Auto accidents are often the result of driver negligence, which is why so many auto accident survivors turn to an attorney at law in Baltimore for assistance filing a claim. In adverse driving conditions like slippery roads, drivers have a responsibility to adjust their driving habits accordingly for the safety of everyone on the roads . For example, it’s important for drivers to slow down and increase the distance between vehicles during a downpour. If a driver fails to do this and strikes your vehicle, you can visit a personal injury law firm to speak with an accident attorney about your options.

For some helpful tips on driving safely in wet conditions, watch this video. You’ll learn how often you should replace your windshield wipers and two other simple adjustments you can make to increase your visibility. You’ll also learn about reducing your risk of hydroplaning and how to drive safely with anti-lock brakes. If you do still get into a car accident, consult an accident attorney right away.

With countless drunk drivers on the nation’s roadways each day, there’s a possibility that when you’re involved in a car accident, the other driver may have been intoxicated. While this isn’t ideal for public safety, it is good news for your car accident case. Your accident attorney can use the DUI charge as leverage when negotiating with the insurance company. If your attorney at law files a lawsuit on your behalf, the civil complaint proceeds entirely separately from the criminal case. However, the accident attorney litigating your case in Baltimore can point to the DUI charge or conviction as evidence of liability for your losses.

Watching Out for Signs of Intoxication

Your accident attorney will handle much of your case for you, but he or she can’t be present at the scene immediately after the crash. It may be up to you to notify police officers of suspicious behavior. After the crash, look over at the other car to check whether the occupants may be switching seats. This could indicate that the drunk driver is trying to escape liability by pretending that someone else drove the car at the time of the crash. Observe whether the other driver tries to hide or dispose of potential evidence such as alcoholic beverages or drug paraphernalia. You may also observe the other driver administering eye drops in an attempt to camouflage bloodshot eyes. When you approach the other driver to exchange contact information, take some deep breaths to check for the odor of alcohol or marijuana. If you observe any of these possible signs of driving while under the influence, inform the police officers promptly.

Securing Evidence for Your Case

Drunk driving is a criminal offense. Do not try to collect physical evidence such as beer bottles, but do point these problems out to the police officers. There are other types of evidence you can collect that won’t interfere with a police investigation. For instance, you can take photographs of the crash site and you can obtain a copy of the police report. Your auto accident lawyer will need a copy of the report, which should indicate whether the other driver committed traffic violations or was arrested for DUI.

Every driver has a responsibility to operate his or her motor vehicle in a reasonably safe manner. Although the dangers of drunk driving are widely known, many individuals still make the reckless decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. If you were the victim of a drunk driver and you sustained injuries or property damage, you have the legal right to consult a personal injury lawyer located in Baltimore. A personal injury attorney will conduct a case review, examine the available evidence, and explain your legal options. It’s important to note that any civil liability assessed against the drunk driver is entirely separate from criminal charges that will likely be filed against him or her.

Filing an Insurance Claim

Your personal injury attorney may recommend filing an insurance claim to recoup the costs associated with your medical expenses and other losses. You could file an insurance claim against your own auto insurance carrier or the drunk driver’s carrier. Typically, obtaining a just settlement from an insurance company requires some negotiation on the part of your attorney at law.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Insurance claims often result in favorable settlements for victims of drunk drivers. However, if an acceptable settlement is not forthcoming or your losses exceed the allowable limits by the auto insurance policy, your personal injury lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. However, because Maryland follows no-fault rules for auto accidents, it is not strictly necessary to exhaust an auto insurance policy’s limits in order to be eligible to file a lawsuit. Even if you do have your lawyer file a lawsuit, this does not automatically mean that you will have to go to court. Many personal injury lawsuits are resolved through out-of-court settlements.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If a drunk driver was responsible for causing the accident that claimed the life of your loved one, you may wish to consult a personal injury lawyer about filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death litigation may offer you a sense of closure and justice for your loved one.

After a car accident, you may decide to speak with an attorney at law at a personal injury law firm located in Baltimore. The car accident attorney will need to know about all of the injuries you sustained in the crash . Head trauma is particularly common among car accident victims. A concussion can be indicated by blurry vision, dizziness, vomiting, and headaches. Additionally, concussions may cause loss of consciousness, memory loss, and impaired concentration.

