Car Accident Attorney Fulton Maryland

Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control, more than 35,400 Americans die each year in car accidents, accounting for over $80 billion in medical costs and lost work costs. In Maryland, auto accidents cost $6 million in medical costs and $684 million in lost work costs in 2013 alone.

Car accidents are stressful affairs. Your main concern should be recovery, not how you’re going to pay for your medical bills or make up for lost work time. Unfortunately, insurance companies often make low-ball offers, giving you less than you need to cover expenses. When this happens, retaining the services of a Fulton car accident attorney is the next logical step.

In car accidents caused by the fault of another, the injured victims and/or families who have had a loved one killed can work with a personal injury attorney to try to recover compensation for the injuries and losses they have suffered. Other damages that are possible to recover in court include: lost wages, earning capacity, medical bills, pain and suffering, and wrongful death recoveries.

WHEN YOU’VE BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT

In car accident cases, documentation is crucial. Keep track of all medical bills, repair work, and rehabilitation costs. In the event of serious or permanently disabling injury, a car accident lawyer can help you determine a fair settlement amount based on lost earning capacity. In all cases, be sure to be in close communication with your car attorney. Laws vary by state but a car accident attorney can guide you through the litigation process.

PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION & NO-FAULT INSURANCE

If you’ve purchased car insurance in Maryland or any other states that require personal injury protection (PIP), you’re probably familiar with the term no-fault insurance. In other words, you purchase protection that covers your medical costs, no matter who’s at fault for the accident. Because of this, getting a settlement for your injuries requires a different system than other states.

Though efficient, no-fault insurance policies place strict limits on when you can pursue additional damages. Before you’re eligible to file a claim against the “at-fault” driver, you’ll need to file a mini-tort, in which you can ask the other driver’s insurance company for claims up to $1,000. You must file this before pursuing a personal injury claim, even if your damages far exceed the $1,000 threshold.

Convincing an at-fault driver’s insurance company to give you additional money for damages is a complicated process. Even after you submit all the required documentation – police reports, witness statements, and photographs – they still may deny your claim. No-fault insurance works by submitting all your claim information through your own insurance company. While this is supposed to make the claims process easier for motorists, it also presents unique problems in a personal injury case.

No-fault insurance claims generally pay out with little hassle, but they also set limits on the types of personal injury claims you can pursue. While other states allow you to pursue damages for pain and suffering, Maryland and other states with mandated personal injury protection do not work this way. In general, you can only file a suit when you’ve experienced extensive injuries or accumulated missed work and medical bills beyond a certain threshold.

FULTON, MD CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

The legal team at Discepolo Firm is equipped to handle any car accident case. If you think you have the legal grounds for a personal injury claim, contact our office today. One of our associates will review the specifics of your case and advise you of your next steps. To schedule your consultation today, please contact us. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you only pay if we win.