Maryland Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a Maryland car accident, you may be suffering from serious, life-altering issues. Perhaps you are facing expensive medical bills that just keep piling up. Maybe you have no idea how you are going to pay these bills, especially since your injuries are preventing you from going to work and earning a living. You might also be suffering from a range of non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, and many others.
Although your situation can seem hopeless after a Maryland car accident, there is always hope. By teaming up with a Maryland car accident lawyer, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible for causing your injuries. This lawsuit can provide you with everything you need to cover your various damages. But how hard is it to sue after a car accident in Maryland? What is the legal process? How much money can you receive? Let’s find out:
Examples of Car Accident Injuries
Victims may suffer a wide range of car accident injuries:
- Head Injuries: Head injuries are common in car accidents. These can occur when victims jolt forward after an impact, hitting their heads on steering wheels or other surfaces within the vehicle. Even if airbags activate properly, these safety devices can cause injuries that are sometimes even worse than normal impacts.
- Disfigurement: Disfigurement is one of the most psychologically-damaging consequences of an accident. Victims may suffer facial burns or scars that cause self-confidence issues for the rest of their lives.
- Spinal Injuries: Spinal injuries can be especially life-altering and disabling. Examples include paraplegia and quadriplegia, which are forms of paralysis. Settlements can be high for these injuries.
- Whiplash: While this is technically a type of spinal injury, whiplash deserves its own category. These injuries are incredibly common in car accidents. Although they are considered minor, they can still put you out of commission for weeks, causing missed work, pain, and even depression.
- Fractures: A car accident can result in all kinds of broken bones. Victims may suffer broken ribs, broken kneecaps, broken wrists, broken collarbones, and many other fractures. These injuries often take months to heal, and sometimes victims never fully recover.
- Internal Organ Damage: A sharp impact on the abdomen can cause internal organ damage. These injuries can be incredibly serious, and in some cases, surgery is required.
- Lacerations: Lacerations can be very dangerous depending on their severity. Even a relatively light laceration in the wrong area can cause serious bleeding – and victims can bleed out within minutes if not properly treated.
Is Maryland a No-Fault State?
No, Maryland is an “at-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the state does not mandate PIP insurance, and victims must prove that other parties are to blame for their accidents if they want to receive compensation. This requires you to prove negligence, and it is part of the reason working with a qualified attorney is so important.
What if I am Partly Responsible for My Own Crash?
Many crashes involve fault on both sides. For example, you might have been texting and driving when you moved through an intersection, and you might not have seen a car zooming through a light that had just turned red. In this situation, both drivers are partially to blame. So, what happens next?
Under Maryland’s “contributory fault” system, neither driver would have the ability to sue and recover compensation. As soon as you become just 1% responsible for your own crash, you lose the ability to sue in Maryland. Most other states follow some variation of comparative negligence, which means you can sue even if you were partially to blame, but not Maryland. Again, this is another example of why it is so important to work with a qualified lawyer if you are responsible for your own crash. In addition, it is worth noting that there are some very specific exceptions to Maryland’s contributory fault system – which means you might have the opportunity to sue even if you were partially to blame for your own crash.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Maryland Car Accident Lawyer?
If you have been searching for a qualified Maryland car accident lawyer, the Law Office of Ben Evan is here to help. During your initial consultation, we can assess your unique situation and determine the best possible course of legal action. We know that car accidents can be devastating for families and victims alike, and we will guide you toward justice, closure, and compensation. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.