Bowie MD Auto Accident Lawyers

Bowie, MD Auto Accident Attorneys

Help with Filing Car Accident Claims in Bowie, Maryland

Being injured in a car accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, lost wages strain your finances, and the road to recovery can be long. If you have been injured in a car accident or if a member of your family suffered a wrongful death in a vehicle wreck of any kind, you can trust the Bowie car accident attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer to take on the insurance companies to ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

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What Are My Rights After Being Injured In A Car Accident?

In Maryland, after a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation for damages from the at-fault party. This compensation can cover various expenses, including:

• Medical bills: Past, present, and future medical bills related to the accident.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the accident and recovery time.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Maryland Auto Accident Laws

Maryland law requires you to report an accident to the police if it involves injuries, death, or property damage exceeding a certain amount. Be sure to report the accident to the appropriate authorities promptly.

Understanding Fault In Maryland Car Accidents

Maryland follows a fault-based car accident system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the damages of the injured party.

How is Fault Determined?

• Determining Fault: Several factors are considered to determine fault, including:
  • Traffic violations (speeding, running red lights, etc.)
  • Witness statements
  • Police accident report
  • Accident scene investigation (skid marks, debris location)
• Evidence is Key: The more evidence you have to support your case, the stronger your claim will be.

Contributory Negligence

Maryland has a strict contributory negligence law. This means that if you are found any percent at fault for the accident, it can completely bar you from recovering compensation from the other driver, regardless of how much more fault they share.

Our Bowie, MD car accident lawyers can investigate the accident, gather evidence to prove fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Given Maryland's contributory negligence law, having strong legal representation is especially important.

What To Do After A Car Accident in MD

1. Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others involved for injuries. If there are serious injuries, call 911 immediately.
2. Secure the Scene: If the accident is minor and everyone is safe, turn on your hazard lights and move your car to the side of the road if possible. This will prevent further accidents.
3. Call the Police: Report the accident, regardless of severity. The police will create an official report which will be crucial evidence later.
4. Exchange Information: Collect contact details (name, address, phone number, insurance company) from all drivers involved, as well as any witnesses. Take photos of driver's licenses, insurance cards, and the damage to all vehicles involved.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, getting checked by a doctor is important. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms immediately.
6. Contact an Attorney: An experienced car accident lawyer in Bowie, MD can advise you on your rights and next steps. Don't speak to insurance adjusters without an attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Sprains and strains
• Head injuries
• Back injuries
• Wrongful death

Common Causes of Car Accidents in MD

• Distracted Driving: Using cell phones, texting, eating, or any activity taking your focus away from the road significantly increases crash risk.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces reaction time and the ability to control your vehicle in an emergency.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and speeding through red lights are highly dangerous.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and other bad weather conditions can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, leading to accidents.
• Impaired Visibility: Driving at night or during dawn/dusk with poor headlights or malfunctioning taillights can contribute to accidents.
• Failing to Yield Right of Way: Not yielding to pedestrians, oncoming traffic, or when turning can cause collisions.
• Fatigued Driving: Drowsiness can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, impairing judgment and reaction time.
• Vehicle Defects: Malfunctioning brakes, tires, or other mechanical problems can cause accidents.

If you've been injured in a car accident in Bowie, MD, regardless of the cause, it's important to consult with a car accident attorney to understand your rights and options for compensation.

Process For Filing A Car Accident Claim In MD

• Consultation: Discuss your case with a lawyer to understand your options.
• Investigation: Your lawyer will gather evidence to prove fault and damages.
• Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party's insurance company.
• Litigation: If necessary, your lawyer will represent you in court.

Statute of Limitations for MD Car Accidents

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Maryland is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to take legal action against the at-fault party to seek compensation for your damages.

We’ll Settle Your Case As Quickly As Possible

During the last 37-plus years, our attorneys have won tens of millions of dollars in financial compensation for our clients — some of whom have suffered life-altering injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Remember: Never give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without your attorney present. Call 301-241-0221, and let us handle the insurance company.

You Have Questions. We Have Answers.

• Do I need an attorney today? Consulting with an attorney today can help you understand your rights and options after a car accident in Bowie, MD.
• Who pays to get my car fixed? The at-fault party's insurance company typically covers car repairs in MD car accidents, but an attorney can help navigate the process.
• Can I get a rental car? Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be able to get a rental car while yours is being repaired. An attorney can advise you on your specific policy.
• Who pays for my medical expenses? The at-fault party's insurance should cover your medical expenses in car accidents. An attorney can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• How will I pay my bills while I'm out of work? Lost wage coverage from your insurance or a lawsuit settlement can help you pay bills while recovering from a car accident in Bowie, MD. An attorney can advise you on these options.
• Will my job be secure? MD law doesn't guarantee job security after a car accident, but an attorney can advise you on your rights and potential leave options.
• What benefits will I receive now and in the future? Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to various benefits now and in the future. An Bowie auto accident attorney can help determine the full scope of benefits you may be eligible for.

Put Our Winning Team On Your Side. We Fight Insurance Companies And Win.

At Farmer & Klopfer, our Bowie-based auto accident attorneys have extensive experience helping injured victims. We represent individuals in Bowie; the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area; and all of southern Maryland.

• Free Consultations: Discuss your case with a lawyer at no cost.
• Contingency Fees: You don't pay unless we win compensation for you.
• Skilled Negotiation: We fight to get you the maximum settlement possible.
• Trial-Ready Attorneys: Prepared to go to court if needed.
• Compassionate Representation: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face.

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