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Maryland Car Accident FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Maryland

Following a Maryland car accident, it can feel like your entire life has been turned upside down with little to no answers in sight. Not only are you physically recovering from the accident, but you are likely trying to put the pieces together of what happened and who’s going to pay for all of your losses.

At Regan Zambri Long, our Maryland car accident lawyers help victims of car accidents establish liability, negotiate settlements and verdicts, and calculate the value of their claims to ensure the best possible outcome.

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In 2021 alone, there were an estimated 108,656 crashes throughout the state of Maryland. Unfortunately, these accidents can leave family members seriously injured and unable to work, and in the most tragic of cases, are fatal.

While you never want to think this can happen to you or your loved ones, it’s important to understand your rights if it does occur. If you or a loved one was injured in a Maryland car accident, learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions posed to our law firm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Maryland

Q: Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident in Maryland?

Female,Motorist,Involved,In,Car,Accident,Calling,Insurance,Company,OrIn Maryland, you do not have to report minor car accidents to the police so long as there were no bodily injuries. However, under Maryland Transportation Section 20-107, all involved drivers must report the accident within 15 days of its occurrence if there was injury or death to any person.

Keep in mind that just because you don’t have to report the minor car accident to Maryland authorities, you may need to report it to your insurer if you plan to file a claim for property damage.

Q: Is Maryland a no-fault state for auto accidents?

Maryland is an at-fault state for auto accidents and is one of the few states that still practice contributory negligence. Under contributory negligence, only one person is at fault for a car accident. In essence, this means if you were in any way responsible for or contributed to the car accident, you are barred from collecting compensation.

This is why it is critical to have a car accident law firm on your side to determine liability and prove that you did not contribute to the collision.

Q: What should I do after a collision in Maryland?

person holding cell phone taking picture of accident sceneFollowing a car collision in Maryland, you first need to seek medical attention even if you do not think you’ve suffered an injury. Some severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), internal bleeding, and neck injuries may not be apparent for hours or days after the crash.

Once you’ve called for help, make sure the police begin to document the accident for evidence as well as for your insurance purposes. If you are safe and able to do so, you’ll also want to collect the following:

  • Contact and insurance information with the other involved drivers
  • Contact information of a witness
  • Evidence including pictures of property damage
  • Medical documents including evaluations and bills for your records

Q: What should you not do after a car accident in Maryland?

Just like there are things you should do after a car accident, there are things you definitely should not be doing as well.

After a Maryland car wreck, you should not do the following:

  • Admit fault of any degree
  • Give a recorded statement to anyone
  • Speak with the other driver’s insurance company
  • Leave the scene without speaking to a police officer
  • Discuss the details of your claim/case with anyone but your attorney

Q: How long after a car accident can you sue in Maryland?

two cars damaged in car accidentIn Maryland, a car accident victim has three years from the accident date to file a car accident lawsuit against the negligent driver. It is imperative that you act quickly despite this timeline as evidence can and will disappear, and you may forgo your rights to collect compensation if your formal claim is not made before the statute of limitations.

However, there are exceptions to that three-year limit. These include:

  • Accidents where a minor is injured. The minor’s statute of limitations to file for injuries does not begin until they turn 18 and ends on their 21st birthday to file a claim.
  • Incapacitated victims who are unable to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
  • Concealed liability such as in hit-and-run cases where the statute of limitations does not begin until an at-fault driver has been identified.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?

Because Maryland follows the contributory negligence statute, if you are even 1 percent at fault for the accident, you cannot seek compensation. However, you can still seek legal representation to see if you truly did share in any of the blame for the collision.

Q: What happens if no one was issued a traffic violation at the scene of the accident?

Unhappy Female Driver With Damaged Car After Accident Calling Insurance Company On Mobile PhoneMore often than not, it will be clear who caused a traffic accident which will then allow the reporting police officer to issue a traffic violation. However, when no one is issued a traffic violation in a Maryland auto accident, there are a few things you should do to protect the integrity of your case:

  • File a claim with your insurance company
  • Contact a Maryland car accident attorney
  • Gather evidence and keep a record of any financial losses associated with the wreck

Remember that even if no one was issued a traffic violation ticket, you can still pursue compensation. All that it means when no one is issued a ticket is that the officer didn’t have enough evidence to make a final judgment on fault.

Q: When should I hire a Maryland car accident attorney?

You never are legally required to hire a Maryland car accident attorney to represent you in court or handle negotiations with the insurance company. However, there are many benefits to doing so early on in the process.

