According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 107,789 car accidents across the state in 2015, with more than 23,000 occurring in Baltimore. Of the reported state-wide accidents:
44,816 led to physical injuries
76,654 led to property damage
314 total drivers lost their lives
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident in Baltimore, you may have the basis for a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. A Baltimore car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow may be able to handle this process for you. We can identify the at-fault driver and fight for compensation on your behalf when we represent you.
To explore your options in a free consultation with a member of our team, contact the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow at (410) 877-6021. We offer representation to car accident victims on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required.
Maryland Laws that May Impact Your Case
There are several laws to be aware of heading into a personal injury claim or lawsuit for car accident damages in Maryland.
Contributory Negligence
Maryland is one of just four states in the U.S. that uses a contributory negligence law where even 1% negligence can bar a claimant or plaintiff from recovering any compensation for their damages.
Statute of Limitations
While the law entitles you to seek compensation, it also limits the time you have to file a lawsuit requesting compensation. Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings §5-101 generally gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. There is also a general three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits, per Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings §3-904.
If you do not file your lawsuit by the applicable legal deadline, you might lose the ability to legally compel compensation from the at-fault driver.
The Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow can collect evidence of the full extent of the responsible party’s liability and file your case within the appropriate deadlines when we represent you.
Commonly Causes of Car Accidents
If another party’s negligence caused your car accident, they may be liable for your accident-related damages.
In a car accident case, driver negligence may include:
A violation of traffic law, such as speeding, failure to yield, an illegal turn, etc.
Driving while intoxicated
Distracted driving
Aggressive driving
Other times, a negligent car mechanic may be liable for an accident they caused by failing to safely repair or maintain a vehicle. Or, a negligent municipality may be liable for an accident caused by damaged roads or a lack of road signage.
A Baltimore car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow may be able to locate the liable party in your accident and pursue them for compensation when we represent you. If you believe another party’s negligence contributed to or caused your accident, call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow today at (410) 877-6021. A member of our car accident team is standing by to provide you with a free, no-obligation case review.
Evidence in a Car Accident Case
If the police responded to your accident, they may have created a crash report that can be used as evidence in your case. This document may include key information such as the date, time, and location of your accident, as well as contact information from the other driver. Your crash report may also provide us with the responding officer’s assessment of fault.
In addition to a police crash report, the following evidence may be utilized in a car accident case:
Photos or videos of the accident or your injuries
Witness statements
Your medical records
Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
The Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow can collect evidence of the responsible party’s liability in your case when we represent you.
Damages in a Car Accident Case
A car accident can have an incredible physical, psychological, and financial impact on the lives of its victims. It can temporarily or permanently alter your physical ability and appearance, force you to miss work, and can make driving a vehicle challenging. Damages such as these may be recoverable in a car accident case.
Depending on the details of your car accident case, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as:
Current and future medical bills
Current and future lost wages
Property repair or replacement
Physical pain and suffering
Mental and emotional trauma
Physical disability or disfigurement
A different group of damages may be available in a wrongful death lawsuit.
An important goal of financial compensation after a car accident is to demonstrate the severity of the accident’s impact on your life. Accordingly, the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow can examine your unique damages and collect evidence of their value when we represent you. This evidence may include your medical bills, car repair invoices, and statements from medical experts about your estimated future costs of recovery.
Get a Free Case Evaluation from the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow Today
If you or someone you love was injured by a negligent driver, a Baltimore car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow may be able to help you. If you qualify, we can handle all of the legal work in your case while you focus on healing.
For a free case assessment from our car accident team, call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow today at (410) 877-6021. We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee-basis, where you are not obligated to pay us attorney fees unless and until you recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.
