When another driver’s negligence causes an accident, it should be their insurance that pays for your losses. That is where things get complicated and when you need to enlist the support of an experienced Laurel car accident lawyer like you’ll find at GDH Law.
At GDH Law, our goal is to keep each client informed throughout the entire claim-filing process.
If we agree to work together, we will become a fierce advocate on your behalf to help you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. You don’t have to take on the challenges of seeking a remedy from a negligent driver alone. We are standing by to hear from you.
When Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Not every car accident indeed requires the services of a lawyer. Two cars that tap bumpers and cause a few scratches could be handled on the spot between the drivers. On the other hand, there are many incidents where you need to consider speaking with a skilled attorney to understand all the options you have for pursuing a remedy.
When you retain the services of an attorney, you will get the proper guidance to help you avoid any mistakes that could negatively impact your claim. You should consider speaking with a car accident attorney if any of the following conditions are present:
- You sustained injuries that require medical attention
- There is a dispute over who is at fault
- There are multiple parties involved in the accident
- You are facing resistance from insurance companies
Bottom line: When there are complications in obtaining fair compensation, you should consult with GDH Law.
How Can GDH Law Help With Your Accident Claim?
Entering into a relationship with a car accident is an important decision that could have a direct impact on the outcome of your claim. If the GDH Law team agrees to help with your claim, we can provide the following support:
Gather Essential Evidence
You might have been able to take photos and videos at the accident scene. Those will become crucial pieces of evidence, but we’ll help gather even more information to support your claim. That evidence can include police reports, all your medical records, witness statements, and surveillance video footage.
We will also return to the scene of the accident to gather more information, such as tire skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
Accurately Calculate Damages
Before requesting compensation, you need to determine the full extent of your requirements.
You obviously will have current medical expenses and car repair or replacement costs that you need to be reimbursed for. However, there will also be future expenses to consider, such as ongoing physical therapy and follow-up appointments with your doctor.
There is also the issue of pain and suffering that must be accurately calculated. These would be your non-economic damages that speak to how the accident has impacted your quality of life. It is essential for us to get that final number right because you won’t be able to go back and refile for additional funds once you’ve accepted a settlement.
Negotiate for Fair Settlements
One of the most important aspects of hiring GDH Law is the ability to utilize our negotiating skills.
We understand how insurance companies operate and are familiar with their common delay and denial tactics. We also know that what their first offer is not always their final offer. We want to negotiate what is fair and won’t let those companies get away with lowball offers.
Represent You in Court
There might come a time in your claim’s process when representing you in court is the only viable path to receiving compensation. If we advise you to consider filing a civil lawsuit, it will be because the insurance company disputes the liability and refuses to offer a fair settlement. Our lawyers are well-versed in the operation of Maryland courts, and we will be fully prepared to present your evidence to a jury in pursuit of a favorable outcome.
Having the proper legal representation on your side will go a long way in reducing your stress levels and helping you focus on your recovery.
What Are the Various Types of Car Accidents?
As you put together the details of your car accident claim, you will need to categorize the type of crash that applies to your collision. That will help determine fault. Which of the following types of car accidents applies to your claim:
Head-On Collision
A head-on collision occurs when one vehicle moves into the lane of an approaching car and collides with it. According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, there were 60 head-on accidents in 2024.
These accidents can be especially catastrophic.
T-Bone Collision
A T-bone accident occurs when a car collides with the side of another car. The chances of injury increase if the T-bone happens on the driver’s side of the other car. These accidents often occur when a vehicle runs a red light or stop sign and collides with another car at an intersection.
Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions are very common. A minor version is often referred to as a “fender-bender.”
A more serious rear-end collision can trigger air bag release and cause the occupants of a car to suffer from whiplash and other serious spinal cord injuries.
Sideswipe Accident
A sideswipe accident happens when one vehicle swipes the side of another vehicle during a lane change.
This is the type of accident that can trigger a chain reaction of other accidents as the car is forced into other vehicles on the road.
Any one of those accidents can result in the following types of injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
The details of your accident and the extent of your injuries will be the basis of your accident claim.
What Damages Can You Recover for an Auto Accident in Maryland?
The injuries and damage to your car from an accident can unleash immense and immediate financial burdens that you need to recover from. If someone else’s negligence causes an accident, you are entitled to seek the following damages:
Medical Expenses
The medical expenses from a car accident start with your first trip to the emergency room or your doctor’s office. These expenses include the following:
- X-rays, MRIs, and additional scans
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Medications
- Medical supplies
- Physical therapy
- Follow-up visits
- Special transportation
Lost Income
If the injuries from a car accident keep you from work, you are entitled to seek compensation for any lost income. If those injuries prevent you from going back to work or force you to take a job at a lower salary, you can also seek lost future income or earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering relate to the amount of discomfort that an injury causes you. It can also relate to the mental anguish you experience as you go through the recovery process.
The more severe the injury, the greater amount of pain and suffering you can ask for.
Property Damage
You also need to be compensated for the damage that occurs to your car. While your vehicle is being repaired, you can also seek reimbursement for a rental car. If the car is deemed totaled, you should receive the replacement value of the car at the time of the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
During your first consultation with GDH Law, you have many questions, and we’ll be happy to provide you with the answers. Those answers start with the following frequently asked questions.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in the state of Maryland?
Unlike most states that allow victims of car accidents to file within two years, Maryland allows three years to file your car accident lawsuit. That might seem like a lot of time, but as we all know, time passes quickly. The longer you wait to file your claim, the more it could diminish your ability to get what you are entitled to.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. If the appeal is rejected, we might advise you that the best course of action is to file a civil complaint and take the insurance company to court.
That’s when we present your story to a jury, which might also award punitive damages against the defendant.
Do most car accident lawsuits get settled out of court?
Filing a lawsuit demonstrates your resolve. When an insurance company realizes that you won’t be intimidated and that you have strong legal representation, it will often motivate them to offer a settlement that is more aligned with what you’re seeking. We will always continue to negotiate for that settlement even after the trial has started.
Do I need to talk to the insurance company?
Your accident claim will be assigned an adjuster from the insurance company. This will be the person who will investigate the accident and determine whether you’re entitled to compensation. As part of their investigation, they might ask for your version of the accident. It is crucial that you not agree to give a statement until you’ve talked to a Laurel car accident lawyer. You want to make sure that you won’t compromise your version of the accident.
How does Maryland’s at-fault state policy impact car accident claims?
Maryland uses an at-fault policy for car accident claims. That means the at-fault party is responsible for paying your compensation. That works on your behalf unless you are assigned partial blame. Even if you’re found to be just 5% at fault in the accident, you won’t be able to get any compensation from the other party.
Getting the Right Legal Support from a Laurel Car Accident Lawyer
There is a lot to deal with after a car accident. There will be forms to fill out, calls to make, estimates to gather, and injuries to deal with. That is a lot to take on by yourself. Thankfully, the right legal support is standing by with GDH Law. We help our clients navigate the complexities of a car accident claim from start to finish.
Our millions of dollars in recovered compensation speak volumes. Whether we can close the matter through negotiations with the insurance company or by representing our clients in court, we will work tirelessly to achieve a fast and fair resolution.
We fight for you. That is the GDH way.
Call to set up a free case review with our Laurel car accident lawyer.
