Automobile Accident Attorney in Fort Washington, MD

In 2018, the state of Maryland lost 501 people to car accidents. Of those 501 victims, 95 were in Prince George’s County at the time of their accident. That means nearly 20 percent of Maryland’s auto accident fatalities occurred right in your backyard. One life lost on the road is too many, but unfortunately, accidents happen.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use this advice, but if you or a loved one is injured in an automobile accident in Fort Washington, MD, there are a few things you should know.

Maryland Is a “Fault” State for Auto Accidents

What does that mean? Simply put, the person who was at fault or responsible for causing the car accident is responsible for any resulting harm or damage. Now, the negligent party is generally covered by his or her auto insurance policy, which will pay for damages (up to the policy’s limits). Beyond that, if you’ve sustained injury or damages as the result of an accident caused by a negligent driver, you have a few options:

You can file a claim with your own insurance company (if the loss is covered under your policy). Upon doing this, your insurance company will more than likely go after the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier with a claim.
You can file a claim directly through the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
You can hire an automobile accident attorney in Fort Washington, MD–The Lapidus Law Firm–and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

So, which of these options is best for you?

What You Should Do After an Auto Accident

What you should do all depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. The first thing you must do is get medical attention. Even if it’s a fender bender and you feel fine, if you’ve bumped your head, for example, call 911 and get checked out by an EMT on the scene or go to the emergency room for an evaluation.

We’ve seen plenty of cases where injuries beneath the surface show up later, and by then, it could be too late to do anything about it. This step is critical not only for your well-being and but also from the legalities of any potential case you may have.

If you’re able and only if it’s safe to do so, take some pictures of the accident scene. Your vehicle, the at-fault driver’s vehicle, the surrounding area… All information can help support your claim. Then exchange insurance information with the other driver–don’t forget to do this, as their insurance carrier will play a significant role in any claims and legal discussions that follow.

Before getting to our last “to-do,” here’s one thing NOT to do…do NOT speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company until you have consulted with one of our lawyers. Do NOT accept any offers or settlements from ANY insurance company. Insurance companies of the at-fault drivers do not have your best interests in mind. They are in business to make money, so they will extend a lowball offer and try to resolve this claim as quickly and as cheaply as possible. That’s why you most like need representation from an experienced, knowledgeable automobile accident attorney, like those at The Lapidus Law Firm.

Why Having an Automobile Accident Attorney Is Important

The auto accident lawyers at The Lapidus Law Firm have decades of experience with car accident cases. As stated above, insurance companies want to settle quickly, so they’ll most likely offer a settlement that seems appealing. Still, in reality, it will probably barely cover your expenses – if at all.

On the other hand, an automobile accident attorney in Fort Washington, MD, will fight for you to get you the fair and reasonable settlement to cover any potential medical expenses and treatment for injuries, lost wages from missed time at work, and pain and suffering. Why should you be stuck covering those expenses?