• Car Accident Injuries: Traumatic Brain Injuries

    A car accident can easily injure one of the most delicate parts of the body-the brain. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Severn or Glen Burnie, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly and discuss your injuries with a car accident lawyer . A traumatic brain injury (TBI) may require weeks of recovery, during which time you’ll have to remain out of work and avoid doing many daily activities.

    When you watch this video, you’ll learn about the common signs and symptoms of brain injuries. Victims of car accidents may lose consciousness if the brain sustains damage, but others may not pinpoint their symptoms until a few weeks after the crash. A brain injury can cause dizziness, nausea, memory impairment, cognitive impairment, blurry vision, and headaches. It can even lead to changes in personality and behavior, and may contribute to long-term problems like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s.

  • Negligence in Car Accident Cases

    Have you been hurt in a car accident that was not your fault? If so, contact a car accident lawyer in Glen Burnie and Severn right away. Only car accident lawyers are familiar with state negligence law and understand how the system works. Personal injury law mandates that all drivers on the road exercise a certain standard of care. When drivers are negligent—and that negligence results in personal injury—they are liable for any damages that result. Keep reading to learn more about the elements of negligence in car accident cases, including a breached duty of care, direct causation, and demonstrable damages. Car Accident Cases in Severn, MD

    Breached Duty

    As your car accident lawyer will explain, the first element of negligence involves a duty of care and the breach of that duty. In short, if you are hurt, car accident lawyers need to prove that another driver was obligated to be reasonably careful and failed to act carefully. All drivers are legally required to drive carefully, so that element is easily satisfied. A breach of the duty occurs when a driver unreasonably fails to stop at a red light, watch for crossing pedestrians, or follow at a safe distance.

    Direct Causation

    Car accident attorneys also need to show the court that the other driver’s failure to drive carefully directly caused your injury. Even if another driver does not stop at a stop sign, rear ends your vehicle, and you suffer an injury, the driver is only liable if his failure to stop directly caused your injury. For example, if you suffer a back injury but have had longtime back problems, your car accident lawyer will need to show that your recent injury is directly attributable to the other driver.

    Demonstrable Damages

    The final step in proving negligence is showing damages. Damages are injuries for which you may be compensated. Common examples of car accident damages include lost wages, diminished employment opportunities, medical bills, and pain and suffering. If you suffer a minor injury that requires no medical care or time off work, you will not have a car accident claim.

  • Talking to the Police After an Arrest

    After being arrested, your first step should be to contact a DUI lawyer near Glen Burnie and Severn who also handles DUI and other criminal cases . Only DUI attorneys can help you fight a DUI or more serious criminal charge.

    As your car accident lawyer will explain, you should never speak to the police without having your car accident lawyers present. When you are arrested, the police are obligated to advise you of your Miranda rights. You have the right to remain silent and to know that anything you say can and will be held against you in court. You also have the right to have your criminal and auto accident lawyer present. If the police fail to apprise you of your legal rights, your attorney may be able to have the case thrown out.

  • Avoid These Mistakes in Your Car Accident Case

    Mistakes you make in your car accident lawsuit could cost you the compensation to which you are entitled. Before making any agreement after an accident, consult with a car accident lawyer near Severn. Your accident attorney can help you avoid missteps like these that could interfere with your case. Avoid These Mistakes in Your Car Accident Case

    Talking About Your Case

    While your case is being adjudicated, avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your car accident lawyer. Often, insurance agents, car accident lawyers working for the defense, and even jurors in your case may try to contact you, and anything you say could be used to dispute your claim. If anyone approaches you with questions, refer them to your attorney. Likewise, avoid discussing your case on your social media accounts or posting photos that could be used to minimize your injury. Setting your pages as private is not sufficient. Your attorney may suggest that you avoid any social media activity until your case is complete.

    Throwing Away Evidence

    Because car accident cases can take a long time to resolve, you may complete medical treatment before a ruling is made. In the interim, do not throw away anything related to your care, including empty pill bottles or old casts. These items can all be used as evidence of the severity of your injury, and without them, your claim may be more difficult to prove.

    Having an Insurance Medical Exam

    Insurance medical examinations are common after car accidents. The insurance company of the person at fault for the accident may require you to have one of these exams at a doctor they choose. Although doctors who perform these exams are supposed to be independent, they are frequently actually linked with the insurance company and are hired to say you are not injured. If you are told by an insurance company that you have to have one of these exams, call your auto accident lawyer. You may not be able to avoid having an insurance-sanctioned exam, but your lawyer can help you lay the right groundwork to dispute the findings if necessary.

  • What Types of Damages Are You Eligible for After a Truck Accident?

