Temple Hills, MD Car Accident Lawyer

After being injured in a car accident, it is normal to feel unsure about what steps to take next. However, you never have to face this challenging situation alone.

The support of a reliable and experienced law firm can make all the difference when trying to get justice for your injuries. If you have been hurt by another person’s negligence in Temple Hills, our firm can provide you with an invaluable resource that will assist you in understanding your rights and options. Our team is committed to offering you a clear-eyed assessment of your situation and advising you on the best course of action to take to get the compensation you deserve. With our firm by your side, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest level of legal representation in the city.

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free assessment of your case with our car accident lawyers.

Understanding What the Law Requires You to Prove in a Temple Hills, MD Car Accident Lawsuit

Proving a car accident claim requires more than just pointing the finger. There are distinct elements you must show to win your case. Our car accident attorneys have years of experience and know how to satisfy these rules. While some of the following factors are relatively easy to establish, others take more effort:

The Other Driver’s Duty of Care

In Temple Hills, as in any other place in Maryland, it is mandatory for every driver to fulfill their legal obligation or “duty of care,” which implies acting responsibly and avoiding any actions that could potentially harm other individuals on the road.

This includes following traffic laws, remaining vigilant, and maintaining their vehicles properly. In the event of a lawsuit, it is imperative to establish that the other driver had a duty of care towards you as a fellow road user.

Breach of Their Duty

The next step involves proving that the other driver breached their duty of care. A breach happens when a driver fails to meet the established standard of care. This could involve various behaviors, such as speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence. Evidence such as traffic citations, witness testimonies, or surveillance footage can be instrumental in demonstrating this breach.

Causation

Once you’ve established the breach, you need to show that this breach was both the actual and proximate cause of your injuries. Actual cause means that the accident would not have happened if not for the other driver’s actions.

Proximate cause refers to whether the injuries were a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions. Medical records, accident reconstruction experts, and other forms of evidence can help establish causation.

Real Damages

Lastly, you must prove that you suffered real damages as a result of the accident. These can be economic damages, such as medical bills or lost wages, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

To prove these damages, you might use medical bills, pay stubs, and testimonies from healthcare providers or others who can vouch for your pain and suffering.

How Your Own Negligence Can Impact Your Temple Hills, MD Car Accident Case

Maryland is one of the few states that still follows the rule of pure contributory negligence. Essentially, this rule states that if you’re found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you could be barred from recovering any damages. This rule applies regardless of how minor your contribution to the accident was compared to the other party’s negligence.

The contributory negligence rule can have a significant impact on your car accident case. Even if the other driver was largely at fault, if it’s found that your actions contributed in any way to the accident, you could lose your right to compensation. This harsh rule can result in victims receiving no compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

There are several effective strategies that can help you fight charges of contributory negligence. Firstly, conducting a thorough investigation of the accident can reveal crucial evidence that proves you were not at fault. This may involve examining the accident scene, reviewing footage from surveillance cameras, or interviewing witnesses who can provide valuable insights into what happened.

Another approach is to challenge any evidence presented by the other party that suggests you were partially responsible for the accident. Finally, presenting your own evidence is essential to building a compelling defense against contributory negligence. This may include photographs of the accident scene, medical reports, or testimonies from witnesses who can corroborate your account of what happened.

Evidence Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Use to Prove Your Claim in Temple Hills, MD

Evidence plays a crucial role in proving your car accident claim. From police reports to medical records, each piece of evidence can contribute significantly to your case. The following are common forms of evidence used to prove car accident claims in Temple Hills:

Police Reports

One of the first pieces of evidence used in car accident cases is the police report. This document contains detailed information about the accident, including the involved parties, witnesses, a diagram of the accident scene, and often the officer’s opinion on who was at fault. An experienced attorney can use this report to support your claim.

Photographs and Videos

Photographs and videos provide visual proof of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. They can also illustrate weather conditions, traffic signs, and other factors that could have contributed to the accident. In today’s digital age, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or homes can also prove invaluable.

Medical Records

Medical records are critical in proving the extent and nature of your injuries. They include doctor’s reports, hospital bills, therapy notes, and any other documentation related to your medical treatment. These records can help demonstrate the direct impact of the accident on your health and quality of life.

Witness Testimony

Witness statements can provide an objective account of the accident. A witness may confirm crucial details such as the other driver’s reckless behavior or disregard for traffic laws. Their testimony can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your claim.

Expert Testimonies

Experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, can provide detailed analyses and opinions that support your case. An accident reconstruction expert can use physical evidence and scientific principles to determine how the accident occurred. Medical professionals can testify about your injuries, treatment, and prognosis.

