What should I do immediately after a personal injury accident in Baltimore?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel fine. Call 911 if anyone is seriously hurt. Document the scene with photos of your injuries, property damage, and the accident location. Get contact information from witnesses and the other parties involved.
Report the incident to the police and your insurance company within 24 hours. Keep all medical records, bills, and correspondence related to your injury. Avoid discussing fault or signing any documents from insurance companies until you speak with a lawyer.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if you win your case, typically taking 33-40% of your settlement or court award.
You won't pay attorney fees if your case is unsuccessful. However, you may still be responsible for case expenses like medical record fees, expert witness costs, and court filing fees, depending on your agreement.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland's statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most accidents, including car crashes, slip and falls, and medical malpractice cases.
Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to compensation permanently. Some exceptions exist, such as cases involving minors or when injuries aren't discovered immediately. Contact a lawyer promptly to protect your rights.
What makes a good personal injury lawyer?
Look for extensive experience handling cases similar to yours. Check their track record of settlements and verdicts, client reviews, and bar association ratings. The best lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency fees.
Key qualifications to consider:
- Board certification in personal injury law
- Trial experience, not just settlement negotiations
- Resources to handle complex cases against large insurers
- Clear communication about your case's value and timeline
- Local knowledge of Maryland courts and insurance practices
How do I compare different personal injury lawyers?
Schedule consultations with 2-3 attorneys to compare their approaches. Ask about their experience with cases like yours, recent settlements, and how they plan to handle your case.
Questions to ask each lawyer:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What's the typical timeline for my type of case?
- Will you personally handle my case or delegate to associates?
- What expenses will I be responsible for?
- Can you provide references from recent clients?
Choose the lawyer who demonstrates expertise in your specific injury type and makes you feel confident about the representation.
What compensation can I recover in a personal injury case?
You may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover measurable losses like medical bills, lost wages, and future treatment costs. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if you're found partially at fault, you may recover nothing. This makes having experienced legal representation crucial for protecting your right to compensation.
How long does a personal injury case take to settle?
Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries often settle within 3-6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take 1-3 years to resolve.
Settlement timing depends on factors like the extent of your injuries, how long your treatment lasts, and the insurance company's cooperation. Your lawyer will advise when it's appropriate to accept an offer versus proceeding to trial.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
No, almost never accept the first offer. Insurance companies typically start with lowball offers, hoping you'll settle quickly for less than your case is worth.
Wait until you've completed medical treatment and understand the full extent of your injuries before considering any settlement. Your lawyer can evaluate whether an offer fairly compensates you for current and future damages.
