--- description: If you are looking for the highest level representation available in Bethesda, MD for your car accident, contact us today. title: Bethesda Car Accident Lawyer - Chaikin & Sherman --- Bethesda Car Accident Lawyer - Chaikin & Sherman # Bethesda Car Accident Lawyer Last Updated: November 18, 2025 Reading Time: 8 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 7 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » Bethesda Car Accident Lawyer What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. ## Bethesda Car Accident Attorney If you have been injured in a car accident, [speak with](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) an experienced Bethesda [car accident lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) as soon as possible. A skilled motor car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. At the law office of[ Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/), we have years of experience helping people like you get the money they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We are here to help you, so please do not hesitate to call us today. ## What Should I Do After a Car Accident? [If you are involved in a car accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/when-to-hire-a-personal-injury-lawyer/), there are several things you should do to protect yourself and your legal rights: - Call the police and [file a report](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/why-you-should-always-file-a-police-report-for-a-car-accident/) - Get medical attention for any injuries - Take photos of the accident scene - Gather evidence from the scene (e.g., witness statements, insurance information) - Contact your insurance company - Speak with the Bethesda car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. The sooner you take these steps, the better. Let us help you get started on your case today. ### **What Are My Rights if I’m in an Accident?** In most motor vehicle accidents, you have the right to: - Medical treatment - Car repairs - Transportation to and from medical appointments - Compensation for lost wages - Pain and suffering damages - Emotional distress damages - Property damage ## Do I Need a Lawyer for My Bethesda Car Accident Case? If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may wonder if you [need a lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2013/12/why-do-i-need-a-personal-injury-lawyer/). The following may help you decide: - The severity of your injuries: If you suffered injuries that require ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, or have a significant impact on your quality of life, it may be beneficial to hire a lawyer to help you recover the maximum compensation possible. - The complexity of your case: If multiple parties are involved in the accident or disputes over who was at fault, a lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure that your rights are protected. - Insurance company disputes: Insurance companies may dispute liability or the damages you are entitled to. A lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation. - Legal deadlines: There are often strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit or claiming compensation after a car accident. In general, it’s a good idea to consult with a car accident lawyer after a Bethesda car accident, even if you’re unsure whether you need one. Our car accident lawyers at Chaikin Sherman Cammarata & Siegel P.C. offer free consultations, so you can get advice on your case and decide how to proceed. ## How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help? Having a car accident attorney on your side can be invaluable in the wake of a car accident. Experienced Bethesda car accident lawyers understand how to navigate the legal system and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries. An experienced car accident lawyer can: 1. Investigating the accident: A car accident attorney can investigate the facts of your case and determine who was at fault for the crash. 2. Identifying all liable parties: A car accident lawyer will be able to identify if other parties may have contributed to your injuries, such as a negligent driver or a manufacturer of defective parts. 3. Gathering evidence: Your Bethesda car accident lawyer can gather evidence from [police reports](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/maryland/how-to-get-a-police-report/), witness statements, photos of the scene, medical records, and any other relevant documents to build a strong case on your behalf. 4. Negotiating with insurance companies: An experienced attorney knows how insurance companies operate and can negotiate with them to get you the best possible outcome for your claim. 5. Representing you in court: In some cases, it may be necessary for an attorney to represent you in court against an insurance company or another driver involved in the crash to ensure that you get fair compensation for your injuries or losses suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. 6 Filing appeals: If needed, the car accident attorneys in Bethesda at Chaikin Sherman Cammarata & Siegel P.C. can assist by filing appeals after a denial from an insurer or a court ruling. ## Damages in Bethesda Car Accident Claims There are a variety of damages that may be available in a car accident case, including: - Medical expenses - Lost wages - Pain and suffering - Emotional distress - Property damage In some cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless, malicious, and done with an evil motive. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter them from engaging in similar behavior in the future. ### **What is My Bethesda Car Accident Case Worth?** The value of a car accident case [can vary significantly](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/factors-that-affect-the-value-of-your-case/) depending on the facts of the case. In some cases, it may be necessary to go to court to get a fair settlement. A Bethesda car accident attorney can help you determine the [value of your case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/02/what-is-the-value-of-my-case/) and negotiate with the insurance company. ### **How Long Does it Take to File a Claim After a Car Accident?** We will make a claim right away on your behalf. However, it can take [months or years](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/how-long-does-a-personal-injury-claim-take/) to get to the point where you can [settle your claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2019/02/will-my-car-accident-case-settle/). The length of time it takes to resolve your claim can vary depending on the facts of your case and the severity of your injuries. ### **What is The Statute of Limitations in Bethesda, MD?