    What Types of Damages Are You Eligible for After a Truck Accident? If you have been hurt in an accident , you need a car accident lawyer near Severn who will fight for your right to compensation. Truck accidents can be devastating events that leave victims in lifelong pain—and with insurmountable medical bills. After an accident injury, car accident lawyers will evaluate the facts of your case to determine if you may be eligible for monetary damages. Keep reading to find out more about truck accident damages, including compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

    Lost Wages

    After a truck accident, your car accident lawyer will argue that you deserve to be compensated for any wages you lost as a result of your injuries. A court awards lost wages damages when a victim is unable to work because of his injuries or missed time from work due to medical treatment. The right to be reimbursed by the person or company responsible for your accident applies equally to any injured employee. The court does not subtract vacation or sick leave from lost wages damages.

    Medical Bills

    Your car accident lawyers will also fight for your right to be compensated for any medical expenses you incurred due to your accident. Damages for medical bills may include hospital stays, ambulance rides, nursing home stays, physical therapy, medical procedures and tests, and medication. The medical portion of damages includes any past or future medical treatment the victim anticipates needing.

    General Suffering

    Pain and suffering, or general suffering, is a legal term that auto accident attorneys use to refer to general emotional and psychological stress caused by an injury. Damages that result from pain and suffering may include any limitations on a victim’s activities, a shortening of his or her life, depression, and disfigurement. Damages awarded for pain and suffering are designed to compensate personal injury victims for a decline in their quality of life.

  • Answering Common Questions About Big Rig Accidents

    Collisions involving big rigs are more likely to lead to fatalities and serious injuries as compared to other types of vehicular accidents. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or you’ve lost a loved one in a crash, you have the right to contact a personal injury attorney in Glen Burnie. Hiring a car accident lawyer can protect your legal rights. Car accident lawyers who have experience with big rig collisions can help victims secure compensation for their injuries, ongoing care needs, and other damages.

    Answering Common Questions About Big Rig Accidents in Severn, MD

    What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

    There are many possible causes of a big rig accident. Determining the causes and contributing factors will be essential in your case. Your car accident lawyer can use this evidence to prove liability and secure compensation on your behalf. A big rig accident may be caused by truck driver fatigue, drug or alcohol impairment, distracted driving, reckless or aggressive driving, and excessive speed. There may also be problems with the truck itself, such as defective brakes or improperly strapped-down loads.

    How Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

    Truck accidents tend to be more serious than car accidents because of several factors. First, because of the significant size and weight of a big rig, it can inflict significant damage on a car and its occupants. Additionally, big rigs have poor maneuverability. They are unable to stop quickly, which increases the risk of rear-end collisions, and they are unable to swerve or make quick turns. Furthermore, drivers of big rigs have poor visibility. There are large blind zones to either side of the truck, as well as in front of and behind the truck.

    Who Can be Held Responsible for My Injuries?

    Your auto accident attorney will review your case to assess liability. The issue of liability is often less clear-cut in a truck accident case as compared to a car or motorcycle accident. Quite often, the truck driver is found to be at fault for falling asleep at the wheel or engaging in dangerous driving habits. However, your car accident attorney will also explore whether the leasing company may be held liable. Another defendant may be added to the lawsuit if the truck loaders did their jobs incorrectly. Sometimes, truck accident lawsuits are filed against the manufacturer of defective truck parts.

  • Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

    Steps to Take After a Truck Accident Your actions immediately following a truck accident can have a significant effect on the outcome of your claim. Neglecting to take certain steps may encourage the insurance company to put the blame for the crash on you, for instance, or to conclude that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. If you’re ever unsure of what you should do following a truck accident, you can always consult your accident attorney serving Severn. Your car accident lawyer will guide you through each step of the process and help you obtain maximum compensation for your losses.

    Contact Emergency Responders

    Accidents that involve commercial trucks are typically very serious, given the size and weight of these trucks. However, even if the truck simply tapped your bumper at an intersection, you need to report the accident immediately. Call 911 and advise the dispatcher of your exact location. The dispatcher will need to know whether you or anyone else may have suffered any serious injuries. If so, he or she can send an ambulance to your location. Your car accident lawyer will advise you to file a police report, regardless of the extent of the damage or injuries. Car accident lawyers can use the report as evidence to substantiate your claim. Remember that you should only leave the crash site when a police officer has instructed you to do so.

    Gather Important Information

    You’ll need to exchange certain information with the truck driver and any other involved parties. Provide your full name, contact information, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number, and obtain this same information from the other party. Be sure to write down the license plate number of the truck. Additionally, get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the crash. Your auto accident attorney can use witness statements to prove the facts of the claim.

    Seek Medical Care

    Even if you do not appear to have suffered serious injuries, it’s crucial to go to the nearest hospital immediately after leaving the crash site. It’s possible that you have internal bleeding or other severe trauma, even if you don’t realize it right away. Additionally, delaying or refusing a medical evaluation may jeopardize your claim. Once you’ve received medical care, you can contact the insurance company and consult your truck accident attorney.