You can hear more about these and other symptoms when you watch this video. This video urges viewers to seek medical attention promptly upon noticing any of the signs of a concussion. It also warns patients against taking over-the-counter pain relievers if a concussion may have occurred, since these may increase the risk of bleeding. While you recover from a concussion, your accident attorney may advise you to keep track of your lost wages. In addition to helping you recover compensation for your medical bills, the accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for lost work days.

You may already know that you may be entitled to receive compensation for physical injuries sustained in a car accident. But did you know that an accident attorney may also secure compensation for your psychological injuries? When you consult a personal injury attorney serving Baltimore, be sure to inform him or her of all of the losses and problems that have occurred because of your accident.

Claims for Emotional Distress

An accident attorney may file a claim for compensation of emotional distress that may have been unintentionally or intentionally inflicted. In some cases, if the accident lawyer can prove that emotional distress was intentionally inflicted, you may be entitled to receive substantially greater compensation. An example of the intentional infliction of psychological injuries is when an individual is the victim of a driver engaged in acts of road rage.

Extent of Emotional Distress

When your attorney at law is preparing your claim, it is helpful if you can explain the extent of your psychological injuries. Any car accident or injury, whether minor or major, has the potential to inflict a certain degree of mental anguish. If your emotional distress was so severe that it interferes with your normal daily function, you have a better chance of recovering compensation. For example, consider whether your mental state after the accident has prevented you from going to work, caring for your family, or caring for yourself.

Proof of Emotional Distress

It can be difficult to prove emotional distress. One way your accident attorney may substantiate your claim is through the use of your medical records. Let your lawyer know if you have sought medical treatment, psychological counseling, or another type of care for your emotional distress. You might also keep a daily record of the severity of your psychological symptoms and the extent to which they reduced your quality of life.

Compensation for Emotional Distress

When filing your claim, your accident attorney may seek compensation for your anxiety, fear, depression, sleep loss, and similar problems. Maryland, like many other states, has damage caps that apply to personal injury lawsuits. This means that the total amount you might recover for your claim is limited. Since the limit on pain and suffering damages can be affected by new legislation, it’s best to ask your attorney at law about the current damage caps.

If you are hurt in a car accident, you need an accident lawyer in Baltimore by your side. A car accident attorney can help you recover compensation if the other driver is at fault for your personal injury.

After an auto accident, you may feel understandably overwhelmed and confused about your rights. An accident lawyer at a personal injury law firm is a vital resource. Your attorney at law can review the facts of your case to determine if you have a good claim for damages. If the other driver’s negligence caused your injury, his or her insurance company can be responsible for your medical bills, repair costs, and missed work. Your accident lawyer can speak to the insurance company directly to negotiate a higher settlement. If the insurance company refuses to settle, your lawyer will represent you in court and argue for your right to compensation. Anytime you suffer a personal injury in an auto accident, you should consult with a car accident attorney.

If you cause a car accident, you may injure someone else, your car may need costly repairs, or you may need to hire a DUI attorney or car accident attorney in Baltimore . To avoid this physical, emotional, or financial damage, you should follow certain safety rules while driving. Keep reading to learn how to reduce your chances of causing a car accident.

Abide by the Law

Many people believe that because they don’t see police nearby, they don’t have to obey the speed limit, follow the rules of the road, or abide by traffic signs. In truth, every time you shirk these safety rules, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. Obey the speed limit every time you’re behind the wheel, and adjust your speed in accordance with road hazards, driving conditions, and the weather. Abide by traffic signs, and follow your state’s traffic laws whenever you’re driving.

Don’t Drive While Impaired

If you’re extremely fatigued while behind the wheel, your judgment may be impaired, and your reaction time is significantly slower. If you feel too tired to drive, pull off the road and call a cab, friend, or police officer for assistance. Do not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances also impair your judgment, affect your reaction time, and make it difficult to safely operate a vehicle. You can cause a serious accident and risk causing devastating injury to yourself or others if you drive while impaired.

Focus on the Road

Distracted drivers are just as likely to cause an accident as drivers who are speeding or impaired. Keep your eyes on the road at all times, and scan for hazards, warning signs, and anything else that may require you to adjust your speed or avoid obstacles. Do not use your phone to talk, text, play music, or browse websites. Avoid playing with the car’s mirrors, radio, CD player, or air vents while driving. If you need to adjust something in your car, or use your phone, pull safely off the road first.