Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer

The Baltimore region has some of the most congested roads in the country. Additionally, those who frequent these thoroughfares often face aggressive, careless, and reckless drivers. Whether we are driving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or any other street-legal vehicle, we are susceptible to danger because of the conditions on the road and the actions of others.

While most accidents are mitigated by our vehicles’ safety features, others are not. Depending on the speed and size of the vehicles involved, some accidents can be devastating. The effects can be life-altering, leaving people reeling from the physical and financial impact.

Motor vehicle accidents can include but are not limited to car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, and train accidents. Even those not behind the wheel can be seriously affected by a motor vehicle accident, including pedestrians, passengers, and cyclists.

If you were injured due to another’s negligence, it is important to discuss your legal matter with a Baltimore car accident lawyer who has significant experience in personal injury law. For decades, Albers & Associates has been a legal resource for clients across the state of Maryland.

Call (443) 665-8030 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with our car accident attorney in Baltimore.

What to Do After an Accident 

Experiencing an accident can be chaotic, but knowing the proper steps to take can protect your legal rights and well-being. Initially, ensure safety by moving to a secure location and checking for injuries. Immediately contact the police to report the accident; an official report is essential for any future legal proceedings.

After a crash in Baltimore, helpful steps can include:

• Checking for injuries. Make sure you and any passengers are safe before moving vehicles out of traffic if you can do so safely.
• Calling 911 promptly. Ask for police and medical responders so there is an official record from the beginning.
• Exchanging information. Collect names, contact details, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information for every driver involved.
• Documenting the scene. Use your phone to capture photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and the broader intersection or highway layout.
• Identifying witnesses. Politely ask bystanders for their names and phone numbers so your attorney can follow up later if needed.
• Seeking medical care. Visit an emergency room, urgent care, or your doctor in the Baltimore area even if you feel only mild pain at first.
• Contacting a lawyer. Speak with a car accident attorney in Baltimore before giving detailed statements to any insurance company.

Collect details by exchanging information with the other driver(s), including names, insurance details, and vehicle registrations. Take photographs of the scene, documenting vehicle positions, damages, and any pertinent road conditions, as these can serve as critical evidence. Witness statements can also support your recollection of events. After addressing immediate concerns, consult a Baltimore car accident attorney promptly to evaluate potential claims and ensure your rights are protected. Albers & Associates offers comprehensive legal guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

Negligence & Proving Fault

Regardless of the vehicle involved, personal injury cases stemming from motor vehicle accidents need to satisfy the burden of proof. This is a legal standard that asks the victim of a serious injury to prove their claim. Maryland is one of the few states that follows the principle of contributory negligence. This means that if you were at fault in any way for the accident, you would not be able to sue for damages.

When it comes to proving negligence, the first and most important thing you can do is contact the police and file a report. If you are injured because of an accident, seek medical attention. While the police officer will investigate the accident, contacting a medical professional will help document your injuries or the possibility of future injury. With this help, you may be able to make a case for negligence. There are numerous examples of driver’s negligence, including:

• Distracted driving
• Using electronic devices without hands-free technology
• Drunk Driving
• Reckless driving
• Drugged driving
• Running stop signs or otherwise disregarding traffic signs
• Failure to yield
• Driving while tired
• Excessive speed

That said, not all accidents are caused by driver negligence. There may be a range of liable parties to consider. For instance, your accident could have resulted from a defective auto part. Your accident could have been caused by natural elements. In some cases, road conditions or other unaddressed hazards are at fault. Investigating a serious injury or wrongful death caused by a motor vehicle accident is complex and deserves the attention of an experienced attorney.

Common Motor Vehicle Accidents

Common accidents may include:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are common. They are often small incidents where, with an exchange of insurance information, things are handled with ease. In Maryland, like in many other states, a driver pays for personal injury protection, commonly known as PIP. It must be a part of every insurance policy unless otherwise expressly waived by the policyholder. PIP is “no-fault” insurance, providing financial support for injured drivers regardless of who was responsible. This allows people to get the help they need directly after an accident without concern for overwhelming medical bills and lost wages. Even if the victim of a car accident files a PIP claim, it is not their only option. Maryland is unique in the fact that even if you file a PIP claim, you can still take legal action against a negligent party.

Right after an accident, it is important to contact the police and file a report. A police report will establish fault for possible future legal action. If you are injured, seek medical attention. If the accident caused serious injury or wrongful death, it is important to discuss this matter with a lawyer.

Mass Transit Accidents 

As passengers of buses and trains around the Baltimore area, we trust in the care provided by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and its transportation options, including the MARC train service and BaltimoreLink. When these government entities fail to provide an adequate level of care, people can be seriously hurt. Negligent operation of trains and buses is a significant part of serious injury cases, stemming from, but not limited to:

• Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Operator fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Excessive speeding

Mass transit accidents can also involve premises liability or product liability, including poorly maintained waiting areas, elevator and escalator accidents, faulty equipment, and defective auto and train parts.

If you are seriously injured on a train or bus, you may need to take legal action against a municipality. To do so, you must file a Notice of Claim stating your intention to take legal action and giving the MTA the opportunity to respond to the claim. While most personal injury claims have a statute of limitations of three years, municipal lawsuits require notice within one year. It is important to discuss this matter as soon as possible with a personal injury attorney.

Truck Accidents 

Some of the worst accidents occur when a truck is involved. Because of their weight, many regular passenger cars do not have the capacity to absorb the force effectively. Trucks are large, hard to maneuver, and can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Because trucks are commercial vehicles, there can be one or more negligent parties involved, necessitating a thorough investigation.

Truck accidents happen for various reasons. Driver negligence can be a major factor, including aggressive driving, driver fatigue, and substance abuse. Another issue that leads to truck accidents is job-related pressure. Over the years, the federal government has implemented regulations to protect drivers by restricting work and daily driving hours. However, drivers’ employers often want no change in productivity, which leads to dangerous working conditions.

