If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Bethesda car accident lawyer 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., we have years of experience helping people just 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.
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
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Bethesda Car Accident Case?
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. It is a good idea to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney in most cases. An experienced car accident attorney can help you file the claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and go to court for you if necessary.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, some of which are pretty serious. Some common injuries include:
If you suffer any of these injuries after a car accident, seek medical treatment immediately.
What Should I Do After a Bethesda Car Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, there are several things you should do to protect yourself and your legal rights:
- Call the police and file a report
- 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
How Long Does it Take to File a Claim After a Car Accident?
We would make the claim right away, on your behalf. However, it can take months or years to get to the point where you can actually settle your claim. 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 My Bethesda Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of a car accident case can vary significantly depending on the facts of the case. It may be necessary to go to court to get a fair settlement in some cases. A Bethesda car accident attorney can help you determine the value of your case and negotiate with the insurance company.
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 The Statute of Limitations in Bethesda, MD?
The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for car accidents is three years. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible because other deadlines may apply to your case.
For instance, someone under the age of 18 involved in a car crash has until three years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit for damages.
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 that you must exercise the degree of care that a reasonable person would use in similar circumstances.
There are four elements to proving negligence:
- Duty– The defendant had a duty 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.
In order 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 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 will be allowed to 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 coverage on your own insurance policy to protect you in this situation, and you will have to file an uninsured motorist claim against your own 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 have a negative effect on your insurance rates, if you were not at fault for the accident.
Should I Accept a Settlement From An Insurance Company?
If you are injured in a car accident, 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. You should speak with a car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement from an insurance company.
Insurance companies typically do their best to settle for as little money as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer 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 do not, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration.
Why Should I Hire Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for My Bethesda Car Accident Case?
The Bethesda, MD car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation 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 needed to perform thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence needed to establish liability and negligence.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and 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 – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.
We Get Results
Here are some examples of the car accident cases we have obtained settlements for:
- $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in 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 obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was 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 period of 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 client suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle.
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 as a result of the accident.
- A wrongful death claim is for damages suffered by a person who has died as a result of a car accident.
Contact a Bethesda Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and 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, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.