It can be difficult to determine the average settlement for a car accident. A car accident with minor injuries and damages will have a much different value than one with permanent injuries that affect a victim’s ability to work.
The amount of compensation you receive could vary greatly, based upon:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of damage to your vehicle
- The amount of time you must spend off-work to recover
- The other ways the accident impacts your life
Determining how much compensation you could receive requires you to consider all of the expenses related to your accident.
You may be able to reach out to a Maryland car accident law firm for help getting an assessment regarding possible compensation for your accident.
Steps to Take to Estimate a Possible Car Accident Settlement
If you are curious about the amount of funds you could get through a car accident settlement in Maryland, there are steps you can take to come up with an estimate. Before you begin considering a settlement, make sure that you get medical care.
A settlement may be designed to provide you with compensation for your healthcare expenses. Having an official diagnosis is an important step. In some cases, a lawyer may recommend their client avoid settling before they have reached a point of maximum recovery.
In order to estimate your settlement amount, gather up all of your healthcare bills. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for your motor vehicle repair costs and lost wages at work. In order to secure compensation for these losses, make sure that you keep track of your bills from the automobile repair shop and that you keep records of your pay stubs and the time you were unable to work.
For legal consultation, call (410)777-8960
Consider Non-Economic Losses in a Car Accident Settlement
Non-economic damages are designed to cover your pain, suffering, and mental anguish. These may also be recoverable after a Maryland car accident.
You cannot collect bills to demonstrate the non-economic losses you suffered as a result of a car accident. Instead, these losses may be calculated using specific formulas related to your economic losses.
Other times, a lawyer may be able to hire medical or economic experts to testify about the value of a client’s non-economic damages.
Pursuing a Settlement for a Maryland Car Accident
You should be aware that not all car accident claims in Maryland are resolved with a settlement. In order to get compensation, you must show that another driver was completely responsible for your accident.
Maryland is one of four contributory negligence states in the nation. States that use contributory negligence laws only allow you to get compensation if you bear 0% of the responsibility for a motor vehicle collision.
Other drivers may attempt to argue that you were partially responsible for the accident to avoid settling with you. A car accident lawyer may be able to step in to help you in this situation. A lawyer may be able to demonstrate that another driver caused your accident by:
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Swerving across lanes or passing illegally
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Texting while driving or otherwise using an electronic device
- Driving while fatigued or distracted
- Violating a traffic law
A lawyer may be able to start building a claim for you by investigating your case, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing your police report. Note also that you do not have to accept the first settlement offer made by an insurance company. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance agents on your behalf when they represent you.
In some situations, a lawyer may even advise you to take your claim to trial, instead of resolving your case with a settlement.
Keep in mind that Maryland applies a general three-year statute of limitations, or legal time limit, to most personal injury lawsuits, per Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5–101.
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Call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow Today
The Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow defends the rights of car accident victims in Maryland. We may be able to evaluate your damages and pursue compensation on your behalf when we represent you.
The Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow offers a free consultation to Maryland car accident victims. A member of our team may be able to discuss the average settlement for a car accident in Maryland when you call us today at (410) 777-8960.
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