Car Accident Lawyer College Park, MD

Car Accident Attorney College Park, MD

Need to File a Auto Accident Claim?

If you've been involved in a car accident in College Park, MD, you need a dedicated and experienced legal team by your side to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex legal processes that follow such incidents. At Farmer & Klopfer, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that auto accidents can take on victims and their families. Our mission is to provide unwavering support and legal expertise to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

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Auto Accident Laws in Maryland

Drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage are required to report the accident to law enforcement authorities. Failure to report an accident can result in penalties.

Understanding Fault In Maryland Car Accidents

Maryland follows a fault-based system, meaning the person who is determined to be at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating the other parties involved. This is typically determined by investigating the circumstances of the accident and establishing who acted negligently or recklessly.

But what if the at-fault party claims that you were partially at fault for causing the crash? Maryland follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence, which is one of the strictest forms of this doctrine in the United States.

Under this legal principle, if a person's own negligence or fault contributes to an accident or injury in any way, even to a very small degree, they are generally barred from recovering any compensation from the other at-fault party, regardless of how much more at fault the other party may be. In other words, if the injured party is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be completely barred from recovering damages.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Auto accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Driver Error: This is the biggest factor in most car accidents. Driver error can encompass a wide range of behaviors, including:
  • Speeding
  • Distracted Driving
  • Drunk Driving
  • Drowsy Driving
  • Reckless Driving
  • Failing to Yield Right of Way
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and other bad weather conditions can reduce visibility and make roads slick, increasing the difficulty of controlling a vehicle and raising the risk of accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: While not as common as driver error, mechanical problems with a vehicle, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions, can also lead to accidents. Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial to prevent these issues.
• Road Hazards: Poor road conditions like potholes, uneven pavement, or missing signage can contribute to accidents.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

An auto accident, also known as a motor vehicle accident (MVA) or traffic accident, is an event involving a collision or crash between one or more vehicles or a vehicle and a pedestrian or cyclist. These accidents can result in various degrees of damage to vehicles, injuries to individuals, and, in some cases, fatalities.

Here are common types of auto accidents:

• Car Accidents: The most common type of auto accident, often caused by speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield the right of way.
• Truck Accidents: These accidents can be particularly severe due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Common causes include truck driver fatigue, overloading, and mechanical failures.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protective barriers for the rider. Common causes include failure to yield right of way, distracted drivers, and road hazards.
• Bicycle Accidents: Bicycle accidents can result from drivers failing to see or yield to cyclists, dooring, or unsafe road conditions.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents can occur at crosswalks, intersections, or along roadways. Common causes include distracted or inattentive drivers, failure to yield, and impaired driving.

Process For Filing A Car Accident Claim In MD

Here are the steps to take after a car crash in College Park:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
2. Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police to report the accident. An official accident report will provide valuable documentation for your case.
3. Gather Information: Collect information from all parties involved, including names, contact information, insurance details, and witness statements.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. These photos can be crucial evidence.
5. Avoid Speaking with Insurers: Before speaking with insurance companies, consult with an experienced College Park auto accident attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim.
6. Consult an Attorney: Reach out to Farmer & Klopfer for a free consultation. We can provide you with expert legal guidance and help you understand your rights and options.

Damages Recoverable in a Maryland Car Accident Claim

Maryland law allows you to recover compensation for various losses stemming from a car accident caused by someone else's negligence. These damages fall under two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages: These are concrete and verifiable financial losses you've incurred due to the accident. They include:

• Medical Expenses: Recoverable costs include past, present, and future medical bills associated with your injuries. This encompasses hospital stays, doctor visits, emergency room care, surgery, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatment deemed necessary for your recovery.
• Lost Wages: If you've missed work because of your injuries or require reduced hours, you can recover compensation for lost wages. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and any other work-related benefits you missed out on.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work or earn at the same level as before the accident, you can recover compensation for this lost future earning potential.
• Vehicle Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for any reasonable and necessary expenses related to the accident, such as transportation costs to medical appointments, replacement of damaged personal belongings, or home modifications required due to your injuries.

Non-Economic Damages: These are intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify but are still compensable under Maryland law. They include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you've experienced due to your injuries.
• Mental Anguish: Reimbursement for emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues stemming from the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, love, intimacy, or support you've experienced due to your injuries' impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Reimbursement for the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed due to your injuries.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for physical scarring or permanent disfigurement caused by the accident.

Cap on Non-Economic Damages in MD

Maryland has a cap on non-economic damages in car accident cases. As of 2024, the maximum recoverable amount for non-economic damages in a case with non-fatal injuries is $935,000. This amount increases by $15,000 each year. It's crucial to consult with our College Park car accident attorneys to understand how this cap may affect your specific case.

Ready to Fight for Your Compensation

Farmer & Klopfer is a well-established law firm with a proven track record of success in handling auto accident cases in College Park, MD. With more than 37 years of experience, we have earned a reputation for providing compassionate and effective legal representation for our clients. Our commitment to excellence and our dedication to each client sets us apart in the legal community.

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