Car Accidents in Baltimore City
We Represent Car Accident Victims Throughout Baltimore City
Car accidents can happen when you least expect it, regardless of how safe of a driver you are. While you can control the way you drive, you cannot control others on the road. Factor in unpredictable weather and other unforeseen circumstances, and statistics show that there are approximately 16,000,000 car accidents every year in the United States. Victims of car accidents can suffer a range of injuries, from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatality.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you have not been severely injured, there are steps to take immediately following a wreck that will help make the process go much more smoothly, including the following:
- Remain at the scene. If you leave the scene of an accident before police arrive, particularly if someone was seriously injured, you could face criminal penalties.
- Check the condition of others involved. If other passengers in your vehicle or other drivers involved are injured, call for help immediately. If someone appears to have neck pain or is unconscious, do not attempt to move him or her until medical help arrives.
- Call the police. A police report should be filled out if anyone is injured or there is property damage. Obtain a copy of the report, as well as the name and badge number of the officer, to submit to your insurance company.
- Talk to witnesses at the scene. People who saw the car accident happen may be able to provide valuable information about the crash. Gather name and contact information of any witnesses.
- Seek medical treatment. Oftentimes, victims do not realize they are injured until later, due to the rush of adrenaline and other factors. A medical professional can make sure you do not have any undetected injuries. Keep copies of all medical reports, including physical therapy, medication, and any testing you may have had done.
- Contact your insurance company. Alert your insurance company about your car accident as soon as possible. Provide all documentation, including the police report, medical records, photos, witness reports, and any other information that can help your claim.
Proving Negligence in Car Accidents
In some cases, it may be obvious that one of the drivers involved was negligent, but oftentimes it is not clear. In order to determine negligence, the courts will examine the following factors:
- If a driver disobeyed posted traffic signs or signals
- If one of the drivers involved did not signal before turning
- If speeding or driving recklessly were factors in the accident
- If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- If the driver failed to adjust to inclement weather or hazardous traffic conditions
Common Car Accident Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately three million people are injured in car accidents each year in the United States. Following are some of the most common injuries car accident victims may suffer:
- Arm and Leg Injuries: If your vehicle is hit from the side, the arm and leg on that side may be injured from the impact. The occupant’s legs and knees also tend to hit the dashboard or the seats in front of them in a crash, causing injuries ranging from scrapes and bruising to broken bones.
- Chest Injuries: These are common car accident injuries as the driver’s chest often slams into the steering wheel when the vehicles hit. Cracked ribs, punctured lungs, and severe bruising are other common chest injuries.
- Cuts and Abrasions: These can happen when any object in the car hits a part of the body. If the cut is deep and results in significant blood loss, seek immediate medical attention.
- Head Injuries: From minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries, the sudden impact of a car accident can cause a range of injuries involving the head. Head injuries should always receive medical attention since certain injuries can cause the brain to swell, which can be extremely dangerous.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: This involves damage to the body’s connective tissue, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. One of the most common types of soft tissue injuries is whiplash, which occurs when the muscles and ligaments in the neck are stretched due to the sudden and forceful movement imposed on the neck.
Baltimore City Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Fight for the Rights of Car Accident Victims
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. The dedicated Baltimore City car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will thoroughly review the details of your case to determine the best legal course of action. We will guide you through every step of the claims process, ensuring that you receive the maximum financial compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Baltimore City.