Hagerstown, MD Car Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, car accidents in Hagerstown are a common occurrence. Often, a car accident is a devastating and traumatic event. Even minor accidents could leave a victim with a long-term injury or life-long pain.

In the most catastrophic accidents, victims are permanently disabled or even killed. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident that was another person’s fault, you should not be responsible for the financial strain associated with expensive medical bills and lost wages.

The Hagerstown car accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras have decades of experience fighting for the rights of those injured in crashes in the city and throughout Maryland. Our office is dedicated to helping people get the compensation they deserve. Call (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.

Serious and Costly Injuries in Hagerstown, MD Car Accidents

People might not realize it, but driving is one of the most dangerous activities that they perform on nearly a daily basis. Despite the best efforts of car manufacturers and lawmakers, the roads in and surrounding Hagerstown still see numerous car accidents resulting in devastating and sometimes deadly injuries.

Whiplash is a common injury that victims of car accidents experience. Even when an impact takes place at a low speed, the forces of two vehicles colliding could cause the neck to snap, damaging muscles and tendons. Whiplash typically requires medical treatment and could leave a victim facing a lifetime of pain and discomfort.

Some of the more severe injuries resulting from car accidents include damage to a person’s back or spinal column. These types of devastating injuries could leave a victim permanently paralyzed. Even minor injuries to the back and spinal cord could adversely impact an individual’s ability to work or enjoy their life.

Head and traumatic brain injuries could result in many different types of catastrophic medical conditions. From mild concussions to more severe brain damage that compromises a person’s ability to function normally, head injuries are some of the most devastating types of injuries that a person could suffer in a car accident. In some situations, the consequences of a head injury could take weeks or months to understand completely.

All of the above injuries could permanently change a person’s life. Additionally, they all require expensive medical treatment and, in some cases, long-term healthcare.

When your injuries are caused by another driver’s negligence or careless behavior, you should not have to bear the financial strain of expensive treatment and therapy. Our Hagerstown attorneys are committed to holding the responsible parties liable for your economic losses.

Holding At-Fault Drivers Liable for Hagerstown, MD Car Accidents

Maryland has strict rules regarding lawsuits arising from car accidents. Under Maryland law, if an injured driver was partially at fault in an accident, they are prohibited from being compensated for their damages.

For this reason, it is essential to have an experienced Hagerstown lawyer working to protect your rights. A defense attorney will attempt to shift a small portion of the blame to help their client avoid liability.

To hold an at-fault driver responsible through a personal injury lawsuit, an injured victim will have to prove that the driver was negligent.

To do this, our office will have to demonstrate four elements.

First, there must be proof that the at-fault driver owed the injured victim a duty of care. In a car accident case, this is usually not difficult. Every motorist owes all other drivers and pedestrians a duty to operate their vehicle safely.

The most common dispute in a car accident lawsuit is whether a driver breached this duty. When a motorist fails to operate their vehicle carefully, such as speeding, texting while driving, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their conduct could constitute a breach of their duty.

Our Hagerstown attorney will have to present evidence that the at-fault driver’s conduct was a breach while arguing that your behavior did not contribute to the accident.

Next, it must be shown that the breach caused the accident. In many cases, once a breach of duty has been firmly established, this might not be difficult.

For example, if a driver rear-ended you because they were texting, it is relatively simple to conclude that the accident would not have occurred if they had been paying attention. When multiple cars or possible causes are involved, causation could become much more challenging to establish.

Finally, to prevail in a personal injury lawsuit, a car accident victim must have suffered actual damages. If you were injured, needed medical treatment, or lost time at work, you suffered damages.

Damages Available to Victims of Hagerstown Car Accidents

Victims of car accidents are entitled to seek several types of damages through a personal injury lawsuit. First, you could be compensated for your financial losses.

These economic damages include recovering your medical expenses, hospital bills, and any income you have lost or will lose in the future because of your injuries.

In addition to the economic damages, an injured plaintiff could recover for their pain and suffering. While challenging to calculate, these non-economic damages could be a significant part of your settlement award and include things such as emotional distress, mental anguish, and your inability to enjoy life.

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

Even the most minor car accident could have a long-term impact on your life. If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another driver, contact our Hagerstown car accident lawyer immediately.

You should not have to face the physical and economic challenges of a car accident alone. Call the Maryland personal injury lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free appointment to discuss your case.