Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore, MD

When you have suffered from an injury after a car accident in Maryland, get help from a Baltimore, MD car accident lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices. Nearly 1.3 million people die in road crashes each year, on average of 3,287 deaths a day, and an additional 20-50 million are injured or disabled, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel. Accident victims become seriously injured due to the actions of reckless drivers. No person should have to suffer the devastating consequences caused by another individual. If you’ve been injured from a vehicular accident, you should call a skilled and trusted car accident lawyer Baltimore, MD residents have relied on for over 50 years.

At the Greenberg Law Offices, we have a team of dedicated, trusted, and skillful lawyers ready to talk to you about your possible collision claim. They can walk you through the steps you need to take so you can file a successful claim that results in your deserved compensation. Through a free consultation, a lawyer will be able to provide advice on what you should do next.
2 cars involved in an accident

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents are a prevalent issue in modern society, often leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Understanding the common causes of such accidents can be crucial in preventing them and ensuring safer roads for everyone. In this context, it is also vital to be aware of legal assistance options, such as consulting a car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, particularly reputable firms like The Greenberg Law Offices, which can provide crucial support in the aftermath of an accident.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. This includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system. It only takes a few seconds of distraction to cause a collision, making it imperative to always stay focused on the road.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit is another common cause of accidents. Speeding decreases the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the severity of an accident when it occurs. We must remember that speed limits are there for safety and should be adhered to.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major cause of car accidents. Alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, all of which are essential in operating a vehicle safely. If you plan to drink, it’s always best to have a designated driver or use alternative transportation options.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes changing lanes too quickly, being aggressive on the roads, and not respecting traffic signals or signs. This behavior not only endangers the driver but also other road users. As responsible drivers, we should always drive defensively and respect other users on the road.

Weather Conditions

Bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, and fog can also lead to car accidents. These conditions often make driving more hazardous and require extra attention and slower speeds. It’s important to adjust your driving to the conditions and ensure your vehicle is well maintained to handle such situations.

Running Red Lights

Ignoring traffic signals, especially red lights, is a dangerous practice that often results in severe accidents. It’s crucial to obey traffic laws and signals to protect not only your life but also those of other road users.

Teen Drivers

Inexperienced drivers, particularly teens, are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to accidents. Ensuring that young drivers are well educated on the rules of the road and the importance of safe driving practices is essential.

Tailgating

Following too closely behind another vehicle, or tailgating, can lead to rear-end collisions. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you gives you more time to react if you need to stop suddenly.

In the unfortunate event of a car accident, it is important to seek professional legal advice. At The Greenberg Law Offices, our experienced car accident lawyers in Baltimore, MD, can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate the complex aftermath of an accident. We understand the challenges and are committed to advocating on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help you through every step of the process.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents, unfortunately, are a common occurrence on our roads, often resulting in various types of injuries, ranging from minor to life-altering. Understanding these injuries is crucial, not only for medical treatment but also for legal considerations. In such instances, consulting with a car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, like those at The Greenberg Law Offices, can provide invaluable guidance and support. Here, we’ll discuss some common types of car accident injuries and how legal assistance can help victims navigate the aftermath.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in a car accident, particularly in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing neck muscles and ligaments to stretch and tear. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. More severe neck injuries can also occur, potentially leading to chronic pain or even disability.

Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head injuries can vary significantly in severity. They can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can have long-lasting and profound effects on an individual’s cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and mood changes. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to permanent disability or even death.

Back Injuries

The impact of a car accident can cause various back injuries, from strains and sprains to more severe injuries like spinal cord damage. These injuries can lead to significant pain, reduced mobility, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Treatment for back injuries often involves a long and challenging rehabilitation process.

Chest Injuries

Chest injuries are also common in car accidents, often caused by the force of the seat belt or impact with the steering wheel. These injuries can range from bruises and contusions to more serious injuries such as broken ribs or internal injuries.

Limb Injuries and Broken Bones

The force of a car accident can cause broken bones and injuries to the arms and legs. Common fractures include those to the arms, legs, ribs, and hips. Such injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy, and can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities.

Psychological Trauma

It’s important to acknowledge that not all injuries are physical. Car accidents can also result in psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These conditions can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and deserve the same level of care and attention.

At The Greenberg Law Offices, we understand the complexities and challenges that arise following a car accident. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers in Baltimore, MD, is committed to providing comprehensive support to those who have suffered from these types of injuries. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process, offering expert advice and compassionate support. Contact us for a consultation, and let us help you on your journey to recovery.

