Practice Areas Car Accidents

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer

As an experienced Baltimore car accident attorney, John J. Leppler understands the frequency and seriousness of car accidents in the Baltimore area, but more importantly, he understands the impact it has on your life and the life of your loved ones.

A serious injury can leave you living in pain with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and losses you can’t quantify, like not being able to hold your child or drive. If this sounds like you – if your life has been impacted by a collision, crash, accident or injury – a Baltimore auto accident lawyer can help. You have legal options; let’s explore them together.

Topics
Car Accident Statistics
Dangerous Locations for Baltimore Drivers
Common Causes of Car Accidents
What to Do Immediately after a Car Crash
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’ve Been in a Maryland Car Accident?
How a Car Crash Attorney Can Help with Your Claim
What Types of Crashes and Collisions Can an Auto Accident Lawyer Help With?
What Kind of Compensation is Available After a Car Crash?
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Maryland?
Maryland Car Accident Laws
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Baltimore Auto Accident Lawyer?

Car Accident Statistics in Maryland

Maryland has a reputation for being one of the least accommodating states to motorists.

Some causes of this point towards the fact that Maryland features poor infrastructure and high insurance costs. In addition, urban congestion is a consistent problem inside the state and unfortunately, road safety is also a major concern in Maryland.

In 2021, the state of Maryland recorded a total of 108,629 vehicular crashes, and 523 of those incidents ended up becoming fatal. The numbers do not get any better even if you pull back and use the five-year average to evaluate road safety in the Old Line State. If anything, it paints an even more troublesome picture for motorists. Specific counties are known for being accident-prone including:

• Baltimore County
• Prince George’s County
• Charles County

We cannot ignore what the statistics are saying about road safety in Maryland. Instead, we need to acknowledge the real dangers that are always present so we can prepare better for anything that could happen. Knowing the number of an auto accident lawyer is also smart because you can never be sure when you will need to make that call.

A recent study conducted by Bankrate places Maryland as the third worst state in the country for driving.

Dangerous Locations for Baltimore Drivers

Certain spots in Baltimore, Towson, and other Baltimore County locales are more dangerous for motorists than others. Driving carefully is always a must but be even more cautious while using certain roads in Baltimore County.

• The Jones Falls Expressway is one road that drivers must always approach extra cautiously. Because of the road’s unusual design, it is easy to misjudge a turn and crash into a structure or vehicle nearby. Rush hour can heighten the risk of using the Jones Falls Expressway as it is easier to rear-end a vehicle with everyone clustered closely together.
• Washington Boulevard is another road with a bad reputation among Baltimore County drivers. It is especially tricky to navigate if you need to use the intersection connected to South Monroe Street.
• I95: Motorists in Baltimore County are also well aware of how dangerous using Interstate 95 can be. Trucks often use the interstate, so you need to be wary of them.

You need to be careful driving through Baltimore County, but additional care is warranted if you use any of the roads we discussed.

The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Maryland

As an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer John Leppler will tell you that being involved in an collision or crash is always a possibility whenever we take to the road. Even so, it should not be a foregone conclusion that you will need the services of a car crash attorney at some point.

You can take precautionary measures to keep yourself and your passengers safe while traveling. Learning more about the common causes of car crashes and collisions is one thing you can do to prepare yourself better for your future trips. We have detailed some of those common causes below.

Alcohol Consumption

Heading the list of things you should never do before driving a car is consuming alcohol. If you plan to have an alcoholic drink, your trip home should involve a designated driver, a taxi, or a rideshare driver. Limiting your consumption of alcohol does not permit you to go behind the wheel since alcohol’s effects can be unpredictable.

Some days, even a single alcoholic drink may be enough to impair your senses. You should never take the risk that something like that could happen while you are driving.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is right there up with drunk driving as an example of the worst things you can do while on the road. Controlling your vehicle requires your undivided attention. Your eyes must remain fixed on the road, and your hands must remain on the wheel constantly. Anything that causes your eyes or hands to move elsewhere is a dangerous distraction that could lead to an accident.

Using your smartphone while driving is probably the most common example of distracted driving. Eating and putting on makeup while you are behind the wheel are equally bad habits that you must drop immediately if you have them.

Even listening to music or podcasts can be risky if they divert your attention too much from the road. If there is something urgent that you need to do while on the road, pull over before you do it so you can stay safe. Do not let that distraction lead to an unfortunate car collision or crash.

Driving while Fatigued or Stressed Out

There may be times when you are simply in no condition to drive. The issue could be related to how tired you are. If you are sleep-deprived, driving is almost always a bad idea. You should rest before you sit in the driver’s seat again.

Stress can also impair your driving ability. The stress you are carrying can be an active distraction that makes you more susceptible to accidents. Avoid driving and use that opportunity to manage your stress level instead.

Careless Driving

Driving is a privilege, and it is one only granted to those who have shown that they can be responsible on the road. If you ignore traffic laws and drive aggressively all the time, you are showing that you do not deserve that privilege.

