People who are hurt in accidents caused by someone else’s recklessness may be able to seek compensation for their losses in Maryland. But individuals are often surprised to learn that the state has some of the strictest rules governing personal injury compensation in the nation. Taking appropriate legal action by your injury lawyercould quite literally make or break your injury claim.
Without proof that another party is fully responsible for your accident in Maryland, you could miss out on the compensation you deserve forever. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can collect the evidence you need and improve your chances of getting the money you are owed.
Were you hurt in a Frederick accident? Contact Trollinger Law LLC today for a free consultation. Attorney Matt Trollinger provides honest legal advice garnered from years of experience successfully representing injured clients just like you.
Call or contact our work injury attorneys now to learn your legal rights.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases Our Injury Lawyers Handle
There are all kinds of personal injury claims. The common thread that connects them is that the accidents are all the result of another’s negligence or carelessness.
Examples of personal injury claims that we handle include:
Car accidents: Frederick is located in the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area, which means traffic, and lots of it. Routes I-270 and I-70 are not only a source of awful traffic congestion, but they are also a place where distracted drivers wreak havoc. Drivers who cause crashes by driving dangerously can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Truck accidents: Commercial motor vehicles like tractor-trailers are capable of causing devastating harm. The fault may be distributed among multiple parties in these types of collisions, so having a personal injury attorney on your side puts you at a distinct advantage when it comes to dealing with insurance companies.
Motorcycle accidents: Riding a motorcycle requires skill and can be dangerous, but that doesn’t excuse bad drivers from striking and injuring others. Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that last a lifetime, so obtaining full and fair compensation can provide a victim with long-term financial security for any disabilities and complications that may arise.
Pedestrian accidents: Frederick is a great place to walk downtown, but people on foot have zero protection from the force of impact when a vehicle collides into them. Pedestrians have the right to hold negligent parties accountable through a personal injury claim.
Bicycle accidents: Riding a bicycle in Frederick exposes cyclists to many of the same dangers that pedestrians face. Motorists who do not exercise reasonable care and obey traffic laws can be held liable for bicycle accidents.
Premises liability: Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their premises are free from hazards like broken stairs, poorly lit parking lots, or minor children not being properly supervised during dangerous activities and other dangers. Failing to make repairs, supervise minors during dangerous activities, or mark dangerous areas with warning signs could mean you have a valid personal injury claim in Frederick.
Slip and fall accidents: The World Health Organization reports that falls are the second leading cause of accidental death and injury worldwide. Walking on slippery or icy surfaces can lead to head injuries, broken bones, back injuries, and other trauma. Keep in mind, if this happens while at work, you could have a Maryland workers’ compensation claim.
Workers’ compensation: Most employers in Maryland are required to cover job-related injuries through their workers’ compensation insurers. Unfortunately, workers often run into trouble getting full benefits. A Frederick personal injury lawyer can step in and work to negotiate for a better settlement.
Wrongful death: Certain family members can file a wrongful death claim against the negligent person or party responsible for a loved one’s death in Maryland.
Trollinger Law LLC exclusively represents the rights of accident victims. If you’ve been hurt, you can count us to fight aggressively against insurance companies who try to deny your claim for compensation.
Car Accident Lawyer in Frederick, MD – Client Testimonial
Damages You Could Recover in a Personal Injury Claim
In a personal injury claim, “damages” refers to the types of losses that you can be compensated for after an accident.
Maryland law allows accident victims to recover money for two main types of damages:
Economic: These damages include losses that can easily be calculated. Medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, home renovations, the cost of long-term nursing care, and prescription medication costs are all examples of economic damages.
Noneconomic: Not all losses after an accident have a dollar figure automatically attached to them. Noneconomic damages may include money for pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, mental anguish, loss of household services, and more.
In rare circumstances, the law allows Maryland accident victims to be awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the conduct of the party was especially reckless. They are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
Being represented by a Frederick personal injury attorney is especially important because Maryland is one of a handful of states that uses a rule called contributory negligence to determine fault for an accident. According to the law, you cannot recover compensation even if you are just one percent to blame for the accident that injured you.
What does that mean? It means that insurance companies will be fighting hard to push fault for the accident onto you. Attorney Matt Trollinger knows how to build a claim that stands up to the toughest challenges. Trust Trollinger Law LLC to push back and defend your right to maximum compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Frederick, MD?
There is a deadline to file personal injury claims in Maryland. This is called the statute of limitations.
In Frederick and the rest of Maryland, you have three years to file a personal injury claim. There are limited cases where the statute of limitations can be extended (or “tolled”), such as when:
The victim is a minor.
The person is mentally incompetent to file a claim within the statute of limitations.
There is evidence of fraud.
The victim discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) that there is an injury that is compensable under the law.
Special statutes of limitations with notice requirements may apply if the claim is against a government entity. For this reason, it’s important to talk to a Frederick personal injury lawyer before the clock runs out.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take?
Clients often ask how long it will take to resolve their personal injury claims. It’s understandable. Victims take serious financial hits when they’re hurt and have no way to earn a living. Getting a timely settlement can prevent serious financial hardships.
Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula to determine how long it will take to finalize a claim. The case must be fully investigated and prepared to give you the best possible chance of winning. Trollinger Law LLC works tirelessly to provide the quickest resolution possible for accident victims.
The first step is always to try to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Personal injury claims resolve more quickly if a satisfactory settlement can be reached out of court. The good news is that the vast majority of injury claims settle before the trial stage, often within months.
However, there are cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached. In those cases, Attorney Matt Trollinger will discuss the risks and benefits of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
Going to trial always takes more time. Lawyers from both sides need to collect more evidence, conduct depositions, and file appropriate paperwork with the courts. It also takes time to get the case scheduled on the court calendar. Depending on how the case proceeds, a trial could take several years to conclude.
Steps to Protect Your Rights After an Accident
If you are able, there are several things you can do in the moments and days after your accident to protect your legal rights.
You should:
See a doctor: Even if you don’t feel hurt, there could be unseen injuries that could worsen without quick treatment. Getting swift treatment also creates a record that links your injuries to the accident, which is vital for any personal injury claim.
Collect evidence: Photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and a police report can help a personal injury attorney build a compelling case on your behalf.
Contact a Frederick personal injury lawyer: You will need to notify the insurance company of the accident, but an attorney can handle this part for you. That allows you to focus on your recovery and prevents you from saying something that accidentally jeopardizes your claim.
Keep a pain journal: Keep a daily log of how your injuries are impacting your life. Information could include how it is affecting you at work, or with your family. This information will be important when considering the non-economic damages you may be entitled to and it can also help explain to your medical provider your progress from injury to recovery.
If you were too injured to follow this advice, don’t worry. Our Injury Lawyers will leave no stone unturned when investigating your accident claim. We can obtain everything we need to craft a solid claim for compensation for you.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Frederick, MD Now
We know you’re worried. We can help. At Trollinger Law LLC, we look forward to hearing from you and providing the support that you need during this difficult time.
In a personal injury claim, “damages” refers to the types of losses that you can be compensated for after an accident.