Five Car Seat Myths Debunked

Myth: It’s Okay To Buy a Used Car Seat

Fact: You should never buy a used car seat. If the car seat was installed in a vehicle that was in an accident, damage to the car seat doesn’t always show. There could be unseen damage to the straps or plastic shells that would make it unsafe for your child to ride in the car seat. 

If you’re struggling to find the money to buy a new car seat, you could take advantage of one of the many opportunities to get a free car seat from WIC, your car insurance company, your local police or fire department, the hospital where your child was born or Buckle Up for Life.

Myth: My Rear-facing Toddler Looks Uncomfortable, so I Need To Turn Her Around

Fact: Toddlers are more flexible than you might think, and can usually find a way to be comfortable. Whether they’re sitting with their feet up on the back of the seat, their legs dangling over the sides of the car seat, or criss-cross-applesauce, they’re safer when they’re rear-facing.

Myth: Using Latch and a Seat Belt Together Makes the Car Seat Safer

Fact: Most car seat manufacturers recommend using either the Latch system or a seat belt, not both. If you use Latch with the seat belt, the car seat could sustain more damage during a car accident than if you were only using one or the other. A car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, from Greenberg Law Offices could advise you to read your car seat manual to see what the manufacturer suggests for your particular car seat.

Myth: I Can Turn My Baby Forward-facing When She Turns One

Fact: Children should stay rear-facing until they’re two, or until they outgrow the safety limits of the car seat. This is so important that it’s the law in some states. A car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, at Greenberg Law Offices can advise you about the applicable laws in your case. Children are safer when they’re rear-facing because of the extra support for the head and neck. Don’t worry about their legs; leg injuries in rear-facing children are exceedingly rare, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Myth: My Older Child Doesn’t Need a Booster Seat

Fact: A booster helps with proper seat belt placement in older children who’ve outgrown the five-point harness of car seats but aren’t tall enough for the seat belt. Boosters are recommended until the child is 4’9” tall, generally around age eight. Greenberg Law Offices, your car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, can tell you about state law regarding booster seats.

Baltimore Car Accident Law Infographic

Car Seat Myths Debunked Infographic

Who Is at Fault?

One of the most important issues to determine in a multi-vehicle accident is who the liable party or parties are. These types of accidents often have more than one at-fault driver, especially in accidents where there is a pile-up of several vehicles. One common example a Baltimore, MD car accident lawyer commonly sees is where the vehicles in multi-vehicle accidents are similar to falling dominos – a vehicle hits its brakes because of something in front of them and is rear-ended by the vehicle behind them. That sudden stop also causes the vehicle behind the second car to crash into it, and so on. The driver in the second vehicle may be at fault for hitting the first one, but the driver in the third vehicle could be held liable for the damages suffered by the driver in the second vehicle.

Liability Insurance

In most car accident cases, any financial compensation the victim receives comes from the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance policy. However, these policies have limits on how much the company will pay out in damages. For example, in Maryland, the minimum amount of insurance coverage a driver is allowed to have on their vehicle is $30,000 for bodily injury, $60,000 for two or more people, and $15,000 in property damage.

But what happens if one driver is at fault for the injuries that a few of the victims in a multi-vehicle crash suffer? If the driver has only the minimum coverage, but the victims’ losses exceed those limits, what options do victims have?

A Baltimore, MD car accident lawyer may be able to help a victim file a claim for additional compensation under their own underinsured motorist coverage. Maryland law also requires that drivers purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury liability insurance that will cover a minimum of $30,000 in damages per person injured, with a cap of $60,000 per accident. Drivers also have the option of purchasing greater coverage than the state minimum requirements.

Baltimore, MD Car Accident Statistics

In 2021, the Maryland Department of Transportation reported a significant number of motor vehicle accidents in Baltimore County, totaling 20,655. Out of these incidents, a substantial 4,732 accidents led to injuries, emphasizing the importance of road safety measures. Tragically, 67 cases resulted in fatalities, highlighting the devastating consequences that can arise from traffic collisions. These statistics underscore the need for continued focus on traffic safety education, infrastructure improvements, and law enforcement efforts to reduce accidents and protect the well-being of drivers and passengers.

Types of Negligence

Negligence, a critical concept in the legal world, refers to a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. This concept varies widely, encompassing numerous scenarios where individuals or entities fail to act responsibly, leading to harm or damage. At The Greenberg Law Offices, we have encountered and dealt with many types of negligence, each with unique legal implications and considerations. Understanding these types can be crucial in determining the course of legal action.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine used to apportion fault among multiple parties who are responsible for an accident. In this system, a party’s compensation for an injury or loss is reduced by a percentage equal to their share of the fault. For instance, if an individual is deemed 20% at fault for an accident, the damages awarded to them would be reduced by 20%. This approach aims to distribute responsibility and damages more equitably based on each party’s contribution to the accident.

