Maryland Car Accident Lawyers
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maryland has nearly 2 million registered vehicles and over 4 million licensed drivers. With so many vehicles on Maryland roads, accidents are frequent and common throughout the state.
If you are injured in a car accident, you need an experienced law firm in your corner to hold the responsible driver accountable and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King hold negligent drivers accountable and have a solid reputation for recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for injured clients.
What Types of Car Accident Cases Does the Law Offices of Duane O. King Handle?
Our skilled Maryland car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King handle numerous car accidents, including head-on accidents, multi-vehicle pile-up crashes, rear-end collisions, sideswipe accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, and T-bone collisions.
What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Maryland?
Maryland has many roadways that are considered dangerous due to high volumes of traffic, speed, and design, particularly around urban areas near Virginia and Washington, D.C. According to accident reports, the most dangerous roads in Maryland include:
- Interstate 695 (Baltimore Beltway): One of Maryland’s busiest highways, the Beltway experienced high rates of heavy traffic congestion and frequent accidents, particularly near exits connecting to I-70 and I-95.
- Interstate 95: A major artery running from north to south from Florida to Maine, I-95 consistently experiences heavy traffic and high-speed accidents, especially near Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
- U.S. Route 1: Running parallel to I-95, U.S. Route 1 passes through several densely populated areas and has frequent accidents due to high traffic and urban sprawl.
- Interstate 83 (Jones Falls Expressway): The northern sections of I-83 in Baltimore have tight curves, sharp exits, and dense traffic, which has a reputation for a high number of accidents.
- U.S. Route 50: Known for high speeds and heavy traffic leading to Ocean City, U.S. 50 can be dangerous, particularly during holiday seasons.
- Interstate 70: Steep inclines, sharp curves, and congestion near Frederick and Hagerstown make I-70 one of Maryland’s most dangerous roads.
- Maryland Route 97 (Georgia Avenue): This heavily traveled Route in Montgomery County has had numerous accidents in urban areas near Washington, D.C.
- U.S. Route 301: A major trucking route, U.S. Route 301 has high accident rates, particularly in southern Maryland.
- U.S. Route 29: Due to speeds and traffic volume, accidents are common on U.S. Route 29, particularly in Montgomery and Howard counties.
- Maryland Route 2 (Ritchie Highway): A major thoroughfare in Anne Arundel County, Maryland Route 2 is known for high-speed crashes and pedestrian accidents.
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?
Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injuries, ranging from minor to severe, even in minor accidents. Some of the most common injuries include amputations, back and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, cuts and lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, disfigurement, nerve and organ damage, paralysis, emotional distress, whiplash, and death.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Maryland?
Car accidents occur in Maryland due to numerous reasons, largely driver error, high volumes of traffic, and speed. The most common causes include:
- Aggressive driving, such as excessive lane changes, cutting off others, and ignoring traffic laws.
- Distracted driving by engaging in any attention-diverting activities, such as using a cell phone, texting, eating, or talking with passengers.
- Drunk driving, which lowers brain activity levels, reduces reaction time, limits focus, blurs vision, and induces sleep.
- Fatigued driving, which can cause the same neurological impairments as alcohol.
- Speeding over the posted limit, which reduces the ability to stop quickly or avoid sudden obstacles.
- Tailgating too closely behind others, which reduces stopping distance and accounts for nearly all rear-end accidents.
- Weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, which creates slick road surfaces and reduces tire traction and control.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Maryland?
Following an accident, you should take steps to gather as much evidence as you can to help support your accident claim. If possible, you should:
- Report the accident and injuries to police.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Minimize conversation to avoid your comments being used against you later.
- Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road and weather conditions, signage, and any other contributing factors.
- Gather contact information and statements from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out life-threatening internal injuries. A doctor’s report is also required for your insurance claim.
- Maintain all records related to the accident and injuries.
- Consult an experienced Maryland car accident lawyer with a successful record of negotiating with insurance companies and securing maximum compensation for clients.
What Compensation Can I Seek for My Injuries?
Compensation for personal injury claims is based on a combination of economic and non-economic damages, which include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost current and future wages
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Maryland is a strict contributory negligence state, which means if you are found to be even one percent at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering compensation. Maryland requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with auto insurance, which covers a portion of each driver’s medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is responsible for the accident. If PIP insurance does not cover your total expenses and you have no responsibility for the accident, you can seek compensation from the other driver.
However, you have a limited time to file a claim. Maryland’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the injury or death.
What If the At-Fault Driver Lies About the Car Accident?
Unfortunately, drivers often lie to minimize their involvement in car accidents, most commonly to avoid financial responsibility, insurance increases, and legal repercussions if they break the law, such as texting and driving.
At the Law Offices of Duane O. King, our Maryland car accident lawyers are skilled at gathering evidence proving the other driver is responsible for the accident. We can establish fault through police reports, witness statements, photos or videos showing vehicle damage, brake markings, injuries, and traffic or surveillance camera footage of the accident.
How Can the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Me?
Injuries from car accidents frequently result in steep medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and property damage, among others. You are not required to hire a lawyer in Maryland, but after suffering injuries, you should be focused on your recovery, not pursuing your own claim. Our Maryland car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can investigate the accident scene, review police reports, establish your necessary ongoing care with your medical team, interview witnesses, hire experts, negotiate a settlement, and represent you in court if the case goes to trial.
The Maryland Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
If a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one, the Maryland car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Call 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.