There are more than 100,000 car accidents in Maryland each year. Over half of these accidents result in injuries ā and sadly, too many crash victims are left with expensive medical bills, missed wages, and other burdens that they should never have had to bear.
If youāve been injured in a Maryland car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Look to Trollinger Law LLC for help.
Attorney Matt Trollinger knows that having the right information can help you make better decisions after a crash. Thatās why heās put together the following list of Maryland car accident resources for you.
If you need additional help, call or contact us for a free consultation.
Maryland Car Insurance Laws
Maryland law requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of car insurance to provide coverage if an accident occurs. You must carry at least:
- $30,000 for bodily injury
- $60,000 for two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage
You must also carry uninsured motorist coverage for protection in case you are hit by a driver without insurance or if the at-fault driver is underinsured (e.g., does not have enough insurance to compensate you properly for your injuries and property damage). In the case of an underinsured driver, you would file a claim for the remainder against your own insurer.
Maryland Car Accident Laws
There are a variety of laws that apply when it comes to Maryland car accidents, including:
- You have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim for compensation against the at-fault driver(s). Failure to do so could prevent you from obtaining compensation at all.
- In cases where an accident results in a death, qualifying family members have three years to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party.
- Cases that involve suing a government entity have much shorter time limits.
- Because the deadlines for filing a claim can be different, itās a good idea to contact Trollinger Law LLC to ensure that you donāt lose your right to compensation on a technicality.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Maryland
A car accident can be very disorienting, especially when someone is injured. If youāre not too hurt, follow as many of these steps as you can at the accident scene.
- Dial 911: Calling for emergency help protects both your health and your legal rights. The emergency dispatcher will be able to send an ambulance if one is needed. He or she can also send the police to come to investigate the crash and file a report. A police report can be an important piece of evidence in a car accident claim.
- Gather evidence: Document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible by taking photos and videos from a variety of different angles. Include photos of any resulting property damage, visible injuries, and skid marks.
- Get contact information. You need the name, phone number, address, insurance company, insurance policy number, license plate number, birth date, and driverās license number for every driver involved in the wreck.
- Reach out to eyewitnesses: Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Independent accounts can go a long way in bolstering your claim.
- See your doctor: Being in a car accident can cause an adrenaline rush that masks invisible injuries. Visit your doctor as soon as possible after the crash to rule out undetected health problems.
- Call an experienced car accident lawyer. Donāt settle with an insurance company until youāve spoken to a local attorney about your legal options.
At Trollinger Law LLC, we offer free consultations to all car accident victims. Call or contact us today to schedule yours.
How to File a Car Accident Claim in Maryland
Filing a car accident claim in Maryland usually involves the following steps:
- Notify your insurer of the crash: Donāt agree to make a recorded statement until youāve spoken with a car accident attorney.
Send a demand package: This package contains a letter demanding a certain amount of compensation followed by evidence supporting the claimed losses. A lawyer can do this for you. - Wait for a settlement offer. The insurance company will either deny or accept liability for the accident. If liability is accepted the insurance provider will usually provide an initial settlement offer.
- Negotiate: Your first settlement offer is going to be much lower than what you deserve. A skilled car accident attorney can demand full and fair compensation for your injuries during settlement negotiations.
- File a lawsuit: If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, you may have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.
When to Contact a Maryland Car Accident Attorney
You should consult with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a wreck. An attorney will be able to evaluate the facts of your case and give you an idea of how much your case might be worth.
Keep in mind that an attorney cannot and should not promise you a certain amount or a guaranteed outcome for your case. However, the information can help you recognize if an insurer is trying to bully you into a lowball settlement.
How Can Trollinger Law LLC Help Me?
Firm founder Matt Trollinger is a Maryland native who has spent his career fighting for accident victims. At Trollinger Law LLC, we strongly believe that those who cause injury to others need to be held accountable for their recklessness.
Hereās how we do it:
- A face-to-face meeting to hear your story: We want to know what happened to you.
- A discussion of your legal options: Every case is unique. Weāll provide honest feedback on whether you have a valid claim and how we would proceed if you decide to work with Trollinger Law LLC.
- Start work on your case: Our legal team can handle all communications with the insurance company, launch an independent investigation, and collect everything we need to build a strong claim for compensation on your behalf.
If you were injured in a car accident in Maryland or the DC metropolitan area, Trollinger Law LLC will fight for your rights to the compensation you deserve.
