Trusted Maryland Car Accident Lawyers
Maryland’s roads are safer than the roads of most other states, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, although they are not nearly as safe as the roads of neighboring Washington, D.C. Once an accident has already happened, however, statistics like these mean next to nothing. What matters in the aftermath of an injury car accident is the shock, pain, and in all too many cases, financial distress. Having one of our experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers to help you during this traumatic time is very important.
It is impossible to turn back time and undo a car accident. It is also, admittedly, impossible for any amount of financial compensation to fully make up for the trauma that you are experiencing. Our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers, however, are designed to help you receive compensation for every aspect of your losses. Discussing your case with the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP can be helpful in navigating this experience. Contact us for a free consultation.
Types of Car Accident Settlements in Maryland
A legal right to compensation is an abstract right that is worth precisely nothing until it is enforced. In the case of a car accident, there are two main means of enforcement – a negotiated settlement or a court judgment. Here at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, we seek negotiated settlements for our clients – but our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers are ready for a courtroom battle if necessary.
“But I Can’t Afford to Hire a Lawyer”
Yes, you can, even if you are dead broke. The reason that you can are twofold – first, we charge nothing upfront and second, we will never charge you a dime in legal fees unless we win. If our skilled and proven Maryland Car Accident Lawyers win compensation for you, your legal fees will be calculated as a percentage of this compensation, so that you are guaranteed to come out ahead.
What Our Maryland Clients Say About Us
“You have taught me so much about patience and the law. My wife and I both believe you have done an excellent job watching out for our best interests. It’s because of your hard work that we have had about the best year since the start of this whole mess.” – A Maryland Client
“We owe so much to Mr. Schloss and you for taking care of us and leading the way when times were tough. Money can’t buy that kind of dedication.” – Another Maryland Client
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why can’t I handle a Maryland car accident claim on my own?
You can, but your chances of an optimal result will be greatly diminished. You will, for example, be negotiating with an insurance adjustor who negotiates claims for a living and knows all the tricks. We are experienced Maryland Auto Accident Attorneys and know them all too, and we won’t let you be taken advantage of.
What do I have to prove to win a car accident claim in Maryland?
You must prove the following:
- The defendant breached a duty of care owed to you, such as the duty to drive safely
- This breach of duty caused the accident
- You suffered damages – medical bills, pain, and suffering, etc
What types of damages might be available to me?
Personal Injury Damages can be classified as follows:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost earnings, and other financial losses.
- Non-Economic Damages: Intangible damages such as pain and suffering and mental anguish.
- Punitive Damages: An extra amount awarded to punish the defendant for outrageous conduct. Punitive damages are rare in Maryland.
Hire one of our winning and knowledgeable Maryland Auto Accident Lawyers to help you navigate these issues, answer your questions and get you the compensation you deserve.
What is a wrongful death claim in Maryland?
A wrongful death claim is a claim filed on behalf of the next of kin of the deceased victim of a personal injury under the Maryland Wrongful Death Act. Damages go to next of kin, with reference to “primary beneficiaries” – spouse, parents, and children. Damages are shared among beneficiaries.
Do I have a “road rage” claim?
Maybe. Many different types of aggressive behavior such as tailgating, constant honking, threats, even intentional accidents can be considered “road rage.” If these acts cause an accident, you may have a personal injury claim, and you may even be eligible for punitive damages. Discussing your situation with our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers can help answer your questions regarding this issue.
Is Maryland a “fault” or a “no-fault” auto insurance state?
Maryland is a “fault” auto insurance state. This means that if you are injured in an accident that is someone else’s fault, you can:
- File a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy (the typical approach)
- Seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s personal assets
- File a claim against your own insurance policy, depending on its terms of coverage
What are Maryland’s minimum auto liability insurance requirements?
Maryland’s legal minimum auto liability insurance requirements are:
- $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident bodily injury liability
- $15,000 per person property damage liability
- $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident uninsured motorist bodily injury liability
- $15,000 uninsured motorist property damage liability.
$2,500 Personal Injury Protection is also included in standard policies but can be waived.
How can I receive compensation for a “hit and run” accident if the driver is never located?
Check the terms of your uninsured motorist policy to see if it covers hit and run accidents. If it doesn’t, you can file a claim against the Maryland auto insurance fund, a government insurance fund. The coverage limits for the Maryland auto insurance fund is only $30,000, however.
The insurance company sent me a medical records release form. Should I sign it?
No. Although at some point you will be required to divulge certain medical information, you are not obligated to provide your entire medical history. If you do, the insurance company can go on a “fishing expedition” designed to uncover evidence they can use to dispute your claim. It is very important you speak with a knowledgeable Maryland Car Accident Attorney to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
35 Years of Maryland Car Accident Claim Experience
Our mission is pure and simple – seeking justice for injured victims, which is what we have been doing continuously for the past 35 years. During this time, we have recovered an aggregate of $1 billion for our clients, including numerous multimillion-dollar settlements for individual clients. After speaking with you, our skilled and proven Maryland Car Accident Lawyers will know the true value of your claim – and it might be more than you think.
The Sooner You Get a Maryland Car Accident Attorney, the Better Your Chances Will Be
Time matters when you are pursuing a car accident claim, for two reasons – first, the evidence tends to deteriorate over time (witness memories, for example); and second, the earlier you start, the more time your Maryland Car Accident Lawyers will have to prepare and negotiate your claim. If you have been injured in a car accident in Maryland, call us at (301) 345-5700 or contact us for a free case evaluation.