Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers
Representing Auto Accident Victims Throughout Maryland
Life as you know it can change in an instant when you are involved in a serious motor vehicle collision. A car accident can result in lasting physical injuries, extensive damage to personal property, lost wages due to time away from work, and a multitude of other damages. You need the best possible accident injury lawyer by your side when the unthinkable occurs.
Listed in Super Lawyers and BV® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton have more than 100 years of combined experience providing effective and cutting-edge representation to clients who have sustained injuries as a result of:
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle accident
- Boating accidents
- Bus accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Train accidents
- Trucking accidents
Our legal team has successfully handled thousands of auto and truck accident cases for clients with exceptional results.
Be Prepared for an Accident Before It Happens
Baltimore is a thriving, bustling city with a rich history and a wide range of attractions for tourists and locals alike, including the inner harbor, the National Aquarium, and Camden Yards. However, Baltimore also has a reputation for having a high rate of car accidents, compared to other states.
Car accidents are unpredictable, and even the most experienced and responsible drivers can be involved in a car accident when they least expect it. Unfortunately, we cannot control the actions of other drivers, nor can we control the weather and other factors that cause car accidents. However, by having a thorough understanding of what causes car accidents, and what medical and legal steps are necessary if you are involved in a car accident, it can help make the incident less stressful and overwhelming. Prepare for the unexpected by keeping the following tips in mind:
- Review your insurance policy. It is very important that you have a thorough understanding of your policy, including the type of damages that are covered and the out-of-pocket expenses that you are responsible for paying. If you are unsure about the type of coverage that you have, or you have specific questions, your insurance agent should go through every detail of your policy with you, and address questions or concerns you might have. In addition to understanding your policy, you should familiarize yourself with the claims process so that you know what important information you will need to provide to have a successful claim.
- Keep important information easily accessible. Anytime you are in a car accident, you will need to provide your driver’s license, registration, and insurance card. Make sure that you have this in the glove compartment, and that they are up to date. If you have a medical condition, you should also keep the following information with your registration and insurance cards so that emergency responders can provide the best care possible:
– A complete list of medications that you are currently taking
– Name and contact information for your primary care physician
– List of medical conditions
– Name and phone number of your insurance provider - Understand what facts are important to obtain. Car accidents are stressful, but you can eliminate some of that stress by knowing what important information you will need to gather if you are in an accident, including the contact information of the other motorists involved, pictures of the scene, and witness testimonials.
Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, it is normal for emotions to run high, particularly when there are injuries involved. Try to remain calm and keep the following tips in mind:
- Do not leave the scene of the accident. If you flee the scene, and someone has been injured, you may face criminal charges.
- Check for injuries. If you can move safely, check on the other passengers in your vehicle and the other motorists involved to see if they were seriously injured. Do not move someone who has back or neck pain unless not moving them puts them in more danger.
- Call 911. Dispatch will send police to the scene, as well as emergency medical personnel if there were injuries. Ask the responding officers for their names and badge numbers and request a copy of the police report so that you can send it to your insurance company.
- Exchange information with other motorists. Make sure that you obtain the other motorists’ contact information, their license plate number, driver’s license number, and basic insurance information. Try to remain calm and avoid apologizing as this can be interpreted as admitting guilt.
- Talk to witnesses. If there were witnesses in the vicinity, ask what they saw, and if they would be willing to provide their contact information.
- Notify your insurance company. Call your insurance agent and explain the details of the case. If you lie or leave out important information, your claim may be denied. Make sure that your agent has a copy of the police report after you had a chance to review it.
- Document the accident scene. Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident, the location of the accident, skid marks on the road, and any other documentation that will provide evidence that the other motorist was at-fault.
- Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is highly recommended that you be examined by a medical professional. Some injuries may not show up right away but can become quite serious if they are not diagnosed and treated. Keep a copy of all medical records as they can help prove pain and suffering.
- Do not accept an early settlement offer. Insurance companies often make lump sum settlement offers to avoid paying monthly payments. Do not accept any settlement unless you know that it is a fair amount.
- Consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. This will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
Most Common Types of Car Accidents
There are many types of car accidents, ranging from minor fender-benders to severe collisions involving multiple vehicles. Our Baltimore car accident lawyers represent victims of all types of car accidents, but the following are the most common:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents can occur when you are driving too close to the vehicle in front of you. If the person you are following stops suddenly, you are more likely to rear-end the vehicle. While these accidents do not generally cause severe damage, they are the most common type of car accident. To avoid rear-end collisions, always leave enough distance between you and the car you are following, even if you are in slow-moving traffic.
- Cross-Traffic Accidents: Also known as T-bone accidents, these occur when a driver runs a red light, fails to stop at a stop sign, or makes a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic. They can cause serious injuries, particularly if the driver that hits the other car is traveling at a high speed. When motorists obey traffic laws, these accidents can be prevented.
- Low-Speed Collisions: Fender-benders, and other low-speed impact crashes do not always cause major property damage or serious injuries. However, if a pedestrian or a cyclist is hit, even at a low speed, they can suffer severe injuries. Always pay attention to your surroundings, including when you are backing out of a parking spot, or pulling out of a driveway.
- Sideswiping Accidents: Typically, these accidents occur when a motorist does not check their blind spots when merging into traffic or changing lanes. Be sure to pay attention to other drivers in the vicinity, obey the speed limit, and avoid driving in other vehicles’ blind spots.
- Single Vehicle Accidents: These occur when a driver loses control of the vehicle, either due to wet, slippery road conditions, potholes, stationary objects in the road, or an animal darting across the street. The best way to avoid these accidents is to avoid speeding and other reckless driving behaviors and use extra caution when driving during inclement weather.
Common Car Accident Injuries
- Arm and Leg Injuries: The impact of a crash can cause your arms and legs to hit the dashboard with extreme force. Depending on the severity of the collision, these injuries may require surgery, or lengthy physical therapy to treat the injury.
- Back Injuries: Herniated discs can occur when the sudden impact causes one or more vertebrae in the spine to rupture or move out of place. This can cause severe pain and other complications.
- Broken Bones: Car accidents can also cause broken ribs, legs, fingers, and shoulders. Treatment may include casting, surgery, or lengthy rest and physical therapy.
- Head Injuries: Serious head injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, require immediate medical attention. Even a minor head injury should be checked by a medical professional, since symptoms of a serious injury can be delayed.
- Internal Bleeding: These can be very dangerous, particularly if the victim does not receive treatment as soon as possible.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): When a car accident is particularly traumatic, and involves serious injuries or fatalities, the individuals involved may suffer mental and emotional injuries, including PTSD.
- Scrapes and Cuts: These are often caused by the impact of the crash, broken glass, or other loose items that can break the skin. If they are not treated, they may become infected.
- Whiplash: This is a very common injury that occurs when the sudden impact causes strain to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck. While not usually life-threatening, whiplash can be very painful and takes time to heal.
Our Process
LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton is a powerhouse accident law firm with a simple objective to help clients achieve the maximum compensation possible for their injuries. The attorneys at our Baltimore law firm employ an in-depth intake process to gain a better understanding of your accident and its aftermath. If needed, we refer you to a medical specialist who can diagnose and treat your injuries. We then give you an honest assessment of your case and keep you informed of its progress every step of the way. You will work directly with an expert accident injury attorney at all times.
While it is impossible to predict the outcome of any case with certainty, LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton has a reputation for success built on decades of experience. Our law firm has secured more than $250 million in compensation for our clients since we opened our doors in 1987. We achieve noteworthy settlements and verdicts because we work hard and prepare each injury claim as if we were going to court, not just the negotiation table. Insurance companies and opposing counsel will take your case seriously when they see our law firm by your side.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Injured Victims
If you were injured in a car accident, reach out to the legal team at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton today. Contact us online or call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) for a free consultation. 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 needed. All our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing for our services or expenses until we win your case. Visit our law firm’s main website for more information about our attorneys and other services we provide.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Prince George’s County, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.