If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident anywhere in Maryland, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. Car accidents can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, and navigating the complexities of insurance claims, medical bills, and legal procedures can be overwhelming.
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to providing personalized legal representation and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our team will handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery. Contact us today or call (301) 932-9997 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland car accident lawyer who will advocate for your best interests.
How Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in Maryland
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 125 years of combined experience handling Mayland cases and we have recovered over $100,000,000 in compensation for our clients who have been injured by the negligence of others. Our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the American Association for Justice, the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America, the Maryland Association for Justice, and the Maryland State Bar Association.
When you trust us to handle your car accident case, we’ll:
- Listen to your story and formulate a comprehensive strategy
- Handle all correspondence with the defendant and/or insurance company on your behalf
- Fight for a settlement you deserve
- Take your case to trial and represent you aggressively, if necessary to secure compensation
We are one of the region’s most respected injury law firms, specializing in the most advanced forms of personal injury case management, negotiations, and trials. If you need help, reach out today for a free consultation with a Maryland personal injury attorney.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
While you may be able to handle a minor car accident claim on your own, it’s generally not advisable. Studies show that clients with legal representation not only have a higher chance of recovering compensation but also tend to receive significantly larger settlements. Reasons that you should consider hiring a car accident lawyer include:
- Your lawyer will handle insurance company negotiations for you
- You’ll gain access to a wealth of legal knowledge
- You’ll gain access to a network of expert help
- Your lawyer will be able to help you gather evidence and prove liability
- Your lawyer can explain your options
- Lawyers understand the legal system and can guide you throughout the process
With their expertise, resources, and ability to negotiate on your behalf, a car accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
Every car accident case is different, so there is no one tried-and-true method to calculate what a particular case is worth. Instead, the case value is dependent on many factors, including:
- The severity and extent of your injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the value of your case. Severe injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, often result in larger compensation due to their long-term effects on your health and quality of life.
- The duration of your recovery: If your recovery is expected to be lengthy, it can increase the value of your case. The longer you are forced to miss work, require medical treatment, or endure pain, the greater the impact on your life, which can lead to higher compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
- The cost of your medical expenses and other losses: Medical bills are a significant factor in determining case value. This includes not only the cost of immediate emergency care but also ongoing treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Additionally, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses may be factored into the case’s overall worth.
- Insurance coverage limits: The amount of insurance coverage available to the at-fault driver plays a major role in your case’s value. Your compensation may be limited if the at-fault party has a low insurance policy limit. However, if the insurance limits are high, you may be able to recover a larger settlement.
- Whether you suffered emotional distress and to what extent: In some cases, emotional distress can significantly increase the value of a claim. If the accident has caused you significant mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or PTSD, these factors will be taken into account when determining the total compensation you may be entitled to.
- Whether you are partially at fault for the accident: If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, you may not be able to recover at all due to Maryland’s strict contributory fault rule.
The best and most accurate way to know what your case might be worth is to speak with an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Case?
In Maryland, victims typically have three years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury case. This is known as the statute of limitations. Be aware, however, that certain factors may alter this timeline. For example, if a minor or a government entity is involved, the timeline may be different. The best way to ensure you bring your case in time is to speak with an attorney.
What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, there are two main types of damages you might be entitled to: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are primarily for your monetary losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages are more subjective and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
In rare cases, punitive damages might also be available. Punitive damages are typically awarded where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious and harmful.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Typically, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers included. Under a contingency fee system, the client pays nothing upfront. The lawyer or law firm covers all costs associated with the case and is only paid from the final recovery, typically receiving 33-40% of the total settlement or award. If the lawyer doesn’t successfully recover compensation, the client will never owe anything. This system is risky for the lawyer but serves to make legal aid widely accessible and align the lawyer and the client’s interests.
Can I Still Be Compensated if I Was Partly At Fault for My Car Accident?
Maryland applies a strict contributory fault approach to comparative negligence. Essentially, this means that if you are even partially responsible for your car accident, you will be barred from recovery. Because of the all-or-nothing nature of this law, it is critical to hire a car accident lawyer in Maryland. Your lawyer will be able to advocate for you, protect you from accusations of liability, and fight to ensure you get the recovery you deserve.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
While most car accident cases settle before trial, this isn’t always the case. Factors that may influence whether or not your case goes to trial include:
- Whether liability is disputed: If the other party denies responsibility for the accident or claims you were partially at fault, reaching a fair settlement may be difficult. When fault is heavily contested, a trial may be necessary to determine who is legally responsible.
- The severity of your injuries: Cases involving serious or long-term injuries often involve larger compensation amounts. Because of this, insurance companies may be more reluctant to pay a fair settlement, increasing the chances of going to trial.
- The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate: Some insurance companies refuse to offer reasonable settlements, hoping the claimant will accept less than they deserve. If negotiations fail and the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, taking the case to court may be the best option.