The best time to hire a car accident lawyer is shortly after the accident occurs and before speaking with the insurance companies. This allows your attorney to get the police report, review the facts of the case, and establish who was responsible for the collision.

In Maryland, if you are at fault in any way, you can be barred from recovering damages, so it is best to act quickly and efficiently.

But there is no wrong time to hire a law firm unless you’ve already accepted a settlement offer or a verdict has been entered.

Q: Is it worth getting a car accident lawyer?

Regan Zambri Long Attorney seated at desk workingIf you were involved in a minor car accident, it is unlikely that you need a car accident lawyer to file a claim with the insurance company. However, if you suffered extensive injuries and large amounts of property damage, and it is proving difficult to establish fault and liability, it is a worthwhile investment to contact a car accident lawyer.

When deciding if you need a lawyer to file a claim or pursue a case against the other driver, consider:

  • The value of a settlement you’re being offered from the insurance company. If it’s too low, you may want to contact an attorney.
  • If you’ll need to file an appeal. Sometimes the insurance company will deny your claim for lack of evidence–a lawyer can help refute that.
  • If you feel like you’re being taken advantage of. Even if it’s your insurance you’re dealing with, they likely aren’t working in your best interest. If you feel like you’re being misled or not presented with all the facts, a lawyer can help.

Q: What happens if the at-fault party doesn’t have car insurance?

Under Maryland law, all owners of motor vehicles must purchase and maintain the minimum coverage for bodily injury liability, personal injury protection (PIP), property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

However, there are still drivers out there who remain uninsured. If the at-fault driver in your car accident is not insured, you’ll have no choice but to seek compensation directly from the driver. Then, you will meet with your insurance company about the coverage policy you hold, specifically as it pertains to uninsured motorist coverage as this can also be an avenue for financial recovery.

Q: What is the average settlement for a car accident?

According to 2020 data from the National Safety Council, the average cost for car accidents by injury type are:

  • Death: $1,750,000
  • Disabling: $101,000
  • Evident: $29,200
  • Possible: $23,900
  • No injury observed: $12,800
  • Property damage only: $4,700

However, non-economic losses like pain and suffering, loss of consortium, etc. can also play a role in the value of a car accident settlement.

Because of these large price fluctuations, it can be beneficial to work with a personal injury attorney who specializes in Maryland car accident claims.

Q: Who can be sued in a car accident case?

man staring over steering wheel driving carYou may think you can also sue the other driver involved in a Maryland car accident case. However, that isn’t exactly so. The following parties can be sued in a car accident case:

  • The negligent driver
  • Any additional drivers who contributed to the accident
  • The manufacturer of the vehicle if there was something wrong with the car
  • A mechanic if the accident was due to a negligent auto repair
  • The government that was responsible for a road hazard or faulty traffic device that malfunctioned

Q: How common are car accidents in Maryland?

In 2021, it was estimated that there were 519 car accidents in Maryland which resulted in 557 fatalities, including the deaths of 129 pedestrians and six bicyclists.

The most common types of car accidents in Maryland are:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Head-on collisions
  • Multi-car collisions
  • Sideswipes
  • Broadside collisions

Q: How can someone avoid being in a car accident in Maryland?

Not all accidents can be avoided. However, sometimes simple steps can be taken to protect others from being placed in a horrible situation, such as a car accident or other automobile collision.

hands on steering wheel driving at nightTo avoid being in a car accident in Maryland, drivers need to be sure to:

  • Drive safely. This includes keeping a distance from other cars on the road, avoiding the roadways when weather conditions become unsafe, etc.
  • Avoid distractions. It’s easy to think one phone call or one sip of a drink won’t cause someone issues while behind the wheel, but these acts can quickly become catastrophic if driving.
  • Stay focused. We all know the dangers of driving while fatigued yet so many drivers still think it’s safe to get behind the wheel of our vehicle. Unfortunately, even the most seasoned drivers cannot withstand a long drive without plenty of rest. This is why it is imperative to get enough sleep and take breaks when driving for long periods.
  • Do not drink and drive. In 2020 alone, 11,654 people died in drunk driving accidents. Even if a driver thinks their drive home from a party or the bar is only a few minutes, a matter of seconds can be the difference between life and death. There should always be a designated driver if people have been drinking–innocent lives depend on it.
  • Do not drive aggressively. We’ve all been in a rush, but that doesn’t mean a driver should drive aggressively or speed. Instead, give they need to give themselves time to get to their destination safely.

Q: What evidence do I need for my car accident claim?

When you have suffered injuries and property damage in a car accident, you will likely want to start the process of filing a claim. There are some forms of evidence that you should begin collecting at the scene of the crash to preserve the integrity of your claim and establish that the fault was not yours.

