Silver Spring, MD Car Accident Lawyers Fighting for the Rights of Accident Victims
More Than $150 Million Recovered For Injury Victims
Dealing with a car accident caused by another driver in Silver Spring, College Park, or another nearby Maryland community? Involved in a head-on collision on Franklin Avenue due to a distracted driver? Or maybe you were hurt in a rear-end collision on I-495 caused by a speeding driver?
Whatever the circumstances of your Maryland car crash, you need to act fast for your health and your rights. Our Silver Spring car accident lawyers know because we’ve been helping injury victims rebuild their lives in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and other nearby communities.
If you have been injured in an auto crash, it’s important to understand what legal protections you have. The long-term and short-term effects of an auto injury can change your life forever. You may suffer from physical impairments that prevent you from returning to work for months or even years, you may experience severe emotional trauma, and find yourself in extreme financial distress because you cannot return to work for an extended period of time.
If you have been injured in a collision, you may be able to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. In these cases, pursuing compensation through an automobile accident claim is often the best way to ensure that the at-fault party helps bear financial responsibility for your pain and suffering. Reach out to Finnegan Cannon as soon as possible and schedule a free consultation today. Our Maryland car accident attorneys can help you rebuild your life for a stronger future.
Maryland car accidents by the numbers
- Every 17 minutes and 45 seconds – Car accident injury occurs in Maryland
- 1 hour and 46 minutes – Distracted driving injury occurs
- 3 hours and 29 minutes – Speeding crash injury occurs
- 4 hours and 33 minutes – Drunk driving injury occurs
- 517 car accident fatalities each year on average in Maryland
Source: Maryland Department of Transportation
Notable car accident case results obtained by our law firm
- $4.975 Million Car Accident Wrongful Death Result
- $1.75 Million Car Accident Settlement
- $1.5 Million Car Accident Verdict
FAQ About Maryland Car Accident Claims
- What should I do after a Maryland car accident?
- What are the common causes of auto accidents?
- What are common car accident injuries?
- Is Maryland an at-fault car insurance state?
- Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?
- Who determines fault in a car accident?
- How can I recover compensation in a car accident case?
- How much is my car accident worth?
- Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
- Should I accept a settlement offer?
- Can I ask for more money?
- What if the other driver’s insurance company negotiates in bad faith?
- Can I file a car accident lawsuit in Maryland?
- What legal options are available after my car accident?
- How much time do I have to take legal action?
- Why should I hire a Maryland car accident attorney?
- Can a local lawyer in Silver Spring, Maryland handle my case?
What should I do after a Maryland car accident?
Injured in a car accident in Silver Spring or another city in Maryland caused by another driver? It’s important that you take certain steps right away. But knowing what to do after a car accident can be confusing.
In general, you should take the following steps right away:
- Call the police and tell them you have been injured in an accident. If you’re not sure who to call, simply dial 911 and ask the dispatcher to send a police officer to your crash site.
- Ask the dispatcher to send an ambulance if you or anyone else appears seriously injured. Don’t take chances with your health.
- Stay at the scene of your accident. Leaving the scene of a car crash in Maryland is against the law, even if no one was injured, according to Maryland Code, Public Safety 13A-1039.
- If it’s safe to do so, get the other driver’s information, including their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number and insurance information.
- If you are healthy enough to do so, take photos of your crash site. The more pictures, the better.
- If someone saw your accident, get their name and phone number. Statements from eyewitnesses can be powerful pieces of evidence in support of your car accident injury claim or lawsuit.
- Do not talk about your accident with anyone, including with witnesses or the other driver. Anything you say about your crash could later be used to reduce or perhaps even deny your accident claim.
- Call your insurance company and tell them you have been in a car crash caused by another driver. Keep your comments brief. You can discuss your accident in more detail later.
- Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company if they contact you. Even if they seem polite, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is likely simply looking for anything they can use to reduce or deny your accident claim.
- See a doctor right away after your accident. Even if you feel fine, you could have a serious injury (such as a concussion or whiplash) and not even realize it.
- Contact a Silver Spring car accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.
What are the common causes of auto accidents?
A car crash can be the result of a number of factors including, but not limited to, distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, running stop signs and red lights, and adverse road conditions.
