Edgewood, MD Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can not only disrupt a person’s life; they could leave victims of the disaster with severe or permanent injuries. After a car accident, it is important to take steps that will help you recover compensation from the negligent driver that caused your injuries. If you need assistance pursuing compensation after a car accident in Edgewood, contact an experienced Edgewood car accident lawyer.
At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we are prepared to fight for residents of Maryland that were severely injured in a car crash. Victims of a car crash should not be burdened with expensive medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other costs due to the negligence of another driver. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.
Common Car Accident Injuries
In a vast amount of car accidents, the people involved in the accident are able to escape with minimal or no injuries. However, there are many other cases where victims will suffer life-changing injuries. the following is a list of common car accident injuries that a victim of a car accident may sustain.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when an impact causes a person’s head and neck to rapidly swing forward and snap back into place. Whiplash is a common injury sustained when a victim is involved in a rear-end car accident. Loss of range of motion and severe pain are just some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a person has suffered whiplash. it is essential to seek medical attention after a car accident as a person may not exhibit symptoms of whiplash until days or maybe even weeks after the accident.
Bone Fractures
A victim can suffer a bone fracture in a car accident in a variety of circumstances. For example, if a victim is involved in a T-bone car accident, the impact on the side of the vehicle could cause the victim to suffer a severe bone fracture. As a result, a victim may need surgery to correct their injuries and could require rehabilitation.
Head Injuries
A victim in a car accident can suffer a head injury if their head collides with a hard surface in the vehicle. For example, if a victim hits their head on a steering wheel or an airbag catches them off guard, they could suffer a concussion or another serious injury. Severe head injuries can potentially lead to loss of memory, brain damage, and many other complications.
There are a number of other injuries that a victim may suffer due to a car accident. If you suffered an injury that was not listed above, our firm is available to speak with you about the circumstances of your case. To learn more about filing a lawsuit after a car accident, continue reading and speak with an experienced Edgewood personal injury lawyer.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Edgewood, MD
After a car accident in Edgewood, you should report the accident to your insurance company in order to recover compensation for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. However, recovering compensation from a negligent driver could be difficult if they are underinsured or uninsured. As a result, a victim may have to seek compensation in civil court.
When considering a personal injury lawsuit, you should be aware that your claim is subject to the statute of limitations. This means a potential plaintiff will only have a limited amount of time to file their lawsuit. If the plaintiff fails to file their lawsuit within the strict timeframe, they will be unable to pursue compensation for their injuries.
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. If a plaintiff does not file within three years, a defendant can file a motion to dismiss the case once it is filed.
Three years is a generous amount of time to file a lawsuit. However, you should not wait until the final few months to consider pursuing your claim. There could be a number of circumstances that may have changed since the accident occurred. For example, a vital witness that you need to prove your case may have moved to a different state or country.
Proving a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Car Accident in Edgewood, MD
To receive damages for a personal injury lawsuit, a plaintiff must show how the defendant caused their injuries. Many personal injury claims require a plaintiff to show a defendant acted negligently. There are four elements that a plaintiff must prove to show negligence:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care (e.g., refrain from drunk driving)
- The defendant breached their duty of care
- The plaintiff suffered an injury due to the defendant’s actions
- The plaintiff sustained an injury that is compensable by a court of law
Once all four elements are proven, a plaintiff can receive compensatory damages for their injuries. Compensatory damages can be awarded for economic and noneconomic losses. the following is a list of economic and noneconomic losses that can be compensated:
- Medical bills
- Cost of rehabilitation and medication
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repairs
Contact Our Experienced Edgewood Car Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Claim
If you or a family member were injured in a serious car accident, you should consult with an experienced Edgewood car accident attorney. Personal injury lawyer Randolph Rice has extensive experience litigating complex injury claims, and he is ready to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation with our car accident injury attorneys, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact us online.