PERSONAL INJURY
CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN MARYLAND
At the Gordon Law Firm, we understand the profound impact a car accident can have on your life. Whether you’ve been injured in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, navigating the legal and financial aspects of your recovery can be overwhelming. With extensive experience in personal injury law, our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation and support you need to rebuild your life.
Types of Personal Injury Benefits
In Maryland, if you’ve suffered an injury due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses:
Coverage for all medical costs related to your injury, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapy. Our goal is to ensure that your medical needs are fully addressed without financial strain.
Lost Wages:
If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery period. This benefit helps mitigate the financial impact of being unable to earn a living while you focus on your health.
Pain and Suffering:
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from your injury. This form of damages acknowledges the non-economic impact your injury has had on your quality of life.
Property Damage:
If your injury resulted from an accident that damaged your personal property, such as your vehicle, you may be able to recover the costs associated with repairs or replacement.
Future Damages:
If your injury has long-term or permanent effects, you might be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses, ongoing care, and long-term impacts on your ability to work and live normally.
The Path to Recovery
Pursuing personal injury benefits involves a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we are committed to advocating for your rights at every stage. We work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring that all damages are accurately calculated and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face this challenging situation alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us leverage our experience to help you navigate the legal process and secure the personal injury benefits you need to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
I was just in a car accident. What do I do?
Call the police. The first thing you should do is call the police. Reporting the accident to the police will provide proof of where and when the automobile accident occurred even if the officer decides not to write up an official police report.
The officer will also help facilitate the exchange of information between the parties and take statements from the parties regarding how the accident occurred. As at-fault drivers unfortunately may decide to change their story once questioned by their insurance company, it is sometimes helpful to have their initial version of events on record in the police report.
Exchange information. Take photos of the other party’s driver’s license and insurance card and get his or her contact information. If you do not have a camera on you, write down as much information as possible, including the at fault driver’s full name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy number.
Take photos of the accident. In addition to taking photos of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident, try to photograph the accident scene as well. This information may prove helpful in recreating the circumstances of the accident.
Should I talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company?
The short answer is no, but it depends on the purpose of the call. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company asks you for any information relating to the accident, they may be looking to gather evidence for any inconsistencies or admissions they could use to deem you at fault. Therefore, it is best to let the insurance adjuster know that you will be seeking legal representation and defer to your personal injury lawyer to answer these questions.
However, if the insurance company has already accepted liability (meaning they admit their insured was at fault), you may speak with them to coordinate on repairs to the vehicle or payment if your vehicle is totaled. Any other topics such as your injuries, medical bills or medical treatment should be handled by your attorney.
My insurance company mentioned setting up a PIP claim. What is this and will it raise my premiums if I use it?
PIP stands for personal injury protection and it is one of the best parts of your insurance policy. PIP is no-fault insurance coverage that provides for payment of your medical bills and 85% of lost wages due to the accident.
Tapping into PIP coverage will not increase your premiums.
The standard PIP coverage in Maryland is $2,500 but it can be increased up to $10,000 on some policies. Insurance companies are required to offer PIP by Maryland law, so the only way you would not have PIP coverage is if you specifically waived it on your policy.
PIP coverage has many benefits. It is available to you in any motor vehicle accident, even if you are the at-fault driver. The insurance company will pay your medical bills and most of your lost wages up to the extent of your coverage. And on claims where you were not at fault, it allows you to keep more of the settlement amount because less would need to be applied towards the medical bills.
What is my case worth?
The value of car accident cases depends on many factors. These include the severity of the injuries, economic and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) and the medical care provided. There is no standard value assigned to auto accident cases because every case truly is unique.
The insurance company will typically make an initial settlement offer after reviewing the medical records. This offer is usually low and not fair compensation. Therefore, having legal counsel with years of experience is essential for negotiating maximum compensation in your best interests.
An experienced car accident attorney will be able to advise whether their top offer is worth accepting or if taking them to court would be more beneficial. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your claim.
