Car Accident Law FAQ
The days after a serious car accident can be confusing. What should you do to best preserve your claim for compensation? Should you accept the insurance company’s settlement offer? Most people in Baltimore have very little information about Maryland personal injury law until they get hurt in an accident.
At Rafael Law, LLC, I draw on my more than 20 years of experience in personal injury to explain the system and how to recover the largest compensation possible. Here are general answers to four of the most commonly asked questions from my clients.
What types of compensation can I recover for my car accident injuries?
Like other states, Maryland law allows you to seek compensation for various effects your injuries have had on your life. They are broadly categorized into three groups: economic damages, noneconomic damages and punitive damages.
Economic damages refer to things that have directly cost you money or you expect to in the future, such as medical bills and lost wages. Noneconomic damages include experiences like pain and suffering, emotional trauma and reduced enjoyment of life — things that are just as real and tied to the accident but not as easy to put a price tag on. Maryland law puts a cap on how much a judge or jury can award the plaintiff in noneconomic damages, though the cap increases annually. As of October 2023, the cap for cases not involving wrongful death is $935,000.
Finally, punitive damages exist to punish the defendant for especially negligent behavior. Usually, plaintiffs only receive punitive damages in extreme cases.
How are damages calculated for future medical procedures associated with a car accident?
Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, it can be fairly straightforward to determine what your future medical expenses will be. Some injuries require predictable future operations and treatments, the cost of which can also be predicted ahead of time. The course of other injuries is not as easy to anticipate, but doctors and other experts can help you and your attorney come up with a reasonable estimate of your future expenses.
I was offered a settlement by the auto insurance company. Should I accept it?
Before you accept any settlement offer, you must consult a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are more interested in making profits off of their customers’ premiums than fully compensating them after an accident. I can review the details of your case and let you know if you are entitled to more damages than what the insurance adjuster is offering.
I was hit by a car while crossing the street. Who pays my medical expenses?
When a driver strikes and injures a pedestrian in Baltimore, the victim can seek compensation from the driver and their auto insurance provider.
Still Have Questions About Your Claim?
Contact me at Rafael Law, LLC, in Baltimore to schedule a free consultation. Call 410-204-5411 or email me using my online form.
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