Auto Accident Lawyer Gaithersburg MD

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Auto Accident Lawyer Gaithersburg MDIf you are a driver in the state of Maryland, you may have questions best answered by an auto accident lawyer Gaithersburg MD drivers turn to for reliable, helpful advice. Unfortunately, car accidents often involve multiple parties, which can make it difficult to determine who is at fault and how much you are entitled to recover for your injuries. A reliable auto accident lawyer Gaithersburg MD residents can count on would thoroughly examine the facts of your case and help determine the best course of action.

Liability

So how exactly is legal responsibility determined? It is no surprise that an auto accident lawyer Gaithersburg MD residents rely on can help them navigate Maryland’s state laws. Maryland follows a “fault” system to determine who is legally to blame for the accident. In most cases, car accidents are treated as negligence cases. Whenever someone operates a vehicle, they are responsible for maintaining a standard of safety to ensure they do not harm themselves or others. If a driver fails to uphold this standard and is subsequently involved in an automobile accident, they are considered to be negligent. Examples of plaintiff conduct that may be considered negligent include:

  • Driving too fast
  • Unsafely changing lanes
  • Failing to watch for crossing pedestrians
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving a car with a defect (i.e. broken brake lights)
  • Making an illegal turn

In Maryland, there is presumed liability for rear-end collisions. This means that if there is a stationary vehicle that has been hit from behind by another vehicle, the moving vehicle is presumed to be at-fault for the accident. However, there are exceptions to this general rule, so it is crucial to consult an auto accident lawyer Gaithersburg MD drivers trust to analyze these cases.

Comparative Fault

States have different systems to handle instances of comparative fault, a situation in which more than one party is at fault for an accident. Maryland is one of five states that follows the fairly harsh doctrine of “contributory negligence,” which is why it is imperative to turn to an auto accident lawyer in Gaithersburg MD who is familiar with this strict state standard. Under the contributory negligence rule, someone is completely barred from recovery if they contributed to the accident in any way. In other words, the defendant must be 100% responsible for the accident in order for the plaintiff to recover anything.

Preserving Evidence

An experienced auto accident lawyer Gaithersburg MD has to offer would emphasize the importance of preserving evidence. The first few days after an automobile accident are often the most important time for a victim to find evidence and document their injuries. A responsible Gaithersburg MD auto accident lawyer will likely recommend that victims take the following steps as soon as possible after their accident:

  • Return to the scene. If you are able to return to the scene of the accident, be sure to locate any remaining evidence and photograph any conditions that may have contributed to the accident. At the time of the accident, it is often hard to remain calm and focus on your surroundings, so it is important to return to the scene to identify things may have overlooked.
  • Protect physical evidence. Try to preserve any physical evidence exactly how it was at the accident, or take photographs if you are unable to preserve the actual object. Physical evidence that can be seen and touched is of great value in proving your claim. It is much harder for a defendant to deny damage that occurred if that damage is evident right before their eyes. Physical evidence can also help show the extent of the damage. For example, damage to the car or torn and bloody clothing may help demonstrate the severity of the injuries.
  • Locate witnesses. Witnesses who can confirm your story are of great value to your case. Witnesses may have seen things you were unaware of that could further prove the other driver is at fault. Even if there was not a witness directly at the scene of the accident, check surrounding storefronts or restaurants for witnesses you may not have seen. Locate these witnesses as fast as possible, as memory fades quickly and testimonials can become unreliable.
  • Document your injuries. It is important to report your physical injuries to a healthcare professional and to photograph any visible marks, cuts or bruises. Visible injuries eventually heal, so take photos immediately following the accident when they are most severe. Seek medical attention because failing to do so may make your injuries seem less serious.

Damages

After fault has been proven, an auto accident lawyer Gaithersburg MD drivers count on can help demonstrate the proof of each and every damage they claim. “Damage” refers to the results of the other driver’s carelessness. Damages in Maryland automobile accident law can be broken down into two main categories:

  1. Property damage. Property damage refers to the damage that is done to your vehicle. The at-fault driver is required to pay for the vehicle repairs necessary to return the car to its pre-accident state. A vehicle is a “total loss” if the costs of repair exceed the total worth of the car. In this case, the at-fault driver must pay the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle. The at-fault driver is also required to provide the victim with a rental car while their vehicle is repaired or until they are paid the actual cash value in the case of a totaled vehicle.
  2. Personal injury damage. Personal or bodily injuries include both economic and noneconomic losses. Examples of economic losses include medical bills incurred from the treatment of injuries caused by the accident or loss of income from time spent away from work due to hospitalization. Examples of non-economic losses include emotional distress or damage to ones marital relationship.

