Frequently Asked Questions on Car Accidents in Baltimore
LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. is a diligent auto accident law firm dedicated to helping clients receive compensation for injuries sustained as a result of another person’s actions. While our skilled Baltimore car accident lawyers are always available to answer any questions you may have, we understand you may wish to do research on your own. Questions we frequently receive include:
- What do I need to do to maximize my chances of receiving compensation?
- What should I do if my vehicle was damaged?
- Who pays for repairs?
- Can I get a rental car while mine is being repaired?
- Approximately how long does it take to handle an auto accident case in Baltimore?
- How much is my case worth?
- How will you investigate my accident?
- Can you refer me to a doctor?
- How can I pay for my medical bills?
- What is PIP?
- Can I file a personal injury claim even if my insurance company pays my medical bills?
- How does Maryland’s collateral source rule apply to my case?
- What do I need to know about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
- What happens if I have been injured in a hit-and-run accident?
- How long will my case take?
- How much can I expect to receive?
- Can I get a rental car while mine is being repaired?
Contact our Baltimore car accident lawyers for a free case evaluation
Reach out to LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. online or at 800-547-4LAW (4529) for knowledgeable legal assistance if you have been injured in an automobile accident in Baltimore or the surrounding area. We keep flexible office hours, have a 24-hour hotline you can call in case of an emergency, and can come to your home or hospital room if you are unable to travel. All of our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing for our services or expenses until we win your case.
What do I need to do to maximize my chances of receiving compensation?
First and foremost, contact our law firm. We have more than 100 years of combined experience representing clients in legal matters and can use this knowledge to your advantage. You should also follow the steps outlined in our guideline on how to best protect your claim.
What should I do if my vehicle was damaged?
Your vehicle needs to be examined if it was damaged in an accident that caused you injury. LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. can arrange to have the damage to your vehicle assessed by your own insurance company, the liable driver’s insurance company or a trustworthy independent third party. Once all damages have been uncovered and you receive an estimate for the cost of repairs, you may then have your car repaired.
If your car was moved to a storage lot following your accident, we can help you have your car moved to a repair shop. While you can take your car to the body shop the insurance company recommends, you are free to take your car to another location if you wish to do so.
Who pays for repairs?
The insurance company pays for repairs by issuing checks to you, the repair shop or any other party with a financial interest in the repair of your vehicle. However, it is important to note that the insurance company has the right to declare your vehicle a total loss if the damage exceeds more than 75 percent of its fair market value.
Can I get a rental car while mine is being repaired?
Yes, though whether you are responsible for the cost of your rental car depends on your own insurance policy and the policy of the at-fault driver. Our law firm can help you obtain a rental car if you need to have one following your accident.
Approximately how long does it take to handle an auto accident case in Baltimore?
The time it takes to handle a personal injury claim varies widely based on its complexity — some cases can be settled within months but others may take more than a year. It is always our goal to settle cases as quickly as possible.
How much is my case worth?
It is impossible to predict the exact value of your case without conducting a full investigation into the accident. The value of your claim depends on a wide range of factors, including the extent of your injuries and the damage done to your property, your lost wages, your past and anticipated future medical expenses, and much more. You can speak to a member of our law firm for an assessment of your claim and the likelihood that you would receive compensation.
How will you investigate my accident?
Our diligent Maryland accident attorneys examine every aspect of your accident to determine its possible causes. Our firm’s services include:
- Calculating the approximate speed of each vehicle
- Taking photos of the accident scene and damaged property
- Analyzing brake and tire performance
We work with accident reconstructionists to determine exactly how your accident occurred and structure our arguments accordingly.
Can you refer me to a doctor?
If you like. LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. has formed many strong relationships with trustworthy medical professionals since our firm’s founding more than 20 years ago. We routinely recommend specialists to clients, and we work with these specialists when the time comes to have an expert witness testify as to the extent and severity of your injuries.
How can I pay for my medical bills?
You may be able to have your medical bills paid for using PIP (Personal Injury Protection) or Medpay (Medical Payment) if either of these offerings is part of your insurance coverage. We provide assistance with filing PIP and Medpay claims with insurance companies and can help you gather any supplemental documents that need to accompany your claim.
What is PIP?
Insurance policies offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as an additional optional coverage designed to cover reasonable costs if you are involved in an accident. PIP coverage is used to reimburse policy holders for medical-related expenses and up to 85 percent of lost wages resulting from an auto accident. While Maryland law no longer makes insurance policy holders purchase PIP coverage, it is still strongly recommended you purchase PIP coverage. The rates are nominal and there are many benefits to having PIP coverage to protect yourself and your family.
Can I file a personal injury claim even if my insurance company pays my medical bills?
Yes. Injuries from an accident may be mental or emotional, and you have the right to seek damages for intangible losses such as pain and suffering. You should note that your health insurance company can file a claim to recover financial compensation for any medical bills they paid during your recovery.
How does Maryland’s collateral source rule apply to my case?
Maryland’s collateral source rule allows you to recover damages from multiple sources for the same injuries and damages without taking those other sources into consideration. This means you can seek compensation for medical bills from your own insurance company as well as from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or other liable parties.
What do I need to know about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
Much like PIP coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is an additional level of insurance you can purchase to protect yourself should an accident occur. Many drivers in Maryland do not have liability insurance coverage, which means you may not be able to collect an adequate amount of compensation if an uninsured or underinsured driver caused your accident. Possessing this coverage means you are not left vulnerable to additional costs when you have already suffered harm.
It is important to note that uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage clauses in insurance policies are very complex and can be difficult to navigate. As such, it is crucial you have a knowledgeable attorney to help you prepare and file a claim to collect damages following an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
What happens if I have been injured in a hit-and-run accident?
A vehicle that flees the scene of a hit-and-run accident is known as a phantom car. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you can seek compensation for your injuries and economic damages through your own insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How long will my case take?
If a car accident has put you out of commission, we know that you will have plenty of expenses to deal with and you may be eager to reach a settlement. We recognize that the financial effects of a car accident can be challenging and even frightening. Although your attorney will work as quickly as circumstances permit to get you the money you need and deserve, it is our obligation to do the best job possible on your behalf. That means a full evaluation of the injuries and expenses you suffered because of someone else’s negligence. We will work as quickly as possible for the best outcome.
How much can I expect to receive?
It is difficult to know the precise value of your case without fully investigating the accident. Determining factors include the severity of your injuries, the suffering you have endured, the damage to your property, your lost wages, your medical expenses to date, anticipated future medical expenses, and more. Without being able to accurately predict the value of your case, it is not possible to know how much you will receive. A member of our law firm would be happy to offer you an assessment of your claim as each case is determined on its own unique set of facts. Hiring the right lawyer is crucial to receiving all entitled compensation as a result of your car wreck.
Can I get a rental car while mine is being repaired?
Having transportation for work and general everyday travel is essential, so a rental car is a necessity when your car is in the shop for repair after a car accident. If an insurance company accepts fault for an accident, there shouldn’t be a problem getting covered for a “reasonable” time, which is generally until either your car is repaired or a settlement check is issued. If liability for the accident is disputed, you may have challenges getting your rental car covered. If the other driver denies responsibility, or does not respond to their own insurer, you may be left without an immediate answer. You then have two options: You can use the rental coverage on your own policy, if you have it; or you can pay for a rental out of your own pocket. In either case, you can seek reimbursement from the other insurer later on.
