Best Car Accident Lawyers in Hagerstown

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Hagerstown, Maryland?

  For non-emergency matters, call the Hagerstown Police Department at 301-739-8577.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Hagerstown, Maryland?

  Requests for report copies must be made in writing. Request forms can be picked up at headquarters or downloaded online. The fee is $5 for up to four pages of the report. Extra pages will be charged at a rate of $0.25 per page.

• How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Hagerstown?

  Generally, you have three years from the date of your Hagerstown accident to go to court with your case. If you don't follow these rules, you might not get compensation for your car accident injuries. However, there are exceptions to these rules. For example, parents can file claims on behalf of their injured child until the child is one day away from turning 18. From that point on, the child has three years to file a claim for the accident that happened when they were a child.

• What medical records do you need for a Hagerstown car accident case?

  You need certain medical records for your car accident lawsuit in Hagerstown to go well. It's important to have medical records that describe your injuries and treatment and medical bills that show how much money you lost because of your injuries. If you go to the hospital immediately after an accident, continue getting medical care and keep track of your bills. By taking these steps, you can collect evidence that helps prove that the other driver was at fault and get the money you deserve.

• In Hagerstown, who is liable if a borrowed car crashes?

  Drivers who cause automobile collisions in Hagerstown are accountable for the harm they cause to other drivers. A driver who borrowed a vehicle involved in the collision may share liability with the vehicle's owner. The automobile owner's insurance would pay for damages first, while the driver's insurance would be secondary. Injured drivers may sue the car owner, the borrower, or both. Whether a car's owner is responsible for an accident depends heavily on whether the driver was authorized to drive it.

• Where in Hagerstown do car accidents commonly occur?

  Hagerstown's recent statistics indicate that the following areas frequently witness fatal automobile accidents and other forms of road traffic accidents: Mu-1810, Mu-1840, Us-40, Mu-5220, Mu-1550, Us-40, Us-11, Mu-2600, Mu-1550, Sr-64, Mu-7110, and Mu-30. According to the data, 11 automobiles and eight deaths were involved in fatal accidents.

• Who is liable in a Hagerstown brake check accident?

  It is often prohibited to brake-check someone. You will probably be blamed for the accident if this results in a collision. Tailgating, on the other hand, is illegal. As a result, there is a court dispute concerning who is at fault, and a jury may have difficulty deciding. In many circumstances, the court will rule that both drivers were at fault, therefore ruling out the possibility of either driver filing an injury claim.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.