Frederick Car Accident Lawyers

Car Accident Lawyers Frederick, MD

How to File a Car Accident Claim

Accidents happen everyday across the country, and you need to know how to file a claim when your property gets damaged or you get injured in the event. Filing a car accident claim isn’t as simple as writing to insurance when you’ve discovered damage. It requires a full assessment of your losses and a clear idea of who is responsible, which is sometimes easier said than done. You may wish to consult with car accident lawyers Frederick MD. Here’s what you need to know about filing your accident claim.

Assess Damage and Injuries

First, you need to take a full inventory of damages. This includes repairs and replacement parts for your vehicle, as well as any bills for injuries. Keep in mind that any expense you incur because of the accident — out-of-pocket expenses for your injury, rental car bills while your car is being fixed, etc.—can all be claimed. You may need to estimate some costs if you anticipate that you will still be paying for them into the future. It is important to give yourself enough time to take all costs into account while still filing a claim in a timely manner.

Determine Who Is at Fault

Fault is a critical part of the claims process. The reason for this is that fault determines which insurance you file with. To prove who caused the accident, take pictures of the crash, talk to police, write down notes and get eyewitness statements. A driver who acted negligently before the collision is usually to blame, but you must be able to prove their negligence. It is possible that both drivers share the fault, in which case each may be awarded some or no compensation.

Figure Out Who to File With

If the other driver caused the accident, you will file with their insurance for rightful compensation and to avoid taking an unjustified hit on your premiums. If the accident is your fault, you can only file with your own insurance, and the other driver will, too. Some states have no-fault laws, meaning that you have no choice but to file with your own insurance. If you believe you were only partially at fault for the accident, you can still try to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance, but know that it may not reach a settlement.

Car accident lawyers Frederick MD work with all kinds of accident cases. Speak to one near you to learn more about the process and discover your path to better compensation.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact our car accident lawyers Frederick MD today for a free case evaluation. The attorneys at Cohen & Cohen have settled more than 10,000 cases since the early 1990s. Contact us today at (202) 955-4529 for a free case evaluation. 

Top 5 Questions About Car Accident Claims

Car accidents can eat a hole through your wallet and cause an immense amount of stress. If you’ve recently been in one, you probably have a lot of questions, especially if it is your first accident. These are the most common questions people have about their accidents and how to get compensated. You may wish to consult Frederick MD car accident lawyers. You can use the answers as a starting point to jump off from.

1. What Type of Claim Should You File?

While car accident claims are generally lumped into the same category, there are actually different types you need to pay attention to in order to file the right claim. You will file a personal injury claim to get all your medical and other associated costs covered for injuries. For property damage to your vehicle, an auto claim will suffice.

2. Who Pays For Your Damages?

The answer to this question is determined by fault. The person who caused the accident must have their insurance pay for anyone else’s expenses. If the accident was the fault of both drivers, the insurance companies may split the bill between the two depending on how much each deserves for their part in the collision. Check your state laws to see who you can file with or Frederick MD car accident lawyers, as you may only be able to do so with your insurance because of the state you live in.

3. What Should You Do After the Accident?

Never flee the scene of an accident, as that makes the situation a hit-and-run, placing responsibility on you even if you did not initially cause the crash. Stay calm, check for injuries and call 911. Get pictures and a copy of the police report. Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information, and give them yours so that you can stay in touch later. Contacting experienced Frederick MD car accident lawyers is also a good idea.

4. How Long Does It Take To Settle?

It can take weeks or months to settle your car accident claim. Unfortunately, there is no exact timeframe, as each case is individual. As long as your situation is not complex, you can expect to receive compensation within a relatively short time. If your claim has complicating factors, you may end up waiting longer.

5. Is a Lawyer Necessary?

Frederick MD car accident lawyers are often necessary for intricate cases or cases that go to court. You can contact a lawyer for help whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed by the process, and they can get your claim going again. Never be afraid to contact a lawyer because of cost, as they only get paid when you do.

