Baltimore Car Accident Attorneys Fighting For Maximum Recovery
If you’ve been injured in a Baltimore accident, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and dealing with insurance companies can be a frustrating legal experience.
With a long-standing tradition of service and a history of success, Peter Angelos Law is dedicated to helping car accident victims in Baltimore and across Maryland get the fair compensation they deserve.
Navigate to:
- Handling Insurance Companies After A Car Accident
- Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims In Maryland
- Common Types Of Car Accidents In Baltimore
- We Answer Your Car Accident FAQs
When And Why Hire A Car Accident Attorney
While some car accidents may seem minor at first, injuries can manifest later. Moreover, dealing with insurance companies on your own can be complex. It is, therefore, generally advisable to consult with a Maryland car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash, even if you’re unsure of the extent of your injuries or liabilities.
Evidence can disappear quickly, and witnesses’ memories can fade over time. An attorney can start working on your case immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights. An experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the cause of the Baltimore car accident and identify all liable parties
- Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, police reports and witness statements
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve
- Represent you in court if necessary
Since any legal case is not a DIY project, the circumstances are very complex – something that only an experienced attorney can handle. We can advise you of your rights and options and help you determine the best course of action. In many cases, our attorneys can help you recover more compensation than you could on your own.
Handling Insurance Companies After A Car Accident
Insurance companies are primarily interested in protecting their bottom line, which means they may try to minimize or deny your claim. It’s important to be aware of your rights and to avoid speaking to an insurance company representative without an accident lawyer in Baltimore present.
Our auto accident lawyers in Baltimore have extensive experience dealing with insurance carriers and can ensure your rights are upheld and your claim is properly valued. We will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims In Maryland
The statute of limitations in Maryland is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries.
If you do not file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations, you will lose your right to sue. However, there are exceptions to this timeline, making it essential to consult with a lawyer promptly to avoid missing the deadline and forfeiting your right to compensation.
Common Types Of Car Accidents In Baltimore
Our Baltimore car accident attorneys handle extensive types of car accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
Since each accident carries the potential for serious injury and financial hardship, we understand the challenges you may face. With a proven track record of success in helping clients recover the compensation they deserve after a car accident, we can handle your car accident case with the utmost legal experience. Our attorneys are dedicated to getting you the best possible legal outcome.
We Answer Your Car Accident FAQs
Car accidents can be scary experiences, especially if you don’t know what to do next. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to auto collisions and our helpful answers to them.
Is Maryland considered a no-fault state for auto accidents?
No, Maryland is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the driver found responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages suffered by other parties involved.
Unfortunately, getting the other driver’s insurance to pay your claim can be difficult or impossible in some cases due to Maryland’s strict “contributory negligence” rule (explained below). If you know that the other driver in your accident was solely to blame, it is important to work with an attorney to defend yourself against any allegations that you share fault.
If you want to bypass the issue of fault entirely, you have the option of including personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in your insurance policy. After an accident, your PIP coverage would pay your medical expenses regardless of which driver was at fault.
How long after a crash can you file a lawsuit in Maryland?
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for a car crash. However, there are some important exceptions to this rule that could give certain individuals more time to file.
First, if you were a minor when the crash occurred, the “clock” on the statute of limitations does not start until you turn 18. You would then have until the day you turn 21 to file a claim.
The second is known as the “discovery” exception. Injuries are not always apparent immediately after the accident. In such cases, the countdown begins when the injuries are discovered, not when the accident occurred. Similarly, if the at-fault driver or another party concealed their liability through fraud, you would have additional time to file.
Finally, a physical or mental disability can extend the statute of limitations if that disability prevents a car accident victim from pursuing a claim. The countdown would start only if or when the person sufficiently regains mental or physical capacity.
What is the average car accident settlement in Maryland?
There is no definitive “average” settlement, as each case’s value depends on its specific circumstances, such as the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. An experienced attorney can help pursue fair compensation.
What are the consequences of leaving an accident scene in Maryland?
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a criminal offense in Maryland. Drivers are legally required to remain at the scene and provide information or assistance.
The specific penalties depend on the severity of the accident:
- If the accident only involves property damage, you could face a misdemeanor charge that can lead to 60 days in jail, eight points on your license and fines of up to $500.
- If someone is injured in the accident, you could face a felony charge that could lead to 12 points on your license (and license revocation), up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
- If someone is killed in the wreck, you will face a felony charge, a license revocation, up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
These penalties are in addition to the hikes you will see in your insurance premiums, restitution ordered by the court and a permanent criminal record that can affect the opportunities you have for your future.
It’s important to remember that the police can often track those who feel accident scenes down through eyewitness statements, video evidence and more – so you will only compound your problems by running.
Should you report minor accidents to authorities in Maryland?
Yes, you should. Sometimes reporting an accident is legally required. Maryland law requires drivers to report any accident involving injury, death or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police.
Even when it’s not required by law, a police report is typically a requirement for filing an insurance claim (especially if liability is disputed). If no one appears to be injured and a response time isn’t critical, you can call the nonemergency police number in your area and request that an officer come to the scene.
You should also contact the police after an accident when:
- You and the other driver disagree on the fault
- You suspect that the other driver is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs
- The other driver has fled the scene (a hit-and-run accident)
- There is at least one vehicle that cannot be moved safely
As you can see, there are very few accident scenarios in which calling the police is not legally required, necessary for insurance reasons or otherwise a practical move.
What are Maryland’s minimum car insurance requirements?
Maryland drivers must carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage. Drivers can purchase additional insurance for better financial protection. Penalties for noncompliance with Maryland’s insurance laws can include a suspended registration and license plates, the potential impoundment of your vehicle and fines of up to $2,500 per violation.
How does contributory negligence affect car accident cases?
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages from other parties. This is why it is so important to avoid speaking with the other party in a crash or the insurance companies without legal representation. Even seemingly benign statements could be twisted against you to imply contributory negligence.
Can you sue if you were partially at fault for the accident?
Due to Maryland’s contributory negligence law, you cannot recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident, even 1%. For example, if you were speeding a little when a driver ahead of you made a sudden, improper lane change, you could share the blame for the wreck because speeding may make you unable to react in time or stop before crashing.
What is the deadline to file a police report after a crash?
In Maryland, you must report any accident involving injury, death or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after the incident. Failure to do so could result in suspension or revocation of your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration. In addition, you could make it very difficult for yourself to file an insurance claim later – even if you suffer serious injuries. It is important to remember that some injuries can take hours or days to manifest.
What damages can you recover in a Maryland car accident lawsuit?
In a successful car accident lawsuit in Maryland, you may be able to recover compensation for economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages and property damage, as well as noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and fight for the maximum possible compensation you deserve.
We Can Help With Your Baltimore Car Accident Case
At Peter Angelos Law, we understand the physical, emotional and financial toll a car accident can take. Our team of attorneys will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We have a proven track record of success in even the most complex Baltimore car accident cases.
When To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car accident lawyer is crucial if you have sustained injuries, face insurance issues or suffered significant property damage. With the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you can preserve the outcome you deserve by denying lowball settlement offers and negotiating for the money you need.
After an accident, you should contact the police for the medical support you may need, and then you should reach out to us for the guidance you need in your personal injury claim. Our extensive experience has secured billions of dollars in compensation for the Baltimore community, and we are known for pursuing the maximum compensation for our clients.
Contact Us Today
Whether you have been involved in a minor fender bender or a catastrophic multivehicle collision, our Maryland car accident lawyer is here to help. Contact Peter Angelos Law through 410-216-0009 or online today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation from our Baltimore office.