The Poole Law Group: Maryland’s Auto Accident Attorney

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Maryland

Maryland auto accidents occur for a variety of reasons; while every case is unique, many of these accidents can be a cause for a personal injury claim. The most common causes of auto accidents include:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Drugged driving
• Aggressive driving
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Drowsy driving

This is not a complete list of the many ways a dangerous crash can occur. Whenever another driver makes a choice to disregard the safety of others and travel in a manner that could potentially cause harm, he can be held accountable for the accident and resulting injuries.

What Types of Compensation is Available to Hagerstown Auto Accident Victims?

Attorney Bruce Poole is a skilled litigator and can negotiate a settlement on your behalf or take the matter to trial if necessary. Having completed well over 100 jury and bench trials in his career, he isn't afraid to take a case to trial. The Poole Law Group can handle all of the legal details of your case and aggressively pursue compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. We do not shy away from any opposition, including large insurance companies to get you what you deserve for the injuries you have suffered.

In a Maryland auto accident injury case, you are entitled to seek certain compensation from the responsible driver to aid in your recovery and ensure your continued physical and financial well-being. Maryland victims may be able to receive money for:

• Medical bills. Costs associated with treating the injuries sustained in the accident can be compensated. This includes hospital stays, surgery, medications, therapies, and more. There are a number of sources of compensation for car accident injuries in Maryland.
• Future medical bills. In some cases, the injuries will require the victim to receive care well into the future. Victims can obtain compensation to provide for the costs associated with this expected future care.
• Past and Future Lost wages and benefits. Many times, car accident injuries will cause a victim to miss work and lose needed income. In some cases, the injury will prevent a person from returning to work entirely. Victims may obtain compensation to help make up for these lost wages.
• Property loss. Property that was lost or damaged in the accident can be repaired or replaced.
• Pain and suffering. Auto accidents can cause both severe physical and emotional pain, and the courts can award money based on this type of suffering. 

Please see our Hagerstown Maryland Personal Injury Video Library for more information.

Understanding Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Laws

One major challenge in pursuing an auto accident case in accordance with Maryland personal injury law is the state’s rather strict stance on fault. Maryland is one of few states in the country that adheres to a rule known as contributory negligence. Under this idea, a victim is unable to obtain any compensation at all if he or she shares any amount of blame for the accident, however small it may be. 

For example, even if a distracted driver leaves his own lane and crashes into your car, but you were traveling 5 mph over the speed limit at the time of the accident, a judge or jury may find that you were 5% at fault for the accident. Under the rules for contributory negligence, you would be unable to recover any compensation.

This rule plays an important role for courts and insurance adjusters alike, who are well aware of the strict legal consequences and will use it as a tool in negotiations. While this rule can cause frustration, the experienced legal team at the Poole Law Group can help victims address this issue and successfully pursue compensation.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Maryland?

Maryland's statute of limitations permits plaintiffs just three (3) years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury case. That’s why it’s important to get started right away to ensure that you and your family are able to file, prepare, and negotiate a case that enables you to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. While a legal case cannot undo the other driver’s poor choice and your serious injuries, it can help you and your family continue to maintain your secure lifestyle.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Experienced Hagerstown Auto Accident Attorney Bruce Poole

The experienced auto accident legal team at the Poole Law Group want to help you understand and protect your rights. Our tenacious lawyers are prepared to be your advocate from the moment you retain our services all the way through a trial if necessary. 

No Maryland auto accident victim should be forced to bear the burdens of accident injuries alone. Call our Hagerstown or Frederick office today at 301-790-3600 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we may be able to help.

Why Do I Need a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer?

Your Hagerstown, Fredrick, or Baltimore car accident lawyer is here to help you recover damages after an accident. Studies show that car accident cases that are represented by legal counsel receive more money than unrepresented claims. Even factoring in attorney’s fees, you will likely walk away with more money than you would if you tried to represent yourself.

Many people are eager to get their case resolved quickly, and accept the first offer that their insurance company makes. While this may resolve your case quickly, it may not resolve your case fairly; you may be leaving a lot of money on the table by not talking to a Maryland car accident lawyer first!  Furthermore, you only get one chance with your claim -- you cannot return a few years later should the settlement received not stretch to cover your ongoing medical bills or continued income loss. 

Call the Poole Law Group today to learn more about how we can help: 301-790-3600