Victims who choose to retain the services of a car accident lawyer can have them deal with the insurance companies involved, both their own and for the at-fault parties. An attorney can assist in ensuring paperwork is filed and working on potential settlement negotiations. Some clients find attorney services a welcome form of relief from the pressure they may be under after an accident, especially if they are dealing with insurance companies in the state of Maryland or other states with expensive insurance coverage.
According to 2017 data released by the Insurance Information Institute (III), Maryland drivers spend approximately $1,150 annually on car insurance, making it the 10th most expensive state in America. With these high payments, accident victims may imagine that dealing with insurance companies would be easier. However, this is sometimes not the case, especially if someone sustains serious injuries after their accident. No matter how much money they are making, insurance companies may be fickle when it comes to offering settlements. A car accident lawyer can help start the process of providing evidence that shows what occurred, and what the victim may be entitled to.
Does Getting a Car Accident Lawyer Result in Bigger Settlements?
Retaining a car accident lawyer does not ensure that a victim will be awarded any sort of monetary compensation they may be entitled to, but it can allow victims to focus on their everyday life while a legal professional conducts an investigation to gather tangible evidence. An attorney can work to prove that the at-fault party was liable for an accident, while subsequently gathering evidence like bills and medical reports to document the hardships the victim has faced.
This evidence of one’s pain and suffering can include, but may not be limited to:
- Medical costs, including estimates on the financial burden of ongoing care.
- Expenses related to property damage repairs.
- Documentation of lost wages and a loss of future income.
- The assigned value of any permanent physical disfigurement or disability, such as extensive scarring, burns, or any potential amputations.
- Non-economic damages, potentially assigned a monetary value by industry experts, including aspects of suffering like a loss of connection with loved ones or a loss of passion for one’s future.
Some insurance companies may be inclined to offer offensively low settlements if they are focused on a victim’s potential injuries and disregard factors like property damage and mental anguish. With a car accident lawyer, some victims feel more confident knowing there is a legal professional representing their case and working to reach a settlement with both insurance companies that reflects the true extent of the damages. Ultimately, a car accident attorney can work to provide documentation that may act as a placeholder during settlement negotiations.
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How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Try to Prove Liability?
If attempting to prove liability, a car accident lawyer can gather evidence in a variety of ways. For example, a lawyer may pull cell phone records to determine the at-fault party’s location before an accident, and these records may prove they were driving while distracted.
Additionally, a lawyer’s investigatory methods can include, but may not be limited to:
- Gathering eyewitness statements.
- Having inspections performed by industry experts to analyze the angle of impact, as well as other forms of scientific and forensic analysis, such as testing paint streaks left behind on the vehicle and reviewing the length skid marks at the accident scene.
- Reviewing medical documents, alongside relevant testimony, to reconstruct how the accident occurred.
- Examining police reports taken after the accident.
- Looking over any photographic or video evidence.
However, victims who want to file a legal claim should know they have a limited amount of time to do so, regardless of who is determined to be liable. According to Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5–101, there is a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims beginning on the day the injuries occurred. Maryland is also one of four states that utilizes contributory negligence laws, so if a claimant is found to be even one percent responsible for the accident it can affect how much compensation they may be entitled to.
Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Working to Take the Pressure Off Victims
A car accident lawyer can deal with insurance companies for victims, and this extends to the team from the Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers.
Our legal team can work on different aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery without having to deal with the confusing world of personal injury law. Our firm can help start the process to make your life easier if you were injured by a negligent driver through no fault of your own.
To learn more about our services and for a free consultation, contact the Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers at (410) 777-8960 .
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