Being involved in a car accident can have immediate and long-term consequences. This is especially true if you suffer serious injuries in the collision. Not only can a car accident leave you suffering from physical limitations, chronic pain, and emotional trauma, but it can lead to major financial losses as well.
Let’s consider a common scenario: You are driving your car in Southern Maryland, obeying the speed limit, and keeping your eyes on the road. It is a normal day with normal driving conditions. Then, out of nowhere, you get hit. All of a sudden, your life has been turned upside down, and it is all because someone else chose to make a dangerous decision behind the wheel.
No matter how safely we drive, we cannot fully protect ourselves from dangerous drivers. This is an unfortunate reality of the world in which we live. The risks of careless actions like running red lights and texting while driving are obvious and well-known. Nevertheless, drivers in Southern Maryland still make these costly mistakes every single day.
Types of Compensation for Car Accident Victims
If you have injuries from a car accident, you will be eligible for various types of compensation. Maryland law divides damages into two classes: economic and noneconomic damages. You will probably be able to recover both types of damages. However, the exact amount will vary according to the nature and extent of your injuries.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are losses that you can put a price tag on. These damages compensate you for things like:
- Hospitalization and medication costs,
- Physical therapy appointments,
- Lost wages,
- Funeral expenses, and
- Property damage.
Keep in mind that economic damages cover both past and future medical expenses and lost wages.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages compensate you for damages that are more difficult to define. Examples include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. Physical impairments also fall under noneconomic damages.
It’s challenging to put a fair price tag on these kinds of damages. Rather, the size of your recovery depends on the impression your case makes on a judge or jury. A quality Waldorf car accident attorney will be able to make a stronger impression than you would. That is yet another reason why you should not go without representation.
When Can You File a Claim Against the Other Driver?
Typically, recovering your losses after a car accident in Waldorf involves filing a claim under the other driver’s auto insurance policy. However, to file a claim, you need to be able to prove that the other driver was at fault. Some of the most common grounds for seeking fault-based compensation after a car accident include:
- Running a stoplight or stop sign
- Merging or turning without checking for oncoming traffic
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Attempting a dangerous pass
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Texting or talking on the phone behind the wheel
- Navigating, changing stations, and other in-car distractions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs
When you contact Andrews, Bongar, Gormley & Clagett about your Southern Maryland car accident, our Waldorf car accident lawyers will guide you step by step through what you need to do next. We can send an investigator to the scene. If necessary, we can subpoena the other driver’s phone or employment records. And if the accident was caught on video, we can seek a copy of the footage to prove your claim.
Post-Accident Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple choices following a car accident can seriously damage your ability to get compensation and your future. Let’s discuss a few of the most frequent mistakes people make.
Admitting Fault
At the top of our list is admitting fault. It’s human nature to want to own your mistakes. But even if you think you may have been partially responsible for the accident, keep quiet for the moment. It’s vital that you not make any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Opposing counsel could even use something as simple as saying you are sorry to imply that you were aware of your own fault. This could potentially harm your ability to recover damages—so it is best to remain respectful and helpful at the scene but quiet.
Not Calling the Police
It’s against the law not to report your accident if someone gets injured. That said, it is crucial to call the police even if the car accident seems minor. This ensures you get thorough documentation of the incident and a comprehensive police report. Down the road, your team of Waldorf car accident lawyers can use this report as evidence in your case.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
People sometimes opt not to see a doctor, especially when they don’t seem to have any injuries. Don’t make this mistake. Always seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, they may worsen over time. Furthermore, some injuries are hidden. That means you may not realize their extent for weeks, months, or even years later. Seeking immediate medical attention means obtaining either a clean bill of health or timely documentation of your injuries. Both of these will be critical later on and make it easier to get compensation.
How Do You Collect Just Compensation?
In addition to proving that the other driver was at fault, there is another crucial aspect to recovering your losses after a car accident in Waldorf: You need to prove how much you are entitled to recover.
Until you know how much you are entitled to, you have no way of knowing whether a settlement offer reflects “just” compensation for your injuries. When you have an auto insurance claim, calculating your losses is your responsibility. The insurance companies will not do this for you. If you allow the insurance companies to decide what they will pay, you will end up with far less than you deserve.
At Southern Maryland Law, we will work closely with you to accurately calculate your current and future losses. Once we know how much you are entitled to recover, then we can fight to secure a fair settlement or verdict on your behalf.
After a car accident, you only get one chance to recover your losses. You need to rely on an experienced team of Lexington Park car accident attorneys to help you every step of the way.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case
If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident before, you know they are often complicated. Even simple accidents can lead to lawsuits and aggressive behavior from insurance providers. Having a car accident lawyer provides several benefits. First, they can help you understand your rights and provide you with your legal options. This way, you know the path forward and have a good idea of what you can expect. Second, they can handle the paperwork and documentation for your case. This guarantees you meet all relevant deadlines and judicial requirements.
Another benefit of an attorney is that they can gather evidence to develop your case. This means interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, and consulting with medical experts to determine the extent of your injuries. Finally, a qualified attorney can negotiate with various other parties. In many cases, this will lead to a generous settlement that provides the compensation you need.
What to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer in Waldorf, MD
When choosing a car accident lawyer, it is important you search for someone with experience and expertise in handling car accident cases. Below are some other factors to consider when selecting a lawyer.
Communication Skills
Great communication skills are a necessary characteristic of any good attorney. Your lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with opposing counsel and the judge. But they must also communicate well with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should also be able to explain complex legal concepts in a way that you can understand.
Track Record of Success
Your lawyer should have a track record of success in cases, particularly car accidents. They should be able to provide you with specific references and examples of cases they have won. If they don’t, you should ask them. And if they struggle to answer or provide only vague answers, politely continue your search.
Availability
Your lawyer should be available to answer your questions and provide you with updates on your case. They should also be able to meet with you in person or over the phone when necessary. Attorneys that don’t respond to your messages or meet their commitments aren’t worth your time.
