You hear of car accidents happening near where you live and work all the time. The Baynet recently reported on a fatal multi-vehicle collision that took place on Laurel Bowie Road. It shouldn’t come as a shock that motor vehicle crashes are the second most common preventable cause of death in the United States. In Maryland, there were 564 traffic deaths in 2022, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). However, you never expect to be involved in an auto collision yourself. If it does happen to you, the immediate aftermath can be frightening and devastating.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident that was caused by the other driver’s negligence, you are entitled to seek a remedy for your losses. That is when you need to retain the services of a skilled Laurel car accident lawyer. The attorneys at GDH Law can help establish who is at fault.
Our office is local, and our attorneys have decades of experience handling cases just like yours. So, don’t hesitate – reach out today to discuss your case during a complimentary consultation with a car accident lawyer in Laurel, MD.
What Causes Maryland Car Wrecks?
As much as we’d like to blame vehicle accidents solely on car malfunctions or adverse weather, driver error plays a big part in serious crashes. The top causes of car accidents across the United States are generally one or more of the following:
- Speeding or reckless driving (including driving too fast during poor weather conditions)
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, changing the radio, etc.)
- Driving under the influence (alcohol or drugs, even prescription medication)
- Failing to yield the right of way
In order to file a personal injury claim against another driver in Maryland, you must be able to prove that their mistake led to your injury.
Best Types of Evidence To Gather To Prove Liability for Your Motor Vehicle Collision
Your Laurel car accident lawyer will be able to assist you in gathering all the evidence necessary to pursue legal action against those responsible. The following are some examples of evidence you’ll need to support your version of events:
Police Reports
The crash accident report provided by the police who respond to the scene of your accident might be the most important piece of evidence you’ll have in your insurance claim. The report will detail who was involved in the accident, witness accounts, preliminary injuries and if any citations were issued for reckless driving or DUIs. The report will also detail the officer’s findings regarding how the accident occurred. Although this is not absolute, it is a strong foundation for your case.
Eyewitness Statements
If there was a witness to your accident, it is important to get their contact information at the scene. It could also help if you made a video recording at that moment of what they saw. This can be used to support an affidavit at a later date.
Photos and Videos
Today’s smartphones allow everyone to collect photos and videos of the accident. There is no such thing as too many photos. In addition to the cell photos, there could also be surveillance video from traffic cameras and nearby properties. Cars equipped with dash cameras can also provide evidence of a crash. In addition to the accident photos, you should also document the process of your injuries.
Medical Reports
All the medical reports related to your accident injuries should be part of your evidence files. Those files can establish the extent of your injuries, the course of treatment and any complications. Medical records can also include statements from physical therapists and mental health experts.
Physical Evidence
There will also be physical evidence associated with your accident that can be included in your claim. At the scene of the accident, there could be skid marks, roadway damage and debris that should be documented. The damage to the vehicles will also be investigated to assess the point of impact.
Does the Type of Accident Determine Fault?
Laurel, MD car accidents can happen in a variety of ways. Driver behavior is the leading cause of these crashes. Sometimes, the type of auto collision, such as whether it was one of the following, can help determine fault in your potential case.
- Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. Tailgating, sudden stops, or distracted driving are the primary causes. In most cases, the driver of the rear vehicle is considered at fault for failing to maintain a safe following distance.
- T-bone accidents occur when the front of a vehicle crashes into the other vehicle’s side, forming a “T” shape. Most incidents happen at intersections due to running red lights, stop signs, or failing to yield the right of way.
- When two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make contact along their sides, it is a sideswipe accident. These can often occur when a driver changes lanes without checking blind spots or fails to signal.
- Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents that occur in Laurel. They happen when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. These accidents are the result of one driver crossing the center line or because a motorist drives the wrong way on a Maryland road.
Whether you have been involved in these crashes or another type of Laurel auto accident, GDH Law can help. We have experience handling all these types of accidents and can guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us for help now.
Common Injuries From Vehicle Collisions
Car accidents can lead to anything from minor cuts to major injuries and even death. These are some of the most common injuries that our office has seen Laurel car crash victims receive:
- Scrapes and bruises
- Back and neck injuries
- Head or brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Disfigurement or amputation
In the case that your loved one was killed in the accident or later died from their injuries, you may have grounds for a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit, which your Laurel car accident lawyer can also assist you with.
What You Should Do After a Car Crash in Laurel, MD
The very first thing to remember when you’re involved in a car accident is to not leave and never admit fault. The next things to do are the following, as best you are able:
- Contact the police
- Exchange information with the other driver(s)
- Take pictures or video of the scene
- Seek medical attention
- Call a lawyer at GDH Law
Insurance Company Delay Tactics
One of the benefits of speaking with and hiring an experienced Laurel car accident attorney is that they know all the tactics that an insurance company will deploy in an attempt to delay making a payout. When an attorney steps in to take over your negotiations, they will be able to circumvent the following tactics:
- Failing to return calls
- Requesting unnecessary information and paperwork
- Disputing the extent your injuries
- Questioning the necessity of your medical treatment
- Making lowball settlement offers
- Refusing to negotiate in good faith
- Misrepresenting the terms of your insurance policy
- Trying to get you to accept blame for the accident
Why You Should Hire a Laurel Car Accident Lawyer
You may think you don’t have to have a lawyer to help with your car accident case, and you would be right. However, you can only help your case by reaching out to a qualified Laurel car accident attorney. A lawyer will know the ins and outs of all Maryland laws relating to motor vehicle crashes, insurance, etc., as well as the legal process of your type of claim.
They will give you some much-needed respite while handling all the details so that you can heal from your injuries.
Filing Your Case in a Timely Manner
The standard statute of limitations, which is the time you have to file a lawsuit against another driver in Maryland, is three years from the date of the accident. Certain circumstances may change this timeline, such as if someone died at a later time from injuries they received in the accident.
Working with a lawyer will ensure that your claim will be filed within the proper time frame.
Proving Fault After a Crash in Maryland
Every driver has a duty of care to others around them while they’re behind the wheel, and when they fail in this duty, it becomes negligence.
Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning that drivers can sue other drivers for compensation after an accident. The catch is that negligence must be proven in order for you to receive a settlement. This is where an expert attorney comes in.
Your car crash lawyer will know exactly what to look for in the documents you provide them with, and they will do their own research, as well, to gather sufficient evidence to prove the other driver’s fault.
Securing Your Settlement
If you ask any lawyer how much you may receive from a Maryland car accident settlement, they’ll probably tell you that they aren’t sure. This is true, as each case and settlement are different, depending on the specific details involved.
What your lawyer will be able to tell you is that you can likely claim the following as damages for compensation:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Medication
- Loss of quality of life
- Car repairs
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma (such as post-traumatic stress)
Let a Car Crash Attorney in Laurel Help You Get Justice
At GDH Law, we want those responsible for your injuries and damages to be held accountable just as much as you do, so reach out to our office today to discuss your case. At your first free initial consultation, you can share what happened in the accident and how it has caused disruptions to your life. We’ll be able to answer your questions about the best course of action to move forward with your claim. We want you to make an informed decision about what comes next.
An experienced Laurel car accident lawyer on our team will look over the details of your claim at no cost to you and advise you on the next best steps to ensure you reach a satisfactory settlement.
Don’t put off getting the answers and support you deserve. Call to schedule your consultation today.