** The statute of limitations is when you file a lawsuit after an accident. In Maryland, the [statute of limitations](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/maryland-personal-injury-statute-of-limitations/) for car accidents is three years. This means you have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, speak with an experienced car accident attorney at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. as soon as possible because other deadlines may apply to your case. ### **What Type of Claim Should I File?** There are three types of claims car accident victims can file after a car accident: - A property damage claim is for damage to your vehicle. - A personal injury claim is for injuries you suffer due to the accident. - A [wrongful death](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wrongful-death/) claim is for damages suffered by a person who died due to a car accident. ## Common Causes of Bethesda Car Accidents Many factors can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include: - [Driver distraction](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/distracted-driving/) - [Speeding](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/excessive-speed/) - [Drunk driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/drunk-driving-accidents/) - Reckless driving ## Basics of Fault for Maryland Car Accidents In Maryland, the law of negligence determines fault in car accidents. Negligence is defined as a failure to use reasonable care. This means you must exercise the degree of care a reasonable person would use in similar circumstances. There are [four elements to proving negligence](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-a-lawyer-looks-for-in-a-case/): - **Duty:** The defendant has an obligation to use reasonable care. - **Breach:** The defendant failed to meet the standard of care. - **Causation:** The defendant’s breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries. - **Damages:** The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the accident. To prove negligence, you must show that the defendant failed to meet the standard of care and that this failure caused you damages. ### **Comparative Negligence vs. Contributory Negligence** The doctrine of [contributory negligence](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-is-contributory-negligence/) is used in Maryland, which bars plaintiffs from recovering damages if they are found to be even partially at fault for the accident. Other states have a comparative negligence system, whereby a jury can compare the defendant’s degree of negligence to the plaintiff’s and assign a percentage of blame to each party. ## What Happens If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance? If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to file a claim. In most cases, you will have [uninsured motorist](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/uninsured-underinsured-motorists/) coverage on your insurance policy to protect you in this situation, and you will have to file an uninsured motorist claim against your insurance company. Many people are concerned that if they have to make an uninsured motorist claim against their own insurance company that it will affect their insurance rates. However, it will not negatively affect your insurance rates if you were not at fault for the accident. **Should I Accept a Settlement From An Insurance Company?** Suppose you are injured in a car accident in Maryland. In that case, you may be contacted by the driver’s insurance company who caused the accident. The insurance company may offer you a settlement to cover your damages. Before accepting any settlement from an insurance company, you should speak with a car accident lawyer in Bethesda from Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Insurance companies do their best to settle for as little money as possible. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine if the settlement offer is fair and will represent your best interests. ### **Will The Insurance Company Pay for My Repairs?** Your car should be repaired at the shop of your choosing. The insurance company should pay for the repairs. If they don’t, you can file a complaint with the[ Maryland Insurance Administration if they do not.](https://insurance.maryland.gov/) ## Common Injuries in Car Accidents Car accidents can cause various injuries, some of which are pretty serious. Some [common injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/common-injuries/) include: - [Traumatic brain injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/brain-injuries/) - [Spinal cord injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/spine-injuries/) - [Broken bones](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/common-bones-broken/) - [Burns](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/catastrophic-injuries/burn-injuries/) - [Concussions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/) - [Whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-from-a-car-accident/) If you suffer any of these injuries after a car accident, seek medical treatment immediately. ## Why Should I Hire Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for My Car Accident Case? The Bethesda, MD, car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of helping clients obtain the maximum [compensation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/common-myths-about-compensation-and-car-accidents/) possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources to perform thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements. Our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the most respected attorney-ranking service organization in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – no case is too complex for us to litigate. ### **We Get Results** Here are some examples of the car accident cases we have obtained settlements: - $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after a rear-end collision. - $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle. - $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident. - $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle. - $1 million settlement was obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client, a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens. - $1 million settlement on behalf of the client suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle. ## Contact a Bethesda Car Accident Lawyer Today If you are looking for the highest level of representation for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover over $1 billion in compensation. We have more than 100 years of combined experience. Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers® recognize all of our partners. Our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered. Still, our attorneys are well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. Our call center is available 24/7, ensuring you always have support whenever you need it. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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