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Being in a car accident, even a fender bender, is traumatic and stressful. However, if you sustained injuries you could face unexpected, crippling debt. Maryland had over 90,000 car accidents in 2020 alone. 36,000 victims were harmed, while 573 lost their lives.
No one can prepare for a life-changing crash, but at Regan Zambri Long, we firmly believe you and your family should not bear the responsibility of paying for someone else’s negligence. Call our Maryland car accident lawyer today for a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options and how we plan to secure the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
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In the aftermath of a car accident, establishing liability is a critical step. This process involves identifying the party responsible for the accident and, consequently, the damages incurred. In Maryland, as with many other states, this determination is guided by a set of legal principles that a Maryland car accident lawyer would be well-versed in.
The first factor in proving liability is establishing a duty of care. Every driver on Maryland roads has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly. This duty of care encompasses a range of behaviors, from obeying traffic laws to maintaining a proper lookout for other individuals on the road.
The second factor is breach of duty. A Maryland car accident attorney would need to demonstrate that the defendant failed to uphold their duty of care. This could be shown through various forms of evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness testimonies, or police reports indicating reckless or negligent behavior.
Causation, the third factor, involves linking the breach of duty directly to the accident. It must be proven that the defendant’s actions (or lack thereof) were the proximate cause of the accident. This is often the most complex part of a case, requiring expert testimonies and detailed accident reconstruction.
Finally, the fourth factor is demonstrating damages. The plaintiff must show that they suffered actual harm as a result of the accident. This can include physical injuries, property damage, emotional distress, and other forms of loss.
In the realm of Maryland car accident cases, these four factors form the cornerstone of determining liability. A skilled Maryland car accident lawyer will meticulously examine the details of the case, gather necessary evidence, and construct a compelling argument to prove these elements.
While this process can be complex, it is essential for victims seeking justice and compensation. By understanding these principles, individuals can better navigate the aftermath of a car accident, making informed decisions about their legal options.
The financial impact of a car accident can be substantial, often extending far beyond the immediate costs of vehicle repair or replacement. When an individual is injured in such an incident, they may be entitled to various types of damages through a personal injury lawsuit. A Maryland car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in navigating this complex process.
Medical expenses are often the most significant cost associated with car accident injuries. These can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing care for chronic conditions. In some cases, victims may also require assistive devices or home modifications, adding to the financial burden.
Lost wages are another critical component of damages. If an injury prevents a victim from working, either temporarily or permanently, they may be able to recover compensation for the income they would have earned. A Maryland car accident lawyer can help calculate these losses, taking into account factors such as the victim’s age, occupation, and earning potential.
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath. While these damages are more subjective, they can significantly increase the total compensation awarded.
Lastly, in cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
However, it’s important to note that Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule. This means that if a victim is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages. This strict rule underscores the importance of securing skilled legal representation. A Maryland car accident lawyer can help build a strong case and work to minimize the impact of contributory negligence on a claim.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a daunting task, particularly when dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and legal complexities. In such situations, hiring a Maryland car accident lawyer can provide numerous benefits.
One of the primary advantages of engaging a lawyer from Regan Zambri Long is our expertise in personal injury law. We understand the intricacies of Maryland’s legal system, including its contributory negligence rule and the statute of limitations for filing a claim. This knowledge can be invaluable in protecting your rights and ensuring you adhere to all necessary legal procedures.
Our Maryland car accident lawyers can also handle all communications with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, and their tactics can be challenging to navigate for those unfamiliar with the process. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, striving to secure the maximum compensation for your damages.
Moreover, a lawyer can help gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim. This can include police reports, medical records, witness testimonies, and, if necessary, expert opinions. They can also guide you through the process of proving liability, a critical aspect of any car accident claim.
When choosing a Maryland car accident lawyer, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, look for a lawyer with substantial experience in handling car accident cases, particularly in Maryland. They should have a proven track record of successful outcomes, demonstrating their ability to effectively represent their clients.
Secondly, consider the lawyer’s reputation. Look for testimonials or reviews from previous clients to gauge their level of service and client satisfaction. A reputable lawyer will be transparent, communicative, and dedicated to their client’s best interests.
Lastly, ensure that the lawyer is willing to take your case to trial if necessary. While many car accident claims are settled out of court, it’s essential to have a lawyer who is prepared to fight for your rights in court if required.
Hiring a Maryland car accident lawyer can significantly enhance your ability to secure fair compensation after a car accident. They can navigate the legal complexities, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights, providing invaluable support during a challenging time.
One of the most common concerns for individuals considering legal representation after a car crash is the cost. However, when it comes to hiring a Maryland car accident law firm, the financial burden may be less than expected due to the common practice of contingency fee arrangements.
A contingency fee is a payment structure where the lawyer’s fee is contingent, or dependent, on the outcome of the case. In other words, our Maryland car accident attorneys will only receive a payment if they successfully secure compensation for you. The fee is typically a percentage of the total settlement or award.
This arrangement offers several benefits to the injury victim. Firstly, it allows individuals to access legal representation without the need for upfront payment, removing a significant financial barrier. This means that even if you don’t have the funds readily available, you can still secure the services of our skilled Maryland car accident attorneys.
