If you’ve been injured in a vehicular collision, you may want to retain a car accident lawyer Baltimore MD drivers trust. A lawyer may be able to assess your claim and let you know whether or not it can be pursued in a court of law. Accidents could affect the quality of your life, your career, and your physical or emotional well being. Cumulating expenses from medical bills, lost wages, and repairs to your vehicle may quickly lead to serious financial burdens and overwhelming feels of hopelessness. Cohen & Cohen, has a team of knowledgeable personal injury attorneys who understand the complex laws associated with collisions. During a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Baltimore MD, we listen to what you have to say and let you know if we may help you with your case.
Understanding the Law Around Collisions
There are a number of ways in which a Baltimore MD car accident lawyer may file a claim. Typically, negligence or wrongdoing is involved. In this case, the at-fault party may be held liable and be required to pay for the damages caused to the victim. Prior to filing a legal claim, a car accident lawyer Baltimore MD offers should carry out a thorough investigation of the collision to determine how the defendant was negligent, or wrong, in their actions. Once established, a skilled lawyer must show this carelessness was the proximate cause of the accident, and that it led to the injury and vehicular damage.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore MD Respects Determines Negligence
A lawyer goes beyond speculation or instinct to determine who is at fault. Guided by police reports, dash cam data, surveillance footage, and witness statements, a car accident lawyer Baltimore MD offers may analyze this evidence to build a strong case. With this in mind, the presiding judge or jury, if your case goes to trial, can examine various proofs and factors which show negligence. Some of the most common types of negligence include:
- Disregarding traffic signals and signs
- Failing to signal while turning or moving lanes
- Driving while under the influence
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving while distracted (i.e. talking on the phone, texting, etc.)
When Reckless Driving is a Factor
In addition to negligence, a car accident lawyer Baltimore MD relies on may determine whether or not reckless driving was a factor in the collision. Although similar to negligence, reckless driving tends to cause more extensive damages to the individual involved, as well as to the vehicles. A driver is considered to be reckless when they fail to disregard any other drivers or pedestrians on the road. Also known as aggressive driving, some examples of reckless endangerment include:
- Speeding well above the limit
- Excessive changing of lanes or driving on the shoulder
- Driving exceedingly fast for current road or weather conditions
- Tailgating or intimidation while driving
Collisions Caused by Another Entity
In certain cases, a car accident lawyer Baltimore MD residents respect may find no other individuals at-fault. Should this be a factor in your own claim, a lawyer may examine other possibilities, such as a vehicle defect or hazardous road condition. If this holds true, a lawsuit might be filed for damages to cover injuries, vehicular repair, or emotional stress. Typically, these claims involve special governing laws and rules due to the specific entities involved. You may wish to retain an experienced car accident lawyer Baltimore MD provides.
What Are the Most Common Ways Car Accidents Arise?
Any experienced car accident lawyer Baltimore, MD residents trust knows all too well that car accidents are so common in the United States, that people are rarely surprised when they hear on the news or social media that yet another tragic car collision has happened. Sadly, not all drivers operate their vehicles with care. So, this means that despite another car driver being diligent on the roadway, they may still be involved in an accident due to the negligence of someone else. Here in the article below, we have listed the most common ways car accidents arise on the roadway, and why meeting with an attorney may be something to consider.
#1 Driving While Under the Influence
A good car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD will likely inform you that one of the most dangerous ways car accidents can happen is when the driver gets on the road while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Substances can greatly influence a person’s ability to drive safely, including:
- Slower reaction time
- Speeding or driving too slowly
- Jolting movements, especially when stopping or starting
- Swerving within lane, or across many
#2 Distracted Driving
Those who do not pay attention to the road can be putting others at grave risk for injuries or even a fatality. Drivers may be distracted due to being on the cellphone, daydreaming, talking to a passenger or fidgeting with the radio.
#3 Driving with an Excess of Speed
A skilled car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD may also inform you that people may speed due to rushing to work or trying to meet some other obligation. Those who are running late may want to resist the urge to speed around corners and through lights, as it can make them even more behind schedule is a vehicle accident is caused.
#4 Driving Recklessly
Not everyone understands how risky it can be to drive without care. Changing lanes rapidly and reacting to others with road rage can lead to terrible wrecks, in which more than one life may be impacted.
#5 Running Red Lights
A car driver may speed through a recently turned red light to get a couple minutes ahead on their travels, but this behavior can come along with a very high cost. According to a car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, collisions happen at intersections all too often, and can have a tragic ending if a life is lost as a result of this behavior.
Car Accident Infographic
How can the victim of a car accident seek compensation?
The victims of driving accidents may endure agonizing injuries, in addition to substantial financial loss. VIctims of car accidents may then wonder what their opportunities are when it comes to seeking compensation from the driver who hit them. If you were hit by driver who was at-fault for the accident, you may want to meet with an attorney as soon as possible about what happened. Depending on the details behind the crash and how severely you were injured, you may be entitled to a large monetary award. When meeting with a car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD for the first time, consider bringing along with following details:
- Statements about loss of pay due to missing work for recovery
- Vehicle repair/damage estimates
- Copy of the police incident report for the accident
- Doctor’s exams and diagnosis of condition
- Unpaid medical bills
- Medical expense receipts for money paid out-of-pocket
If you or your loved one has suffered an injury from a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to reach out to Cohen & Cohen At Cohen & Cohen we are more than happy to help guide you through the complicated personal injury process. Call us today for your free consultation with a car accident lawyer Baltimore, MD residents trust.
What are the Most Serious Car Accident Injuries?
