Caroline County, MD Car Accident Lawyer

Just because the roads of Caroline County tend to be quieter than those across the Chesapeake doesn’t mean that accidents don’t still happen. Car accidents affect people from all walks of life, and no matter who you are, they can be devastating. the injuries, property damage, hospital and repair bills, and other consequences of a car crash can linger for years, and they can be very difficult to face without the right experience.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Caroline County, know that the car accident attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras have you back. Our team of professionals has years of experience working with victims of car accidents to hold those who caused your accident accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. To learn more about our services or to schedule a free and private consultation with a Caroline County car accident lawyer, visit us online or call (410) 694-7291 today.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Caroline County, MD

Despite the many laws meant to protect people on the roads, there are still drivers who choose to neglect their responsibilities and wind up causing car accidents in Caroline County. There are many reasons why these tragic incidents occur, the vast majority of which are preventable. Below, you’ll find a few of the most common causes of car accidents along Caroline County’s roadways.

Distracted Driving

With all the technological marvels in our cars and at our fingertips, it’s very easy to be tempted into distraction. Whether it’s to answer a text you’ve been waiting for or to read an alert with the latest news, smartphones present perhaps the greatest threat to drivers’ attention spans while driving. Other things that frequently distract drivers include adjusting the radio, using a GPS device, talking to passengers, eating or drinking, and fixing hair or makeup.

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Everyone on the road should know the basics of safe driving: obey any signs that are posted, stop for red lights and stop signs, use your turn signals before changing lanes or making a turn, follow the posted speed limits, etc. When someone decides not to comply with these rules, disaster is often the result. Car accidents caused by excessive speeding, especially, are often among the deadliest, leading to personal and financial losses in Caroline County and across the country.

Drunk Driving

As much fun as a night out at the bar can be, driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal – and for good reason. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and generally makes it much more difficult to operate a vehicle properly. Many families across Maryland have lost loved ones thanks to drunk driving, and despite the heavy penalties this offense can carry, motorists continue to drive drunk in Caroline County.

What to Do After a Caroline County Car Accident

Car accidents happen all the time, but many drivers don’t know what to do immediately after a crash. This period of time is crucial, both for the health of those involved and for any potential lawsuit you might have to file; that’s why knowing how to handle yourself after a car accident in Caroline County is very important.

Seek Medical Attention

The first priority of anyone who has just been in a serious car accident should be to seek out medical attention. Even if you feel fine, many of the injuries common in car crashes don’t become evident until hours or days later; whiplash, for example, can significantly limit your ability to move your head and neck, but often only after some time has passed. Getting medical attention can help you avoid these painful developments, and it can help with your lawsuit as well.

Collect Contact and Insurance Information

Once you’ve been checked out by an EMT or other medical professional, make sure you get the contact information of the other parties involved in the accident. Don’t discuss fault; simply record their name, address, phone number, and insurance information for your records. Then, talk to any witnesses that may have been present at the scene of the accident and get their contact info as well.

Photograph the Scene

If you have a camera on your phone, take as many pictures of the scene as you can. Make sure to include shots of the damage to both vehicles, the area where the accident happened, the conditions of the roadway, and any other things that you think might be relevant to your case. This evidence will come in handy later.

Get a Police Report

Finally, try to get a copy of the police report regarding your accident. These reports often include a number of observations made by law enforcement, which can further aid you in establishing the facts of your case. Make sure you cooperate with any requests the police may make, and feel free to ask them where you can pick up your copy of the report.

Experienced Car Accident Attorney Serving Caroline County Drivers

Navigating the aftermath of a serious car accident can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been in a similar situation. Luckily, the Caroline County car accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras have the experience necessary to guide you through this difficult time. If your accident was the fault of someone else, we can fight to get you the compensation you need to handle the medical bills, car repair bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that often results from a car accident. To discuss your case with a skilled legal representative in a free and private consultation, visit us online or call (410) 694-7291 today.