Garrett County, MD Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Garrett County, MD, we can help. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we can help you fight aggressively to protect your rights while you focus on healing from your injuries. Let our experience, dedication, and skill assist you during this trying time.

We will fight tirelessly to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. Backed by many years of hands of hand-on experience, we know what needs to be done to provide you with the quality legal assistance you deserve. Call our Garrett County car accident lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (410) 694-7291.

Causes of Car Accidents in Garrett County, MD

Many variables come into play when analyzing a crash. Every car accident is different, and each one has its complexities and details. Over the years, government agencies have discovered different causes that play a significant role in car crashes. Some of the most prevalent causes of car accidents in Garrett County and around the country include:

Distracted Driving

Every second a driver is distracted on the road, increases the risk of a severe crash. Throughout the years, the State of Maryland has worked diligently to prevent car accidents caused by distracted drivers. For instance, the state prohibits the use of smartphones while driving unless the driver uses a hands-free device. While this has been one of the most significant causes of driver distractions, the state also recognizes other behavior such as eating and drinking, grooming, reading, and adjusting the radio as potentially-dangerous distractors.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), distractions contributed to 9% of all fatal crashes in 2017. You may feel like there is nothing you can do other than hoping you can heal fast enough to return to your normal life. However, our Garrett County car accident lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Speeding

Speeding is considered one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. All drivers are expected to operate their vehicles as specified by traffic law. However, many drivers opt to disregard their legal obligation and drive well above the established speed limits. Frequently, speeding leads to devastating accidents that can cause severe injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the road.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding was a factor in 26% of all crashes involving a fatality in 2018. Furthermore, speeding was also a significant factor in thousands of accidents involving significant injuries. If you or a loved one were injured in a speed-related crash in Garrett County, our car accident attorneys can help.

DUI

DUI or driving under the influence of alcohol has been a significant cause of car accidents for decades. Drinking and driving can lead to poor judgment and decision-making on the road. Furthermore, an alcohol-impaired driver can have a slower reaction time and a lack of coordination. the combination of all of these elements can have a significant impact in a car crash.

Every year, DUI results in thousands of arrests, accidents, injuries, and deaths in the U.S. According to the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations), more than a million drivers were arrested for drinking and driving in 2018. Despite many efforts to prevent these accidents, many individuals keep driving under the effect of alcohol every day on our roads. If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Garrett County, we can help you take the liable parties to court.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Garrett County

Car accidents can lead to many different injuries. Some drivers are lucky enough to walk out of their crash with some mild cuts and bruises. However, other people may suffer severe injuries that can put their safety and lives at risk. One of the most common types of injuries a driver can sustain during a crash is traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBI can be described as a brain dysfunction caused by a heavy blow to the head. This type of injury can also be caused by penetrating objects causing direct damage to the brain’s tissue. During a car crash, it is common for a person to hit their head against different parts of their vehicle. the danger of TBI is many of its debilitating symptoms can manifest time after the injury.

Confusion, blurry vision, vomiting, and loss of memory are examples of symptoms that can happen immediately after or time after severe head trauma. TBI victims may require emergency medical treatment, surgery, or continuing medical attention, which can be costly. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in Garrett County, you may get compensation to cover your medical expenses.

Back injuries are also common in car accidents. Depending on the extent of the injury, a person can face devastating consequences. For instance, drivers who sustain damage to their spinal cord can suffer from severe conditions, such as quadriplegia and paraplegia. These medical conditions often require costly surgeries, continuing medical assistance, and therapy.

Many people have also sustained painful and life-threatening broken bone injuries in car accidents in the U.S. A broken bone not only can cause extreme pain, but it can also pierce through the skin, or cut through internal organs. Most of the time, severe bone injuries require several surgical procedures, and a lengthy, painful recovery process.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Car Accident in Garrett County, MD

You may obtain compensation for your losses after being involved in a car accident. However, you need to act quickly and effectively. Like many other states, Maryland imposes a limited time to file your claim. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” According to this law, you have up to three years from the moment of your accident to file your claim. Once you have filed your claim, you will need to prove your case with the court. Every personal injury case requires you to determine the existence of four main elements. These elements are known as a legal duty, breach of duty, causation, and losses. Once you have proven all of the elements in your claim, the court may grant you compensation for things such as your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.