Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer

Baltimore is a big city with a lot of vehicles on the roads, so the odds of eventually getting into an accident here can be high. Even if you’re a safe driver, you’ll always be at risk of a crash caused by a negligent motor vehicle operator. If this happened to you, our car accident lawyer in Baltimore can help you seek damages from the at-fault driver.

If you suffered an auto accident in Maryland, reach out to the Law Offices of Steven H. Heisler. Our personal injury lawyers will review your case and help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Steven H. Heisler

We fight for the compensation you deserve. To do so, we take as much time as we need to learn about your car accident case and seek appropriate damages, whether from a negotiated insurance settlement or a car accident lawsuit.

Attorney Steven H. Heisler makes sure his clients receive top-quality legal representation, as shown in our client testimonials. He’s tenacious, and he knows how to win cases. As such, our clients often receive significant payouts.

From his background as a Golden Gloves fighter to union organizer, Steve has taken on opponents in a variety of contexts. In the legal arena, he is a fierce advocate for the needs of his clients, and he doesn’t shy away from a challenge.

How Our Car Accident Attorney in Baltimore Can Help

When you choose attorney Steven H. Heisler as your Maryland car accident lawyer, you receive help from a nationally-recognized trial attorney who has won millions of dollars in compensation for clients. He has deep ties to the city of Baltimore. You’ll have a direct line to Steve for the duration of your case.

After injuries in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you should connect with our Baltimore auto accident attorney. You can share details about your accident and injury with Steve, and he’ll use these details to assist you with your claim.

After you reach out to our Baltimore auto accident lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation, we can provide you with the legal help you need to pursue compensation.

What You Need to Know About Baltimore Roads and Car Accidents

Hundreds of fatal car accidents occur in Baltimore every year, according to Zero Deaths Maryland. In most cases, severe Baltimore traffic accidents come about because of negligence on the part of at least one driver. According to state law, negligent drivers are financially responsible for the injuries and property damage they cause in accidents. Negligent driving comes in many forms.

Driving While Drunk or Under the Influence of Drugs

The CDC estimates millions of people drive while impaired In the United States each year, contributing to auto accidents, injuries, and fatalities. It is illegal to operate a vehicle while drunk or under the influence of drugs.

Distracted Driving

Distraction continues to be a huge problem on American roads. It’s common for drivers to look at their smartphones or GPS systems while behind the wheel. There are also instances where drivers take their eyes off the road while conversing with passengers or engaging in other diverting activities. In all cases, the distracted driver loses focus on what is most important – safe travel.

Distracted drivers who cause accidents often claim they looked away from the road inadvertently, and that the consequences of this should not be their responsibility. According to the law, however, this argument is invalid. All drivers have a responsibility to stay focused on the road in spite of distractions. Neglecting to do this amounts to a failure to discharge their duty of care to other people on the road.

Failure to Follow the Rules of The Road

The rules of the road are in place for a reason – to protect motorists and pedestrians. However, this doesn’t stop drivers from behaving dangerously on the road. Common driving violations in Baltimore include:

Speeding
Aggressive driving
Following other cars too closely
Failure to obey traffic signs
Failure to yield right-of-way to oncoming traffic

Any of these issues can lead to a car accident. If a driver ignores the rules of the road and causes an injury accident, they can be financially responsible.

Damages Our Baltimore Car Accident Attorney Can Seek for You

The injuries and harm that follow car accidents can destroy lives. Compensation for this harm plays a big part in helping injury victims put their lives back together. Under Maryland law, two types of damages are generally available for car accident victims.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the monetary expenses you bear because of your injury, such as:

Past and future medical care costs
Past and future lost income and economic activity
Costs associated with hiring in-home health care help

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate you for losses that do not have a clear financial value. They can involve pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

What to Expect With Damages in a Maryland Auto Accident Case

No limit exists on the amount of economic damages you can request in a Maryland auto accident case. Your attorney can help you calculate the economic damages to request based on the severity of your injuries and other factors. Medical bills, pay stubs, and other evidence can support your request for economic damages.

In Maryland, there is a cap of $920,000 for non-economic damages in personal injury lawsuits. This cap increases to $1.38 million in Maryland wrongful death cases. Non-economic damages can be tough to agree on. They often lead to extensive negotiations between the plaintiff’s lawyers and insurance companies. For this reason, you should prioritize finding a lawyer with a strong track record when it comes to negotiating settlements.

