Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents happen in Baltimore and throughout Maryland every day. In a car accident, a victim can suffer one or more injuries. These injuries can be relatively minor, like a scratch or a bruise, or severe enough to permanently disable the victim. Any time a victim suffers financial damages from a car accident, they may pursue monetary compensation through a personal injury claim.
What Causes Car Accidents?
Car accidents have a variety of causes. Sometimes, they are unavoidable because of adverse weather conditions or wildlife in the roadway. Often, though, they result from negligence.
When an accident happens because of a vehicle malfunction, the vehicle’s manufacturer or seller could be deemed the negligent party for failing to properly address the problem. When an accident occurs because of debris in the roadway or confusing signage, the government or private entity charged with maintaining that section of roadway could be deemed the negligent party because of their failure to keep the roads safe. Car accidents can also happen because of negligence on the part of a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian. This type of negligence includes:
- Drunk driving
- Distractions like using a cell phone or eating while driving
- Failure to obey the posted traffic signs
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive actions
The party whose negligence causes a car accident is the party liable for the victims’ damages.
Ways you Can be Injured in a Car Accident
You can be injured in a variety of ways in a car accident, including but not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Burns
- Cuts
- Spinal cord injuries
Pursuing your Car Accident Damages
When you are facing damages after being injured in a car accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for them through a personal injury claim. With your claim, you can pursue compensation for:
- Your medical bills
- Your lost wages
- Your pain and suffering damages
To recover compensation for these damages, your lawyer will work with you to develop a claim that adequately illustrates how the other party’s negligence caused you to suffer an injury and the extent of the injury’s impact on your life. He or she can help you do this with evidence that supports your claim like:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- A copy of the official police report
- Eyewitness accounts of the accident
- Copies of your medical bills
- Documentation of your lost wages now and your projected lost earnings
Understanding the Complexities of Your Baltimore Car Accident Claim
After a car accident in Baltimore, the path to recovery can seem overwhelming. Understanding the causes, your immediate responsibilities, and the legal deadlines is crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Let our experienced team guide you through every step of the process.
Common Causes of Collisions in Baltimore
Many Baltimore car accidents stem from preventable driver negligence. This includes distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, speeding on major roads like I-95, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating and unsafe lane changes also contribute significantly, creating dangerous conditions for everyone on the road.
The Impact of Maryland's Contributory Negligence Rule
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence doctrine, which can be a significant hurdle for accident victims. This rule states that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This is why having skilled legal representation is so critical. Contact us to build a strong case proving the other party's full liability.
Preserving Critical Evidence for Your Case
The strength of your car accident claim depends heavily on the evidence you can provide. This includes the official police report, photographs and videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, contact information for any witnesses, and comprehensive medical records documenting your injuries. Preserving this evidence immediately is essential for establishing fault and the extent of your damages.
A Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After an Accident
The actions you take in the moments following a car crash are crucial for your health and your potential legal claim. Staying calm and following a clear plan can protect your rights and help ensure you have the necessary documentation for your case. Remember these steps to navigate the immediate aftermath of a collision in Baltimore.
Prioritize Safety First
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, activate your hazard lights, and check on all involved parties for injuries before calling 911.
Document Everything
Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Exchange driver's license and insurance information without admitting fault.
File an Official Report
Always contact the police to file an official accident report. This document is a vital piece of evidence for your insurance claim and a potential lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention
Get a medical evaluation right away, even if you feel fine. This helps diagnose hidden injuries and creates an official record of treatment.
How Insurance Companies Handle Accident Claims
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company's bottom line, which often means minimizing or denying your claim. They may try to get a recorded statement to use against you or offer a quick, lowball settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. It's crucial to have an advocate who understands these tactics. Let us handle all communications with the insurer.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
A comprehensive car accident claim includes more than just vehicle repairs. We work to calculate all your economic damages, such as current and future medical bills, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. We also fight for non-economic damages, which provide compensation for your pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Work with an Experienced Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents happen in and around Baltimore every day, but that does not mean you should have to live with the expenses you face after being injured in one. Don't let the insurance company dictate the terms of your recovery. If you are a Baltimore car accident victim facing steep damages, contact the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes, LLC today at (443) 242-4966 to set up your initial legal consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
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Hasson D. Barnes, LLC
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1330 Smith Ave #200 Baltimore, MD 21209
