Last year, Maryland drivers traveled over 58 million miles along our state’s roads. For most of those miles, drivers were attentive and safe behind the wheel, helping to ensure the safety of everyone who shares the road. Unfortunately, there were others who neglected their driving responsibility and drove in a manner that was reckless, aggressive, distracted, or careless, resulting in an auto accident and related injuries.
For those who have had to suffer the consequences of another driver’s poor choices, the experienced legal team at The Poole Law Group is here. Our Hagerstown law firm routinely represents those who have suffered injuries in auto accidents throughout Maryland including in Washington, Frederick, Allegany, Carroll, Howard, Garrett, Montgomery, and Baltimore Counties.
Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle
We handle all types of Hagerstown auto accidents and motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Hit and run
- Rear-end collision
- Paratransit vehicle accidents
Our firm can handle all of the legal details of your case and aggressively pursue a resolution. We do not shy away from any opposition, including large insurance companies, in order to get you what you deserve for the injuries you have suffered. Our Hagerstown attorneys are skilled litigators and can negotiate a settlement on your behalf or take the matter to trial, if necessary.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Maryland
There are many causes of Maryland auto accidents, and 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?
In an Hagerstown 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.
- 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.
- Lost wages and benefits. Many times, car crash 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.
Our free videos on this website will answer a lot of your questions on auto accidents, the amount and types of insurance to carry, and more.
Maryland’s Stringent Liability Laws Can Be a Barrier to Legal Success
One major challenge in pursuing an auto accident case in Maryland is the State’s rather harsh 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. This means, for example, that 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 five percent at fault for the accident. Under 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, an experienced legal team can help victims address this issue and still successfully pursue compensation.
Maryland Auto Accident Victims Have Just Three (3) Years to Pursue a Legal Claim
Due to Maryland's statute of limitations, 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 and successful lifestyle.
Schedule a Consult With One of Our Experienced Hagerstown Auto Accident Attorneys
The experienced auto accident lawyers 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 office today at 301-790-3600 or take a moment to fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we may be able to help.
