Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers

You Deserve Comprehensive Legal Representation

Our team over 35 years has handled tens of thousands of car accident cases. We’ve collected as much as four million dollars in a single case. If you were injured in an auto accident due to no fault of your own, Bob Katz Law and his team of car accident lawyer Baltimore can help provide you with comprehensive legal representation.  You could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, legal fees and more.

Find out if you have a case today. Get the compensation you deserve.  There is no fee for consultation and all consultations are confidential.

Why choose a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer at Bob Katz Law? 

Bob Katz Law and his law firm have successfully represented injured clients for more than 35 years. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and we fight every day for clients to help make sure they are fairly and fully compensated for their losses.

Our firm is aggressive and we will work quickly to answer your questions and resolve the difficulties you face as a result of your car accident. Let us put your mind at ease. If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, a car accident lawyer will assist you to get your car repaired or replaced.

We will even make arrangements to help you get a rental car, or make a diminished value claim on your behalf. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you. We offer comprehensive services to make your life easier, every step of the way.

Benefits of Hiring us as your Experienced Auto Accident:

• Assisting you in resolving your property damage claim
• Handling medical payments and personal injury protection claims
• Arranging for a rental vehicle
• Resolving diminished value claims for your vehicle
• Communicating and/or negotiating with all involved insurance carriers or at-fault parties on your behalf
• Arranging for a reputable mechanic and/or body shop to fix your damaged car
• Directing you to medical professionals if you don’t have a referral
• Collecting medical records and bills so you don’t have to
• Interviewing police officers and witnesses
• Assisting you in probate matters / setting up an estate where necessary
• Collecting and documenting critical evidence relating to your claim
• Hiring necessary liability, medical and human factors experts
• Providing guidance as to the laws applicable to your particular case
• Taking your case to Court if necessary (Litigation)
• Appeals
• Negotiating with medical providers to get bills reduced
• Negotiating with health insurance companies to reduce liens

How Soon Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore?

The best time to contact a car accident lawyer after a car accident in Baltimore is as soon as possible. And here are the reasons why:

• Evidence can disappear quickly: After a car accident, important evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, or broken signs can vanish fast. A lawyer can act quickly to collect this evidence before it’s gone, which can be crucial for your case.

• Witnesses might forget details: People who saw the accident may start to forget important details over time. If you contact a car accident lawyer soon, they can talk to these witnesses while their memories are still fresh, making their statements more reliable.

• There are time limits for filing a lawsuit: Maryland law gives you three years to file a lawsuit after a car accident, but starting the process early is better. The sooner you begin, the more time you and your car accident lawyer will have to build a strong case.
• The insurance company might pressure you: Insurance companies might try to get you to agree to a small settlement quickly. This might happen before you even know how serious your injuries are. A car accident lawyer can help protect you from these tactics and ensure you get a fair deal.

Even if you’re not sure if you need a lawyer, at least talk to one soon after your accident. Talking to a car accident lawyer right after your accident can help you understand what to do next and what your rights are. They can explain your options and help you make the best decision for your situation.

How Much Do Car Accidents Usually Settle For?

While there isn’t a simple answer to this question because every car accident is different, the amount of money you might get depends on many things, including:

• How badly you were hurt: If your injuries are serious, you might get more money. Serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment, which can be very expensive. They might also cause a lot of pain and suffering, which can increase the amount of money you receive. If your injuries are minor, you might get less money because the costs and impact on your life are not as severe.
• How much your medical bills are: If you have high medical bills, you might get more money to cover those costs. Medical bills can include hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any other treatments you need because of the accident. The higher your medical bills, the more money you might be able to get to pay for them.
• Whether you missed work because of your injuries: If you couldn’t work for a while because of your injuries, you might get money to make up for the lost wages. This means that if your injuries caused you to miss work and lose income, you can get compensated for the money you would have earned if you hadn’t been injured.
• Who was at fault for the accident: If the other driver was at fault, you might get more money. When the other driver is responsible for the accident, their insurance company might have to pay for your damages. If you were partly at fault, you might get less money. This is because the amount of money you receive can be reduced based on your share of the blame for the accident.
• How much insurance coverage is available: If there is a lot of insurance coverage, you might get more money. The insurance coverage available can limit how much money you can receive. If the other driver has a high insurance policy limit, there might be more money available to cover your damages. If there is less coverage, you might get less money because the insurance company might not have enough funds to pay for all your damages.

