Hagerstown Car Accident Attorney FAQ

The actions you take immediately after a collision occurs may affect your ability to recover compensation for your damages. You will want to take the following steps:

• Call the police: Call 911 to report the accident and request that an officer come to the scene. This can ensure that injuries will be addressed correctly, and the police report can serve as crucial evidence of liability.
• Exchange information: Take down the contact information and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved. This can ensure that insurance claims can be filed correctly.
• Document the scene: If possible, you can take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, visible injuries, road conditions, or any other relevant details. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not feel seriously injured, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A checkup can identify any concerns and ensure that you receive the proper treatment. It will also create a medical record documenting your injuries.
• Contact an attorney: As soon as possible, you will want to discuss your case with a legal professional. At Serafini Law, we can review your case and help determine what types of compensation you may be able to receive. We can also obtain evidence from the scene of the accident while it is still available, and we will speak to insurance companies on your behalf to make sure settlement offers are fair and reasonable.

Maryland law follows a strict contributory negligence rule in personal injury cases, which may affect your ability to recover compensation after a car accident. Under this rule, if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident—no matter how small your share of the blame—you may be prevented from recovering any compensation from other parties who were at fault.

For example, if you were struck by another vehicle at an intersection because the driver ran a red light, but you were making a phone call at the same time, a court could determine that you were partially at fault for the accident. If you share even 1 percent of the responsibility for an accident, you could lose your right to collect compensation. Because of this strict rule, it is essential to have a skilled attorney who can help gather evidence and build a case that demonstrates that you were not at fault for an accident in any way.

While you are not legally required to have legal representation to file a car accident claim, it is highly recommended to have an attorney on your side. At Serafini Law, our experienced attorney can:

• Evaluate your claim: We will calculate the full extent of the damages you have suffered, including the costs of immediate and ongoing medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
• Handle negotiations: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, but our lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
• Protect against contributory negligence claims: In Maryland, even a small degree of fault can prevent you from recovering compensation. Our attorney can build a strong case to show that you were not at fault for the accident.
• File a lawsuit if necessary: If you are not offered a fair settlement that will fully address your injuries and damages, our lawyer can pursue litigation and advocate in court for the full compensation you deserve.

If you have questions about your rights or are unsure about whether you need a lawyer, Serafini Law can provide you with a free consultation to discuss your options.

When speaking with insurance companies, it is important to be cautious. You should avoid providing a detailed statement or saying anything that could indicate that you were at fault in any way. Insurance adjusters may attempt to use your statements against you to reduce the amount they have to pay. Our lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring that the right information is provided. We can ensure that the settlements they offer will fully address your injuries and damages.

Maryland has a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file a claim or personal injury lawsuit following a car accident. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to take action to recover compensation.

It is important to act quickly after a car accident, as evidence can disappear, and witnesses' memories may fade over time. Our lawyer at Serafini Law can ensure that your case is filed within the required timeframe. We will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to preserve your claim.

You may be eligible for financial compensation that addresses the injuries you have suffered, your financial losses, and other ways you have been affected. Depending on the circumstances of your case, damages may include:

• Medical expenses: Compensation may cover hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and other medical costs related to the accident.
• Lost wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you have lost and the impact on your future earning capacity.
• Property damage: The costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident may be addressed in your claim.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on your life may be addressed in your settlement.