Auto Accident Injury in Maryland

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Maryland? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in MD that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Maryland

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 115,916 motor vehicle crashes in 2019. In these collisions, 48,656 people sustained injuries, while 534 people died.

Most of these accidents took place during weekdays between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM. The Maryland Department of Transportation aims to decrease the number of accidents that take place each year by studying land-use and mobility so they can design and construct roads that are safe for all residents.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

According to the Maryland Transportation Authority, people can access the official police report by emailing or writing a letter. People usually need to wait a week after the accident before they request a copy of the report.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average cost of traffic deaths for motor vehicle accidents was $433 million. For 2018, the crash death price tag in Maryland totaled $8 million for medical costs and $750 million in work-loss costs. If people need to go to the emergency room after an accident, this necessary care may be more expensive than people expect. USA Today says that the average cost of an emergency room visit is $1,389, a 176% increase since 2008.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Maryland

Liability Laws for MD

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. Maryland is an at-fault state, and people have to demonstrate that the other driver caused the accident. However, Maryland also utilizes a contributory negligence fault system. This means that people may not have a successful claim if any of their actions may have caused the crash.

Statute of Limitations in MD

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. In Maryland, the statute of limitations to file a suit after a car accident occurs is three years for all personal injury claims and three years for all property damage claims.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Maryland

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in MD!

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