Punitive damages may occur in auto accident cases in Maryland as well, but they are extremely rare. To secure them, you would have to prove that the defendant in your case acted with malice, rather than mere negligence. Punitive damages are not capped in Maryland.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Baltimore Car Accident

The minutes, hours, and days following a car accident may rank among the most difficult of your life. It’s understandable that you might not be in the clearest state of mind. However, staying focused and making careful decisions during this period could massively benefit any insurance claim or lawsuit you end up filing later. The steps you should take after an auto accident in Baltimore include:

Ensure safety: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Move to a safe location if you’re in danger or blocking traffic, but only if you can do so without causing further injury.
Call the police: Regardless of the severity of the accident, calling the police is crucial. They will document the scene and create an official accident report, which can be vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings. The report should be available from the Central Records Division of the Maryland State Police no more than 10 days after your accident takes place. You can obtain it in person or online for a small fee.
Exchange information: Obtain the name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information (make, model, and license plate number) of all drivers involved. Collect contact information from witnesses, too.
Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage to the road or traffic signs, skid marks, and road conditions. If any dispute about the factual elements of your claim arises later, these photos and videos can serve as crucial evidence.
Report the accident to your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Stick to the facts. You don’t want to engage in speculation about who was at fault for your accident, as this might ultimately work against you. Provide your insurance agent with the police report number if you have it.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms immediately. In all cases, the sooner you attend to an illness or injury, the better your chances of making a full recovery from it. Additionally, if you don’t seek immediate medical attention after an accident, this may damage your insurance claim or lawsuit later, particularly if you seek compensation for physical injuries arising from your crash.
Keep records: Save all documentation related to your accident, including medical bills, repair receipts, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
Consult a car accident attorney: Consulting with our attorney can protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. The sooner you meet our lawyer for an initial consultation, the better your chances will be of asserting your right to compensation. Don’t delay.

How Our Car Accident Lawyers in Baltimore Can Help You Win or Settle Your Case

In a Baltimore car accident case, an insurance company is likely to shoot for a quick, reduced payout. The company understands that you may need money to cover your medical bills. It’s counting on your lack of knowledge and experience of the claims process to get away with paying you less than you deserve.

We encourage all our clients to closely review the settlement offers they receive and to carefully weigh the pros and cons of any decision regarding a settlement.

Once you contact our Baltimore auto accident lawyer, you will receive the help you need to take care of your home and family life and heal from your injuries. In the meantime, our legal team will be fighting at every stage of your litigation. We stay in constant contact with you throughout your case and work diligently in pursuit of the best possible result.

What Our Baltimore Auto Accident Attorney Will Do for You

We will handle a lot of the tasks involved in your claim for compensation, including:

Drafting and filing essential documents for your case, including your personal injury protection (PIP) application
Collecting medical records and bills
Completing an evaluation and appraisal of your case and injuries
Performing investigations and analyzing evidence of your car accident, including the police report, body camera footage, and video of the collision
Negotiating a settlement with insurance adjusters
Obtaining any and all health insurance liens (including Medicare and Medicaid) and negotiating reductions.

Do not expect your auto accident claim to resolve right away. It can take several weeks or months to negotiate a settlement. If your case goes to trial, you could be waiting a few years to see a verdict.

Why You Need Help Dealing With the Insurance Company

Insurance companies often treat car accident victims unfairly in Maryland lawsuits because their primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect profits – not to ensure fair compensation. Despite advertising that promotes trust and protection, insurance adjusters receive training to find ways to reduce the value of claims whenever possible. This is especially common in cases involving serious injuries where the financial stakes are higher.

Maryland’s contributory negligence law adds an extra layer of difficulty for accident victims. Under this strict legal standard, if the victim is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be completely barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies frequently use this law to deny claims or push victims into accepting low settlements out of fear they’ll get nothing in court.

Additionally, insurers often delay processing claims, dispute medical treatment costs, or argue that the injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated. In many cases, adjusters request recorded statements from victims, hoping they’ll say something that can be used against them later. These tactics are designed to wear victims down emotionally and financially, making them more likely to accept unfair offers.

Car accident victims in Maryland are at a disadvantage without legal representation. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers, adjusters, and experts on their side. Victims who don’t fully understand the value of their claim may walk away with far less than they deserve.