In Baltimore, the amount of money you might get from a car accident settlement can be very different. Some settlements might be just a few thousand dollars, while others could be hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. It all depends on the details of your case.

The first offer from the insurance company is often lower than what your case is really worth. That’s why it can be helpful to have a car accident lawyer Baltimore who knows how to negotiate for a fair settlement. 

$170,000.00 Settlement For Motor Vehicle Accident Victim.

Resolved motor vehicle accident crash matter for $700,000

$925,000.00 Settlement For Victim Injured By Negligent Drunk Driver

$775,000.00 Recovery For Korean American Injured In Montgomery County Maryland Car Accident

What to do after a Baltimore Car Accident?

If you’re in a car accident in Baltimore, here are the steps you should take:

• Check for injuries: The first thing you need to do is make sure you and anyone else involved in the accident are okay. Look around to see if anyone is hurt. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get medical help. Act quickly because some injuries might be serious and need immediate attention.
• Move to a safe place: If your car is in a dangerous spot, like the middle of the road, and if it’s safe to do so, try to move it to the side of the road. This helps prevent more accidents from happening. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that something is wrong.
• Call the police: In Baltimore, it’s important to call the police after an accident, no matter how minor it might seem. The police will come to the scene and make a report about what happened. This report can be very important later when dealing with insurance companies or if there are any legal issues.
• Exchange information: You need to get the name, phone number, and insurance information from the other driver involved in the accident. Also, if there are any witnesses who saw what happened, get their contact information too. This information will be useful when you file a claim with your insurance company.
• Take pictures: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene. Make sure to get pictures of the damage to all the cars involved, the positions of the cars, any skid marks on the road, and any visible injuries. These pictures can be important evidence later.
• Don’t admit fault: Be careful about what you say after the accident. Even if you think you might be partly to blame, don’t say things like “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault.” These statements can be used against you later when determining who is responsible for the accident.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not show symptoms right away. A doctor can check you out and make sure you’re okay.
• Contact your insurance company: Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as you can. However, be careful not to give a detailed statement about what happened until you’ve talked to a lawyer. Sometimes, insurance companies might try to use your statement against you.
• Consider talking to a lawyer: A Baltimore car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and what you should do next. They can offer advice on dealing with insurance companies, help you get the compensation you deserve, and protect your interests throughout the process.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Baltimore, MD

Was a distracted driver the cause of your accident?  Were you hit by a car that was going faster than the posted speed limit?  Did your car accident result from the negligent actions of a reckless driver?  Were you injured by a driver in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Personal injuries come in many shapes and forms.

Injured in a Car Accident? Where Does It Hurt?

If you were hurt in a car accident recently, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. We will aggressively seek out fair compensation for you if you have wrongfully suffered with injuries such as:

• Neck pain
• Back Pain
• Herniated discs
• Broken bones
• Amputation
• Catastrophic injury
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Brain Injury
• Serious Burns
• Blindness
• Paralysis
• Airbag Burns

Situations Where You Would Need a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer

In certain situations after a car accident, it is extremely beneficial to have a car accident lawyer on your side. Here are some specific scenarios where a car accident lawyer Baltimore can be especially valuable:

• If you’re badly hurt: When you get hurt really badly in a car accident, you might have to go to the hospital and miss work. This can be very expensive.
  A car accident lawyer can help make sure you get enough money to pay for your medical bills and any money you lost because you couldn’t work. They can also help you get compensation for your pain and suffering.