Contact Us Today

If you are searching for an auto accident lawyer Gaithersburg MD residents deserve, look no further. Car accidents are a painful and stressful experience, and victims should not face any resulting legal battle alone. For more information or any questions you may have, please contact our Maryland office at (202) 955-4529. If you or your loved ones have been involved in a car accident, turn to Cohen & Cohen for a top auto accident lawyer Gaithersburg MD drivers can rely on.

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“I had a slip-and-fall injury at a local grocery store, and needed major surgery and months of recovery. During a very dark and painful time for me, Cohen&Cohen attorney Brian Rosenberg was supportive and caring. He was always accessible for questions and concerns; he assured me that my only job at that time was to heal and recover, and that I should leave all the rest to him.”
Linda Joyce
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"My experience with Cohen & Cohen was beyond my expectations. Jill did an amazing job with negotiating on my behalf and got me way more money than I anticipated. Thank you for having my back."
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"I am very pleased with the outcome of my case. I received more than the amount that I originally thought and am very satisfied with how my case turned out. Jill, the attorney working on my case did an excellent job advocating for me to the insurance company and getting me a good settlement. A special shout out to Bryan Moran, who always kept me posted on the updates of my case and was always super responsive to my questions. They are a really thoughtful team, I would definitely recommend to my friends and family."
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If you have been injured, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation today. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist you.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
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Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

L Proctor
August 30, 2022.
My experience with Cohen &Cohen was beyond my expectations. Jill did an amazing job with negotiating on my behalf and got me way more money than I anticipated. Thank you for having my back.
Ebony Stoutmiles
June 23, 2022.
To say that I am happy with the outcome of my case is the understatement of the century! Jill Stanley is a BEAST at what she does. That is the only way to explain it. She takes no prisoners. She and her team are very skilled and knowledgeable. I am so happy I trusted them to do their job and rolled with Jill's suggestions. I would choose Jill again 100 times. She settled my case for more than I imagined I would receive. I was literally in tears. It is the best feeling to know my pain isn't for naught. Wayne Cohen and Kristopher Yorke were nothing short of amazing. They have the patience of saints. I'm 100% certain that I got on their last nerves with my frustration and tears at every other call I had with them. Being in pain and wanting to just be able to heal was all I could focus on, but they helped me realize that I also had to focus on the bigger picture (the case) so I could put this piece behind me. As a high-strung individual with anxiety, it was hard for me to not worry and let them do their jobs, but they reassured me all of the time that they had this. To be injured before the start of the pandemic and have to receive regular, weekly treatment while others are able to stay home is anxiety inducing. I was in pain, I was anxious, and I was just hoping it all worked out. It more than worked out. I hope Jill, Siri, and Kris know how much their hard work and "hanging in there" meant to me. I am eternally grateful. I can't recommend you all enough. If you choose this law firm, you won't be sorry!
Beloved Temple
June 3, 2022.
I was very pleased with the handling of my case and settlement with Cohen& Cohen. I appreciate them, would highly recommend them.
willie howell
May 25, 2022.
COHEN & COHEN ARE THE BEST I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CAR CRASH AND 2 YEARS LATER I HAVE RECEIVED MY SETTLEMENT I AM VERY EXCITED TO SAY BRYAN!!! IS THE MAN HE INSURED THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME AND THEY DID 100% ANY QUESTIONS I ASKED THEY WERE ANSWERED. Jill and SIRI WAS ALSO REMARKABLE AND SHOWED THEY REALLY CARED I RECOMMEND COHEN &COHEN TO ANYONE THEY ALSO MADE SURE I GOT MORE THAN EXPECTED WHICH WAS AMAZING I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS THANK U💯
Jose Rivera
May 25, 2022.
The legal team at cohen & cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job
Lea Harvey
May 25, 2022.
I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side.
Cameron Galloway (HustleDaGod)
May 19, 2022.
Kris was phenomenal. Spectacular communication & knowledge in regards to my case. Would definitely return if I needed more legal services. 100% definitely recommend.

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