Contributory Negligence

Contributory negligence is a more stringent standard than comparative negligence. In jurisdictions that apply this rule, if an individual is found to be even partially at fault for their own injury, they may be barred from recovering any damages from another party who may have also been negligent. This type of negligence underscores the importance of thorough legal representation to navigate the complexities of fault and responsibility.

Gross Negligence

Gross negligence goes a step beyond ordinary negligence. It refers to a severe form of carelessness that shows a blatant disregard for the safety and welfare of others. This can include actions that are reckless or wantonly negligent, demonstrating a lack of concern for the likelihood that they could cause serious harm to others. Cases involving gross negligence often result in higher damages, given the egregious nature of the behavior.

Vicarious Liability

Vicarious liability is a form of negligence where one party is held liable for the actions of another. Common in employment situations, it holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees if these actions were unintentional and committed within the scope of their employment. This type of negligence ensures that victims can seek compensation from entities that have a greater ability to pay damages, such as corporations or businesses.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a specific type of negligence involving health care professionals. It occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standards of their profession, causing injury or death to a patient. This includes errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management. These cases require a deep understanding of both legal and medical issues, making them particularly complex.

Negligence Per Se

Negligence per se is a legal doctrine where an act is considered negligent because it violates a statute or regulation. When a law is broken, and that breach leads to an injury that the law was designed to protect against, the offending party may be automatically deemed negligent. This is often seen in traffic accidents where one party has violated traffic laws.

At The Greenberg Law Offices, we are well-versed in all these types of negligence and understand the nuances that each one presents. We utilize our expertise to ensure that our clients’ rights are fully protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve. If you believe you have been a victim of negligence, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our experienced team will provide a thorough evaluation of your case, guide you through your legal options, and stand by your side throughout the entire process. Contact us for a consultation, and let us help you navigate these complex legal waters.

Car Accident FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

Answer: Immediately after a car accident, prioritize your safety and health. If you can, move to a safe area and then check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 for emergency assistance if there are any injuries or significant property damage. It’s important to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver but avoid discussing fault or liability at the scene. Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, and make a note of any relevant details like traffic signs. Finally, report the accident to your insurance company and consider contacting a lawyer if there are injuries or significant damages.

How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

Answer: Fault in a car accident is typically determined by considering the laws of the state where the accident occurred and the details of the accident. Law enforcement and insurance companies will assess evidence such as eyewitness testimonies, vehicle damages, accident scene photos, and police reports. In some states, fault is determined by the “negligence” standard, where the driver who failed to exercise reasonable care is at fault. In “no-fault” states, each party’s insurance covers their damages regardless of who is to blame, except in cases of severe injuries or damages.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

Answer: After a car accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages, depending on the circumstances of your case. These can include medical expenses for injuries sustained, lost wages if the accident impacts your ability to work, and property damage for vehicle repairs. Additionally, you might be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages if the other driver’s conduct was particularly egregious.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?

Answer: The time limit for filing a lawsuit after a car accident, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. Generally, it ranges from one to six years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to be aware of these time limits because failing to file within the specified period can result in the loss of your right to sue. For accurate information regarding your specific case and jurisdiction, consult a legal professional.

Should I Settle with the Insurance Company or Go to Court?

Answer: Deciding whether to settle with an insurance company or go to court depends on several factors, including the extent of your damages and injuries, the insurance company’s offered compensation, and your willingness to engage in a potentially lengthy legal process. Insurance companies often offer a quick settlement that may be less than what you could receive with legal action. However, court cases can be unpredictable and time-consuming. It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer who can evaluate your case’s merits, help you understand your options, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Greenberg Law Offices Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer

6 E. Biddle Street

Baltimore, MD 21202-2702

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer Google Review

“Larry and Matt are both very talented trial attorneys. They will work hard in order to assure the best possible outcome for your case.” – James B.

Call Greenberg Law Offices For A Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be experiencing feelings of confusion, anger, and despair. These are a normal part of the coping process and understandable to have, especially if you’re also dealing with surmounting medical costs and long-term health issues. Legal support is available through a free consultation with skilled and trusted lawyers at the Greenberg Law Offices. If you’d like to further discuss your possible claim with a car accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD residents trust, please call us today.

Client Review

“Amazing people that made my whole process stress free. Very reliable and educated! They went out of their way to make everything easier for me. Would highly recommend this firm!!!”
Jenna S.
Client Review

Greenberg Law Offices