• If the other driver doesn’t have insurance: Sometimes, the person who hit you doesn’t have car insurance. This makes it very difficult to get money to fix your car or pay for your injuries.
  A car accident lawyer knows what to do in these complicated cases to help you get the money you need. They might help you explore other options, like using your own uninsured motorist coverage.

• If the insurance company is offering a low settlement: Insurance companies may try to give you a small amount of money to settle your case quickly. This might not be enough to cover all your expenses.
  A car accident lawyer can talk to the insurance company for you and try to get you a fair amount of money. They have experience negotiating and know what your case is really worth.

• If the accident involved multiple vehicles: When more than two cars are involved in an accident, it can be very confusing to figure out who is at fault.
  A car accident lawyer can help figure out who should pay for the damages and make sure you are treated fairly. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine liability among all the parties involved.

• If you’re being blamed for the accident: Sometimes, the other driver or their insurance company might say that the accident was your fault. This can be very serious and could affect how much money you can get.
  A car accident lawyer Baltimore can help defend you and make sure your side of the story is heard. They can gather evidence to support your case and fight against unfair blame.

• If the accident involved a commercial vehicle: If the accident involved a big truck or a vehicle that belongs to a company, there are special rules and laws that apply.
  A car accident lawyer who understands these special rules can help make sure you are treated fairly and get the compensation you deserve. They can navigate the complex regulations and deal with the company’s insurance and legal teams.

What’s the Statute of Limitations For a Car Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?

In Maryland, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. 

If you try to file a lawsuit after this time is up, your case will likely be dismissed. This means you won’t be able to get any compensation for your injuries or damages.

There are a few exceptions to this rule:

• If the injured person is under 18: The clock doesn’t start until they turn 18. This means that if a child is hurt in a car accident, they have until they are 21 years old to file a lawsuit.
• If the injured person is mentally incapacitated: The clock might not start until they are able to understand their legal rights. This can happen if someone is in a coma or has a serious mental illness that prevents them from understanding what happened or what they need to do.
• If the negligent party is a government agency: If you were in a car accident and the negligent party was a government agency, the time limit is different. For example, if a municipal employee hit you and your vehicle, you must file a claim against the municipality. They must receive written notice within one year. 

Whether you have one or three years to take action, you should never delay. Building a strong case requires a lot of work, so you should allow a car accident lawyer as much time as possible to advocate for you.

Important Notes:

Even though you have three years to file a lawsuit, it’s best not to wait that long. Here are some reasons why:

• Evidence can disappear: Over time, important evidence like photos, videos, and physical objects can get lost or damaged. This can make it harder to prove what happened in the accident.
• Witnesses can forget details: People who saw the accident might not remember everything clearly as time goes by. Their memories can fade, making their testimonies less reliable.
• Insurance companies: If you’re dealing with an insurance company, they’ll want to know about your claim much sooner. Waiting too long to inform them can hurt your chances of getting a fair settlement.

By acting quickly, you can help ensure that you have all the necessary evidence and that your witnesses remember what happened. It also shows the insurance company that you are serious about your claim. 

What Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims in Baltimore, MD?

If you’ve been in a car accident in Baltimore, you might be able to get money for different types of “damages.” The harm or losses you’ve suffered come in the following main types:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (both current and future): This includes any money you have spent or will need to spend on medical treatment because of the accident. It can cover hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any other medical costs.
• Lost wages if you couldn’t work: If your injuries prevented you from working, you can get money to make up for the income you lost. This can also include future lost wages if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
• Property damage (like repairs to your car): If your car or any other property was damaged in the accident, you can get money to pay for the repairs or to replace the damaged items.
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries: This can include any other costs you had because of the accident, like paying for transportation to medical appointments, hiring help around the house, or buying medical equipment.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering: This is the physical pain and discomfort you have experienced because of the accident. It’s not about the bills you have to pay, but about the suffering you have endured.
• Emotional distress: Being in a car accident can be very traumatic. You might have anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues because of what happened. You can get money to help compensate for this emotional suffering.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy life and do the things you used to love, you can get money for this loss. This could be activities like hobbies, sports, or spending time with family and friends.

