Car accidents happen every day. In fact, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) reports that there are typically more than 100,000 auto accidents each year within the state. They affect everyone differently. Some people suffer minor injuries, while others may face serious medical conditions or even death. Regardless of whether you were injured in an accident caused by another person's negligence or you were involved in an auto accident due to your own negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for damages suffered.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you should consult with an experienced car accident attorney right away. Most car accident cases are settled out of court, but sometimes these cases involve serious injuries and are worth pursuing.
Local hospitals for treatment of car accident-related injuries:
Car accidents happen every single day. And unfortunately, car accidents often result in serious injuries. According to the most recent crash statistics from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), there were an average of 111,885 crashes in Maryland over a recent five-year period, with 511 people dying and 48,257 people being injured in each crash.
Injured victims may suffer broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and other life-threatening conditions. Unfortunately, these types of injuries can lead to permanent disability and even death.
So what happens after an accident occurs? What should you do if you're involved in a car accident in Maryland?
Here are three things you should do immediately following a car accident:
First and foremost, call 911 right away. This is one of the most important steps to follow after any type of injury. Calling 911 allows emergency medical services to arrive quickly and assess the situation. They will determine whether you need immediate care or transport to a hospital. It's critical to call 911 immediately after an accident occurs.
After calling 911, remain calm. Don't panic. Take deep breaths and don't speak unless asked a direct question. Stay quiet until you receive instructions from the police officer or ambulance crew. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Let the professionals handle the situation.
Seek medical attention immediately. This means going to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility. Make sure to tell the staff at the ER/urgent care center exactly what happened. They will ask questions to ensure that you receive proper treatment.
When seeking medical care, remember that you may be required to provide information regarding the cause of the accident.
When filing a claim with your insurance company, you should provide documentation of the accident. This includes police reports, witness statements, pictures of damage, and copies of your auto policy. Keep records of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses related to the accident.
Even if you don't think you need legal advice, you should consult with a lawyer. A personal injury attorney can explain your rights under Maryland law and advise you of your next steps. They can also help you file a claim with your insurance provider and negotiate a settlement.
Remember that no matter how small or big the accident was, you deserve fair compensation. At Blank Kim Injury Law, we understand that car accident claims involve serious medical bills, missed work, and other costs. Our legal team of car accident lawyers will represent you at no upfront costs, we work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no risk to you. Our law firm has helped recover millions for injured car wreck survivors just like you.
It's important to understand that car accident cases vary greatly depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, whether the driver was negligent, and the amount of insurance coverage available to the victim.
In addition, the state of Maryland has specific laws regarding personal injury claims. For example, under Maryland law, victims cannot recover damages for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, unless the defendant acted recklessly.
Here are some things to think about when determining the value of your case:
This depends on several factors, including whether you hire an attorney, the complexity of your case, and the extent of your injuries.
Insurance companies often give initial offers based on the costs associated with treating your injuries. However, these offers usually don't include any compensation for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, or emotional distress.
Most states allow plaintiffs to collect a single award for past and future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This means that you won't receive separate payments for each item of damage.
Some states provide health insurance benefits to accident victims. If you qualify for these benefits, you may be responsible for paying part of your medical bills.
Punitive damages are awarded to punish defendants who act maliciously or intentionally injure others. Under Maryland law, punitive damages aren't allowed against most defendants. However, certain types of businesses, such as trucking firms, liquor stores, and restaurants, can be held liable for punitive damages.
To learn more about your rights after a car accident, contact our office today. We can answer questions about your legal rights and help you determine the value of your claim.
In order to determine whether you qualify for compensation under Maryland law, you must first understand the types of damages available to victims of car accidents.
Under Maryland law, there are two categories of damages that can be awarded to victims of motor vehicle accidents. These include economic losses and non-economic losses. Economic losses are those that result directly from the injury itself, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Non-economic losses are those that arise indirectly from the injury, such as damage to property, emotional distress, and inconvenience.
Economic losses are typically recoverable under Maryland law. However, certain limitations apply. For example, you cannot recover for any economic losses incurred prior to the date of the accident. This means that if you had surgery performed on your leg prior to the date of your accident, you would not be entitled to compensation for the cost of the surgery.
Non-economic losses are generally not compensable under Maryland law. If you were involved in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, you may be entitled to recovery for non-economic losses. However, these damages are limited to $15,000 per incident. Examples of non-economic losses include:
In Maryland, you have two years after an accident to sue. If you don't file within two years, you may lose your right to sue. However, if you wait longer than two years, you may no longer have any legal recourse. This is true even if you didn't realize you had been injured until later.
So, if you were injured in an auto accident in Maryland, you should contact our office immediately to discuss your case. We can review your medical records and determine whether you have a valid claim.
When you hire a car accident lawyer, you hire a team of experts to fight for your rights and compensation. The team includes an experienced car accident lawyer, medical expert, accident reconstructionist, and other professionals.
The key is to find a law firm that provides personal attention at your most vulnerable hour. At Blank Kim Injury Law, we believe that everyone deserves justice after a serious car accident, and, as such, we fight aggressively for all our clients on a contingency fee basis. Our law firm has helped collect millions for injured car wreck survivors just like you. This ranges from car accidents to being hit by a truck. Call today for a free case evaluation.
