Laurel Car Accident Attorneys

Being injured in a car accident can be a life-altering experience. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden can feel overwhelming. 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 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 To Do After A Car Accident

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic. Here are crucial steps to take to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others involved for injuries. If necessary, call 911 immediately. Secure the scene with hazard lights and flares if possible.
2. Exchange Information: Obtain contact information (name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number) from all involved drivers and witnesses. Take photos of driver's licenses, insurance cards, and vehicle damage from multiple angles.
3. Report the Accident: File a police report, even for minor accidents. This documents the incident and establishes a factual record.
4. Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor immediately, even if you don't feel pain initially. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not manifest right away.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, avoid admitting fault or discussing the details of the accident beyond the basics.
6. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all medical bills, car repair estimates, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
7. Consider Legal Representation: A car accident lawyer can advise you of your rights, handle communication with the insurance company, and fight for maximum compensation.

Who Is At Fault In A Car Accident?

Maryland follows a contributory negligence system. This means that the party whose negligence contributed more to the accident's cause is responsible for a portion of the damages. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your damage award will be reduced by 20%.

Understanding Fault In MD Car Accidents

Determining fault in a car accident often involves analyzing several factors:

• Traffic Laws: Did a driver violate traffic laws, such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield?
• Reckless Driving: Was the driver exhibiting reckless behavior like distracted driving, driving under the influence, or road rage?
• Vehicle Maintenance: Did a poorly maintained vehicle contribute to the accident, such as faulty brakes or defective tires?
• Environmental Conditions: Were weather conditions or road hazards a factor (e.g., sudden downpour, obscured traffic signal)?

Determining Liability In Maryland Car Accident Cases

Liability is the legal responsibility for damages caused by the accident. To establish liability, your attorney will gather evidence demonstrating the other driver's negligence and how their actions directly caused your injuries. Evidence may include:

• Police report: This documents the scene of the accident, witness statements, and the investigating officer's observations.
• Medical records: These document the extent of your injuries and the connection to the accident.
• Accident scene photos: These visually depict the damage to vehicles and the accident location.
• Witness statements: Corroborating witness accounts can strengthen your case.
• Expert opinions: Depending on the case, an accident reconstruction expert or a medical expert may be necessary.

When Should I Hire An Attorney After A Car Accident?

Here are some situations where legal representation is highly recommended:

• Serious Injuries: If you sustained severe injuries with substantial medical bills and lost wages, an attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve.
• Complex Fault: If determining fault is contested or involves multiple parties, an attorney can navigate the legal complexities.
• Denial of Claim: If your insurance company denies your claim, an attorney can challenge the denial and pursue fair compensation.
• Limited Insurance Coverage: If the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance, an attorney can explore other avenues for recovery.
• Uncomfortable Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often prioritize minimizing payouts. An attorney can handle all communication and protect your interests.

Causes of Car Accidents In Laurel, MD

Common causes of car accidents in Maryland include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems divert attention from the road.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, especially on curves or during adverse weather conditions.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, illegal lane changes, and disregarding traffic signals significantly increase the risk of accidents.
• Improper Lane Changes: Failing to signal, not checking blind spots, or misjudging the speed of other vehicles can lead to collisions.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating leaves insufficient reaction time to avoid an abrupt stop by the car in front.
• Left-Turn Crashes: Misjudging oncoming traffic, failing to yield the right of way, or turning into oncoming traffic are common causes of left-turn accidents.
• Right-of-Way Violations: Failing to yield at intersections, stop signs, or crosswalks can lead to accidents.
• Fatigued Driving: Drowsiness impairs judgment and reaction time just like alcohol or drugs.
• Defective Vehicles: Poorly maintained vehicles with faulty brakes, tires, or steering components pose a safety hazard.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor soft tissue damage to life-altering conditions. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash: A sudden neck jerk can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and contusions to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common.
• Back and Neck Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries can cause chronic pain and mobility limitations.
• Head Injuries: Concussions, contusions, and more severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries can occur.
• Broken Bones: Fractures can range from minor to severe and require extensive rehabilitation.
• Facial Injuries: Cuts, lacerations, and broken bones in the face can require extensive medical care and may leave permanent scarring.
• Psychological Injuries: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after a traumatic accident.

Process For Filing A Car Accident Claim In MD

The car accident claim process in Maryland typically involves the following steps:

1. Investigation: Your attorney will gather evidence to establish fault and the extent of your damages.
2. Demand Letter: A formal demand letter will be sent to the at-fault driver's insurance company outlining your claim and seeking compensation.
3. Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. This may involve several rounds of negotiation.
4. Lawsuit (if necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit to pursue compensation in court.
5. Settlement or Verdict: The case may be settled before trial, or a jury will determine the amount of compensation owed.

Do I Have To Report A Car Accident?

In Maryland, all accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to the police within 15 days.

How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Claim In Maryland?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it's crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve your legal rights.

Compensation Available For Car Accident Claims

Compensation in a car accident claim can include:

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical bills related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for wages lost due to injury and missed work.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your damaged vehicle.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Costs incurred due to the accident, such as transportation or medical supplies.

We Fight Insurance Companies And Win.

Remember: Never give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without your attorney present.

At Farmer & Klopfer, our Laurel car accident attorneys are dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve. 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.

We offer:

• Free Case Evaluations: We will assess your case and discuss your legal options at no cost.
• Personalized Attention: We treat every client with respect and compassion.
• Skilled Negotiation: Our attorneys are aggressive negotiators who fight for maximum compensation.
• Trial-Ready Lawyers: We are prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
• No Fee Unless We Win: You won't pay any attorney fees upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

We provide aggressive representation regarding injuries in car accidents. We represent individuals in Waldorf; the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area; and all of southern Maryland.

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