Punitive Damages:

In some rare cases, if the other driver was extremely reckless or did something very wrong, you might also be able to get punitive damages. These are different from the other types of damages because they are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Remember, the amount of money you can get depends on the specific details of your case. Every accident is different, and the amount you might receive will vary based on things like how severe your injuries are and who was at fault. 

Why Do Baltimore Car Accidents Occur?

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Baltimore include:

Distracted Driving

This includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or anything else that takes your attention off the road. When drivers are not focused on driving, they are more likely to miss important signals, make poor decisions, and react too slowly to avoid accidents.

Speeding

Going too fast makes it harder to stop in time and increases the force of impact in a crash. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to sudden changes on the road and can make accidents more severe.

Drunk Driving

Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction times. When people drive after drinking, they are less able to make good decisions, stay in their lane, and react quickly to other vehicles or obstacles, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

Reckless Driving

This includes things like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights. Reckless drivers take unnecessary risks that can endanger themselves and others on the road, making accidents more likely.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, confusing signs, or bad weather can all contribute to accidents. Poorly maintained roads or unclear signage can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or make wrong turns, leading to collisions.

Vehicle Defects

Sometimes accidents are caused by problems with the car itself, like faulty brakes or tire blowouts. Mechanical failures can happen without warning, making it difficult for drivers to prevent accidents.

Fatigue

Driving while very tired can be as dangerous as driving drunk. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, reduced attention, and may even fall asleep at the wheel, increasing the risk of accidents.

Inexperienced Drivers

New drivers are more likely to make mistakes that lead to accidents. They might not yet have the skills or experience to handle complex driving situations, making them more prone to errors.

Understanding these common causes of car accidents can help drivers be more aware of the risks and take steps to avoid them. Being mindful of these factors can make the roads safer for everyone.

Is Maryland A No-Fault State For Car Accidents?

No, Maryland is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Instead, Maryland follows a “fault” system, also known as a “tort” system. This means that the person who caused the accident (or their insurance company) is responsible for paying for the damages.

In a no-fault state, each person’s own insurance pays for their medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. But in Maryland, you can sue the at-fault driver for a wider range of damages, including pain and suffering.

However, Maryland does exercise “contributory negligence.” This means that if you were even a little bit at fault for the accident, you might not be able to recover any damages. 

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Baltimore, MD

While we’ve talked about general causes of car accidents, let’s look at some specific issues that often lead to crashes in Baltimore:

• Heavy Traffic: Baltimore’s busy roads, especially during rush hour, can lead to more accidents. When there are a lot of cars on the road, it’s easier for collisions to happen because there’s less space to maneuver, and drivers might get impatient or frustrated.
• Aggressive Driving: Baltimore drivers are sometimes known for being aggressive, which can lead to dangerous situations. Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers. These behaviors can cause accidents because they increase the chances of sudden braking or unexpected moves.
• Poor Road Conditions: Some of Baltimore’s roads are in need of repair, which can contribute to accidents. Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or damage their cars, leading to crashes.
• Confusing Road Layouts: Some of Baltimore’s older neighborhoods have complicated street layouts that can be confusing for drivers. This confusion can lead to wrong turns, sudden stops, and accidents, especially for drivers who are not familiar with the area
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic: Baltimore has a lot of pedestrians and cyclists, and accidents involving them are unfortunately common. Drivers need to be extra careful in areas with heavy foot and bike traffic to avoid hitting people who are walking or biking.
• Construction Zones: Ongoing road work in various parts of the city can create hazardous conditions. Construction zones often have narrow lanes, detours, and unexpected obstacles that can lead to accidents if drivers are not careful.
• Weather: Baltimore’s weather, including occasional severe storms, can make driving dangerous. Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to see and control their vehicles.

