances and outcomes. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reported 492 fatalities on roads in the state in 2018, broken down into the following categories:
Motor vehicles, where the driver and passengers accounted for 357 of the deaths.
Pedestrians, where a pedestrian accounted for 130 of the deaths.
Bicyclists, where cyclists accounted for five of the deaths.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, those riding in a passenger car accounted for 39% of the fatalities. Those in a pickup truck or SUV had 19% of fatalities, while motorcyclists recorded 12% of the fatalities. Pedestrians had 26% of the fatalities.
Single vehicle crashes resulted in 52% of the fatalities in Maryland in 2018, and multiple vehicle crashes caused 48% of the deaths.
Serious Injuries in Accidents
In addition to the fatalities, accidents on Maryland roadways in 2018 resulted in 2,841 serious injuries, according to MDOT.
Serious injuries require hospitalizations and time missing work. If you came out of an accident that was not your fault with significant injuries, you have the right to seek damages to compensate you for medical bills, pain, suffering, and a reduction in your quality of life.
As an Aberdeen car accident lawyer, we are ready to help you fight for a fair settlement from the insurance company of the at-fault driver. Contact the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow for a free consultation at (410) 777-8960. We can help you file a personal injury case so you meet the statute of limitations as set forth by the Maryland General Assembly.
Causes of Injury Accidents
If you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, you and your attorney will need to show that the other driver acted in a negligent manner.
This means that the other driver could have taken a different action to prevent the accident. It does not mean you need to show that the driver acted in a purposeful manner to cause the crash, although purposeful intent can be a sign of negligence.
Violating Traffic Laws
One of the most common ways a driver behaves in a negligent manner to cause a crash is through violating the state’s traffic laws. This can include:
Reckless driving.
Making an illegal turn.
Failing to maintain a lane.
Failing to yield to a pedestrian.
Driving without a valid license.
After an accident, law enforcement officials will investigate, looking to determine why the crash occurred and whether either driver should be held responsible.
One of the ways to show responsibility and negligence is through the issuance of a traffic ticket. If the police gives the other driver a traffic ticket, you can use this information to strengthen your case for a personal injury lawsuit.
Drunken Driving
According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, Maryland has one of the lowest deaths per capita rates for impaired driving. Yet over a recent five-year period, drunk drivers still caused 1 in 10 of the state’s injury crashes and 1 in 3 of the state’s fatal crashes.
If the other driver who caused your crash was drinking alcohol or taking drugs before climbing behind the wheel, this could have contributed to the accident. Even a small amount of alcohol or drug use could cause a driver to have a lapse in judgment while driving, resulting in the accident.
Distracted Driving
Another situation that causes danger for those traveling on Maryland roads is when a driver does not focus on the road while driving. Using a smartphone, eating, drinking, performing personal grooming, and listening to music can all result in distraction.
In Maryland, it is not legal to use a smartphone for texting or calling while you are driving. If the driver who caused your accident was distracted behind the wheel, this can show negligence and strengthen your case.
Malfunctioning Vehicle
If the other driver did not keep the vehicle in good working condition, such as by replacing balding tires or malfunctioning brakes, this can play a role in a crash. It could also be a sign that the other driver was acting negligently.
Let Us Help Give You Time to Heal
After a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities of doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, medications, and calls from the insurance company. Couple those concerns with an inability to work because of your injuries, and you have a lot to deal with after a crash.
The team at the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow can take some of those responsibilities off your plate, allowing you to tend to your family and your health. We can take over communication and negotiation with the insurance company of the other driver, giving you the time you need to heal.
Count on us as an Aberdeen car accident lawyer to represent your interests throughout the claims process. Should the insurance company refuse to come to a fair settlement, we can stand by your side during a court trial too. Call us at (410) 777-8960 for a free review of your case.
