Car Accident Lawyer Hyattsville, MD

 

If you are a car accident victim searching for a trusted car accident lawyer in Hyattsville, Maryland, don’t wait to learn about your legal options. There is limited time to file a claim if you have suffered serious injuries as a result of a negligent driver. The legal team at Azari Law, LLC has years of experience helping clients recover the losses after a terrible accident. Whether you have high medical bills or need assistance fighting a particularly complex case, the lawyers at Azari Law, LLC can help.

When you need a lawyer to assist you after a car accident, you can count on a skilled lawyer from Azari Law, LLC. With practice experience in a variety of areas, from criminal defense, medical malpractice, personal injury, traffic law, and much more, they are highly knowledgeable about the legal system and what it takes to achieve a positive case outcome. They understand that each client has unique needs, so they are dedicated to giving you the personalized legal assistance that you deserve. Contact a lawyer now to receive assistance. 

Types of Car Accidents

As an experienced car accident lawyer in Hyattsville is familiar with, car accidents come in many types. The severity of injuries that victims sustain often depend on the type of accident they were involved in. For example, a rear-end collision generally inflicts more damage than a sideswipe accident. However, speed and the angle the vehicle was hit from are also major factors. Whatever type of accident you were involved in, a lawyer can investigate your case and determine what damages you can recover. Here are just a few of the types of car accidents that a lawyer may work on:

Rear-End Accidents

These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. They are often caused by tailgating, sudden stops, or distracted driving. Injuries can range from whiplash to more severe spinal injuries, depending on the impact’s force.

T-Bone Accidents

Also known as side-impact collisions, these happen when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle. These accidents are common at intersections and can result in significant injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of vehicles.

Sideswipe Accidents

These involve two vehicles colliding side-by-side. They often occur when one driver tries to change lanes without noticing another vehicle in the adjacent lane. Sideswipe accidents can cause a loss of vehicle control, leading to more serious accidents.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are particularly dangerous due to impaired judgment and reaction times. These accidents can lead to severe and often fatal injuries.

Wrong-Way Accidents

These accidents happen when a driver travels in the wrong direction on a roadway or highway, often leading to head-on collisions. These are among the most severe accidents due to the high speeds and direct impact involved.

Hit and Run Accidents

In these situations, one party involved in the accident flees the scene without providing contact information or aiding the injured. This can complicate legal and insurance claims, making it harder for victims to receive compensation.

In any car accident case at Azari Law, LLC, we as a team of experienced lawyers in Hyattsville diligently investigate the specific circumstances, including the type of accident, to accurately determine liability and assess the extent of damages. Our role at Azari Law, LLC is pivotal in safeguarding the rights of the victims and ensuring they receive the appropriate compensation for their injuries and losses. Our commitment is to provide thorough and compassionate legal support to each client we represent.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

Whiplash

Even a minor car accident may take a toll on your body, whipping you back and forth. Discomfort or pain in your neck or back after a motor vehicle accident may indicate whiplash. While not permanent, strained ligaments and muscles may leave you in pain for several weeks. Have a doctor inspect you for the injury, and work with a car accident lawyer in Hyattsville, MD, to recover compensation for the harm you suffered. 

Contusions/Bruising

Another common injury that may result from a minor car collision is bruising. While a seatbelt may keep you safe during an accident, it could also bruise you. Bruises and contusions heal on their own over time but still require observation. 

Back and Neck Injuries

A car accident lawyer in Hyattsville, MD, from Azari Law, LCC, has the resources to help you determine if you suffered neck or back injuries. Examples of these injuries include disc ruptures and herniations. Depending on the injury’s severity, you may experience limited mobility and extreme pain. Neck and back injuries may require surgery or physical therapy. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries

One essential reason to have your doctor look you over after a major or minor car crash is in case you sustained a potentially life-changing injury, such as a traumatic brain injury. These injuries affect the way the brain processes information, functions and handles emotions. Azari Law, LCC and your car accident lawyer in Hyattsville, MD, may help you find medical professionals to diagnose and treat your brain injury. Even if a person recovers from a brain injury, she or he may spend a lifetime treating the injury, depending on its severity.

Concussions

If you hit your head during the collision, or if something struck you in the skull, you could have a concussion. Symptoms of the injury include memory problems, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and confusion. Proper treatment helps concussion patients regain brain functionality and treat headaches caused by the injury.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Other than physical harm, a car crash may cause psychological harm. Days after the incident, you may experience anxiety, stress or depression related to the accident. Additional symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by a car accident include aversion to specific images or sounds connected to the crash, feeling anxious about driving or getting into a vehicle again, and experiencing nightmares about the collision. If you suspect you could have PTSD connected to the crash, consider seeing a mental health therapist or psychologist. 

Preserve Your Rights 

Knowing the steps to preserving your rights and improving your chances of winning a settlement is critical after a car accident. Just because you are a victim in a car accident does not mean you automatically have a strong case. Your actions can affect the strength of your case positively or negatively. For example, sharing too many case details to people other than your lawyer can harm your case since your words can be used against you. 