The Frederick MD car accident lawyers at Cohen & Cohen have settled thousands of cases. Contact us today at (202) 955-4529 for a free case evaluation. 

Car Accident Infographic

Evidence You Need To Gather For A Car Accident

As our trusted Frederick, MD car accident lawyer can tell you, car accidents can be stressful and complex, especially if you believe you may be partially at fault. We understand the importance of gathering the right evidence to protect your rights and ensure a fair assessment of the incident. Attorney Jill Stanley is one of Cohen & Cohen’s founding partners and focuses much of her attention on personal injury cases. With our firm, you will be in good hands.

1. Accident Scene Photos. Photographs of the accident scene are invaluable. Capture images from multiple angles, including the positions of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible damage. These photos can help reconstruct the events leading up to the accident and provide a clear visual record of the scene.
2. Witness Statements. If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information and ask for their statements. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which can be crucial in determining the extent of fault. Their observations may support your version of events or highlight contributing factors you might not have noticed.
3. Police Reports. Our A police report is an official document that outlines the details of the accident. Contact the responding law enforcement agency to obtain a copy of the report. Police reports often include the officer’s assessment of the incident, which can be influential in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
4. Medical Records. A car accident lawyer in Frederick knows that you should seek immediate medical attention after the accident, even if you do not feel seriously injured. Medical records document your injuries and can establish a connection between the accident and your condition. This evidence is essential in proving the impact of the accident on your health and can influence the compensation you may receive.
5. Dashcam Footage. If your vehicle is equipped with a dashcam, review the footage to see if it captured the accident. Dashcam footage can provide a real-time record of the events leading up to the collision, helping to clarify the sequence of actions and potentially demonstrating the involvement of other factors.
6. Insurance Information. Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Provide this information to your insurance company promptly. Documenting the insurance details of all parties involved ensures that the claims process can proceed smoothly and that all necessary parties are informed.
7. Personal Notes. As soon as possible, write down your recollection of the accident. Include details about the time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors. Your memory of the incident will be freshest immediately after it occurs, and these notes can help you recall important details later.
8. Repair Estimates. Get estimates for the repair of your vehicle from multiple auto repair shops. These estimates can provide evidence of the extent of the damage and the associated costs. They also serve as documentation for your insurance claim and any potential compensation negotiations.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a Frederick, MD auto accident, it may be in your best interest to contact reliable Frederick, MD auto accident lawyers.

Have you recently been in a auto accident and are at a loss as to where you should turn? Are you feeling as though your case may not be worth pursuing? Have your injuries impacted the life you once knew? In the days following an auto accident you may be consumed with managing your injuries and seeking medical treatment. Cohen & Cohen may be able to provide you with the support and direction you are so desperately in need of. With our services, you can expect to experience legal counsel from our Frederick, MD auto accident lawyers that stands apart from all the rest.

WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO BUILD YOUR CASE

The average person is not likely to know where to begin in proving their case in the early days following the accident. Not only can we help in investigating your case, we can advise you of the proper evidence that is needed to help strengthen your case. Key pieces of evidence following a auto accident can include:

Medical Bills
Medical Documentation
Photographs from the accident
Photographs of Injuries
Police Reports
Eyewitness Accounts
Details regarding property damage

As a claimant, you and your Frederick, MD auto accident lawyers are charged with being able to meet the burden of proof. Our experienced legal team may be able to help you gather the proper evidence needed to prove your claim.

WE WILL BE THERE TO ANSWER YOUR CALL

Seeking damages for a personal injury can be a stressful process. We are well aware of this, as well as the many questions you are likely to have as you endure the process of seeking damages. Cohen & Cohen will provide you with the answers you are looking for. Not only will we be there to answer the call, we will continue to provide clarity to questions you have throughout the process. In addition, our Frederick, MD auto accident lawyers make it a priority to provide our clients with regular and timely updates to their case.

