Hagerstown Car Accident Lawyer for Maryland Law

Attorney Providing Legal Help to Car Accident Victims in Hagerstown, MD

If you have been involved in a car accident in Maryland, it is essential to understand the laws that may affect your case. Navigating the complexities of insurance, fault, and potential litigation can be challenging, especially when you are dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of a serious crash. Knowing your rights and obligations can help you make informed decisions about how to proceed. A Hagerstown car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance, guiding you through the legal process and working to secure the compensation you deserve.

At Serafini Law, our experienced attorney can provide a clear path through the often complicated legal landscape. We can make sure you understand the specific requirements that apply in Maryland, including insurance obligations, the statute of limitations, and the laws around contributory negligence. By focusing on the unique details of your case and leveraging his knowledge of Maryland's car accident laws, Attorney A.J. Serafini can help you recover the financial compensation you need to cover the damages resulting from an accident.

Car Accident Reporting Requirements in Maryland

After a car accident in Maryland, drivers have certain obligations under state law. Maryland law requires drivers to stop at the scene of the accident and exchange information with the other parties involved, including their name, address, license number, and information about insurance policies. If the accident resulted in injuries, if a vehicle cannot be moved out of the road safely, or if a driver appears to be intoxicated, the accident must be immediately reported to the police.

Failure to meet these reporting requirements can result in penalties, including fines and, in some cases, criminal charges. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing information to others involved or to police, they may be charged with a hit and run offense. A police report filed following an accident can be essential for determining who was at fault and recovering compensation through insurance claims or other sources. Our lawyer can help ensure that all reporting requirements are met, and we can also assist in gathering and preserving evidence from the accident scene.

Minimum Liability Insurance Limits

Maryland law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance to cover potential damages in the event of an accident. Maryland's minimum insurance coverage limits are as follows:

• $30,000 covering bodily injuries for one person
• $60,000 covering bodily injuries affecting multiple people
• $15,000 covering property damage

This insurance is intended to cover the costs associated with injuries and damages resulting from an accident. However, the minimum coverage may not be enough to fully compensate someone involved in a serious collision. Our Hagerstown car accident lawyer can assist with car accident cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, and we will work to ensure that the proper coverage will be provided while identifying other potential sources of compensation.

Maryland Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases

In Maryland, there is a limited time in which you can file a lawsuit following a car accident. This is referred to as the "statute of limitations." For personal injury cases, including those arising from car accidents, the statute of limitations is three years. You will have three years after the date the accident occurred to file a claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.

If you miss this deadline, your ability to recover compensation through the court system may be lost. However, there are some exceptions that may extend or shorten this time frame, depending on the specifics of your case. Our skilled attorney can ensure that your case is filed within the appropriate time frame, protecting your right to pursue compensation.

Contributory Negligence in Maryland

One of the most challenging aspects of car accident law in Maryland is the concept of contributory negligence. Maryland is one of only a few states that follows the contributory negligence rule, and this may affect many car accident claims. Under this law, a person who bears any responsibility for causing a car accident may be unable to recover compensation from the other party or parties involved.

For example, if you were speeding at the time of the accident, and the other driver was texting while driving, both of you may be determined to be partially at fault. If the court finds that you were 20 percent at fault because you were speeding, you may not be able to recover any damages. This is where having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can be critical. Our lawyer will work diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case that demonstrates the other party's liability while minimizing or eliminating any claims that you shared fault for the accident.

How Our Lawyer Can Help with Your Car Accident Case

Motor vehicle collisions often result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Our attorney can guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for litigation, we will provide crucial support every step of the way.

Some of the ways we can assist with an accident include:

• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
• Speaking to insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you do not say anything or provide any information that could affect your ability to recover compensation.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit if negotiations fail or if insurance coverage is insufficient.
• Representing you in court if your case goes to trial.
• Ensuring compliance with all legal deadlines, including the statute of limitations.
• Fighting against any claims of contributory negligence that could reduce or eliminate your compensation.

Our goal is to ensure that you will be able to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case. We will fight to recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs.

Contact Our Hagerstown, Maryland Car Accident Attorney

After being injured in a car accident in Hagerstown or the surrounding areas, do not wait to seek legal help. The sooner you speak with our lawyer, the sooner you can begin building your case and working towards a resolution. Maryland's car accident laws are complex, but with the right legal support, you can navigate them effectively.

Contact Serafini Law today by calling 240-744-1600 to schedule a free consultation. Our legal team is ready to assist you.