Any Baltimore, MD car accident attorney knows that car accidents can be a messy mixture of painful injuries, financial loss, and vehicle damages. The range of injuries from a car collision can vary anywhere from a few scratches and bruises, to a life-threatening condition. The severity of injuries can depend on how fast each vehicle was going, and the angle of impact. It is highly recommended that any person involved in a car wreck gets medical attention right away. Even if you feel decent at the scene, there could be underlying injuries that need prompt medical treatment and may worsen in the days to follow.
Here in the article below, a knowledgeable Baltimore, MD car accident attorney has answered several questions regarding the most serious car accident injuries.
How do I know if I suffered a brain injury?
Perhaps one of the more serious conditions related to car accidents are brain/head injuries. During the impact, a driver may have hit their head on the dashboard, steering wheel, window or other object within the car. The driver may have sustained a mild concussion, or critical brain swelling/bleeding. Here are signs to watch out for that are commonly associated with brain injuries:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty forming words
- Trouble understanding others language
- Mood or personality changes
- Poor motor skills
- Passing out for a brief or prolonged period of time
- Clear fluid draining from ears/nose
- Headaches that do not lessen in severity
Should I be worried about internal bleeding?
According to a skilled Baltimore, MD car accident attorney, internal bleeding after a traumatic event is usually perceived to be a medical emergency. Those who may be bleeding internally can have symptoms such as blood in the stool, vomiting blood, bloody urine, coughing blood, trouble breathing, clammy skin, and severe pain in the abdomen. If you experience any of these symptoms while at the scene or after the accident, get medical attention without hesitation.
Are there injuries that are not physical?
Yes, the victim of a car accident may not just suffer from physical injuries. As a Baltimore, MD car accident attorney may tell you, this may be especially true for those who endured a tragic accident in which a life was lost. Drivers may experience newly developed fears and anxieties over getting back into a car again. It is not uncommon for a driver to have panic attacks, insomnia, depression or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) after a car accident. If this applies to you or a loved one, please know there is help available, and you may want to let your doctor know about these challenges to receive the treatment you need.
Should I meet with an attorney now, or wait?
It may be best to see a Baltimore, MD car accident attorney sooner rather than later about your accident. Sometimes, victims of car accidents want to seek compensation but then other life responsibilities get in the way, and the desire simply fades away. However, if the driver does not take action then they may have to pay for medical expenses that were not caused as a result of their own behavior. Drivers who view this as completely unfair, may turn to an attorney to help them seek justice.
If any of the above information applies to you, it may be in your best interest to call Cohen & Cohen Call today to set up your free consultation with a trusted Baltimore, MD car accident attorney.
Why is Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Crash so Important?
Any experienced Baltimore, MD car accident lawyer will tell you that drivers who have been crashed into by another vehicle often require medical attention of some level. While not all collisions end in an emergency situation, it is always possible. Injuries resulting from a car accident should be treated promptly, as even a minor wound could become something worse in the days to follow. Unfortunately, not every person involved in a car accident sees the doctor right away. They may wait to see how they feel in the days, weeks or even months afterwards. Here in the article to follow, a knowledgeable and skilled Baltimore, MD car accident lawyer has answered questions as to why this may not be the best idea.
How is it possible that I feel my injuries later, but not at the time?
To answer this question, it is important to understand how adrenaline can affect our body. After a traumatic event (such as a car crash), our body may surge into a fight or flight response. Along with this, can come a flooding of adrenaline. This hormone can raise a person’s heart rate, ramp up sweat production and dilate pupils. The intention of this hormone is to get a person ready to deal with the sudden and very stressful environment.
So, according to a Baltimore, MD car accident lawyer, adrenaline can actually also block our ability to sense pain. A victim of a car crash may not realize how seriously hurt they are due to a state called “stress-induced analgesia.” While immediate damage may not be felt, injuries can worsen through delayed medical attention and treatment.
What are signs that I should see my doctor after a car accident?
As mentioned in the previous question, seeing a doctor may be the best idea even if you do not feel aches and pains right away. It is encouraged that you visit a hospital or call for an ambulance at the scene, just in case. However, if you must wait, a Baltimore, MD car accident lawyer will advise that you then keep an eye out for these symptoms, as it could mean you sustained a serious injury:
- Overall pain, discomfort, decreased flexibility
- Stiffness in neck and upper back, in addition to itching or burning (could be a sign of whiplash)
- Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting (could be a sign of concussion or other brain injury)
- Decreased range of motion in any area of your body
- Numbness or weakness (could be a sign of herniated/bulging disc)
Can I sue the other driver for compensation?
Victims of a car accident may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the other driver to seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of pay and car repairs. Do keep in mind that if you did not receive medical attention right away, it could reflect poorly during your lawsuit. If you are not sure what to do next, you may want to meet with an Baltimore, MD car accident lawyer who can give you insight and advice for how to proceed. You may want to take with you any evidence, receipts and other documents related to your losses for the consultation, so your attorney has plenty of information to work with. Call Cohen & Cohen today to set up your free consultation.
Baltimore Car Accident Statistics
According to the Maryland State Police, in 2023 there were 36,150 motor vehicle accidents reported. Of those, there were 9,495 involved an injury. 4 years prior, that number was 10,864 injuries in 2019, of 39,714 total report accidents. These numbers are encouraging. This downward trend in injuries reflects improved vehicle safety features and heightened awareness of driving regulations.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Cohen & Cohen
You may have questions or concerns about how you can seek compensation for your losses after being involved in a collision. As leading car accident lawyers, Cohen & Cohen, is ready to fight for due justice. If you would like to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a car accident lawyer Baltimore MD families trust, please call (202) 955-4529.