If you have suffered injuries in a collision, you should consider seeking legal help to get the justice you deserve. While no amount of money will ever be able to restore the life you enjoyed prior to your crash, compensation might assist you in paying for costs not covered by your insurance along with expensive medical bills that you may experience as a result of your injuries.
"Very professional and caring. My attorney was caring, very professional and very intelligent person who prepared me for the long haul with regards to the settlement of the car accident I was involved in. I can also say the same about my attorney’s legal assistant. I highly recommend Goldberg and Finnegan, and am highly satisfied with the outcome of my settlement!!"
- T.A.
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What are common car accident injuries?
Tens of thousands of car accidents resulting in injuries occur every year in Maryland, according to data compiled by the Maryland Department of Transportation. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and other types of neck injuries
- Concussions and other types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries, including internal bleeding and organ damage
- Cuts and lacerations, often to the face, arms, or legs
Is Maryland an at-fault car insurance state?
Yes. Like many states, Maryland has what’s known as an at-fault car insurance system. This means that a person injured by another driver's negligence may seek compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company for accident-related losses. So, if someone else caused your collision, you’re not responsible for paying for your car crash.
Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?
Because Maryland has an at-fault car insurance system, a person injured by another driver's negligence may seek compensation from the at-fault driver. In many cases, the driver's liability insurance company handles the claim, subject to the terms and limits of the policy. But just because the other driver’s insurance company may be responsible for paying your claim does not mean it will automatically do so.
In addition, you may be able to obtain compensation for your accident from other sources depending on the circumstances of your crash. Many times, there is more than one at-fault party in Maryland car accident claims. This is why it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible who understands how the car accident compensation system works in Maryland.
Who determines fault in a car accident?
You might be surprised to learn that insurance companies involved in an accident often make their own determination about who caused the collision. As you might expect, these companies have a financial interest in the outcome of your case. And many times, their response is they’re not responsible for paying for your crash.
Fortunately, you can be part of these discussions about who was at fault. The best way to do that is by having an experienced attorney who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and who can make sure your voice is heard loud and clear.
How can I recover compensation in a car accident case?
If you are injured in a car collision due to the other driver’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Typically, compensation is awarded based on economic losses and non-economic losses:
- Economic Losses: This type of loss includes hospital bills, past, and future medical expenses, rehabilitation services, loss of income, and loss of earning capacity for future wages.
- Non-economic Losses: This includes pain and suffering (past and future), emotional distress (past and future), physical impairment (past and future) and loss of enjoyment of life.
You need an experienced car accident attorney to help you determine the amount of financial compensation you may be able to recover based on the facts of your case and the ability to prove the extent of your injuries. We can help direct you through the process to make the most out of your car accident injury claim.
We can also explain how Maryland’s car accident compensation system works, especially when it comes to pure contributory negligence. This system can be confusing, and our legal team can help you navigate your way through this legal process.
How much is my car accident worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to car accidents. The bottom line is you should be financially compensated for all your crash-related expenses. That’s because Maryland is an at-fault car insurance state. This means the at-fault party (often the at-fault driver’s insurance company) must pay for your collision. Such expenses can include:
- Cost of all medical care, including emergency medical treatments, surgery, and follow-up medical care.
- Vehicle repairs or the cost of buying a new car if it’s a total loss.
- Replacement income if you need time off from work to rest and recover from your injury.
- Lost income if you cannot return to work or can only work in a reduced capacity due to a permanent disability sustained in your collision.
- Pain and suffering in certain circumstances.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
No. Many times, the other driver’s insurance company will contact you – in person or on the phone – soon after your accident. Their questions might seem simple and straightforward. But in reality, they’re looking for information they can use to reduce or deny your injury claim. Even saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” could later be used against you.
Remember, if another driver caused your collision, it’s that driver’s insurance company’s responsibility to pay for your accident. As a result, they will often do everything they can to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. You are not required to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Your comments can only hurt, not help, your legal case.
So if you get a call from the other driver’s insurance company, simply tell them to talk to us. We know how to deal with insurance companies and how to protect your right to demand the compensation you deserve.
Should I accept a settlement offer?
Don’t be surprised if the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you and makes a settlement offer soon after your accident. You might be tempted to accept this financial offer. This is especially true if you have a lot of bills coming in related to your car accident.