Aside from getting yourself in trouble with the law, driving carelessly could also lead to a collision, crash or injury. Drop that habit as soon as possible and remember what is expected of you as a Maryland motorist.

What to Do Immediately after a Car Crash

You are never truly prepared for a car accident. Even if you take all the precautions necessary before setting out on your trip, it is still difficult to deal with the aftermath of something like that. Following the steps detailed below should make that type of situation more manageable.

• Check if Anyone inside Your Vehicle Is Injured: Car accidents can lead to broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and organ-related injuries. Those types of injuries could be serious so check yourself immediately if you were involved in a car accident. You must do the same thing for your passengers if you can.
• Call 911 Immediately: The injuries we mentioned above have the potential to be life-threatening. Even if they are not life-threatening, they can still be life-altering if you do not have them treated right away. That is part of the reason you should call 911 immediately after your involvement in an auto collision, crash or accident. Calling 911 is still the right action even if no one in your vehicle is injured. You will need police officers at the scene so tell the 911 operator to send them right away.
• Obtain the Other Driver’s Information: If you are feeling well enough to step out of your vehicle, you can go to the other driver and start asking for their information. You will specifically need their name, contact details, and insurance information.
• Avoid Speaking Any Further to the Other Driver: The other driver may attempt to rope you into a conversation after you get their information. Deny their attempt at doing so because you will gain nothing from that conversation. Tell them that they can reach out to your car crash attorney if they have something they need to say.
• Work on Collecting Evidence: Evidence should be plentiful at the scene of your accident. Now would be a good time to start collecting those pieces. Take pictures of the accident site and the cars involved because you will likely use those later. Talking to witnesses and getting their statements is also highly recommended.
• Speak to the Police Officers: Approach the police officers as soon as they arrive so you can recount the events that led up to the accident; this is also when you can hand over the evidence. Do not forget to take down the names and contact details of the police officers before you finish your conversation with them.
• Notify Your Insurer: Getting your accident on the record will be helpful if you have plans of filing a lawsuit. That is why you should notify your insurer about what happened. You can end your conversation with the insurer after telling them about your accident. Speaking to them any further could also be risky. Leave that task up to your car collision lawyer.
• Pay a Visit to Your Doctor: Many car accident victims also sustain brain injuries. Err on the side of caution and head to your doctor so you can get examined for those injuries.
• Work with a Car Crash Injury Lawyer: Claiming compensation from the driver who caused the accident will not be easy. Partner with a Baltimore auto accident lawyer to increase the odds of your lawsuit succeeding.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I am in a Car Accident in Baltimore?

Hiring a car crash lawyer is highly recommended due to the reasons we already mentioned earlier. Aside from those reasons, you should also hire a lawyer because the other party will seek legal representation also.

Trying to argue your case against a lawyer will probably not turn out too well. Experienced lawyers know how to twist facts and statements to become more favorable to their clients. Even if the facts are on your side, which may not matter much if you are going up against a lawyer who is willing to do whatever it takes to win a case. Your best bet in that scenario is to get an equally skilled lawyer to represent you in court.

How a Car Crash Attorney Can Help with Your Claim

The services provided by a lawyer can prove incredibly useful in car accident cases. Do not shy away from seeking their help if you are looking for fair compensation.

Bolster Your Case by Gathering More Evidence

The fatal car accident attorney you hired can strengthen your case by gathering additional evidence. They can speak to witnesses and the police in an attempt to find more evidence that relates to your case. They may also acquire video evidence that can further prove that the accident was not your fault.

Communicate with the Other Driver and Their Representatives

Speaking to the other driver and their representatives is risky and also stressful. It is not something you should be doing in your injured state. Let your lawyer handle that so you can continue recovering.

Negotiate a Settlement with the Other Driver and Their Representatives

If the other side is serious about reaching a fair settlement, negotiating with them is not a bad idea. Your car collision lawyer knows how much you can receive if you win your lawsuit. They will use that knowledge to negotiate a settlement that is representative of your strong legal position.

What Types of Crashes and Collisions Can an Auto Accident Lawyer Help With?

Car crash lawyers can help residents in these types of accidents and many more. Regardless of the accident, if you are injured, and those injuries impact your life, you should reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Baltimore to learn about your legal options.

