As Maryland car accident lawyers, we understand the stress and expense of a car accident injury. From medical care and lost income to replacing your vehicle and battling with your car insurance company for a settlement offer, car accident cases are among the most common—and frustrating—types of personal injury cases.

For those who have had to suffer the consequences of another driver’s poor choices, the experienced legal team at The Poole Law Group is here. Our Hagerstown law firm routinely represents those who have suffered injuries in auto accidents throughout Maryland. We are proud to be your Washington, Washington, Frederick, Germantown, Columbia and Baltimore car accident lawyers. 

Need a Maryland Car Accident Attorney?
Call the Poole Law Group today: 301-790-3600

Last year, Maryland drivers traveled over 58 million miles along our state’s roads. For most of those miles, drivers were attentive and safe behind the wheel, helping to ensure the safety of everyone who shareds the road. Unfortunately, there were others who neglected their driving responsibility and drove in a manner that was reckless, aggressive, distracted, or careless, resulting in an auto accident and related injuries. 

The Maryland Coalition for Roadway Safety reports that more than 600 people died from car accidents in Maryland in 2023, with more than 30,000 crashes requiring medical treatment for at least one injured person. 

If you had the misfortune of experiencing a car accident, know that you are not alone—and then help is here.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

hagerstown auto accident attorneys in marylandWe handle all types of personal injury lawsuits stemming from auto accidents and motor vehicle accidents, including:

Our firm can handle all of the legal details of your case and aggressively pursue a compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages and more. We do not shy away from any opposition, including large insurance companies,  to get you what you deserve for the injuries you have suffered. Our  attorneys are skilled litigators and can negotiate a settlement on your behalf or take the matter to trial if necessary.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Maryland

Maryland auto accidents occur for a variety of reasons; while every case is unique, many of these accidents can be a cause for a personal injury claim. The most common causes of auto accidents include:

This is not a complete list of the many ways a dangerous crash can occur. Whenever another driver makes a choice to disregard the safety of others and travel in a manner that could potentially cause harm, he can be held accountable for the accident and resulting injuries.

Read more: Avoiding 10 Common Mistakes in a Maryland Personal Injury Case

What Types of Compensation is Available to Hagerstown Auto Accident Victims?

In a Hagerstown auto accident injury case, you are entitled to seek certain compensation from the responsible driver to aid in your recovery and ensure your continued physical and financial well-being. Maryland victims may be able to receive money for:

  • Medical bills. Costs associated with treating the injuries sustained in the accident can be compensated. This includes hospital stays, surgery, medications, therapies, and more. There are a number of sources of compensation for car accident injuries in Maryland.
  • Future medical bills. In some cases, the injuries will require the victim to receive care well into the future. Victims can obtain compensation to provide for the costs associated with this expected future care.
  • Past and Future Lost wages and benefits. Many times, car accident injuries will cause a victim to miss work and lose needed income. In some cases, the injury will prevent a person from returning to work entirely. Victims may obtain compensation to help make up for these lost wages.
  • Property loss. Property that was lost or damaged in the accident can be repaired or replaced.
  • Pain and suffering. Auto accidents can cause both severe physical and emotional pain, and the courts can award money based on this type of suffering. 

Please see our Hagerstown Maryland Personal Injury Video Library for more information.

Understanding Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Laws

One major challenge in pursuing an auto accident case in accordance with Maryland personal injury law is the state’s rather strict stance on fault. Maryland is one of few states in the country that adheres to a rule known as contributory negligence. Under this idea, a victim is unable to obtain any compensation at all if he or she shares any amount of blame for the accident, however small it may be. 

For example, even if a distracted driver leaves his own lane and crashes into your car, but you were traveling five mph over the speed limit at the time of the accident, a judge or jury may find that you were five percent at fault for the accident. Under the rules for contributory negligence, you would be unable to recover any compensation.

