Catonsville, MD Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are an unfortunate consequence of driving on Catonsville, MD roads and highways. No one wants to be in a car crash, let alone get injured in one. However, any injuries suffered in a car accident could lead to long-lasting medical issues and economic hardships. You need an experienced Catonsville attorney at your side.

Our Catonsville, MD car accident lawyers have represented hundreds of Maryland residents hurt in car crashes. We are committed to providing our clients with professional legal services. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.

Causes of Car Accidents in Catonsville

Car accidents in Catonsville occur in many different ways. Victims could be injured by various types of negligence and traffic violations, including many of the following.

Distracted drivers who divert their attention from the roadway endanger themselves, their passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Activities such as texting, eating, or even talking with other people in the car distract drivers from driving safely.

A leading cause of car accidents in Maryland and across the nation is drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs or prescription medication. Driving under the influence is a serious legal offense that also presents an unreasonable risk to other motorists.

Aggressive driving or driving while experiencing road rage could result in accidents from small fender-benders to catastrophic multicar pileups. Excessive speeding, reckless lane changes, and disregard for traffic signs and signals could lead to car accidents or crashes with unsuspecting pedestrians.

Sometimes an accident occurs without a driver being careless or reckless. Dangerous road conditions, including uneven pavement or debris on the road, could contribute to a crash. Additionally, if a car malfunctions, has a manufacturing defect, or was poorly repaired, mechanical failures could result in a loss of control and a collision.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Catonsville, Maryland

Many victims of car accidents walk away without a scratch. However, when cars collide, tons of crushing metal and flying debris could lead to severe injuries, including…

  • Head injuries
  • Brain damage
  • Nerve injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Neck injuries
  • Severe lacerations and cuts
  • Paralysis

Steps to Take if You Were in a Car Accident in Catonsville

The first thing anyone should do if they are involved in a car accident is seek immediate attention for any serious injuries sustained. If you are physically able, there are several other steps you should take to protect yourself and your rights.

First, call the police. You will want a detailed police report that includes information about the people and vehicles involved in the accident. the report might also contain preliminary findings regarding the cause of the accident. However, a determination of fault in the report will not necessarily mean that the driver listed at fault will be held legally liable for any harm or damages. Our Catonsville attorneys will carefully review any police report and supporting documentation when preparing your case.

If you are capable, you should take photographs of the scene. Make sure to include several angles of the damaged vehicles and the site of the crash. Consider taking pictures of things such as skid marks, the position of the cars relative to one another, and any signs near the road.

Make sure you collect contact information from eyewitnesses. Their testimony could help establish the cause of the accident and prove who to hold accountable for your injuries.

Finally, make sure to contact our Catonsville car accident attorneys at the Rice, Murtha & Psoras to discuss your rights and options. If any insurance company approaches you, be sure to talk with us first. Under no circumstances should you sign any settlement agreement before speaking with a lawyer.

Factors in Car Accident Settlements in Catonsville

While every car accident is unique, so is every personal injury lawsuit that follows. Our knowledgeable Catonsville lawyers will thoroughly evaluate all of the factors that contributed to the crash and your injuries when negotiating with the defendant’s insurance company or preparing your case for trial.

We will provide expert testimony and medical reports to establish the cause of the crash and the severity and permanent effects of your injuries. By reconstructing the accident through police reports, eyewitness testimony, and evidence from the scene, we will attempt to prove that you were not at fault and that your injuries were a direct result of the other driver’s actions. Additionally, we will present detailed records and accounting to show your monetary losses, including medical expenses and loss of income.

Proving Fault in Catonsville Car Accidents

The circumstances surrounding your accident could make determining liability challenging. To hold another motorist responsible for your injuries and financial costs, you must prove four elements:

Duty of Care

Every motorist in Maryland owes other drivers and pedestrians a duty to operate their vehicle safely and has a responsibility not to endanger other people through negligent driving.

Breach of Duty

When a motorist drives recklessly, carelessly, or aggressively, they deviate from their duty to drive safely.

Causation

Any injuries you sustained must be a direct result of the other motorist’s unsafe driving.

Damages

Your injuries must lead to quantifiable damages. These can be either economic damages (such as medical expenses) or noneconomic damages (such as pain and suffering) Noneconomic damages are often difficult to calculate.

Contributory Negligence in Catonsville, MD Car Crash Cases

In the State of Maryland, an injured party could be barred from compensation if they contributed to the car accident. the doctrine of “contributory negligence” requires that a victim did not contribute in any way to the crash to hold a defendant liable for injuries or damages. Our Catonsville, MD car accident attorneys are prepared to defend against any counterclaims or accusations that you were at fault.

Call Our Catonsville, MD Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Injuries sustained in a car accident could lead to long-lasting injuries and financial hardships. Contact our committed Catonsville, MD car accident lawyers for help representing your interests. Call the Baltimore County car wreck lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free legal consultation with our attorneys.