Car accidents in Lanham, Maryland, often leave people with more questions than answers. Between the stress of medical bills, car repairs, and insurance, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’ve been hurt in a wreck, call Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers at (301) 936-0011 to schedule a free consultation with our Lanham car accident lawyers.
With over 125 years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered in damages, our Lanham personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle your case. Below, we’ll answer some common questions about car accidents in Lanham. If you still require assistance, please contact our office for further guidance.
How Can Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Help Me After a Car Accident in Lanham?
Car accidents in Lanham, MD, can be overwhelming, and trying to navigate insurance negotiations and the legal process doesn’t make recovering from injuries any easier. That’s why you should hire Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to handle your case while you focus on your health.
Our Lanham personal injury lawyers can support your case by:
- Investigating the wreck and collecting evidence to strengthen your case
- Calculating the full value of your case to recoup your losses
- Communicate and negotiate with the insurance company
- Represent you in court if the other side fails to offer a fair settlement
- Answer your questions and provide top-quality legal advice
No matter how severe your crash was, our Lanham car accident attorneys are ready to get started on your claim. Call our office to schedule a free consultation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Lanham?
You may feel shaken and unsure of what to do after a crash, but immediately taking the right steps can safeguard your health and legal rights. Think of it as creating a record that protects you in case disputes arise later.
Be sure to:
- Check for injuries and call 911: Even if you feel fine, medical attention and a police report are critical.
- Exchange information: Get names, contact info, driver’s license numbers, plates, and insurance details.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention: Some injuries surface hours or days later, so do not avoid seeing a doctor.
- Notify your insurance. Report promptly, but avoid recorded statements before legal advice.
Following these steps can build a strong foundation for a personal injury case and protect your right to compensation.
Do I Have to Call the Police After An Accident?
Under Maryland law, the answer depends on the circumstances. For injury or fatality accidents, Maryland law requires drivers to file a written report with the Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days, unless a report has already been submitted by law enforcement.
A formal report may not be legally required for minor accidents with no injuries, but it can still serve as helpful evidence if questions arise later.
Is Maryland a No-Fault State?
Maryland has a fault-based system, which means the driver responsible for the accident is responsible for paying for damages.
In addition, Maryland follows a contributory fault rule, which usually prohibits you from recovering compensation for an accident if you are even 1% at fault. A lawyer can help protect you from unfair blame and give you the best chance at full compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Personal Injuries?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Some exceptions can shorten the deadline, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your wreck. If you miss the filing deadline, the court can dismiss your claim regardless of how strong your evidence may be.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Compensation may cover much more than just car repairs after an accident. Maryland law allows recovery for economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages include medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages compensate you for intangible things like pain and suffering.
What if the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Flees the Scene?
Here are some common ways victims may still recover compensation in these scenarios:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Your own policy may step in when the other driver has no insurance or too little coverage.
- Third-party liability: In some cases, other parties, such as an employer, vehicle manufacturer, or government agency, may share responsibility for the crash.
Insurance companies often fight claims involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, but a lawyer can challenge denials to make sure you don’t bear the costs alone.
What Mistakes Can Hurt My Case?
Certain missteps can damage your claim, sometimes before you even realize it:
- Delaying medical care can suggest your injuries aren’t serious.
- Admitting fault at the scene can undermine your case.
- Recorded statements to the other insurer may be twisted against you.
- Missing deadlines can cause you to lose your claim completely.
Insurers and defense lawyers often look for small mistakes to use against you. Avoiding these errors gives you the strongest chance at fair compensation. The right legal advice can help you steer clear of these traps.
Contact Our Lanham Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a wreck, you don’t have to face it alone. Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers has over a century of combined experience fighting for the rights of car accident victims like you. Contact our Lanham car accident lawyers today for a free consultation and learn how our team can fight for the compensation you deserve.
