With more vehicles on the roadways and more potential distractions than ever before, driving is more dangerous than ever. The destructive wreckage, catastrophic injuries, and even death that automobile accidents can cause should be enough to motivate drivers to be more responsible.
Sadly, this isn’t always the case. If you have been involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, it is important to know what your rights are under the law and how to effectively pursue the compensation that you may be entitled to.
Call our Harford County car accident lawyer now for a free consultation. Our team at the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow can begin reviewing your situation today.
What Are Common Reasons for Car Accidents in Maryland?
Our team has years of experience handling car accident claims around Harford County. We understand how to help your family if you were in an accident caused by another driver’s:
Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eight people lose their lives in distracted driving crashes every day in the United States. Distracted drivers also cause thousands of accidents that result in injuries and property damage.
We can help if you were struck by a driver distracted by:
- A mobile device
- Food or drinks
- A passenger in the vehicle
- The radio
Texting and driving represent one of the biggest causes of distraction for drivers in Maryland. Drivers stop thinking about the road and take their hands off the wheel to text. We can discuss the root causes of your car accident in Harford County during your initial free consultation.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Maryland legally prohibits drivers from using alcohol or drugs. This regulation applies to illegal drugs and many prescription medications that make it harder for drivers to operate a vehicle safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 people died from drunk driving in 2019 alone.
Disobeying Traffic Laws
Some drivers simply ignore the rules of the road. They may be in a hurry or think that the laws do not apply to them. These drivers often:
- Break the speed limit
- Tailgate other drivers
- Weave back and forth between lanes
- Drive the wrong way
Make sure that you inform your Harford County car accident attorney about any negligent or reckless actions taken by the driver who caused your accident.
Contact Us Today And Take The First Step Towards Justice In Your Case! Call (410)777-8960
Maryland Is a Fault-Based Car Insurance State
Maryland operates under a traditional fault-based system for car insurance, meaning that the driver or drivers who caused an accident (or more accurately, their insurance companies) are financially responsible for paying damages to anyone who was harmed.
You may seek compensation after a car accident by doing any of the following:
- By filing a claim with your own insurance company, which will then pursue
compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance - By filing a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance, or
- By filing a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver
Drivers in Maryland are mandated by law to purchase and maintain at least $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $15,000 of property damage coverage per accident.
This coverage pays for the damages suffered by others in an accident that the insured driver causes up to their policy limits. Once these limits are exhausted, an at-fault driver is personally on the hook for any remaining damages.
Harford County Car Accident Attorney (410)777-8960
Is the Insurance Company Denying or Minimizing Your Claim?
When someone else’s mistakes have caused you to miss work and lose wages, rack up costly medical bills, and endure suffering on a daily basis, they should be held responsible for the financial burdens they have created for you.
You have the right to receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. Unfortunately, in today’s climate, insurance companies are designed to devalue your personal injury claim and deny your settlement—or give you the lowest monetary amount possible.
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How Our Harford County Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
You have already been the victim once after being injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence. If you attempt to deal with insurance companies or pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver without strong legal counsel, you may end up being the victim twice.
Having the services of a skilled attorney can give you the edge you need to maximize your potential compensation and protect you from mistreatment during this difficult time.
Our Harford County car accident attorney can provide several benefits to your case, including:
- Intimate understanding of Maryland personal injury law and how it applies to your case
- Assistance helping you get the quality medical care you need to recover
- Handling all paperwork and correspondence with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery with peace of mind
- Thoroughly investigate the cause of your crash by collecting and analyzing evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, video surveillance footage, vehicle data, toxicology reports, and vehicle damage
- Explanation of all your legal options and guidance towards the most appropriate course of action
- Bringing much-needed objectivity to your case during this emotional time
- If out-of-court negotiations should fail, pursuing litigation in court to yield a fair financial award
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What to Do If You’re Involved in a Car Accident in Harford County
A car accident is undoubtedly a jarring experience, but it is nevertheless important to stay in control of your actions during the aftermath. What you say and do during this time can impact your ability to recover compensation during a subsequent personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.
Stick to the following steps and contact an attorney as soon as you have an opportunity to ensure your interests are guarded. After a car accident:
Stay at the Scene
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime, and you could face charges for a hit and run if you leave. Render aid to any injured parties and call for an ambulance if anyone appears to be seriously hurt.
Call the Police
You have a legal duty to immediately notify the police if anyone is injured or killed. If an unattended vehicle is hit, a vehicle cannot be safely moved, a drunk driver is involved, an accident is a hit and run, a driver refuses to exchange information, or if a domestic animal is hit, notify law enforcement.
Do Not Admit Fault
Once the police arrive, tell them your version of the facts. Avoid making any unsure statements or speculation. Do not apologize or admit fault in any way. If they ask you if you are hurt, say you are unsure and need to see a doctor to confirm.
Collect Evidence Before You Leave
Exchange information with all involved motorists, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, vehicle registration information, and insurance policy information.
Be courteous, but do not discuss the crash with the other drivers. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the collision for future reference.
Collect as much photographic and video evidence as possible. This includes photos of the damage to all involved vehicles, the positioning of vehicles in relation to each other, skid marks on the road, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and any other details that show what happened. If you can, get a photograph of your injuries before they are treated.
Get Medical Treatment
Once cleared by the police to leave, seek medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, there is a chance you are injured but may be experiencing delayed symptoms due to your body’s adrenaline response. Tell your doctor about any aches or pains you are experiencing and follow their treatment instructions closely.
Keep a record of all expenses you incur related to your injuries and a journal of how your injuries affect your day-to-day life during your recovery.
Speak to a Lawyer About Your Claim
Do not sign any forms authorizing the insurance company to access your medical records or any settlement offers until you have a chance to speak to an attorney. There is a good chance this offer is far lower than what you would actually need to cover your full losses.
An attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and help you pursue the full amount of damages you deserve.
We Help with Complicated Car Accident Cases in Maryland
Our team can help you handle car accident claims, even if they aren’t straightforward. For example, you may contact us if an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you. In this situation, you may need to turn to your insurance company for compensation.
You also have the option of filing a lawsuit against the driver who hit you. However, many uninsured drivers do not have the funds to cover your:
- Healthcare expenses
- Lost wages at work
- Vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
We’ll discuss the options you have to address your losses when you contact us. It’s easy to get into contact with us via phone or email. We also have a 24/7 text number that makes it simple to ask questions about your claim.
We assist you from the time of your accident until the resolution of your claim. We also move quickly with an understanding of Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Under Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 5-101, you may only have three years to seek compensation for your losses.
Our attorney will investigate your case, identify the liable party, and file an insurance claim on your behalf for any car accident in Harford County.
Going Up Against the Insurance Companies on Your Behalf
At the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow, we understand the difficulties of trying to pursue a personal injury claim on your own. Our Harford County car accident attorney is here to help you create the strongest possible case, protect your rights, fight insurance companies head on, and work tirelessly to maximize the value of your settlement.
We don’t wait for the insurance companies to come to us, we go to them seeking rightful compensation. Contact us to take charge of your future today.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