In addition to taking basic steps such as reporting the accident, seeking medical attention and taking photos of the accident scene, you should also be aware of when to seek legal assistance. If you are having difficulty dealing with insurance or have been offered a settlement, you may want to obtain the assistance of a lawyer. 

Legal Advice is Available

Recovering after a car accident when you have sustained life-changing injuries is hard enough, but when you also have to handle a claim it only makes it more difficult. Let a skilled lawyer work on your case for you so that you can stay focused on healing and recovery. Contact a skilled and trusted car accident lawyer who serves clients in the Hyattsville, MD community today for legal advice. 

Do I have to speak to the other driver’s insurance company?

After a car accident, you may receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company, and this may happen regardless of who is at fault for the accident. If the collision was not your fault, they may try to contact you to find a way to disprove your claim. Insurance companies are always out to save money, not pay out money, which means that they do not put their clients first.

You should know that you are not legally required to talk to the other driver’s insurance company, but then the question becomes, should you speak to the other driver’s insurance company? This answer is slightly less straightforward, but it is very likely that your lawyer will tell you not to speak to the other drivers car company, this is because if there is any potential for you or anybody else that was involved in this car crash to make a claim, the insurance company is looking to discredit your claim before you can make it.

By talking to them, you may ruin your case, and if your logger does tell you not to speak to them, you should listen to your lawyer. They understand and have more experience dealing with insurance companies and the tricks that insurance companies use.

The insurance company is going to try to use whatever you say to them against you in neutrino to encourage you to say the wrong things, even if you think this is just something that is insignificant, they will find a way to use it against you.

The best thing to do in this situation is talk to your lawyer and see what your lawyer says, and follow the advice they are giving you. They know more than you about the insurance companies and how to deal with them. You may be wondering if it is ever a good idea to talk to the insurance company, we always think that you should always talk to your lawyer before you talk to the insurance company in any way, it can be a good idea if the other driver was clearly at fault but will not speak to their own company.

This is that you would only speak to the insurance company to inform them about the accident, they may not know about the event. They may not know what had occurred during the accident were the injuries that you have obtained for the damage to your car. In this circumstance if you do not speak to the insurance company you may actually lose your ability to file a claim entirely. You should still be very careful about what information you’re giving the insurance company, and you can even have your lawyer provide that information for you so that you are not the one risking everything.

You should not speak to the other driver’s insurance company if you have severe injuries, have required a hospital stay after your accident, have long-term health complications, required medical treatments that were worth more than $2000 minimum, you had to miss work or school, there is a dispute over who is at fault, more than one person was injured, or if you feel uncertain about what occurred.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

There are many causes of car accidents. Some car accidents are the fault of multiple people and some are the fault of manufacturing companies. For example, there might be a situation where two drivers are distracted and both of them share a degree of blame in a collision that impacts you and others. There might be a situation where the other driver was abiding by traffic laws and driving well, but her or his tires went out due to no fault of her or his own or a truck hits your car and the truck was poorly manufactured or maintained by its trucking company. Poor weather conditions, like icy roads or unshoveled, thick snow may cause an otherwise preventable collision.

But there are other situations where the at-fault driver was negligent, and you are entitled to sue for economic and non-economic compensation for your financial and emotional damages. These negligent actions include:

• Driving while fatigued
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driving while texting
• Driving while putting on makeup
• Driving the wrong way
• Speeding
• Improper turning, and more

In order to prove that a driver was negligent, you must show that the at-fault driver 1) owed you a duty of care, 2) breached that duty of care and 3) that breach is the proximate cause of your injuries. Any person who gets behind the wheel of a car owes you a duty to be a safe driver who follows traffic laws.

Understanding Shared Fault in Vehicle Accidents

When involved in a car accident, it’s not always clear-cut who is at fault. Sometimes, both parties may have contributed to the incident. This is where understanding the concept of shared fault becomes crucial. In Hyattsville, MD, like many other places, the law considers the possibility that more than one party can be responsible for an accident.

Engaging a knowledgeable Car Accident Lawyer in Hyattsville, MD, becomes vital in these scenarios. Firms like Azari Law, LLC specialize in navigating the complexities of shared fault in car accidents. They help in assessing the situation, determining the degree of fault, and guiding you through the legal implications.

Comparative Negligence Explained

Maryland follows the rule of contributory negligence, which is a key factor in shared fault cases. This means if you are even partially at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. However, a skilled attorney from Azari Law, LLC can help determine if this rule applies to your case and advise on the best course of action.

The Importance of Gathering Evidence

When you’re partially at fault, evidence becomes even more critical. Photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports are invaluable in establishing the extent of each party’s fault. Azari Law, LLC can assist in compiling and analyzing this evidence to strengthen your case.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts by arguing that you were partially at fault. This is where having a competent Car Accident Lawyer from Hyattsville, MD, becomes essential. They negotiate with insurers on your behalf, aiming to secure fair compensation despite the shared fault aspect.

How Compensation is Affected

The amount of compensation you can receive in a shared fault scenario is directly impacted by your degree of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by that percentage. Legal expertise from firms like Azari Law, LLC is crucial in arguing for a lower percentage of fault and maximizing your compensation.

