If you were recently involved in a collision and intend to seek compensation through an insurance claim, youāre probably curious about the average car accident settlement in Maryland. How will you know if you get a fair settlement offer?
Hereās the truth: Estimating compensation for an auto accident injury based on averages isnāt the most helpful approach. Car accident settlements vary widely and depend heavily on the facts of the case. However, there are some useful strategies to consider that might help you maximize your compensation. The first is to consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Maryland.
Trollinger Law LLC is a respected personal injury law firm serving accident victims throughout Southern Maryland. To learn more about the potential value of your car accident case, contact us today for a free consultation.
How Car Accident Settlements Work in Maryland
Maryland is a fault state when it comes to car accidents. That means the party(s) that cause a collision are legally responsible for any resulting losses.
Car accident settlements are typically handled through an insurance claim or, when necessary, a personal injury lawsuit. After a crash, an accident victim can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company seeking compensation for losses stemming from their injuries, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
While hiring a car accident lawyer is not required to file a case, itās a good idea to get legal guidance before starting the claims process. Hereās why:
- You donāt have to file the claim yourself ā Coping with car accident injuries is stressful enough without adding insurance paperwork to your to-do list. Once you receive medical treatment and have a clear understanding of the full impact of their losses, your personal injury lawyer can prepare a demand letter requesting full and fair compensation from the at-fault driver or other liable party.
- You donāt have to guess what your case is worth ā Every case is unique. However, a lawyer with experience handling car accident injury claims in Maryland can review the facts, analyze past verdicts and settlements in cases similar to yours, and reference Maryland case law to provide an educated estimate of potential compensation.
- You donāt have to negotiate with insurance adjusters ā Your first settlement offer will likely be too low. A skilled auto accident lawyer can gather and present additional evidence to strengthen your claim during settlement negotiations. If negotiations fail, your attorney may file a car accident lawsuit, and the case can proceed to court.
- You donāt have to interpret Marylandās negligence laws ā Under Maryland law, you cannot recover compensation for an auto accident injury if you are even one percent responsible for a crash. A car accident attorney can anticipate the tactics insurance companies may use to try to push blame onto you.
What Factors Influence Settlement Amounts?
The value of a Maryland car accident claim depends on the specific facts ā how the crash occurred, the severity of your injuries, the quality of the evidence, and how hard the insurance company works to avoid making a fair payout.
You can more realistically assess your claim by considering the factors that impact compensation, such as:
- Extent of the injuries ā Catastrophic injuries that require surgery, a lengthy rehabilitation, or result in permanent impairment typically lead to higher settlements because they generate significant medical expenses and long-term suffering.
- Medical bills and future treatment costs ā The total cost of current and projected medical care, including hospital bills, medications, and physical therapy, heavily influences settlement calculations.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity ā If you miss an extended period of work or cannot return to your previous job due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost income and reduced future earnings.
- Pain and suffering ā Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are non-economic damages that can significantly impact overall settlement value. However, because these losses do not have a specific dollar value, the insurer may challenge this party of your auto accident claim.
- Insurance coverage limits ā The at-fault partyās policy limits may cap the maximum available compensation, regardless of the actual financial harm you suffered.
Examples of Settlements Recovered by Trollinger Law LLC for Maryland Car Accident Victims
Since you canāt get a definitive answer about the average settlement amount in Maryland, where can you turn for clarity and perspective? Talk to the car accident attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC. Our law firm has the legal insight and track record to support you throughout the claims process and fight for the best possible outcome.
Some of our notable motor vehicle accident case results include:
- $575,000 for a mother and daughter whose vehicle was hit by a dump truck
- $575,000 for a family injured in an accident involving a commercial truck
- $500,000 for a client hurt in a car accident
- $325,000 for a husband and wife hurt when another driver failed to yield
- $250,000 for a client injured when a speeding and distracted driver rear-ended his vehicle
Our past results cannot guarantee a similar outcome for you. What we can do is take a close look at what happened, gather and analyze all the available evidence, prepare a car accident claim seeking full compensation for your losses, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Steps to Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement in Maryland
What you do immediately after a car crash and throughout your recovery can directly impact a potential car accident settlement. Being proactive and organized can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim.
Here are some practical steps to strengthen your case:
- Seek medical attention immediately ā This step documents your injuries and establishes a clear link between them and the crash.
- Promptly report the accident to law enforcement and your insurance company ā Avoid guessing about fault or what caused the crash. Just stick to the facts.
- Preserve evidence ā Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, police reports, witness contact information, receipts showing medical costs, and any documentation you receive from doctors, employers, and insurers can support your case.
- Follow all medical advice ā Attend all appointments to show consistent recovery efforts.
- Avoid making social media posts ā Insurers may scrutinize your social media accounts, looking for ways to discredit your claim.
- Consult a car accident lawyer in Maryland ā An experienced lawyer can explain your legal options and represent you throughout the legal process.
Contact a Maryland Auto Accident Attorney Today
You deserve a legal team that places your needs first after a car accident. At Trollinger Law LLC, we focus exclusively on representing injured people and providing them with the personalized attention they deserve. Let us help you fight for a car accident settlement that fully and fairly compensates you for your losses. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
