Car Accident Law
With millions of people driving on the roadways each day, automobile accidents are understandably common. But did you know that there are close to 11 million automobile accidents each year? In the state of Maryland alone there were 505 automobile accident fatalities last year. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver error is the cause of almost all accidents. When you’ve been injured due to the fault or negligence of another driver on the road, you may be entitled to compensation.
Determining Fault in Automobile Accidents
Negligence forms the basis for many automobile accident claims. The law requires all drivers who enter the roadway to drive in a reasonably careful manner. When a driver fails to drive in a reasonably careful manner and causes harm or injury to another, they are negligent. So called “driver error” typically constitutes negligent driving and can include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, texting while driving, and driving while tired.
Apart from proving negligence, there are other ways to prove that another driver was at fault for an accident. Many states have something called “no doubt liability” laws, where a driver is almost always at fault, regardless of the circumstances, if the accident happened under certain conditions. Left turn accidents and rear end collisions are typically considered no doubt liability accidents. Police reports, witness accounts, and evidence that a citation was issued can also be used to determine who was at fault in an accident.
Measurable Harm
Once you’ve established that another driver was at fault in an automobile accident, you must show that you suffered some form of measurable injury. Injuries can vary widely in severity and type depending on the nature of the accident. But common automobile accident injuries include back injuries, neck injuries, head and brain injuries, soft tissue damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles, and in worst case scenarios, even death. While penetrating injuries, like cuts, scrapes, and lacerations may be easy to spot, many of the impact injuries like soft tissue damage and brain injuries may be harder to detect and in many cases, show a delayed onset days or even months later.
Compensation
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident due to the fault of another driver, you have a right to fair compensation. You may be entitled to compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages, future lost earning capacity, decreased enjoyment of life and property damage.
Automobile Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident and have questions about your rights, contact an experienced car accident lawyer today. Many states limit the time you have to file a claim so it’s important to move quickly. Document everything that happens with detailed notes and keep receipts and police reports. A skilled attorney can help you seek and document medical care, process claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and collect evidence for a potential claim. The experienced car accident lawyers at Ingerman & Horwitz understand how to fight and win automobile accident cases. Call our Baltimore office today at 1-800-776-4529 to talk about your options with a knowledgeable and helpful car accident lawyer today. Your first consultation is completely free and confidential and you’ll find great peace of mind in knowing your rights and having someone on your side to fight for them.