Legal Support Throughout the Process

From filing claims to representing you in court if necessary, a car accident lawyer provides comprehensive support. At Azari Law, LLC, we understand the nuances of shared fault cases and work tirelessly to advocate on your behalf.

What To Do After A Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, a good car accident lawyer in Hyattsville MD will tell you that you must take certain actions immediately afterwards. For one, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have called 911 and until after you have exchanged all necessary identifying information, such as your name, address, and insurance information. It’s also in your best interest to take pictures of the scene, including any damage done to your vehicle. 

Sometimes, you might be the victim of a hit and run. This means that whoever hit your car continued driving as if nothing happened. If this happens, you can do one of two things. You can follow that car and write down the car’s license plate number. It’s important to get the license plate number because you cannot rely on there having been a traffic cam present that recorded the at-fault driver. Also, without a license plate number, it’s that much harder to locate the person who hit you and, without this information, it is essentially impossible to sue for compensation.

The other option, if you’ve been involved in a hit and run is to stay at the scene, take pictures, and call 911. Depending on the location, such as if the car accident occurred in a parking lot, you may ask witnesses if they noticed the color, model, and make of the car that hit you or if they know who the person was, or if they saw the car’s license plate. Sometimes, if the at-fault driver hit you after making a purchase from a nearby store, you can request a videotape from that store of its parking lot to see the at-fault driver and her or his car.

Do Not Forget To Contact Law Enforcement Agencies 

Drivers who face problems associated with automobile accidents sometimes voluntarily choose not to contact law enforcement officers. This is a mistake because the other driver may lie about his or her identity or his or her insurance coverage. If the other driver lies about these items of information then you may not have any other means of recovering financial compensation for your personal injuries. 

You may lose the driver’s contact information and insurance information. If this occurs then you may have no option for obtaining any amount of money for your injuries. If you do not contact law enforcement agencies at the accident scene you will not have a traffic collision report that can be part of your personal injury case. You need evidence to establish who caused the automobile accident in which you suffered personal injury. 

A traffic collision report will help you because it supports your story as the accident victim and it will counteract any lies or false assertions uttered by the other driver. You should contact 911 first and then call an experienced personal injury attorney who can answer your most pressing questions. 

Do Not Make Recorded Statements 

You should not give any recorded statements to any insurance company before you speak with a personal injury lawyer. The insurance carrier does not believe that you should be compensated for your injuries. Most insurance companies want to maximize their profits and therefore pay as little money as possible. As an automobile accident victim you need to focus on recovering as much as you possibly can from the insurance companies. 

You may receive letters or phone calls from the insurance company asking you to make a recorded statement. Do not succumb to this trick used by insurance companies. Many insurance companies will try to trick an automobile accident victim into admitting liability for the automobile accident. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Azari Law, LLC before you provide any party with any recorded statement. 

Do Not Wait Too Long To File Your Legal Claims 

In the State of Maryland there is a specific period of time in which automobile accident victims must file their claims for personal injuries against another party. In most jurisdictions, personal injury actions must be brought within two years of the date of the accident which caused the injuries. This means that if you wait longer than two years to file a legal claim then you will be forever barred from bringing any personal injury claims related to that specific incident. 

Wrongful death cases may have a different statute of limitations period depending on which state’s law applies. However, in most jurisdictions the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years. It is important that you speak with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible after you suffer injuries during an accident. 

Hyattsville Car Accident Infographic

Car Accident FAQs

What steps should I take immediately following a car accident in Maryland?

After a car accident in Maryland, your safety and health are paramount. First, ensure you and your passengers are safe and seek medical attention if needed. Then, call the police to report the accident; this is essential for legal and insurance purposes. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, and insurance information. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, and gather contact information from any witnesses. It’s also important to contact your insurance company to report the accident. Lastly, consider consulting with a local attorney to understand your rights and options.

How is fault determined in Maryland car accidents?

Maryland follows a “contributory negligence” rule, meaning if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover compensation. Fault is typically determined by examining evidence from the accident scene, police reports, witness statements, and sometimes, expert testimonies. Insurance companies also conduct their own investigations. Due to Maryland’s strict approach to fault, it’s advisable to seek legal guidance to navigate these complexities and protect your rights.

What types of compensation can I claim after a car accident in Maryland?

In Maryland, you can claim various types of compensation following a car accident, depending on the specifics of your case. These include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. The compensation aims to cover both your immediate and long-term financial needs arising from the accident. An experienced attorney can help assess the full extent of your eligible compensation.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Maryland?

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you must initiate legal proceedings within this timeframe. Failing to do so could result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly in cases involving minors or certain types of injuries, so it’s important to consult an attorney for specific guidance related to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident case in Maryland?

While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to consult with a lawyer after a car accident in Maryland, especially given the state’s contributory negligence law. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complex legal system, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation. They can also assist in gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, and representing you in court if necessary. Having legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Contact Azari Law, LLC Today To Schedule A Free Consultation 

Contact Azari Law, LLC today to learn more about the legal services we offer. You can call our office at (301) 362-3300 and speak with a member of our legal team. Our automobile accident lawyers in Hyattsville, Maryland can help you and your loved ones who may have suffered injury during an automobile accident.