WE WILL NEGOTIATE WITH INSURANCE ADJUSTERS AND ATTORNEYS

Focus on recovering from your injuries while we do the talking. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to do or say something that may allow for an insurance adjuster to assign fault to them. We may be able to protect you from this happening. Allow for our Frederick, MD auto accident lawyers to negotiate with the insurance company and their lawyers in order to maximize your settlement offer.

WE OFFER COMPLIMENTARY CASE REVIEWS

Many may wonder if they even have a viable personal injury case following an accident. We provide prospective clients with complimentary case reviews. This can be mutually beneficial to the both of us. You will have the opportunity to present your case, ask questions and assess whether our services are appropriate for you. In addition, we can review your case, determine if you have a strong personal injury case and outline an action plan for you.

In the period following an accident, Cohen & Cohen may stand by your side to guide you every step of the way. We are a group of experienced and compassionate legal professionals who are ready to put our resources towards your case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with us. Taking advantage of this opportunity is not only risk free, it can help to give clarity to you as to the best way to move forward.

For highly rated Frederick, MD auto accident lawyers, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation with no obligations.

WHEN DO YOU NEED AN AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR A TRUCKING ACCIDENT IN FREDERICK, MD?

If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident involving a truck driver, it may be in your best interest to consult a trucking accident lawyer Frederick, MD accident victims and their families can turn when they need help protecting their rights.

Ideally, you’ll never be the victim of a trucking accident but if it has already happened, consider protecting your right to compensation by working with an auto accident attorney from Cohen & Cohen We have helped many victims who were seriously injured in accidents caused by negligent truck drivers. An trucking accident attorney from our firm may be able to get you a settlement that will pay for all of your injury related costs, including pain and suffering. Call a trucking accident lawyer at Cohen & Cohen who is licensed to help people in Frederick and throughout MD for a free consultation and to find out more about how he or she can help.

THE NATURE OF AUTO ACCIDENTS

No two trucking accidents are exactly the same because of all the variables involved in each accident. A few of those variables are the nature and extent of the injuries that the victim or victims sustain. Victims do not always know how they were injured, or how badly, at least not right away. Whiplash and brain injuries are two examples of many different injuries that do not always present symptoms immediately.

An experienced trucking accident lawyer from Frederick, MD can probably share many anecdotes about incidents involving victims who accepted a settlement from the insurance company before they realized the extent of their injury. If they had first consulted a skilled lawyer, they may have delayed accepting the settlement until they were confident about their medical diagnosis. An auto accident attorney from Cohen & Cohen can review your case and medical diagnosis to determine a fair value for your injury related losses. That might also include future income until such time as you are fit to return to work. Do not accept less compensation than you deserve. Call our office for a free consultation with a trucking accident lawyer who can help to protect accident victims in Frederick, MD.

FAIR COMPENSATION FOR YOUR ACCIDENT LOSSES

For many people who are victims of accidents, their primary concern when it comes to getting compensation from those responsible for their accident, is paying for their car damage and any immediate medical care. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may be very eager to accept your claim right away because they realize that your injuries may worsen- and that it will cost them more money if they give you time to find this out. If you agree to a settlement too soon, any medical costs and other damages that you incur after that time, will have to be paid for out of your own pocket.

A trucking accident lawyer from Cohen & Cohen can help you avoid this scenario for injuries that occurred in Frederick and throughout the state of MD. Your attorney will take into account all of your past, present, and anticipated costs associated with the accident and resulting injury. This can be backed up by medical documentation, your pay stubs, and other supporting proof that can be included in a personal injury claim. Your attorney will then submit it to the insurance company. If the company refuses to agree to a fair settlement to cover your damages, we will be prepared to take them to court if necessary.

REACTING TO A CAR ACCIDENT: WHAT TO DO

A car accident can take you by surprise, shaking you up and making it hard to think straight. After the collision, it can be easy to skip steps, but y
ou need to take the necessary precautions to ensure you can file a claim in the near future. To get your life back to normal quicker, here’s what to do after the accident. Make sure to go through this checklist so that you don’t leave any critical step out. Be sure to call Frederick MD auto accident lawyers for further help.

CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police should know about the accident, even if it is a small one. By getting an officer to the scene, you’ll have an opinion outside the parties who were involved in the crash. The officer can assess the situation and declare who was at fault, which can help with insurance later. They can send an ambulance, too, if someone is badly hurt.

SWAP INFO

Get the other driver’s information, including who they are and what insurance they use. You may need to file a claim with their insurance, so you want to get that information before you both drive off. Questions about the accident can arise later that you need to clarify with them, so contacts are a must.

NOTIFY INSURANCE

Tell your insurance right away about the accident, even if it isn’t your fault. They always need to know about a collision, as the other driver’s insurance may reach out to them. Your insurance should hear about it from you first.

CHECK FILING DEADLINES

States have different deadlines for filing an insurance claim. The average timeline is two years, but yours may be shorter or longer. Check your state laws to see when you need your claim submitted by. If you pass the deadline and try to file later, you will have little success getting compensated.

FILE A CLAIM

When you’ve assessed all your injuries and damages, it’s time to file a claim. Talk to insurance about the paperwork you need to fill out and the information to include. Take enough time for all injuries to emerge so that you can claim them. This part can be complex, and it may be in your best interest to consult with Frederick MD car accident lawyers.

SEE A LAWYER

Not everyone needs to see a lawyer after an accident, but it can help your situation immensely. If you aren’t sure, get a consultation with one to see if you might benefit from their services. You should definitely reach out to Frederick MD car accident lawyers if your claim has come to a grinding halt and you are unable to get compensated.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE

With an auto accident attorney from our firm by your side, you are far likelier to reach a positive outcome than if you were to deal with an insurance company alone. For a trucking accident lawyer Frederick, MD accident victims and their families recommend, contact Cohen & Cohen, any time of the day or night, any day of the week.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST THREAT I SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR WHILE ON THE ROAD?

Perhaps the largest threat in today’s society is the distracted driver. Someone who is on the phone, playing with the radio, daydreaming, talking with the passenger or otherwise not paying attention, can be seriously putting others at risk for harm. When going about your day, a car accident lawyer in Frederick, MD will likely advise that you keep in mind the following signs that may mean you are next to a distracted driver:

• The driver keeps looking down into his or her lap (drivers may attempt to hide their phones low so another car or officer cannot see them using it)
• The driver is swerving in his or her lane, or across many
• The driver stops abruptly at signs or street lights, as if they were not aware that there was an upcoming stop

WHERE DO CAR CRASHES HAPPEN THE MOST OFTEN?

About every five seconds, a car accident takes place in America. These car accidents can happen anywhere, at anytime. However, there are certain places where a collision may be more likely to occur. Here are the top places where a car wreck can unfold, according to an experienced car accident lawyer in Frederick, MD:

1. Intersections
2. Two-Lane Road (each lane going in opposite direction)
3. Stoplights
4. Parking Lots
5. Highways in Rural Areas

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST CONSULTATION WITH AN ATTORNEY?

If you were hit by another driver who was at-fault for the impact, you should get medical attention immediately. In the days following such an event, you may want to meet with an car accident lawyer Frederick, MD residents trust about the car accident to see if you may be entitled to receiving financial compensation. You may want to bring along as much proof as you can about the crash, as the more details you have the more thoroughly an attorney can assist you. Examples of important documents to take with you include:

• Copies of medical bills
• Doctor’s evaluations and treatment plan
• Copy of incident report
• Driver’s information
• Photographs

Do not hesitate to call Cohen & Cohen today.

Finding The Right Firm For You

If you have been involved in a car accident and believe you may be partially at fault, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Cohen & Cohen today to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys. Attorney Leighton focuses his practice on areas such as automobile injuries, medial negligence, and premises matters and can help you. Let us help you understand your rights and guide you through the process to ensure a fair outcome. Speak with our Frederick car accident lawyer today.