That’s why it’s essential for Maryland accident victims to consult our skilled personal injury attorneys in Baltimore. We can level the playing field, negotiate effectively, and, if necessary, take the case to court to fight for full compensation. Don’t let an insurance company decide what your injury is worth. Seek legal help to ensure fair treatment and justice.

How Our Baltimore Car Accident Attorney Can Help With a Complex Injury Claim

In Maryland, several unusual circumstances can complicate or negatively impact your ability to win a car accident injury claim. One of the most significant legal challenges is Maryland’s contributory negligence rule. Under this law, if you are found at fault for the accident in any way, you may lose all chances of winning compensation. This strict standard often surprises victims and insurance companies frequently exploit it.

Other unusual factors that can affect your claim include uninsured or underinsured drivers, hit-and-run accidents, or accidents involving multiple vehicles where liability is unclear. Delayed medical treatment or gaps in care can also weaken your case, as insurers may argue that your injuries were not serious or didn’t come from the accident. Additionally, statements made at the scene or during calls with the insurer can be used against you later, even if taken out of context.

Our skilled personal injury lawyer is essential in these situations. Our team can gather and preserve critical evidence, consult with accident reconstruction experts, interview witnesses, and counter insurance tactics designed to shift blame. We understand how to frame your case to minimize the impact of contributory negligence claims.

Moreover, our Baltimore car accident injury law firm can ensure all procedural requirements and deadlines are met, including dealing with insurance companies, filing court documents, and negotiating settlements. With our help, you’re far more likely to present a strong, well-documented case that maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome, even under complex or unusual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Our Maryland Car Accident Attorneys

Our attorney will keep you up to date as your auto accident case progresses. If you have concerns or questions at any point during your litigation, our lawyer will be happy to respond to them.

Can I Afford to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Our car accident lawyers work on contingency, so hiring us won’t cost you anything unless you secure a settlement or verdict. If this happens, we deduct our fees and costs from your compensation. You then receive the remainder of your compensation.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

Car accident survivors in Maryland have a three-year time frame within which to seek compensation for their damages, per the Maryland statute of limitations. If the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit passes, you will most likely lose the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver.

How Much Compensation Should I Expect in a Car Accident Case?

You would need to meet with our attorney to gain a reasonable idea of your claim’s worth. As you might imagine, the more serious your injuries, the more compensation you’re likely to need. Damages frequently range from four figures to seven figures.

How Long Do Car Accident Claims Take to Settle?

The timeframe to settle an injury case in Maryland varies based on the facts in the case. Some cases settle within six months, while other settlements take as long as two years. If your case goes to trial, it will likely take two to four years to reach a verdict.

Who Pays for Damages in a Maryland Car Accident?

Maryland follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident (and their insurer) pays for damages. Proving fault is critical, especially since Maryland also applies contributory negligence, which can prevent recovery if you’re even slightly at fault.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

Even in seemingly minor accidents, injuries and damages can surface later. Our Baltimore car accident lawyer protects your rights and helps secure fair compensation, especially if injuries worsen over time or if liability is under question.

What Should I Do After a Car-Motorcycle Injury Accident in Baltimore?

Seek immediate medical attention, call 911, and document the scene with photos and witness information. Avoid admitting fault. Motorcycle injuries are often severe, so contact out Baltimore motorcycle accident injury lawyer quickly to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation from the at-fault driver or insurer.

Who Can Be Liable in a Truck Accident Injury Claim?

Multiple parties may be held liable in a truck accident with a car, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loaders, or maintenance providers. Liability depends on factors like driver negligence, equipment failure, or regulatory violations. Our Baltimore truck accident attorney can investigate the accident and identify all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.

What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Injury Accident in Maryland?

Call 911 immediately to report the accident and seek medical attention. Document the scene with photos and gather any witness information. Notify your insurance company promptly. Since the other driver fled, you may need to file an uninsured motorist claim. Contact our Maryland hit-and-run accident lawyer to protect your rights and pursue compensation.

Injury victims often face confusion and stress after an accident. Our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you through every step of the legal process. With compassionate support and expert advice, we help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Attorney Steve Heisler

Steve Heisler decided in 1996 that he was going to focus his law practice exclusively on injury cases. Since then, he has been representing injured people against insurance companies, disreputable medical practitioners and Big Pharma, and doing it with compassion, honesty and level-headed rationality. [ Attorney Bio ]