But it’s important to realize how settlement offers work. A settlement offer is a one-time payment designed to pay for the damages you suffered in the accident. So, if you agree to accept a settlement offer, that’s it. Your case is settled. You can’t ask for more money in the future.
However, many settlement offers – especially ones made soon after an accident – don’t cover all accident-related expenses, especially future ones. As a result, if you agree to accept such an offer, you would personally be responsible for paying for additional, future expenses out of your own pocket. This is why you should carefully consider any offer before agreeing to accept it.
Can I ask for more money?
In most cases, yes. You can ask for additional financial compensation to pay for your accident-related expenses. However, you need to do so before you accept a settlement offer. Remember, once you accept a settlement offer, you cannot ask for more money.
So, if you believe you received a lowball settlement offer from the other driver's insurance company, you can ask for more before you agree to accept it. This is why it’s important to have a skilled attorney on your side who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies after a serious car crash.
What if the other driver’s insurance company negotiates in bad faith?
Insurance bad faith generally involves an insurer failing to handle or resolve a claim honestly, fairly, and reasonably under the circumstances. However, an insurance company’s refusal to make a higher settlement offer or its disagreement about liability or the value of a claim does not necessarily constitute bad faith.
If the other driver’s insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, you may need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver in court. Maryland law also treats bad-faith claims against your own insurer differently from claims involving another driver’s insurance company. An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate the insurer’s conduct, negotiate on your behalf, and explain what legal options may be available.
Can I file a car accident lawsuit in Maryland?
Yes. You have the right to take legal action if you were injured in an accident caused by another driver in Maryland. In addition, other immediate family members sometimes have the right to file a lawsuit seeking damages, the legal term for financial compensation.
However, keep in mind that the car accident lawsuit process in Maryland can be very complicated and often requires many detailed steps. And if you make a mistake or miss a deadline, you could jeopardize the outcome of your legal case. That’s why we strongly recommend talking to a car accident attorney at our Maryland law firm.
What legal options are available after my car accident?
Depending on the circumstances of your Maryland car accident, you often have several options available for obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for your accident-related expenses:
- Accept a settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s car insurance company.
- Ask for more money and negotiate a better settlement offer.
- File a car accident lawsuit seeking damages, the legal term for financial compensation.
If you do decide to file a lawsuit, keep in mind that you have only three (3) years to do so from the date of your crash in Maryland. This is due to the state’s statute of limitations deadline for taking legal action.
Whichever route you decide to pursue, an experienced lawyer can help you navigate your way through Maryland’s complex legal system. That way, you can give your car accident injury claim or lawsuit the best chance for success.
How much time do I have to take legal action?
In most cases, you have three (3) years from the date of your car accident to take legal action, including filing a car accident lawsuit seeking damages (financial compensation). This deadline is commonly called the statute of limitations, as explained in Maryland Code Section 5-101.
However, just because you have this much time does not mean you should wait several years to take legal action against the at-fault party. The longer you wait, the harder it often is to find the evidence you need to support your lawsuit. And without strong evidence, you might have a hard time winning your legal case.
Why should I hire a Maryland car accident attorney?
Often, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to reach a settlement for substantially less money than your claim is worth. Many car crash victims do not realize the extent of their legal rights when they have sustained serious injuries. The fact is that you may be entitled to fair compensation for injuries sustained due to a negligent driver.
If you want the best chance of receiving maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more, contact Finnegan Cannon immediately and schedule a free case evaluation. We can guide you through this complex legal process. The first step toward getting justice is hiring a Finnegan Cannon personal injury lawyer with experience handling auto accident cases similar to yours.
Can a local lawyer in Silver Spring, Maryland handle my case?
The lawyers at Finnegan Cannon have been protecting the rights of those involved in car accident cases in Silver Spring for years. No amount of money can ever bring back the state of health and life you led prior to your car accident.
However, we also believe that our clients deserve a fair settlement for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages caused by another driver. If you have sustained injuries in an automobile accident, reach out to Finnegan Cannon as soon as possible and schedule a free consultation today.
The clock is running. Contact us right now. One of our Maryland car accident lawyers can meet with you and explain all your legal options. Our law firm handles car accident injury claims and lawsuits in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Frederick County, Charles County, and other nearby communities.