Evidence you will need for a car accident claim includes:

  • Descriptions of the vehicles involved
  • The time and date of the collision
  • Details of road and weather conditions at the time of the crash
  • How the accident occurred (traffic violation, reckless actions, etc.)
  • The names, license plate numbers, vehicle identification numbers, and auto insurance information of all involved parties
  • The condition of your car
  • Your medical situation including bills, examinations, etc.

Q: If I was at-fault for a car accident, will my insurance cover any of my losses?

paperwork being handed across deskIn some cases, if you were partially to blame for a car accident, your insurance may cover some of your losses. To determine what will be covered in your accident, you must meet with your insurance company to figure out what your particular policy will and will not cover.

In some cases where the extent of the damages is so severe or injuries so grave, your policy may not be enough to cover your losses. Because of this, it is important to have an experienced Maryland car accident attorney on your side who will guide you through the process to protect you from predatory insurance agents who will try to keep you from the compensation you deserve.

Q: When should I file a personal injury claim?

Before filing a personal injury claim, you should consult with a Maryland car accident lawyer who is well-versed in the intricacies of personal injury law. If your car accident was the result of another driver’s negligence including:

  • Texting and driving
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigued driving

You may be entitled to more compensation through a personal injury claim. In addition to another driver’s negligence, the following conditions may result in an accident outside of your control which may be the fault of another party:

  • Storms causing the roadways to be unsafe due to lack of maintenance
  • Road work
  • Uneven or rough terrain
  • Poorly maintained roads and highways

Q: What compensation can I recover in a personal injury claim?

Car CrashIn a successful personal injury claim that resulted from a car accident, you may be able to recover the following forms of compensation for your losses:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Future earning potential
  • Mental anguish
  • Physical suffering

In the event a passenger or family member has died as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation related to wrongful death.

The amount of compensation you qualify for will largely depend on the severity of your injuries and the value of the property damage sustained. A car accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long can help you calculate the true value of your losses.

Q: How do you prove liability in a car accident?

To prove liability in a Maryland collision, you must understand the concept of contributory negligence. In Maryland, if you have been found to be the least bit involved in an accident, you may not claim damages against the other driver.

If you were not at all at fault for the collision, the elements of negligence must be proven which include:

  • The defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff
  • The defendant breached that duty
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury as a result of the breach
  • The defendant’s breach caused the injury

Your attorney will be able to establish proof of negligence by investigating the crash through evidence such as videos, photos, testimony, etc.

Q: How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis which means that you pay nothing upfront for legal representation. Instead, a percentage of the settlement or verdict awarded on your behalf will be paid to the attorney once the case is closed.

A good law firm should never charge you by the hour–if they do, it should serve as a warning that they do not feel confident in your case, but still want to ensure they get the compensation they want for their time.

Q: How can a Maryland car accident lawyer help me?

A Maryland car accident lawyer from Regan Zambri Long can help you with your auto accident claim.  By using their knowledge of  law, trial experience and compassion, they will work to secure the compensation you deserve for your losses.

In addition, your lawyer will be able to:

  • Gather evidence from the accident
  • Establish liability
  • Calculate the value of your losses
  • Negotiate a settlement on your behalf
  • Represent you in court

Further, your auto accident lawyer will help you recoup losses for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Funeral expenses
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium

Q: Why should I hire Regan Zambri Long for a Maryland car accident?

Partner Victor Long seated at deskIf you are questioning if Regan Zambri Long is the law firm for your Maryland car accident case, know that our firm has the experience needed to get you a fair settlement for your claim. Our track record shows that when you utilize the representation of a personal injury firm, you are more likely to secure three times the compensation than you would without.

Our Maryland car accident lawyers will protect your rights and make sure you are given the time needed to focus on your recovery and family during this trying time. Further, once you’ve hired our firm, you can rest assured that the investigation process will begin immediately.  We will secure all evidence, handle communications with the insurance companies, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Not all car accident cases warrant legal representation, but if you’ve suffered an injury, or extensive property damage, and are out of work as a result of the negligence of another, there is no better time to consult with a Maryland personal injury firm.

Q: How do I get Regan Zambri Long to represent me?

To secure representation for your Maryland car accident claim or case, you should call Regan Zambri Long at 202-960-4596. From there, our team will set up a no-obligation, free consultation with you to discuss the facts of your case, see what possible avenues exist for compensation, and help determine what path you should take next. Whether your car accident was in Baltimore or Bethesda, our car accident lawyers will work hard to win your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

Call 202-960-4596

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