Pikesville Auto Accident Attorney

Individualized Attention to Help You Recover Your Damages

If you have been injured in an auto accident, whether involving a car, truck, or motorcycle, you have the right to sue the at-fault motorist or their insurance company for damages. The Law Office of Justin A. Wallace is a trial litigation firm that can help you navigate your accident lawsuit in Maryland. Attorney Justin A. Wallace will provide personalized representation to build an effective case for damages, and he is well prepared to take the fight far in litigation. He is a straight shooter who will give honest advice about your case, and you can trust Attorney Wallace to put up a tough fight for as much compensation as you can recover.

Contact the Law Office of Justin A. Wallace for a free consultation to discuss your legal options with an accident attorney in more detail. Call (410) 996-4488 today! Spanish legal assistance available.

Maryland’s “Contributory Negligence” Laws

Should I Get a Lawyer For a Car Accident That Was My Fault?

Any injured person can take their auto accident case to court. Note that Maryland is an at-fault (“tort”) state and operates under the “contributory negligence” rule – distinct from “comparative negligence” – which means anyone who is even slightly at fault for the accident is not eligible to claim damages. So, if the injured plaintiff is in fact shown to have played a slight part in the accident (e.g., not fully stopping at a stop sign), they will not be allowed to obtain damages for their injuries.

This is an important rule to keep in mind for any motorist, as even the slightest violation of road rules may throw out their case. For example, Maryland implements several specific rules for motorcyclists, including requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet with reflectorization and equipping their motorcycle with a windscreen or otherwise wearing eye protection gear. Failing to do so may constitute negligence on the motorcyclist’s part, and they will not be able to recover damages for their injuries.

While contributory negligence seems like a strict rule, an injured person still has every right to sue if they believe they have been wrongfully injured in an automobile accident. It is advisable to discuss your individual case with an experienced auto accident lawyer to better evaluate your potential outcomes.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when you are trying to focus on recovering from your injuries. Insurance adjusters may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer, which may not cover all of your damages. This is where having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make a big difference.

At the Law Office of Justin A. Wallace, we have a team of skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our Pikesville auto accident attorney will handle all communication with the insurance companies, including negotiating a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will not settle for anything less than what you deserve.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our team has a proven track record of success in car accident cases, and we will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Filing a Lawsuit

In order to bring forward a strong lawsuit for an auto accident, the injured plaintiff and their attorney must prove the following elements:

• The defendant owed them a duty, particularly the duty not to cause harm to any other party (motorist, pedestrian, cyclist, etc.) on the road.
• The defendant breached the above duty by acting negligently through action or inaction (e.g., they did not follow road rules or misjudged their speed on the road).
• The defendant’s breach directly caused the plaintiff’s injury.
• The plaintiff suffered an actual injury or property loss.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

An injured party has 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit with or without a car accident lawyer. If the individual died from their injuries, their loved ones may instead choose to file a wrongful death claim, which has a statute of limitations of 3 years from the date of the person’s death. After the statute of limitations has elapsed, they lose their right to claim damages, and the court will be unlikely to hear the case.

Common Car Accident Injuries

If you get in a car accident, it’s very likely you can get injured. Even “minor” accidents can cause injuries. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries:

• Brain injuries
• Back or spine injuries
• Broken or fractured bones
• Burns
• Scrapes
• Cuts
• Bruises
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash or neck injuries

Additional Steps for Trucking Accidents

If the auto accident involved a truck, it is possible that the trucking company may also be liable. An injured party may seek damages from the trucking company if they can show:

• negligent hiring on the part of the trucking company;
• negligent entrustment of the vehicle to the driver;
• product liability (dangerous mechanical defects in the truck);
• negligence towards weight and route restrictions.

Recovering Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Depending on the situation, an injured plaintiff can obtain economic and/or non-economic damages, where economic damages refer to financial losses and non-economic damages refer to non-monetary losses.

Some examples of economic damages a plaintiff may recover are:

• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Present and future medical bills (e.g., for treatment, hospital visits, prescription medication, rehabilitation therapy)
• Property loss (e.g., replacing or repairing a damaged vehicle)

Some examples of non-economic damages that can be recovered include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, insomnia)
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of companionship (in cases of wrongful death)

For legal guidance on your auto accident claim in Maryland, do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Justin A. Wallace.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

It can be hard enough just trying to understand the legal jargon of car accident laws, let alone doing this while you are suffering an injury. Let Attorney Justin A. Wallace take care of the legal side while you focus on your recovery. As an experienced accident attorney, he will do his best to strategize a strong case for damages and help you get back on your feet.

Schedule a free consultation with the accident law firm online or call (410) 996-4488 to get started.