Automobile Crashes
Do not assume that because police came to an accident scene that a thorough or adequate investigation has been performed for your case. Police officers have as their primary duty public safety and order. They are not advocates for persons who are injured and often their reports are not adequate to protect your rights.
Real Examples of Why Acting Quickly Matters
Here are a few real life examples from our practice of how acting quickly made the difference:
+ A crash between a tow truck and Chevrolet Blazer that left a passenger in the Blazer severely brain damaged. The police report stated the Blazer ran a red light and listed four witnesses. What the report did not say is that two witnesses saw that the Blazer had a green light, one could not have seen the light from where he was, and the tow truck company was well known to the investigating police since it frequently did work for the police.
+ An elderly gentleman died as a result of a crash at an intersection. The issue was whether two young men ran a red light. A recording of 911 calls was obtained right away and on it was a witness who said she saw the young men run a red light.
+ A man driving a Toyota was run over by a tractor trailer behind him after they had both been stopped at a traffic light. The client, who lost a leg and had no recollection for what happened, had gotten out of his car and the key issue was why. The tractor trailer driver insisted he never hit the Toyota, but the Toyota’s rear urethane bumper had bolt impressions that matched perfectly with the tractor-trailer’s bumper bolts.
We are experienced in gathering, managing and presenting evidence. We understand accident reconstruction and have a proven track record of presenting solid theories, debunking shoddy police investigations and exposing the bogus assumptions of insurance company “experts.”
Common Causes of Car Crashes
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Distracted driving, including texting and phone use
- Speeding and following too closely
- Failing to yield when turning left
- Drunk, drugged or drowsy driving
- Unsafe lane changes and merging on highways such as I-83 and I-695
Insurance in Maryland Car Crash Cases
Maryland is an “at-fault” state: the driver who caused the crash, through his or her insurer, is responsible for the harm. A few points every Maryland driver should know:
- Minimum coverage is low. Maryland requires liability coverage of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries. Serious injuries can easily exceed that amount.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy can help when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little. Maryland also allows drivers to buy enhanced underinsured coverage.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) of at least $2,500 is included in Maryland policies unless it is waived in writing. PIP can help pay medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault.
Sorting out which policies apply, in what order, is one of the first things we do for a client.
Contributory Negligence: Why Your Words Matter
Maryland still follows the strict rule of contributory negligence: if you are found even slightly at fault, you may recover nothing. The other driver’s insurer will look for anything you said — at the scene, on the phone or in a recorded statement — to argue that you were partly to blame. Be polite, exchange information and cooperate with police, but do not guess, apologize or give a recorded statement to the other side before you talk with a lawyer.
What to Do After a Crash
- Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel “okay.”
- Photograph the vehicles, the scene, skid marks and debris.
- Get names and phone numbers of all witnesses.
- Keep your damaged vehicle available for inspection if possible.
- Keep copies of medical bills and records of time missed from work.
Read our full checklist: What to Do After a Car Accident in Maryland.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Car Crashes
Even a crash at moderate speed can cause serious harm. We regularly help clients with traumatic brain injuries and concussions, neck and back injuries including herniated discs, broken bones, shoulder and knee injuries that require surgery, and injuries that lead to chronic pain. Some of these injuries do not show up on an X-ray and are easy for an insurer to minimize. Understanding the medicine — and explaining it clearly — is how we prove what an injury has really done to a client’s life.
Car Crash FAQs
What if the other driver has no insurance? Your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries. In Maryland, the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund can also be involved in some uninsured claims. We help clients work through these rules.
What if I was a passenger? Passengers can often make claims against one or both drivers. Because passengers are rarely at fault, contributory negligence is less often an issue for them.
Will my case go to trial? Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it will be tried. Insurers pay more fairly when they know the case is ready for a jury.
How much is my case worth? It depends on the severity and permanence of your injuries, your medical bills and lost income, and the available insurance. We can give you a realistic view once we understand the medical picture.
Deadlines
Most Maryland car crash lawsuits must be filed within three years of the collision. If a government vehicle was involved, much shorter written-notice requirements can apply. Don’t wait — the best evidence is available in the first days and weeks.
Car crash cases are part of our personal injury practice. Related: trucking negligence and motorcycle collisions. If you were driving for work, you may also have a workers’ compensation claim.
