Car Accidents in Carroll County
Recovering Compensation for Victims of Car Accidents in Carroll County
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality, no matter how carefully we drive, or whether your car is equipped with the latest safety technology. Sadly, car accidents continue to claim the lives of thousands of people each year. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2012, someone was fatally injured in a car accident in the United States every 12 seconds, which translates to 92 deaths per day. Some wrecks are relatively minor fender benders, wherein the individuals involved walk away without a scratch. However, more serious crashes often involve multiple vehicles, and can cause massive, sometimes fatal injuries. The more you know about car accidents, including some of the common causes, the more prepared you will be should you or a loved one be involved in one.
Most Common Types of Car Accidents
There are many types of car accidents, and they can occur anywhere from a quiet neighborhood side street to a busy highway. The circumstances may be unique to each wreck, but the following are examples of some of the most common types of car accidents:
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
- Read-end collisions
- Rollovers
- Side-impact collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident
If you have not been seriously injured and you are able to walk and talk after the crash, keep the following recommendations in mind, as it will be helpful should you need to file a personal injury claim.
- Remain at the scene of the accident. Do not leave the scene until a police officer arrives to take an accident report. If you flee the scene, particularly if someone has been seriously injured or killed, you may face criminal charges. Check to see if anyone else was hurt, and if they require medical attention. If someone is unconscious or appears to have a neck or back injury, do not attempt to move them until help arrives.
- Call the police. The police must come anytime there is property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer on the scene.
- Exchange information with others involved. Get the name, address, phone number and insurance information from all individuals involved in the wreck. While you may be upset about the car accident, try to remain calm and cordial. However, do not feel the need to apologize as the other person can use that against you, claiming that you admitted wrongdoing.
Speak to Witnesses
If there were any witnesses at the scene of the collision, ask what they saw and get their names and contact information if possible.
- Take pictures of the scene. If you are able, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, so that you can provide your insurance company with evidence. This will help you should you need to file a personal injury claim to recover damages.
- Contact your insurance company. Let your insurance company know as soon as possible that you have been in a car accident. Remember that it is the insurance adjuster’s job to limit the amount of money you recover, so choose your words very carefully. It may be wise to first speak to a qualified car accident lawyer in Carroll County before giving any statements to the insurance company.
Determining Negligence
In some cases, it may be quite obvious who was at fault in a car accident. Other times, it is not as clear. Courts will consider a number of factors when determining who was at fault, including whether a driver was guilty of any of the following:
- Disregarding posted traffic signs or signals
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to use turn signals
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Texting or talking while driving
When a car accident was not the result of driver error, determining liability can be a bit more tricky. The following are examples of accidents that are not caused by another driver:
- Automobile defect, including brakes, tires, engine, and airbags
- Fallen trees or utility poles
- Inclement weather, including rain, sleet, snow, fog, and wind
- Malfunctioning traffic controls
- Poor road conditions
Carroll County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Car Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, the Carroll County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can help. We have a proven track record of reaching successful settlements for our clients, and we will work tirelessly to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team will guide you through every step of the legal process, addressing any of your questions or concerns along the way. To arrange a free consultation, call us today 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 Carroll County, which includes the towns of Hampstead, Manchester, Mount Airy, New Windsor, Sykesville, Taneytown, Union Bridge, and Westminster, Maryland.