Another reason for truck accidents is the truck itself. There are numerous cases of defective auto parts and poorly maintained vehicles leading to serious accidents. In these situations, a range of parties could be responsible for the accident. These parties can include the company, the owner of the truck (cab or trailer), and the manufacturer or designer of the truck’s parts, among others.

With that in mind, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss this matter and to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcycle accidents differ from other motor vehicle accidents. Motorcycles provide little to no protection, making serious injury more likely after a motorcycle accident than most other accidents. This is due to the speed traveled and the exposure. Additionally, motorcycles are inherently dangerous, and insurance companies are well aware of this. While car accidents are usually covered by PIP insurance, motorcycle insurance policies generally do not provide this protection because of the risk. If you have been seriously injured on your motorcycle, your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial impacts may remain unaddressed unless you can prove the liability of the other party. Assigning fault and proving negligence follows the same process as in other forms of motor vehicle accidents. Take the proper steps to protect yourself, your rights, and your future.

Bicycle Accidents 

It is rare for someone to think of a bicycle as part of a motor vehicle accident. Within the City of Baltimore and across the country, more people are taking to bikes for commuting or leisure. Because cyclists must share the road with motor vehicles, there is a danger involved when navigating city streets. With little to no protection, a bicycle accident can be quite serious. Medical bills and lost wages after a bicycle accident should be covered under the driver’s personal injury protection coverage. If they do not possess PIP insurance and your car insurance does, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance.

If you are seriously injured, you should consider taking legal action, even if you filed a PIP claim. In these situations, it may be best to discuss your case with an attorney. With a thorough investigation, an experienced personal injury attorney may be able to uncover multiple liable parties.

Pedestrian & Passenger Accidents

Even if you are not operating a vehicle, you could be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Pedestrian accidents have been on the rise. As more people navigate the streets of Baltimore and other cities and towns in Maryland, they are being struck by more drivers as they cross the street or pass through parking structures. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, we are ready to assess your case, find the responsible party, and pursue maximum compensation. If you lost a loved one, our firm is ready to guide you through your options.

Passenger safety is in the hands of the driver. If the driver turns, so does the passenger. If the driver is involved in an accident because of their actions or the actions of others, so is the passenger. If this accident causes serious injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, it is important to discuss the situation with an attorney. As mentioned before, you may have to file a PIP claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If your loved one or friend was the party at fault and you were seriously injured, you may need to file a lawsuit. It is important to note that if you were to win, the insurance company would have to pay, not the person you know.

What Damages Could I Recover After a Car Accident?

These may include:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Costs for hospital visits, surgeries, doctor appointments, physical therapy, medications, medical devices, and future medical care related to the accident.
• Property damage: Restoration or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident (e.g., personal belongings inside the car).
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost because of being unable to work after the accident. This can also include future lost earning capacity if the injury impacts your ability to work long-term.
• Other out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation fees to medical appointments, home modifications if needed, or other accident-related expenses.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: A settlement for physical pain, discomfort, and suffering caused by the injuries.
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or PTSD stemming from the accident.
• Loss of consortium: If the injury impacts your relationship with a spouse or family member, your spouse may be able to recover damages.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If the accident limits your capability to participate in hobbies, sports, or daily activities.

Punitive Damages

• These are rare in car accident cases and are intended to punish the at-fault party for gross negligence or reckless conduct (e.g., drunk driving, street racing).
• Maryland law allows punitive damages, but they are not awarded in every case—only where the defendant’s behavior is particularly egregious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Maryland?

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically three years from the accident date. This timeframe is crucial as it dictates how long you have to initiate legal proceedings for personal injuries resulting from the accident. Failing to file within this window generally means relinquishing the right to pursue compensation. This timeline applies to many personal injury claims. If the accident involved a government entity, such as a city bus, different rules apply, which may require notification of the intent to file within a shorter period. Consulting with a personal injury attorney soon after an accident can help you comply with these critical deadlines and navigate through any exceptions that might extend or shorten the statute of limitations.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident?

Following a car accident, common mistakes to avoid include failing to report the accident, not seeking medical evaluation promptly, and providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel. Staying silent instead of recording details or documenting the scene might weaken your legal position. Agreeing to quick settlements without understanding the full scope of your injuries and damages can also lead to inadequate compensation. Engaging a car accident attorney can help shield against these pitfalls by providing clear guidance as you navigate the process.

Will My Car Insurance Rates Increase If I File a Claim?

After filing a car accident claim, whether your insurance rates will increase depends on several factors, including your insurance provider’s policies and whether you were at fault in the accident. Typically, if you are deemed responsible, an increased premium may follow. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that limit rate increases under specific conditions. Read your policy details or consult your provider for clarity. Seek legal advice for further insights on maximizing claim outcomes while understanding potential consequences. At Albers & Associates, we advise on many aspects of insurance negotiations to help minimize unexpected impacts.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help in Claim Settlements?

A car accident attorney plays a crucial role in claim settlements by negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation. They assess the full extent of your damages, from medical bills to lost wages and beyond, leveraging evidence to strengthen your case. Skilled attorneys counter low offers and, if necessary, advocate in court for rightful settlements aligned with your needs. A knowledgeable attorney understands legal intricacies and procedural norms, offering the strategic acumen to navigate claim processes. With Albers & Associates, you’re equipped with thorough support to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorney in Baltimore Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don't wait to get the legal help you deserve. Our Baltimore car accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward. We offer personalized attention, assertive representation, and a commitment to working toward the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation — we're ready to stand by your side every step of the way.

Contact Albers & Associates today to get started with our Baltimore car accident lawyer.