Bob Katz Law Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore help victims inside Maryland and our firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office in Baltimore at 1001 Fleet St Suite 525, Baltimore, MD 21202. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 39.2841097472434, -76.59946847149862.

FAQs Asked To A Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore 

After an Auto Accident, There Are So Many Questions.

Are you overwhelmed? Do you have many questions regarding your car accident?  Questions such as:

• How can I find out how much insurance coverage the at-fault party has?
  Many people involved in car accidents believe that all the bills, expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering will be reimbursed to them at the time of settlement. However, insurance policies do not have an unlimited amount of coverage. Anyone who purchases an automobile insurance policy will have a maximum amount of coverage which their insurance company can pay out for a claim.
• Who can I trust to appraise my car for a fair price?
  Maryland is a diminished value state, meaning that vehicle owners may be eligible for compensation for the decrease in their vehicle’s market value after an accident. This decrease, known as diminished value, represents the difference between the car’s current selling price and its value before the accident. The law may entitle you to be compensated for the damages to the car (known in lay terms as a property damage claim) in addition to the loss of value of the car. This loss of value is referred to as “diminished value.”
• How do I know if my vehicle is totaled?
  When someone is in a motor vehicle accident, and it is not their fault, we typically will contact the insurance company for the at-fault driver and schedule a repair estimate. Typically, the insurance company will have its appraisers coordinate a repair inspection. We will usually try to arrange that inspection so that it is convenient for our client. In most cases, the location will be the home of our clients. The inspector will then take photographs of the damage to the car, and prepare a detailed repair estimate.
• Who is going to pay for my rental vehicle?
  Most car accidents occur because of driver carelessness, but the legal theory of liability is termed ‘negligence.’ To recover compensation, you must show that the other motorist caused the crash by failing to use reasonable care when operating the vehicle. This is true whether you were driving the rental car or someone in a rented vehicle struck you.
• Can I treat after an accident if I don’t have health insurance?
  Some doctors will be willing to accept a lien on the proceeds of the lawsuit equivalent to the value of their treatment, in exchange for providing treatment without being paid up front. Other doctors will accept health insurance regardless of who was at fault. Your attorney will work with you to determine the best course of action specific for your case as there are no hard and fast solutions in this regard.
• What is the Sudden Medical Emergency Defense?
  A driver may be relieved of liability in a car accident in some situations in which a medical condition is the cause. The rationale behind the sudden medical emergency defense is that there is no negligence involved and the matter was beyond the motorists control, so he or she should not be required to pay compensation to an injured victim.  Maryland Law on Sudden Medical Emergency in Car Accident Cases. Maryland does recognize the defense of sudden medical emergency in auto collision cases, though the concept is derived from case law instead of a statute. In the 1977 case of Moore v. Presnell, the court held that a driver is not liable for injuries in a car accident if he or she is suddenly and unforeseeably incapacitated, either physically or mentally. The court’s opinion does contain an exception, however. When a motorist has knowledge of a medical condition that may cause unconsciousness, liability may still attach.

  ---

We understand you are faced with an overwhelming number of questions after you’ve had a car accident.  Let our experienced and successful Personal Injury Team take the actions needed to get your life back to normal.

Other Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle

• Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Baltimore Pedestrian Accident Lawye
• Rideshare Accident Lawyer Baltimore Md
• Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer
• Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyer

Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle

• Wrongful Death Lawyer Baltimore
• Baltimore Workers Compensation Lawyer
• Baltimore Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Baltimore Dog Bite Lawyer
• Baltimore Brain Injury Lawyer
• Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Baltimore County
• Baltimore Work Injury Lawyer
• Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyer
• Maryland Premises Liability Attorney
• Baltimore Burn Injury Lawyer
• Maryland Pool Injury + Drowning Attorney

If you need experienced and comprehensive legal representation, call us today at 410-576-4287 to get a free consultation. Let us take action and put our resources to work for you to get you back on track.