Types of Compensation Available in a Car Accident Claim
You can seek both economic and non-economic damages in an auto accident claim. Economic damages are tangible and quantifiable financial losses that you incur as a direct result of the car accident. These are relatively straightforward to calculate because they typically come with bills, receipts, or clear records.
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that do not have a direct monetary value but significantly impact your quality of life after a crash. While non-economic damages don't come with receipts, they are proven through various means that illustrate the impact of the accident on your life. Note that non-economic damages are capped in Maryland.
Our car accident lawyers can fight to get you just compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
How Rideshares Complicate Car Accident Cases
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation, but they have also introduced significant complexities when it comes to car accident claims. You should get legal advice as soon as possible after any collision involving a rideshare vehicle to protect your rights and options for recovering compensation.
Uber and Lyft each carry $1 million insurance policies to cover collisions involving their drivers, but these policies only trigger under certain conditions. If you were a passenger in a rideshare when an accident occurs, your damages should be covered by the driver’s personal insurance if they were at fault, and Uber or Lyft’s insurance should activate if your damages exceed what the driver’s policy covers. If the other driver in the collision was at fault, their insurance should cover you, but if the other driver was uninsured, underinsured, or fled, Uber or Lyft’s policy should kick in.
If you were driving and hit by a rideshare vehicle, insurance coverage tends to be a little more complex. If the Uber or Lyft driver was not actively logged in when the crash happened, Uber or Lyft will not cover the accident. If the driver was logged in but was not actively in the process of fulfilling a ride, Uber or Lyft will only provide up to $50,000 per person injured and up to $25,000 for property damage, assuming their driver was at fault. Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies only fully kick in if the driver was on the way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger when the accident occurred.
Car accident cases involving rideshares can be confusing. We can clarify your rights and options in a no-fee, no-obligation consultation.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident
Immediately following a car accident, many individuals may feel fine or underestimate their injuries. However, it is crucial to seek medical attention even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not present noticeable symptoms right away but can have serious long-term implications if left untreated.
Here are a few reasons why you should prioritize your health:
- Documenting Your Injuries: A medical evaluation provides official documentation of your injuries, which can be vital when pursuing a claim.
- Improved Recovery Outcomes: Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your chances of a full recovery and prevent further complications.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have been evaluated by a medical professional can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on your healing process.
- Strengthening Your Case: Insurance companies often scrutinize whether the injured party sought immediate medical care; your prompt action can enhance your credibility in the eyes of juries and adjudicators.
At United Attorney Group, we understand that recovering from an accident extends beyond legal matters. We encourage all our clients to prioritize their health and well-being after a car accident. Whether it’s directing you to trusted healthcare providers or assisting you with your legal case, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident
If you've been involved in a car accident, it's vital to understand your rights as a victim. Often, individuals are unaware of the full range of legal protections available to them, which can make it challenging to navigate the aftermath of a collision. Our experienced legal team at United Attorney Group is here to ensure you are fully informed and can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Here are some key rights and considerations for car accident victims in Maryland:
- Right to Medical Attention: You have the right to seek medical treatment for your injuries, and it's important to do so promptly to protect your health and any potential claims.
- Right to Compensation: Under Maryland law, you are entitled to seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Right to Be Represented: Working with an experienced attorney ensures that your rights are protected throughout the legal process, helping you negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court if necessary.
- Right to Privacy: Be cautious about sharing details of your accident on social media; your statements could impact your case.
Understanding these rights not only empowers you but also enhances your ability to recover what you are entitled to. Don’t face the complex legal landscape alone—reach out to our team at United Attorney Group for personalized guidance and representation tailored to your specific situation.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Car Accident Attorney
When faced with the aftermath of a car accident, selecting the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At United Attorney Group, we understand that each accident is unique, which is why we strategically tailor our legal approach to meet your specific needs.
Here are several key factors to consider when choosing a car accident attorney:
- Experience: Look for attorneys with a strong track record in handling car accident cases and adequate knowledge of Maryland laws.
- Personalized Attention: Choose a law firm that treats you as more than just a case number. We prioritize clear communication and prioritize your individual story.
- Success Rate: Review our past case results to understand our commitment and ability to win fair compensation for our clients.
- Client Testimonials: Real feedback from previous clients can provide insights into our services and the satisfaction we aim to deliver.
- Contingency Fee Structure: Most notably, our services are provided on a no-win, no-fee basis, ensuring you face no upfront costs and only pay if we successfully resolve your case.
By choosing the right car accident attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected, and you receive the support you need during this challenging time. Contact United Attorney Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate your recovery journey with confidence.
Our attorneys can also assist with personal injury claims involving trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and buses. We offer virtual consultations, so don’t wait to call (888) 447-4962 or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the "statute of limitations." If you fail to file your lawsuit within this three-year period, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation in court for your injuries and damages.
If your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a car crash, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is three years from the date they passed away. This is not always the same date as the accident itself.
Three years can seem like quite a bit of time, but it is in your best interest to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Crucial evidence can disappear quickly: Skid marks fade, witness memories diminish, and accident scenes are cleared. By reaching out to our lawyers sooner rather than later, you give us more of an opportunity to swiftly investigate and preserve essential evidence, which helps us build the best possible case.
Do I Have a Car Accident Case in Maryland?
It is completely okay if you are not sure whether you have a strong case after an accident. Crashes happen in an instant, and you may not be entirely aware of what happened in the moments before the collision. That’s why we offer no-risk advice – our team at United Attorney Group can evaluate your circumstances, determine liability, and review your options for recovering compensation.
Typically, you could have a strong car accident claim if you suffered injuries in a wreck that wasn’t your fault. However, these cases aren’t always as straightforward as they initially seem, and you must be able to prove another party’s (often the other driver’s) negligence to secure compensation.
To establish negligence and recover damages in a car accident case, you generally need to prove four legal elements:
- Duty of care. The first step is to show that the other driver owed you a "duty of care." In the context of driving, this is almost always a given. Every driver on Maryland roads has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and reasonably to prevent harm to others. This includes following traffic laws, paying full attention to the road, and maintaining control of their vehicle.
- Breach of duty. Next, you must demonstrate that the other driver breached that duty of care.This means they failed to act as a reasonable person would have acted under similar circumstances. Examples of breaches of duty in a car accident include excessive speeding, running a red light or stop sign, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Causation. You must demonstrate that the other driver's breach was a substantial factor in causing your accident and subsequent harm. In other words, you must show that the other driver’s negligence caused the collision.
- Damages. Finally, you must prove that you suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What If I Was Partially Responsible for the Car Accident?
Unfortunately, Maryland is one of the few states that follows a contributory negligence system in cases involving shared liability. This means that if you are found to have contributed any degree of fault to the accident – even 1% – you may be barred from recovering any compensation, even if the crash was primarily caused by another driver. Insurance companies understand this and may try to exploit it to avoid having to pay damages.
Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rules are also part of why having a seasoned car accident attorney on your side is so important. We can assess any concerns about partial fault and provide transparent, personalized legal advice, as exceptions to these laws exist. Our team is prepared to counter any unfounded claims of contributory negligence.