- The strength of your evidence: A strong case with clear evidence—such as witness testimony, medical records, and accident reports—can pressure the other side to settle. However, if there are gaps or conflicting accounts, the dispute may need to be resolved in court.
While most cases settle outside of court, being prepared for trial can give you an advantage during negotiations. An experienced car accident attorney can help you evaluate your options and determine the best path forward for your case.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Maryland?
After a car accident, it is easy to be scared and overwhelmed, especially if you are hurt. You should take the following steps to ensure safety and preserve evidence:
- Check for injuries and call 911: Prioritize safety and check yourself and others involved for injuries. Call 911 immediately and request emergency medical care if necessary.
- Move to a safe location: If possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic to avoid further collisions, but be sure to remain at the scene.
- Exchange information: Gather names, contact information, and vehicle/insurance details from the other driver/s.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including injuries, vehicle damage, road conditions, etc.
- Avoid admitting fault: Be careful with your words when speaking to the other driver, police, or insurance companies. Even apologizing can be misinterpreted as admitting liability.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline can also mask symptoms and pain.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurer, but be cautious when discussing fault or injuries until you consult an attorney.
- Consult a car accident lawyer: If you’ve suffered injuries or property damage, speaking with a Maryland car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Even if your accident was minor, it is always a good idea to consult a lawyer, especially because Maryland’s contributory fault regime is so strict.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all types of car accident cases, ranging from fender benders to rollover accidents. Claims we handle include:
- Auto products liability cases: Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires, can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
- Distracted driving accidents: Drivers who are texting, using GPS, or engaging in other distractions increase the risk of collisions.
- Drunk driving accidents: Accidents involving alcohol or drug impairment often result in severe injuries and complex legal claims.
- Fatal car accidents: Some crashes lead to tragic loss of life, resulting in wrongful death claims on behalf of surviving family members.
- Accidents caused by hazardous roadways: Poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or dangerous construction zones can contribute to crashes.
- Hit and run accidents: When a driver leaves the scene, victims may face challenges in identifying the responsible party or obtaining compensation.
- Accidents involving insurance company bad faith: Some insurers delay, deny, or undervalue claims without valid reasons, creating legal disputes.
- Intersection accidents: Crashes at intersections often involve disputes over right-of-way, red-light violations, or improper turns.
- Rear-end accidents: Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, spinal injuries, and other long-term medical issues.
- Accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists: When an at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, victims may need to seek compensation through other sources.
- Vehicle rollovers: Rollovers are especially dangerous and often involve SUVs or trucks, sometimes due to design flaws or high-speed impacts.
No matter what type of accident you or your loved one have experienced, we can help. Get in touch today.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?
If you are in a car accident, there are several parties who might be responsible for your injuries, including:
- Other drivers: If another driver was reckless or negligent, such as by speeding, texting while driving, or ignoring traffic signals, they may be held responsible for the crash.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers: Defective brakes, airbags, or other faulty components can contribute to accidents. In such cases, the manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle or its parts could be liable.
- A government entity: Poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or hazardous intersections can lead to collisions. If unsafe road conditions played a role, a city, county, or state agency might bear responsibility.
- A company: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be legally responsible under certain liability laws. This is common in commercial vehicle and rideshare accidents.
- A third-party driver: Sometimes, another driver who was not directly involved in the collision may have triggered it. For example, an aggressive driver who cut someone off may have caused a chain reaction leading to the crash.
No matter who might be responsible for your accident, you can rest assured we will do our due diligence to investigate the involved parties thoroughly to ensure you are compensated.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause many different kinds of injuries. Common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Psychological injuries like PTSD and anxiety
- Death
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers can help you get compensated for all of your or your loved one’s injuries.
Maryland Car Accident Statistics
According to crash data, there were 560 fatalities in Maryland in 2024. 90 deaths were speed-related, 43 were related to aggressive driving, 14 were distracted driving-related, 222 involved impairment, and 103 deaths involved unrestrained occupants. The Maryland Department of State Police reported 29,245 total crashes, with the majority occurring in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Prince George’s County.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Maryland
Some of the most dangerous roads in Maryland include:
- Interstate 95 (I-95)
- Indian Head Highway (MD-210)
- Landover Road (MD-202)
- Baltimore Beltway (I-695)
- Ocean City Expressway (MD-90)
- Interstate 97
No matter where you or your loved one was injured in Maryland, you can benefit from the help of an experienced Maryland lawyer.
Call Our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help
If you have been injured in a car accident anywhere in the beautiful state of Maryland, you need Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers’ help. Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers will meet with you, discuss your options, and help you get compensated for all of your injuries resulting from an accident. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Call, contact us online, or stop by one of our Maryland offices today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury attorney.