Howard County Car Accident Lawyers
Fighting for Injured Victims of Car Accidents in Howard County and Throughout Maryland
As long as humans rely on cars to get from point A to point B, car accidents will continue to be an unfortunate reality. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were a staggering 5,615,000 car accidents reported in the United States in 2012 alone. Many of these wrecks involved serious damage to the vehicles involved, and severe injuries and fatalities to the victims.
Depending on the nature of the crash, car accident injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and death. While some accidents are beyond the driver’s control, others can be prevented by making smart decisions and always making safety a priority.
What to do Immediately Following a Car Accident
Once you have gotten over the initial shock of the crash and if you are not seriously hurt, take the following steps immediately after the accident:
- Remain at the scene. Never flee the scene of a car accident. Check the condition of the other victims involved. If anyone is hurt, call for help immediately. Do not attempt to move someone who appears to have a neck or back injury, unless their life in is in imminent danger.
- Notify the police. Any time there is damage to a vehicle and/or a physical injury, the police must get involved. The officer will file a police report, which you will be able to access a copy of for your records. Try to get the name and badge number of the officer at the scene.
- Exchange information with others involved. Make sure that you get the contact information from the other drivers, including phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Try to keep the interaction cordial, but do not apologize or admit guilt for something that was not your fault.
- Speak to witnesses. Witness testimonials can provide very helpful information, including information that may prove that the other driver was at fault. Get names, phone numbers and any other contact information from any witnesses willing to speak to you.
- Take pictures. If possible, take pictures of your vehicle in order to provide evidence of the damage. Also, take pictures of the other car involved as well as the area where the wreck took place. Accident photos provide valuable evidence in case you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
- Get medical attention. If your injuries were not severe enough to require an ambulance ride to the hospital, you should still get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries are not apparent immediately after a crash, but rather develop in the hours or days that follow. It is important to get medical attention and document any injuries while the details of the crash are still fresh in your mind.
- Keep copies of medical records. If you were injured and you were treated by a medical professional, keep records of all appointment, tests, therapies, and medication, as you will likely need to present this information later.
- Speak to a car accident lawyer. Do not give any statements to an insurance company before speaking to a qualified car accident lawyer. Insurance agents are not on your side, and will likely use anything you say against you as you try to recover compensation.
Proving Fault
Courts consider a number of factors when determining liability for car accidents. The more you know about this process, the more likely you will avoid paying for someone else’s negligence. Some of the most common factors considered include the details provided in the police report, state traffic laws, and the type of car accident that occurred. The police report includes the officer’s observations of the scene and whether either of the drivers received a citation. In some circumstances, such as rear-end accidents, the responsible party is clear. In other cases, determining fault can be more complicated. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand the process and answer any questions you might have.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
- Defective parts
- Hazardous road conditions
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Chest injuries
- Leg and arm injuries
- Psychological injuries
Howard County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Provide Legal Counsel for Car Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident and you are not sure what steps to take following the incident, contact the reputable Howard County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. Our skilled legal team will guide you through the legal process, fighting to ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation that you deserve. For 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 Howard County, Maryland, which includes the cities of Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Fulton, Highland, Ilchester, Laurel, and North Laurel.