Secondly, a contingency fee aligns with the interests of the lawyer and the client. Since the lawyer’s payment is tied to the success of the case, they are motivated to secure the best possible outcome. This can provide peace of mind to the client, knowing that their lawyer is working diligently on their behalf.
Lastly, the contingency fee structure also mitigates the financial risk for the client. If the case is not successful, the client is not obligated to pay the lawyer’s fees, although they may still be responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses related to the case.
While the prospect of legal fees can seem daunting, the contingency fee structure employed by many Maryland car accident attorneys can make legal representation more accessible and less risky for car accident victims.
Car accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of death in Maryland and across the United States of America. Car accidents are often preventable, especially in cases involving negligence. Though there are often many factors that lead to a car crash in Maryland, the most common causes are:
Distracted Driving
Whether drivers take their eyes off the road to glance down at their cell phones, or simply let their mind wander in a daydream, losing focus can cost lives. Visual distractions are anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road in front of them. This can include sending and receiving text messages, changing radio stations, speaking to a passenger in the car, or rubbernecking at the site of another accident. Motor distractions are distractions that take the driver’s hands off the wheel, like eating or putting on makeup when trying to operate the vehicle. Finally, there are cognitive distractions, such as daydreaming or too much noise inside the car that impair the driver’s ability to focus solely on the road.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and unfortunately, very common among American drivers. There were 684 deaths from drowsy driving in 2021, although many argue that number is severely underreported. Fatigue lowers reaction time and can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) likens drowsy driving to drunk driving: if a driver has been awake for at least 18 hours, it’s the same as driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.05%. If the driver has been awake for over 24 hours, it is the same as driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.10%, which is over the legal limit.
If you find yourself yawning or blinking frequently, missing exits, drifting from your lane, or having difficulty remembering the past few minutes you’ve driven, the safest thing a driver can do is pull over to a safe spot and take a nap.
Alcohol/Drug Impairment
We’ve learned since we were kids that drinking and driving is dangerous and potentially, deadly. Unfortunately, an average of 10,000 people dying every year from drunk driving is not enough to stop drivers from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Many drivers think that if they are technically below the legal limit they are safe to drive. That is not necessarily true. Sight, motor coordination, and judgment all suffer from drugs and alcohol and heavily increase the risk of a collision.
Speeding/Reckless Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, two-thirds of drivers exceed the speed limit, no matter what sort of road they are traveling on. Speeding greatly increases the risk of an accident and also increases the chances of sustaining devastating injuries. When a driver is speeding, he or she has less time to react to a hazard in the road or an unexpected move another driver makes. It also takes a speeding car, especially a larger SUV, more time to slow down, which increases the chances of a rear-end crash. If there is any sort of inclement weather or poor road conditions, the driver is more likely to lose control of the vehicle if he or she is speeding.
Mechanical Defects
Properly and regularly maintaining your vehicle could be the difference between life and death. Catastrophic car accidents are routinely caused by defective brakes, tire blowouts, and engine failure.
Bad Weather/Poor Road Conditions
Black ice, large potholes, and uneven pavement can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, causing an accident.
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. This may seem like a long time, but it is best if you do not wait to file the claim. If your injuries leave you incapable of working, you will not be able to earn your regular wages. Medical bills pile up rapidly and can send the car accident victim and their families into financial distress in a short amount of time. Contact a Regan Zambri Long car accident lawyer today. We will work for a speedy settlement so you and your loved ones can get your life back.
If you are an immediate family member of a car accident victim who lost his or her life, you may pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent parties who caused the accident. A wrongful death claim helps the family members pay for the medical costs and funeral expenses. If the car accident victim financially contributed to your household, our car accident lawyers will work to recover damages for the economic losses you will suffer because of their death.
You may also recover compensation for pain and suffering, specifically for loss of consortium. Loss of consortium is a unique type of compensation for family members who lost emotional benefits when their loved one was killed. For example, a spouse may claim loss of consortium damages based on the loss of affection and sexual relations. Children of the deceased may claim loss of consortium for lack of parental guidance. Our compassionate car accident attorneys understand we cannot bring your loved one back, but we can do everything in our power to provide even the smallest consolation in the form of justice and compensation.
Remember, if you are found even slightly responsible for the car crash, you could be unable to collect compensation. Our car accident lawyers advise you to do the following after the accident to protect your claim:
Our car accident lawyers will do a thorough investigation of the scene of the accident, as well as work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other legal experts to prove the other party’s negligence. Our car accident attorneys are experts in Maryland contributory negligence law and will build a rock-solid case proving you bore no liability in the accident.
At Regan Zambri Long, our Maryland car accident lawyers work not only to secure you the maximum amount of compensation possible, but to make sure you feel heard, respected, and cared for. We promise you, with our car accident attorneys, you and your loved ones are in good hands. Our clients know we are always here to answer your questions. Our attorneys will keep you updated on every aspect of your case. We understand that the days, weeks, and months following a car accident can be scary, overwhelming, and lonely. We want you to know: you are not alone. Our car accident lawyers will guide you through the claims process and only take a fee if they secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. Call today for a free initial consultation and take the first step to get your life back on track.
