Help After a Car Accident in Maryland
If you were injured in a car accident in Maryland, you probably have urgent questions right now.
Who pays your medical bills? Should you talk to the insurance adjuster? Do you actually need a lawyer?
The first few days after a crash are more important than most people realize. Many accident victims unintentionally hurt their claim early by giving recorded statements, delaying treatment, or trusting the insurance company to handle things fairly. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not neutral parties. Their job is to limit payouts.
The attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP help Maryland crash victims understand their rights, deal with insurers, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries. A short conversation can often clarify your situation and help you avoid mistakes that could affect your recovery.
We offer free consultations and you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
You May Have a Maryland Car Accident Claim If…
Many people assume they only have a case after a catastrophic crash. In reality, valid injury claims often arise from everyday collisions that cause lasting physical or financial problems.
You may have a claim if:
- You sought medical treatment after the accident, even days later
- The other driver was distracted, speeding, or failed to yield
- Fault is being disputed
- The insurance company contacted you quickly or asked for a recorded statement
- You missed work because of your injuries
- Your vehicle was heavily damaged
- A pre-existing condition worsened after the crash
- The accident involved a rideshare driver, delivery vehicle, or company vehicle
- You are receiving medical bills and don’t know who should pay them
You do not need to be certain the other driver was completely at fault before speaking with a lawyer. In Maryland, fault rules are strict, and insurance companies often attempt to shift blame early.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Maryland
1. Get Medical Care Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, many injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal trauma appear hours or days later. Early treatment also connects your injuries to the crash, which protects your claim.
2. Call the Police
A police report documents the crash and may include statements, citations, and witness information. This can become critical evidence later.
3. Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos of:
- vehicles
- license plates
- road conditions
- injuries
- intersection or traffic signals
Also obtain contact information from witnesses.
4. Be Careful Speaking With Insurance
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Early statements are often used to minimize claims.
5. Speak With a Lawyer Early
Many cases become difficult not because the accident was minor, but because early evidence was lost or statements were taken out of context.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law
Maryland has one of the strictest accident laws in the country.
Maryland follows contributory negligence laws, meaning if you are found even 1% responsible for the crash, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Insurance companies know this rule and actively look for ways to shift partial blame onto injured drivers. They may argue:
- you were slightly speeding
- you reacted too slowly
- you were distracted
- you could have avoided the accident
Because of this law, investigation and evidence collection are critical in Maryland cases. Small details often determine whether a claim succeeds or fails.
How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims
After a crash, you may get a call from an adjuster within hours. They often sound helpful and reassuring. Their role, however, is to protect the insurance company’s financial interests.
Common tactics include:
Recorded Statements
Adjusters ask you to describe what happened. Innocent guesses or minor inconsistencies can later be used to argue partial fault.
Quick Settlement Offers
You may be offered money before you finish treatment. Early offers are typically far below the true value of the claim.
Medical Authorizations
Insurers may request access to your full medical history to blame your injuries on prior conditions.
Minimizing Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and back pain are frequently challenged even when legitimate.
Speaking with a lawyer before giving statements or signing documents can protect your rights.
Who Pays Medical Bills After a Maryland Car Accident?
Many people assume the at-fault driver’s insurer pays immediately. In reality, treatment is usually paid first through:
- health insurance
- MedPay coverage
- out-of-pocket payments
- medical liens
Compensation is typically recovered later through a settlement or verdict.
What Compensation May Be Available in a Car Accident Claim?
A car accident claim may include:
Economic damages
- medical bills
- future treatment
- lost wages
- reduced earning capacity
Non-economic damages
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- permanent injury
- loss of normal life activities
Wrongful death damages may also be available in fatal crashes.
Properly valuing a claim often requires medical and financial experts to calculate long-term impact.
How We Prove Liability
To recover compensation, your case must show negligence:
Duty of care – drivers must operate vehicles safely
Breach – unsafe behavior like texting, speeding, or running lights
Causation – the behavior caused the accident
Damages – you suffered measurable harm
Evidence that helps your case:
- police reports
- photos and video
- witness statements
- medical records
- wage documentation
- accident reconstruction
Our legal team works to secure this evidence before it disappears.
Common Car Accident Injuries We See
- whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- spinal injuries and herniated discs
- fractures
- internal bleeding
- chronic pain conditions
Some injuries worsen over time, which is why early evaluation matters.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing the deadline usually ends the right to recover compensation.
However, waiting too long can also cause evidence to disappear and witnesses to forget important details.
How Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis Can Help
After a serious crash, you should not have to deal with insurance companies while trying to recover.
Our car accident attorneys:
- investigate the accident
- communicate with insurers
- gather medical evidence
- calculate long-term damages
- negotiate settlements
- take cases to trial when necessary
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis.
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Over 40 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 40 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.
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
Talk With Our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a crash and are unsure what to do next, a short conversation can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.
The Maryland car accident lawyers at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP are ready to review your situation, answer your questions, and help you move forward.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
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.