Car Accident Lawyer Maryland are trained to handle legal claims when a car accident disrupts your life. They know the laws in your state and can help you recover the maximum amount of damages allowed.
They also understand the time limits (called statutes of limitations) that can affect your case.
Even if you have only minor injuries, it is important to see a medical professional after a car accident. This ensures that your health needs are met and helps to prevent complications in the future. It also provides critical documentation for any personal injury claim you may pursue against the at-fault party.
When adrenaline is running high after an accident, it can mask the presence of underlying pain or injuries. For example, whiplash can be a serious injury that does not show immediate symptoms. If left untreated, it can worsen and cause long-term damage.
The other reason for seeking medical attention is to establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Without adequate medical documentation, insurance companies are more likely to deny your claim or give you a lowball settlement offer.
This is because they may assume that the more time passes between the accident and your initial treatment, the more you are exaggerating or faking your injuries. In addition, if you stop seeing your doctor, they will think that you have recovered and that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
To avoid this, always follow the medical advice of your doctor and don’t skip any follow-up appointments. This includes filling prescriptions, following all directions for physical therapy or over-the-counter medication, and attending any follow-up tests that your doctor recommends.
In addition, keep all of your receipts for any costs associated with your medical care, such as out-of-pocket expenses and loss of earnings as a result of your injuries. This documentation can help you to secure a more substantial settlement than would otherwise be possible.
At the end of the day, you deserve fair compensation for your damages. If your injuries have impaired your ability to work, perform routine activities, and take care of your family, the responsible party should pay for your losses. For this reason, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after your accident and to document all of your injuries and related costs. This will give you the best chance of receiving full and fair compensation for your losses.
Call the Police
While some people may choose to drive away from the scene of a car accident, it is always best to call the police. This allows the authorities to come to the scene and reroute traffic to avoid any further crashes. It also allows for an official report to be made that can serve as evidence in a case involving injuries or damages from the crash.
It is also important to call the police because it allows you to tell your side of the story in person. If you are not seriously injured, stay calm and give the officer your account of what happened as accurately as possible. You will also be able to give them information about the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. This is vital, as it will prevent the other driver from changing their version of events later. This can hurt you during the settlement process or even if you file a lawsuit later on.
When talking to the police, try to remain objective and only say what is true. It is also crucial to remember that what you say can be used against you in the future during a legal case, so it’s always best to be honest and keep things simple.
If you know the other driver who was involved in the crash, get their name, contact information, license number and insurance policy numbers. Also, if they aren’t the owner of the vehicle, get that information as well. It is also a good idea to get the names and contact information of any witnesses, as they can be valuable in helping prove your side of the story.
Finally, it’s important to call the police because they can help you document the scene of the crash by taking pictures of the vehicles and the surrounding area. This can be extremely helpful in establishing the cause of the crash and determining liability. It can also be useful if you need to file an injury or property damage claim with your insurance company. They will need a detailed report and other evidence, such as medical records and pictures of the vehicles and their damages, in order to process your claim.
Take Pictures
One of the most important things you can do after a crash is to take pictures of the scene. It is easier than ever with the digital cameras in most cell phones. Taking photos at the accident scene can help prevent miscommunication and eliminate the possibility of inaccurate or even fabricated testimonies. This can prove invaluable to your case if the other driver or an insurance company tries to dispute the facts.
Photographs can also document evidence such as the make and model of vehicles involved, the other driver’s license, insurance, and registration information, and any badges that responding police officers have on them. Additionally, it is a good idea to document any broken glass or other debris from the crash scene. This type of evidence may be lost in the days following the crash, so it is important to capture as much as possible as soon as possible.
You should also take plenty of close-up photos of any damage to your vehicle, as well as the other vehicles. It is a good idea to get photos of the accident from different angles as well. Take pictures of skid marks as well, as they can help investigators determine exactly when each driver applied their brakes.
The surrounding scene can be a valuable source of information as well, even if you don’t realize it at the time. There could be businesses nearby that have security cameras that recorded the crash, for example. Having pictures of the area can be helpful in remembering to reach out to these places later on.
Another reason why it is so important to take pictures at the accident scene is that it can help strengthen your claim for damages. It is common for insurance companies to try and pay out as little as possible to car accident victims in order to boost their profits. In some cases, these insurance companies may act in bad faith and deny a victim’s claims altogether. Having photographic evidence can help you prove that the crash occurred and demonstrate the extent of your injuries and property damage.
Get a Consultation
Car accidents are very traumatic events, which can lead to stress and anger that affect your ability to think clearly. One wrong step or a mistake made while you’re upset could ruin your case. That’s why it’s important to have an objective third party take the reins when you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A car accident lawyer can assess your situation, determine whether you are entitled to compensation, and file the proper paperwork.
During your free consultation, the attorney will ask you questions about the accident and collect details from you. They will also want to know if you have any major or long-term injuries, like spinal cord or brain damage. This information helps them strategize and determine a fair settlement amount for your claim.
When evaluating potential lawyers, consider their track record and reputation. A firm with a solid history of winning car accident cases will be more likely to have an edge in negotiations and courtroom battles. You may also be able to gather more information about the lawyer’s experience from reviews, news articles, and testimonials.
Many reputable lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer will only get paid when they win your case through a settlement or verdict in your favor.
You can also ask the attorney how they would handle your case, including their strategies and tactics, and what types of damages you might be able to claim. An experienced attorney will be able to recognize when the insurance company is trying to lowball you and ensure that you receive a fair amount for your losses.
Car accidents are a stressful, confusing, and often complicated time for victims and their families. That’s why it’s so important to choose a skilled and experienced car accident attorney. A good lawyer will be by your side through the entire process and fight ruthlessly to ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses. They will also guide you through the civil courts process, which includes conducting depositions, interrogatories, and more.