Maryland Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is a car accident victim, you may be able to get money for your injuries. A car accident lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply to your case and can help you get the compensation that you deserve. You should contact a car accident lawyer in Maryland as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has helped many car accident victims get the money they need to pay for their medical bills and other expenses. We know the ins and outs of the law, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Greenbelt, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Frederick, and other areas in Maryland. We will review your case and answer any questions that you have.
Car Accidents in Maryland
Maryland has close to 5 million registered drivers. In recent years, the number of car accidents and fatalities has increased in the Old Line State. This is one reason Maryland has higher insurance requirements than other states. Drivers must carry auto insurance covering at least $30,000 for injury/death to one person/per accident, $60,000 for more than one person/accident, and $15,000 for damage to property/accident.
With traffic congestion costing U.S. drivers an average of 36 hours and $564 during 2021, personal-finance website WalletHub released a 2022 report on the Best & Worst States to Drive in. According to data from the website, Maryland is ranked as the 5th worst state to drive. The data set ranges from average gas prices to rush-hour traffic congestion to road quality.
“Zero Death Maryland”
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) operates Zero Deaths, a government website designed to provide the community with statewide crash statistics, resources, and programs to assist in roadway safety programs. The website aims to assist the Maryland Highway Safety Office meets its goal of eliminating roadway fatalities by 2030.
According to data from the website, there were 573 fatalities in 2020 and 562 in 2021. The first nine months of 2022 have already seen 350 reported fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes. Forty-three fatalities were passengers, 82 pedestrians, and seven bike or other pedal cycle deaths.
Should You Contact an Attorney for a Maryland Car Accident?
Hiring a lawyer after a car accident in Maryland is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your case. When you hire a lawyer, you are handing over the stressful and frustrating job of dealing with the insurance company to someone who knows how to get you the compensation you deserve.
Many people who attempt to do it themselves find the stress overwhelming, and the insurance companies do not give them the time of day. An experienced lawyer will know how to deal with the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery.
A car accident lawyer will also be able to tell you if you have a case and what you can expect in terms of compensation. If you attempt to settle your case without a lawyer, you may leave money on the table.
Car accident cases can be complex, and an experienced lawyer will know how to navigate the legal system to get you the best possible outcome. Contact an experienced car accident attorney today to schedule a free consultation.
The Statute of Limitations for Maryland Car Accidents
The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is three years from the date of the accident. If you do not file your lawsuit within this time frame, you will be barred from doing so.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Finding the Best Car Accident Attorney in Maryland
If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to find an experienced lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve. The best way to find a lawyer is to ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also search online for lawyers in your area.
When searching for a lawyer, read reviews and check the lawyer’s website. You should also make sure to find a lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases.
Once you have found a few lawyers, you should schedule a free consultation with each one. This will allow you to get to know the lawyer and see if they are a good fit for your case.
The Maryland 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 the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources necessary to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish negligence and other types of liability.
How Is Liability Determined for Maryland Car Accidents?
One of the most challenging aspects of many car accident cases is determining liability. Liability establishes who is at fault for the accident and who will be responsible for paying damages.
Many factors can contribute to liability in a car accident. These factors include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and more.
Maryland applies the concept of “contributory negligence” to accidents. Any driver found at fault for an accident is barred from seeking compensation in Maryland courts regardless of their level of responsibility. Even a driver who only contributed 1% of fault in an accident cannot file a lawsuit against the other parties.
This is why it is so important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. A lawyer can investigate the accident and determine who is liable. They will also be able to negotiate with the other parties on your behalf.
Four Elements of Negligence
To prove that the other driver was at fault, you will need to show that they were negligent. Negligence is the legal term for carelessness. To prove negligence in a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to show that the other driver owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and their breach caused your injuries.
- Duty of Care: The first element shows that the other driver owed you a duty of care. All drivers must safely operate their vehicles. This means obeying all traffic laws and using caution while driving.
- Breach of the Duty of Care: The second element shows that the other driver breached their duty of care. This can be done by showing that the driver was speeding, texting while driving, or engaging in risky behavior.
- Causation: The third element shows that the other driver’s breach of duty caused your injuries. A driver could breach the duty of care but still not be liable unless their conduct caused the accident. To prove they were negligent, you must prove that you would not have been injured if the other driver had not been negligent.
- Damages or Injuries: The fourth and final element shows that you suffered damages from the accident. These damages include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Maryland car accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have the experience and resources to help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Maryland personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that they do not charge any upfront fees. Instead, they take a percentage of the settlement or verdict you receive at the end of your case.
The contingency fee percentage will vary depending on the lawyer and the specific details of your case. However, most personal injury lawyers charge between 33% and 40% of the settlement or verdict you receive.
You should also be aware that other costs are associated with filing an auto accident lawsuit. These costs can include filing fees, expert witness fees, and more.
Establishing Damages in a Maryland Car Accident
Once you have established that the other driver was at fault, you will need to prove the extent of your damages. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value attached to them. These include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify. They can consist of pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How to Determine the Value of Your Car Accident Claim
The value of your car accident claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the damages you have incurred. To get an accurate estimate of the value of your claim, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer.
Why You Should Choose Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has obtained 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®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations 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
- $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. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint 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 a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Maryland
Many different factors can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common causes of auto accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Maryland
Car crash victims can suffer from a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Headaches
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once a doctor has seen you, you should speak to a car accident lawyer about your case.
We Handle Various Car Accident Cases in Maryland
The lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have experience handling a wide range of car crash cases in Maryland. We have successfully represented clients who have been injured in:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Single-car accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Intersection accidents
What to Do If You’re in a Maryland Car Accident
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Do not give a statement to the insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Keep all documentation and records of the accident, including medical bills, police reports, and more.
- Speak to a car accident lawyer about your case.
The lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have the experience and resources needed to help you obtain the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
When Should You Hire a Maryland Car Accident Attorney After a Crash?
You should hire a Maryland car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. An experienced lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable.
Contact a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for the highest level of 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.