This rule plays an important role for courts and insurance adjusters alike, who are well aware of the strict legal consequences and will use it as a tool in negotiations. While this rule can cause frustration, the experienced legal team at the Poole Law Group can help victims address this issue and successfully pursue compensation.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Maryland?

Maryland's statute of limitations permits plaintiffs just three (3) years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury case. That’s why it’s important to get started right away to ensure that you and your family are able to file, prepare, and negotiate a case that enables you to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. While a legal case cannot undo the other driver’s poor choice and your serious injuries, it can help you and your family continue to maintain your secure and successful lifestyle.

Schedule a Consult With One of Our Experienced Hagerstown Auto Accident Attorneys

The experienced auto accident lawyers at The Poole Law Group want to help you understand and protect your rights. Our tenacious lawyers are prepared to be your advocate from the moment you retain our services all the way through a trial if necessary. 

No Maryland auto accident victim should be forced to bear the burdens of accident injuries alone. Call our Hagerstown office today at 301-790-3600 or take a moment to fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we may be able to help.

Why do I need a Maryland personal injury lawyer?

Your Hagerstown, Fredrick, or Baltimore car accident lawyer is here to help you recover damages after an accident. Studies show that car accident cases that are represented by legal counsel receive more money than unrepresented claims. Even factoring in attorney’s fees, you will likely walk away with more money than you would if you tried to represent yourself.

Many people are eager to get their case resolved quickly, and accept the first offer that their insurance company makes. While this may resolve your case quickly, it may not resolve your case fairly; you may be leaving a lot of money on the table by not talking to a Maryland car accident lawyer first!

Call the Poole Law Group today to learn more about how we can help: 301-790-3600

Do I need to hire a lawyer when the other car driver was at fault?

You are not required to hire an attorney after a car accident, under any circumstances. However, many car accident victims retain legal representation so they can focus on recovery after a car accident. While you are never required to hire an attorney, you do have the right to to hire one at any time during the process.

When the other driver is shown to be at fault, you will need to make an insurance claim. Maryland insurance law can be a bit complicated; our state abides by contributory negligence laws, meaning that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, your claim may be in jeopardy.

While no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, your Maryland car accident attorney will help you gather evidence from the crash to prove the other driver’s negligence, file your insurance claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. This not only improves your odds of fair financial compensation, but it allows you to focus on recovery after your car accident.

Read more: Protect Yourself When Insurance Companies Dispute Your Personal Injury Claim in Maryland

How do I choose the right car accident lawyer for my case?

When choosing a car accident lawyer, be sure to do your research. You will want to hire a personal injury lawyer with multiple years of experience and stellar reviews. It goes without saying that you should avoid hiring a lawyer with bar complaints or license suspensions. Additionally, when choosing a lawyer to represent you, you should feel comfortable talking to them. 

Curious to know if we’re the right fit? Call the Poole Law Group to see how we can help: 301-790-3600. 

When should I consider hiring an auto accident attorney?

While there is no hard-and-fast rule for when you need to hire a car accident lawyer, we recommend speaking to an attorney if any of the following conditions apply in your case:

  • You and/or a loved one has sustained a physical injury from the motor vehicle accident
  • Your case involved multiple defendants and/or lines of insurance
  • You were hit by a commercial vehicle or rideshare vehicle (Uber, Lyft, taxi etc.).
  • The other driver is contesting liability
  • Your insurance company is refusing to pay, or taking a long time to resolve your case

Even if your car accident claim seems relatively straightforward, it’s always a good idea to contact a Maryland car accident attorney to understand your legal options. 

Will my car accident claim go to court?

We will not know if your car accident case is destined for court until we pursue a claim with your insurance company, file a lawsuit, and receive a settlement offer. If the insurance company does not promptly offer a full, fair settlement, your car accident attorney should be prepared to take your claim to court.

Are you tired of battling with your insurance company, call the Poole Law Group to learn how we can help: 301-790-3600.