Types of Injuries Car Accident Victims Sue for in Temple Hills, MD

It is common for individuals involved in a car accident to come out unscathed or with minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. Tragically, some might not be as fortunate and end up with severe injuries. The following are potentially devastating yet not uncommon injuries that occur in Temple Hills car accidents:

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe outcomes of car accidents. They can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation. The cost of treatment and the impact on the victim’s quality of life can be substantial, making it critical to seek full compensation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur in car accidents due to high-impact collisions. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to cognitive impairment and personality changes. Given the complexities of TBIs and their potential life-altering effects, they often form a significant part of car accident lawsuits.

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations

Puncture wounds and lacerations may seem less severe than other injuries, but they can lead to significant medical issues, including infections and scarring. These injuries can also cause emotional distress, particularly if they result in permanent disfigurement.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Fractures and broken bones are common in car accidents. They can range from minor fractures that heal with rest to severe breaks that require surgery and extensive physical therapy. The pain and disability caused by these injuries can significantly impact a victim’s life.

Burns

Car accidents can sometimes result in burns, particularly in cases involving vehicle fires or explosions. Burns can be extremely painful and may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and skin grafts. Severe burns can also lead to scarring and disfigurement.

Psychological Injuries

Car accidents can result in psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These injuries can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, affecting a victim’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic scenarios, car accidents can result in the wrongful death of a loved one. Families of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for lost wages, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

Ways Car Accidents Happen in Temple Hills, MD

Car accidents in Temple Hills occur in various ways. Understanding these types of accidents can help victims navigate their legal journey and increase their chances of getting the compensation they deserve.

Head-On Accidents

Head-on accidents are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents due to the force involved when two vehicles collide directly. In Temple Hills, several incidents have occurred where drivers cross the center line for unknown reasons, resulting in fatal head-on collisions. These accidents often result in severe injuries or death, leading to substantial legal claims.

Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of accidents in Temple Hills, as it reduces a driver’s control over the vehicle and increases the distance needed to stop safely. High-speed collisions typically result in more serious injuries due to the greater impact force, often leading to complex legal cases as victims seek compensation for their injuries.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, whether due to cell phone use, eating, or any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road, is a significant cause of accidents. These accidents can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities, leading to lawsuits where victims or their families seek damages.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents often occur when a driver is following too closely or not paying attention to the road ahead. While these accidents are often considered less severe, they can still result in significant injuries such as whiplash, which can have long-term effects on a victim’s health and quality of life.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, typically occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield to the right of way. These accidents can result in severe injuries due to the limited protection offered by the sides of vehicles, often leading to substantial legal claims.

Accidents Involving Large Vehicles

Accidents involving large vehicles, such as trucks or buses, can be particularly devastating due to their size and weight. The victims in these accidents are often in smaller vehicles and suffer serious injuries or death. These cases can be legally complex, often involving multiple parties, including the driver, the vehicle owner, and potentially the company responsible for vehicle maintenance.

Why You Should Work with Our Temple Hills, MD Car Accident Attorneys

Car accident victims in Temple Hills can benefit significantly from the services of our skilled attorneys. Below is an offering of some of the services our team can provide in your claim:

We Negotiate Aggressively with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are businesses first and foremost, often aiming to minimize payouts to increase their bottom line. Our attorneys are well-versed in dealing with these corporations and will negotiate aggressively on your behalf. They understand the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them effectively, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

We Can Gather and Present Compelling Evidence

Evidence is crucial in any car accident claim. Our attorneys have the resources and expertise to gather and present compelling evidence to support your case. This includes police reports, medical records, witness testimonies, and expert opinions. Properly presented, this evidence can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.

We Understand Complex Medical Issues

Car accidents often result in injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Our attorneys understand these complex medical issues and can effectively communicate their impact on your life to a jury. This understanding also allows them to work with medical professionals to ensure that all your current and future medical costs are accounted for in your claim.

We Can Calculate the Compensation You Deserve

Calculating compensation in a car accident case goes beyond just medical bills. It includes lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to accurately calculate these amounts, ensuring you seek the full compensation you deserve.

We Will Fight for You in Court

While many car accident cases are settled out of court, some do proceed to trial. In such instances, you want an attorney who is not only willing but capable of fighting for you in court. Our attorneys have substantial courtroom experience and are prepared to present your case convincingly before a judge or jury.

Our Temple Hills, MD Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Support Your Claim

For a free case review with our car accident attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.