• Hit and Run Accidents. It is most common for hit-and-run accidents to include pedestrians and bicyclists, although car-on-car accidents also occur on Baltimore highways.
• Ridesharing Accidents. Ridesharing has become a popular alternative to traditional taxi services, with many relying on Uber and Lyft as a main form of transportation. But when an accident occurs it isn’t as cut and dry as traditional owner-driven accidents.
• Multi-car accidents. A multi-car collision occurs when more than one vehicle is involved in the accident. Multi-car accidents are more likely to occur in areas with heavy traffic, like construction zones.
• Broadside collisions. Often referred to as “T-bone” collisions, these types of Baltimore car accidents occur when another car hits your driver or passenger doors from the side, often because a driver has run a red light or stop sign. These types of accidents commonly cause broken bones and crush injuries. Reach out to a t-bone accident lawyer if you have been in this kind of accident.
• Rear-end accidents. Rear-end accidents are the most common type of car accident and are most likely to occur when traffic is backed up. Rear-end collisions typically result in whiplash injuries or even traumatic head and brain injuries if your head hits the dashboard or airbag due to excessive force.
• Head-on collisions. Our head-on collision lawyer defines a head-on collision as “the front end of one vehicle colliding with the front end of another vehicle while the two vehicles are traveling in opposite directions.” Head-on collisions also cause whiplash injuries or traumatic head and brain injuries, along with facial and upper body lacerations.
• Distracted driving accidents. Across the country, distracted driving accidents are on the rise, and Maryland is no different. Accidents due to texting, calling, eating, or otherwise engaging in phone-related distractions behind the wheel can lead to serious accidents.
• DUI and driving accidents. In the United States, an average of 12,000 people are killed annually in DUI accidents, which accounts for more than 30 percent of all traffic fatalities. If you’ve been injured due to an impaired driver, you have rights.
• Wrong way car accidents. Wrong way accidents are not uncommon in Baltimore County and in many states are on the rise.

What Kind of Compensation is Available After a Car Accident in Baltimore?

In Maryland, damages that can be recovered after a car accident case are broken up into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages, which include medical bills, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expense related to your injuries.
• Non-economic damages, which include mental anguish, pain and suffering, inconvenience, and other intangible harms and losses that have been caused by the accident.

There are limits on the recovery of non-economic damages awarded after a car accident case in Maryland, called “caps.” Currently, the cap on non-economic damages caused by car accidents is $905,000.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Maryland?

The compensation you can receive if you decide to negotiate a settlement will vary based on the severity of your injuries. If you sustained minor injuries from the accident, your settlement amount may be closer to $20,000.

Victims who suffered broken bones and/or brain injuries from the accident may ask for around $90,000 and still have their demands met. Make sure you hire a skilled car accident attorney so they can negotiate a favorable settlement for you.

Maryland Car Accident Laws

Blame plays a disproportionately large role in Maryland car accident cases. Because the state follows the principle of contributory negligence, they may bar plaintiffs from receiving compensation if they share even one% of the blame for the accident. Do not allow the other driver to cast undeserved blame on you by seeking the help of a fatal car accident lawyer.

You should also note that the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Maryland is three years. Do your work early, so you do not brush up anywhere near that deadline. If you need more time to recover, you can always ask your lawyer to handle the filing process for you.

Car Accidents vs. Truck Accidents in Baltimore

Due to the size of the vehicles involved, truck accidents typically result in severe injuries and more substantial losses than your average car accident. Accidents involving “big rigs” and 18- wheelers commonly result in fatalities.

You need an experienced truck accident lawyer like John Leppler to guide clients through the medical process, helping minimize all medical bills. Other trucking accidents might include dump trucks, garbage trucks, industrial equipment, RVs, or large trucks hauling 5th wheels and horse trailers.

How Baltimore Auto Accident Lawyer John Leppler Plays for You

An experienced Baltimore auto accident attorney can handle all aspects of your personal injury claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being. Collision attorney Leppler will analyze your case during your free consultation, provide you with legal options, help you decide your best course of action, gather and organize the evidence necessary to establish your claim, assign liability, and handle your claims during settlement negotiations or at trial.

We’ll aggressively fight the insurance companies and won’t back down by accepting an undervalued settlement. Attorney Leppler will personally handle your case from beginning to end with an unwavering commitment to win.

Is the Consultation with Collision Lawyer John Leppler Really Free?

Yes, your free consultation is 100% free, with no obligation on your part. When you call or email, Baltimore car collision attorney John Leppler will ask you questions about your accident and injuries, provide you with your legal options, and help you decide the best course of action for your unique circumstances. We welcome the opportunity to answer all of your questions.

Baltimore Car Accident Attorney

As a top local Baltimore personal injury lawyer, we offer the important convenience and qualities that you won’t always find at big law firms:

• 24/7 accessibility and attention to detail throughout the legal process
• Free, no-obligation consultations
• No fee unless we win
• Same-day responses to messages
• Aggressive dealing with insurance companies and opposing attorneys
• Personalized and customized attention to the details of your unique case

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Baltimore, first seek immediate medical attention, then contact us either by email or by phone at 443-955-1989 for a same-day response, even before you contact your insurance company.

We have the experience and understanding of the law regarding the injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident and will treat you with compassion and respect and your claim with efficiency and care. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Some of the locations we serve in Baltimore County including: Baltimore city, Towson, Rosedale, Dundalk, Cockeysville, Lutherville-Timonium, Lochearn, Overlea, Parkville, Essex, Glen Burnie, Ferndale, Pikesville, Carney, Catonsville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Perry Hall, Hampton, White Marsh, and more.