The Maryland city of Frederick lies in the D.C. metro area, a region that is notorious for its massive traffic congestion. Unfortunately, traffic tie-ups increase the risk of serious car accidents, especially when people drive dangerously.

Frederick County saw 3,602 auto accidents in a single recent year, according to the state Department of Transportation (MDOT). Of those crashes, 1,156 individuals were hurt and 20 were killed. These numbers are tragic and unacceptable. Every driver who is at fault for a car accident can ā€” and should ā€”be held accountable for their carelessness.

When someoneā€™s negligence causes a severe injury accident, you may be entitled to compensation that will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Talk to a car accident lawyer in Frederick, MD at Trollinger Law LLC. When you hire us, weā€™ll seek nothing less than the fair amount youā€™ll need to replace what youā€™ve lost and moved on with your life.

We can get started immediately. Call or contact us for a free consultation.

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Common Types of Car Accidents

From a two-car accident a multi-car pileup, crashes can happen in many ways. Some of the most common types of car accidents include:

  • Head-on collisions
  • T-bone crashes
  • Rear-end accidents
  • Rollovers
  • Single-car collisions
  • Multiple-vehicle wrecks
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Crashes caused by mechanical defects
  • Inclement weather accidents

Although the types of car accidents are similar, keep in mind that the circumstances of every accident are unique. For example, a head-on collision could be just as easily be caused by a drunk driver as a reckless one. Understanding the individual differences will help your lawyer identify what evidence is necessary to support your case and protect your rights.

Car Accident Statistics

There is one notable factor that contributes to the majority of car crashes that happen on Maryland roads ā€“ choosing to ignore the rules of the road. From using a cell phone to daydreaming, car accidents are largely the result of driver error.

The most current MDOT data shows that there were 115,926 motor vehicle accidents on state roads in a recent year. Of those crashes, 535 people were killed, and at least 48,658 people suffered from some type of injury. Statewide statistics also report that:

  • More men were injured and killed in accidents than women.
  • Drivers between the ages of 25 and 29 had the most recorded accidents, at 23,757 collisions.
  • Drivers between the ages of 25 and 29 also had the highest death toll, with 37 fatalities.
  • The majority of collisions happen between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday was the most dangerous day of the week for driving.
  • The deadliest month for driving was August.
  • October had the highest number of collisions.

Drunk driving accidents also continue to be a problem for Maryland drivers. One study placed Maryland squarely in the middle of the pack when it came to overall drunken driving rates in the state. Maryland was ranked 27th overall with 308.7 DUI-related arrests per 100,000 drivers. Other data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 167 alcohol-impaired fatalities on state roadways.

This federal data also found other shocking trends when it comes to other fatal car accidents on local roads in just one year:

  • There were 123 pedestrian fatalities.
  • The majority of deaths occurred in single-vehicle crashes.
  • Frederick County ranked 7th for fatal accidents in Maryland.
  • The majority of fatal accidents happened in urban areas.

At Trollinger Law LLC, we always focus on the fact that victims are people, not statistics. We never lose sight of what we are working towards ā€“ a fair outcome for you, a real person with real expenses.

Car Accident Lawyers in Frederick, MD

Types of Car Accident Injuries in Frederick

Multiple factors can impact the type and severity of car accident injuries. A high-speed sideswipe accident may result in substantially different injuries than a rollover crash. Even accidents at low speeds can cause long-term injuries.

The one thing that all car crashes have in common is that they are traumatic events for all involved. Some of the most common types of injuries that victims of a car accident suffer can include:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injury/paralysis
  • Facial injuries
  • Dental injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Burns
  • Road rash
  • Deep cuts
  • Contusions

In addition to the heavy physical and emotional toll that an accident can take on a victim, there may also be a tremendous financial blow. Injuries such as these can require extensive medical care and treatment. From doctorsā€™ visits to hospital bills, surgery costs, and rehabilitation bills, victims can quickly become overwhelmed by the expenses associated with a serious car accident.

It can be especially taxing on a victim when they are unable to work due to their injuries and then lose, even temporarily, a steady source of income to cover their living expenses.

An experienced Frederick car accident lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC can help victims burdened by sky-high expenses. Hereā€™s how:

  • Weā€™ll put a fair value on your case and demand maximum compensation for your losses.
  • Weā€™ll negotiate for a fair settlement with the insurance company. Catastrophic injuries will merit higher-dollar compensation than cases in which an individual is expected to make a full recovery. We fight for the best possible outcome in every case we handle.
  • If settlement talks fail, weā€™ll discuss the possibility of taking your case to trial. There are pros and cons that you need to know about.

How to Prove Driver Liability

Proving liability is an extremely important step in any car accident case. However, it is especially crucial in Maryland.

Maryland is one of only a handful of states that uses the contributory negligence rule for awarding compensation when more than one party is at fault for an accident.

The contributory negligence system bars drivers from receiving compensation following a car accident if they played any part whatsoever in causing the collision. In practice, this means that if a judge or jury reviews all the evidence in a car accident case and finds that the victim bears even one percent of responsibility for contributing to the accident, they will not be allowed to recover any compensation at all.

While this rule binds the courtā€™s decisions regarding compensation distribution, this rule may also guide car insurance claims adjusters. Often, claims adjusters will base their decisions on what they think the likely outcome of a court case would be. If there is even the slightest hint that the victimā€™s actions in any way contributed to the accident, an insurance adjuster may choose to use that to their advantage in settlement negotiations.

What does this mean for victims involved in car accidents in Frederick? It means that your ability to recover compensation hangs in a balance that is highly in favor of the other party. You will need strong evidence to show that you are not responsible for the crash and related expenses. Getting car accident attorneys immediately can shield you from unfair claims of fault.

It is also important to seek legal counsel following a car collision because if an insurance provider is unwilling to negotiate in good faith, a court case may become your best option for seeking compensation.

Maryland gives victims three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. The sooner you contact an accident attorney, the sooner valuable evidence can be gathered and preserved. Again, this evidence can be used for both an insurance claim and a court case, depending on the circumstances of the accident. After the three-year statute of limitations expires, any case will be dismissed without it being heard. This can leave the victim with no recourse for pursuing compensation.

How Can Our Car Accident Lawyer in Frederick,  Help Me?

Matt Trollinger - Trollinger Law - Personal Injury Lawyer in Waldorf, MarylandAt Trollinger Law LLC, we understand how one accident can upend your life and take a toll on your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. While this can be an emotional and overwhelming time, you donā€™t have to go through it alone. Our legal team can help you navigate this process with the compassion and respect that you deserve.

If youā€™ve been hit by a negligent driver in Frederick, call or contact us online today to learn your legal options.