Daily driving is a common act that typically does not go wrong. However, when car accidents do happen, the outcomes can be quite severe and damaging for those involved.
Personal injuries, damaged vehicles, and emotional trauma are common in car accidents of any kind. While these outcomes can leave you feeling helpless, you may have options for financial recovery if another party’s negligence caused your accident. An attorney may be able to help you to pursue justice and any forms of financial compensation that you may be owed in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
An Elkton car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow may be able to stand up to defend your legal rights after a car accident. For a free case review with a representative of our firm, call us today at (410) 777-8960.
Working with the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow on Your Case
When you partner with an Elkton car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow on your case, we can work to establish a liable party by investigating the details of your incident. Our team can file an insurance claim and negotiate with car insurance companies and other drivers to settle. If they deny you a fair settlement offer, we can take your case to trial.
During this process, our team may be able to:
Provide you with legal advice and design a strategy for your case
Communicate with all parties on your behalf
Manage the legal deadlines and paperwork in your case
Collect evidence of the extent of the responsible party’s liability
Collect evidence of the value of your damage
Defend your rights at every stage
Our firm can also answer your questions and keep you updated on your case along the way so that you are able to focus on recovering from your injuries.
Important Personal Injury Laws in Maryland
If you are planning to take legal action for your injuries, there are a few important Maryland personal injury laws for you to be familiar with:
Contributory Negligence
Maryland is one of just four states in the country that has a contributory negligence law in personal injury cases. This means that a 1% rating of negligence can bar a claimant/plaintiff from any compensation in their case.
Statute of Limitations
Per Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings §5–101, there is a general three-year statute of limitations on filing a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland.
The Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow can conduct your case in compliance with Maryland’s personal injury laws when we represent you.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, they may be liable for your damages. Some common causes of car accidents that involve driver negligence include the following:
Violating Traffic Law
Sometimes a driver makes a mistake and violates a traffic law, or does so deliberately, causing a car accident. This may include failure to yield, speeding, illegal lane changes, and more.
If the other driver caused your accident by violating a traffic law, they may be liable for your damages.
Drunk and Impaired Driving
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), there were 6,627 car crashes in Maryland in 2017 involving impaired drivers.
This figure includes drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Both illegal drugs and certain types of prescription drugs can impact a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Drivers using cellphones and other devices behind the wheel are unable to commit their full attention to the roads. Those who are focused on their radio, a meal, or their passengers often exhibit a similar lack of attention. These behaviors are dangerous and may cause accidents.
Drowsy Driving
Those who drive long consecutive hours may be at a greater risk of driving drowsy. Drivers who work late night or early morning shifts may present risks as well. Drowsy driving may impair a driver’s decision making, slow their reaction time, or cause them to fall asleep at the wheel.
If you were involved in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow at (410) 777-8960 for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case with a member of our team.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
A wide range of injuries can occur in a car accident. These may include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Brain injuries often occur when a driver or passenger hits their head during an accident. TBIs can have serious physical and mental side effects and may require years of medical intervention to resolve.
Whiplash
Whiplash frequently occurs in rear-end collisions, although other car accident types can cause it. Whiplash is an injury of the neck and spine, caused by a sudden impact that lashes the neck in a whip-like motion. Headaches, limited range of motion, and nausea can accompany a whiplash injury.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are possible in high-speed collisions. While vehicles carry protective measures to prevent these kinds of injuries, sometimes they are simply unavoidable.
If you were hurt in a car accident, make sure to see a doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose any injuries you may have and begin treating them. Having this evaluation in your medical record may also support your case as proof that your injuries came from the car accident.
Call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow Today
If you qualify, an Elkton car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow can step in to pursue compensation on your behalf after a car accident. Our team recognizes the unique legal and financial concerns that victims face after a car accident, and we are here to answer your questions and help you traverse the legal system.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow today at (410) 777-8960. We may be able to provide you with representation on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payment required.
