Auto Accidents

Our Commitment

We understand that a car accident can disrupt every part of your life. Our firm is committed to providing personal attention, clear communication, and strong representation throughout your case. We work to make the legal process easier to understand so that you can focus on your treatment and recovery.

Most importantly, you are always in control of your case. There are law firms that have you sign a retainer agreement that gives them the absolute right to accept an offer and then give you your settlement check without presenting the settlement offer to you. Our law firm will never accept a settlement offer without your approval. You are our boss and we work for you. We will work with you every step of the way to pursue the best possible outcome.

Process of an Auto Accident Case

If you were injured in an automobile accident in Maryland or Washington, D.C., you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, past and future pain and suffering, permanent injury, and other related damages. After an accident, dealing with insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming. Our firm is here to guide you through that process and protect your interests from the very beginning to the end. We help you with the property damage, rental car, storage, and, if applicable, the PIP process.

You must be careful not to speak with the insurance company for the at-fault driver because they may call you, record their conversation with you, and advise you not to seek medical treatment. I often have clients who delay medical treatment because insurance companies make promises that are never kept. Recorded statements are never a good idea and could come back and adversely affect your claim. Do not make the mistake of thinking that insurance companies are there to look after your best interests.

Once the insurance company becomes aware that you are represented by a lawyer, they must stop communicating with you directly. For that reason, it is important that you retain a good lawyer early in the process.

What To Do After an Accident

After an accident, your health comes first. If you are injured or feel pain, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries and pain are not felt immediately, but develop later, or become worse over time. Prompt treatment helps protect both your health and your claim.

It is also important to report the accident to the police, take and preserve photographs and videos of the cars and license plates of the vehicles involved at the scene, obtain witness information when possible, and keep records of medical care, prescriptions, missed time from work, and other expenses. These details often become important when proving the value of a claim.

Property Damage Claim

Once you retain a good lawyer, he or she must immediately contact the insurance company for the person at fault and confirm that they are responsible and liable. The first thing that a client wants is confirmation that the insurance company accepts responsibility and begins to pay for the damage suffered.

The first claim is the property damage claim. This includes obtaining a property damage estimate. We normally recommend that clients obtain an independent property damage estimate from a dealership or private repair shop. Do not depend solely on the insurance company’s property damage estimate. Their estimate may be intentionally low because they are the ones paying for it. The insurance company that accepts responsibility is also responsible for paying towing, storage, and providing a rental car for you if your car will be in the repair shop.

Medical Treatment and Documentation

If you are injured and require medical treatment, you can also make a bodily injury claim. The strength of your bodily injury claim depends on the medical records related to your treatment. Prompt and appropriate medical treatment, consistency of treatment, and accurate medical reports help increase the value of your personal injury claim.

You must be sure that your attorney provides the correct legal advice regarding your personal injury claim.

Settlement Negotiations

Once your medical treatment has completed and your doctor releases you from care, our firm is committed to promptly requesting and organizing the medical reports, medical bills, lost wage documentation, and other supporting documents needed to present your claim effectively. We then prepare a demand package and forward it to the insurance company for review. It usually takes approximately four to six weeks for the insurance company to review our settlement demand and begin settlement negotiations.

Insurance companies do not always make fair offers at the beginning. Our job is to advocate for the full value of your claim and to advise you throughout the negotiation process. You are always in control of whether to accept or reject a settlement offer.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have sufficient insurance at the time of the accident, or flees the scene and no insurance or personal information can be obtained, Maryland and D.C. law permit you to make an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim with your own insurance company. Clients may not like having to involve their insurance company, but unfortunately it may be the only way to recover money.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Depending on the policy and circumstances, your insurance company may also have Personal Injury Protection, commonly called PIP, or Med Pay benefits available to help pay medical bills and lost wages. PIP or Med Pay may provide early financial relief while the liability claim is still being investigated or negotiated.

Many clients are not aware of these benefits. Our office reviews these options with you carefully to determine every possible source of recovery.

When a Lawsuit May Be Necessary

If the insurance company denies liability or refuses to make a fair offer, filing a civil suit in court may be the only remaining option. Whether a case should be filed depends on many factors, including liability, injuries, insurance coverage, available evidence, and the likely cost of litigation.

Once a civil suit is filed and the defendant has been properly served, the insurance company may change its position and accept liability or increase its settlement offer. Our role is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your claim and help you make the best decision based on the facts of your case.