Maryland Auto Accident Lawyers

Auto Accident Lawyers

Maryland Auto Accident Lawyers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s early estimate of traffic fatalities in the United States in 2021, there were almost 43,000 deaths caused by auto accidents. That is an increase of 10.5% from the previous year and does not include injuries from car accidents.

Car accident victims vary greatly and are not limited to age, gender, or other classification. An auto accident can happen to anyone at any time and in any location throughout the country. Those injured in an automobile accident caused by another driver’s negligence, recklessness, or carelessness deserve to fight for compensation for their serious injuries and losses.

At the Siddons Law Firm in Maryland, our injury lawyers are here to ensure that anyone who sustains injuries caused by a negligent driver can fight for justice and fair compensation. Car accident attorneys have the experience, skills, and training to investigate the car accident case, gather evidence, obtain critical documents such as medical records and police reports, and build a strong case against the at-fault driver.

Types of Auto Accidents

Car accidents happen in many different ways, and the exact circumstances of one auto accident will be as unique as those involved. There are, though, some common types of auto accidents and these include:

  • Head-on collisions

  • Rear-end collisions

  • Side-impact crashes/T-bone accidents

  • Hitting a parked vehicle

  • Rollovers

Auto accidents can occur in many ways and for countless reasons. When the primary cause is a negligent or reckless driver, that person should be held responsible for the injuries and losses they cause to the injury victims. Some of the most common reasons that a car accident may occur include:

  • Reckless driving

  • Speeding

  • Drunk driving

  • Unsafe driving maneuvers such as changing lanes

  • Tailgating

  • Failing to obey traffic lights or signs

  • Failing to yield or give right of way to another driver

  • Distracted driving

  • Illegal turns

  • Failing to drive cautiously in inclement weather

  • Poor maintenance or auto defects

Whatever the reason for the car accident, those injured victims must enlist the legal help and representation of an auto accident attorney in Maryland, to fight for the compensation they deserve.

Rideshare Auto Accidents

Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing apps have made public transportation affordable and convenient. 36 percent of Americans using ridesharing apps instead of car rental. Over 2.4 million Uber and Lyft drivers were actively using US roads. This exponential growth in the rideshare industry has also led to an influx in road accidents by 3 percent. Learn more about what you need to do if you were involved in an accident in an Uber or Lyft by clicking here! 

Common Injuries Sustained in a Auto Accident

Depending on the type of auto accident you are involved in and a number of other critical factors, you may sustain various serious injuries. Some injuries may be minor and only require superficial treatment (a minor car accident such as a fender bender may have subsequent minor injuries). Other collisions, however, are much more severe and cause major damage.

At the Siddons Law Firm in Maryland, we have fought for car accident victims who have sustained such injuries as:

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Neck injuries

  • Back Injuries

  • Broken bones

  • Burns

  • Whiplash

  • Spinal cord injuries

  • Skin lacerations

  • Organ damage

  • Internal bleeding

  • Facial disfigurement

  • Nerve damage

  • Paralysis

  • Amputations

  • Wrongful death

Suppose you or a loved one sustained injuries in an auto accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver. In that case, you may be eligible to fight for a car accident settlement from the other driver’s insurance company. Contact a car accident lawyer at the Siddons Law Firm to learn more.

Is Maryland a No-Fault State or At-Fault State?

Knowing whether your state is a No-Fault State or At-Fault State is essential in the event you are in an auto accident. No-Fault and At-Fault States handle insurance claims differently following an accident.

  • No-Fault States: In a No-Fault State the your own insurance covers medical bills and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage regardless of who caused an accident.  Property damage, such as vehicle repairs, is still paid for by the at-fault driver and their insurance.
  • At-Fault States: In an At-Fault State the insurance of the at-fault driver pays for medical bills and lost wages as well as property damage of the other party (up to their policy limits).
 
Maryland is considered an at-fault state when it comes to auto accidents. This means the individual who is found legally responsible for causing the accident is also held liable for damages. In order to receive compensation the injured party must pursue claims against the at-fault driver.

Doctrine of Contributory Negligence

Maryland follows a legal doctrine known as pure contributory negligence. This states that if an injured party is found to have contributed to the accident in any way, they are unable to recover any financial compensation from the other party. For example, if a driver runs a stop sign or a red light, causes a collision , and are found 99% responsible for the accident, but the injured party (the one the driver collided with) is found even 1% responsible, the injured party is still unable to recover any money for vehicle damages, wages, or medical bills from the other party.

If a claimant can prove another party is 100% responsible for an accident they are able to seek compensations for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses are damages that have a monetary value and include medical expenses, lost wages, and costs to repair or replace the damaged vehicle. Non-economic losses are damages that do not have a monetary value such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.

Maryland’s Required Insurance Coverage

In Maryland all drivers are required to carry minimum auto insurance coverage to help protect themselves and others in the event of an accident. This required coverage includes liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage, which pays for injuries or damage you cause to others, as well as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover medical expenses and certain lost wages to provide immediate relief regardless of who is at fault. Maryland also mandates underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, which helps safeguard you and your passengers if you are injured by a driver who has little or no insurance. Maintaining the proper insurance coverage is not only a legal obligation, but also an essential step in protecting your financial security and ensuring compliance with Maryland law.

How Can an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney Benefit You?

If you have been injured in an auto accident and the primary cause of the collision was the negligence or careless behavior of another driver, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver and his insurance company.

While you may be able to handle the case independently, it is not advisable. To ensure that you have the greatest possible chance of obtaining the maximum compensation you are due for your injuries, consider enlisting the help of a skilled personal injury attorney such as ours at the Siddons Law Firm.

Because your attorney will be well-versed in personal injury law and how to build the strongest possible case based on the other driver’s negligence as the cause of your accident, you have a great chance to obtain compensation. Our injury attorneys in Maryland will investigate the situation thoroughly, gather much-needed evidence (police report of the car crash, medical reports, eyewitness statements), and work diligently to demonstrate why you deserve justice and compensation.

Our legal team will advise you of your legal rights as a victim and show you that you do not have to figure out how to pay for unexpected medical bills or work around lost wages on your own. With a personal injury claim, you can focus on the healing process while we hold the responsible party’s insurance company liable for your car accident injuries.

Contact Our Law Firm for Legal Representation for Your Auto Accident Claim

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an automobile accident caused by another driver’s reckless behavior, you may be able to recover compensation for those injuries. Contact the Siddons Law Firm to discuss your situation at our free consultation. We are here to fight for your rights and work to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Furthermore, we understand the financial strain that can result from such accidents. In this regard, our approach includes a 25% Contingency Fee (No Trial). It’s worth noting that for cases where your personal injury claim is resolved without necessitating a trial, we offer a remarkably competitive attorney’s fee of 25% of the awarded amount, in addition to attorney costs. This fee structure is designed with your best interests in mind, ensuring that a significant portion of your rightful compensation remains with you. This financial support can go a long way in covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial burdens stemming from the accident.

Call now to schedule your free case review!