Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is an unimaginable tragedy that no family should have to endure alone. At Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers, we understand the profound emotional and financial impact such losses can inflict on families. Our Elkton car accident lawyers are committed to supporting you through this difficult time, offering compassionate legal guidance and the representation you need to seek justice and compensation for your loss.
With our knowledge of Maryland’s wrongful death laws and our experience in car accident litigation, we aim to alleviate the burden on your shoulders by fighting tirelessly for the rights of your lost loved one. Let us help you and work towards securing the closure and financial support your family deserves. Call our Elkton fatal car accident lawyers for a free case review. We work on contingency, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win for you. Let us take you From Hurt to Help® today.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Elkton, MD
The roads of Maryland witness various types of fatal car accidents, often leaving families devastated and searching for answers and justice. Understanding the common causes of these tragic incidents can help to establish fault and allow your family to seek fair compensation for the losses you have endured.
Traffic Law Violations
Many accidents result from violations of traffic laws, such as speeding, failing to yield, running red lights, or illegal lane changes. These actions are clear breaches of road safety rules and establish the grounds for negligence claims.
Drunk and Impaired Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driving under the influence of alcohol is a leading cause of fatal accidents. If an accident involves a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs, proving negligence becomes more straightforward due to the clear violation of legal standards.
Distracted Driving
Texting, using social media, or even eating while driving diverts attention from the road, significantly increasing the risk of a fatal crash. Demonstrating that the at-fault driver was distracted at the time of the accident can help in establishing their negligence.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue and drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Drivers who are tired may have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and, in some cases, may even fall asleep behind the wheel. Truck drivers, who often work long hours, are particularly at risk for drowsy driving incidents. In such cases, negligence can be established by showing the driver’s failure to adhere to rest guidelines or their decision to drive despite being significantly fatigued.
Establishing the at-fault party’s negligence and securing compensation for the victims’ families involves demonstrating that the driver breached their duty of care on the road, directly causing the fatal accident. By carefully investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and understanding the nuances of Maryland’s traffic and personal injury laws, Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers can build a strong case for negligence for your family.
Call our personal injury lawyer serving Elkton and receive a free case review.
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Adam Fights for Your Family’s Wrongful Death Damages
In the aftermath of a fatal car accident, families in Elkton, MD, face not only emotional devastation but also significant financial burdens. Understanding the types of compensation available can provide some solace during such difficult times.
The law categorizes damages into economic, non-economic, and in some cases, punitive damages, each addressing different aspects of the loss experienced.
Economic damages cover the tangible, out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. These can include:
- Medical expenses: Costs incurred for any medical treatment the deceased received due to the accident before their passing.
- Lost wages: The income the deceased would have earned had they lived, providing financial support for their dependents.
- Funeral expenses: Costs associated with burial and funeral services, acknowledging the immediate financial impact on the family.
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that don’t have a specific monetary value but significantly affect the quality of life of the bereaved, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress the deceased may have endured before death.
- Loss of companionship: Acknowledges the emotional loss felt by the surviving family members due to the absence of their loved one.
- Emotional distress: For the mental anguish and suffering the family goes through due to the sudden loss.
Punitive damages are less common and are awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. These are intended more as a punishment to the offender and a deterrent against similar behavior in the future rather than a direct compensation to the victim’s family.
Each case varies based on its circumstances, so there is no average settlement value. That doesn’t mean you have to accept the insurance company’s low settlement offers. Our Elkton fatal car accident lawyer can help you fight back. We can provide your family with guidance on the potential damages and the best approach to secure them.
Elkton Fatal Car Accident Attorney (410)777-8960
Understanding Maryland’s Wrongful Death Laws
A wrongful death claim allows your family members to seek compensation for their loss, including financial support, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. These claims are typically filed by close relatives of the deceased, such as spouses, parents, and children. In cases where these immediate family members are not available, other family members who were dependent on the deceased may also have the right to file a claim.
Wrongful death lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 3-904. The deadline for these lawsuits is generally three years from the date of death in Maryland. This means that your lawsuit must be filed within three years, or the right to seek compensation may be lost.
Contacting us early allows us to preserve evidence before it is destroyed or lost. More importantly, contacting us before the statute of limitations expires allows us to use filing a lawsuit as leverage during settlement negotiations.
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Call Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers for Your Elkton Fatal Car Accident Case
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, your family may be eligible to pursue compensation for your loss. Our Elkton fatal car accident lawyers understand the pain you’re feeling and want to give you the time you need to grieve in peace. Call us today for a free case review.
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