Car Accident Lawyer Parkville, MD

Getting the compensation you need after a car accident will depend on the evidence you can gather and how it is used to build a case in your favor. Our Parkville, MD car accident lawyer can investigate the accident further and use techniques to assign liability. Our team at Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC may be able to obtain traffic surveillance or business video that captures the accident in real time. We can also look over the police report and assess other evidence to build a case that is as strong as possible for compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies and the at fault driver are not likely to prioritize your well-being. But you can rely on our team to pursue maximum compensation based on your injuries, earning loss, property damage, and more. Don’t go another day without a lawyer. We are ready to speak with you.

Collecting Evidence

When pursuing compensation for your damages and losses, having enough evidence is crucial. Hopefully before leaving the scene, you were able to gather the other drivers information. You will need their last name, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance information, vehicle description, phone number, email, and current address. Examples of helpful evidence can be pictures and video of the scene, damage to both vehicles, and your injuries. Other evidence can include witness statements, medical records, and receipts from out-of-pocket expenses. We can interview witnesses to see if they provide valuable details on what they saw regarding the accident. By having medical records, it supports your claims about the type and severity of your injuries. Our dedicated car accident attorney can handle a variety of tasks while you focus on your health, such as speaking with insurance companies, negotiating settlement amounts, gathering evidence, and contacting witnesses. Let us deal with the tasks that would otherwise be stressful to you while you take time for yourself. We hope to offer support today. 

Negotiating A Settlement

After reporting the accident to your car insurance company, you are probably going to be contacted by an insurance adjuster in the days to follow. This person may come off friendly, but chances are their intention is to reduce or deny your claim. Sadly, insurance companies are often not there for claimants who need them at their worst. These companies are for profit and may do whatever they can to reduce or reject a claim for compensation. Our team can negotiate a settlement amount that fairly compensates you for what you went through. 

Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC

Car accidents are not just an inconvenience, they can completely turn someone’s life and health upside down. At Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we are committed to every client that reaches out to us for help. With our legal assistance, you can get the most repayment possible for your injury, damages, and losses. Our team can be strategic and relentless when seeking restitution for our clients. Please reach out today for a consultation. 

Common Causes Of Car Accidents

When you come to the office of Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC for help in recovering financial compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered in the crash, the first thing your Parkville car accident lawyer will do is look for evidence that will prove the fault of the other party. The following are some of the most common causes of crashes in the cases our firm has successfully handled.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents and encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving. The most common distractions include:

• Texting and Phone Calls: Using a mobile phone while driving is a significant distraction. Texting requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention, making it extremely dangerous. Even hands-free phone conversations can reduce a driver’s focus on the road.
• Eating and Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving can divert attention and impair driving ability. Handling food or drinks can also be physically distracting.
• In-Car Technology: Adjusting navigation systems, entertainment controls, or interacting with other in-car technologies can lead to distractions.

Distracted driving significantly increases the risk of accidents by impairing a driver’s ability to respond quickly to hazards or changes in traffic conditions.

Driving Under The Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a severe safety hazard and a primary cause of the car accidents each Parkville car accident lawyer at our firm handles. Impairment from substances can affect a driver’s:

• Judgment: Alcohol and drugs can distort judgment, leading to poor decision-making, such as speeding or running red lights.
• Coordination: Impaired coordination affects the ability to control the vehicle, including steering, braking, and accelerating correctly.
• Reaction Time: Substance use slows reaction times, making responding quickly to sudden changes or emergencies on the road difficult.

Driving under the influence reduces overall driving ability and increases the likelihood of collisions, often with severe consequences.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of car accidents, where driving at speeds higher than the posted limit or too fast for road conditions can be hazardous. The impacts of speeding include:

• Reduced Reaction Time: Higher speeds decrease the time a driver has to react to unexpected obstacles or sudden changes in traffic conditions. This can lead to collisions that might have been avoided at lower speeds.
• Increased Severity of Accidents: The force of impact in a collision is proportional to the vehicle’s speed. Faster speeds result in more severe crashes, leading to more significant damage and a higher risk of injury.
• Loss of Vehicle Control: Excessive speed can make it challenging to maintain control of the vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions or on curves and turns.

Speeding contributes to a significant number of accidents, and adhering to speed limits and adjusting speed for conditions can improve road safety.

Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or strong winds, significantly impact driving safety. Key issues related to weather include:

• Reduced Visibility: Fog and heavy rain can limit visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see road signs, other vehicles, and hazards. This can lead to misjudgments and accidents.
• Slippery Roads: Snow, ice, and even heavy rain can create slick road conditions, reducing tire traction and increasing the likelihood of skidding or losing control of the vehicle.
• Longer Stopping Distances: Wet or icy roads increase stopping distances. Drivers need to adjust their speed and increase the distance between their vehicle and the one ahead to account for the reduced braking efficiency.

Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a dedicated Parkville car accident lawyer and find out what legal recourse you may have.

Damages Available In A Car Accident Claim

When a victim is involved in a car accident, they may be eligible to recover various types of damages depending on the extent of the harm they suffered. These damages are meant to compensate for both economic and non-economic losses. Here are four common types of damages your Parkville, MD, car accident lawyer may be able to obtain for you.

Medical Expenses

One of the most critical types of damages a car accident victim can recover is compensation for medical expenses. These expenses can cover various treatments and services necessary for the victim’s recovery. They include:

• Immediate medical costs: These can encompass emergency room visits, ambulance services, surgeries, and hospital stays that result directly from the accident.
• Long-term care: Some injuries may require ongoing treatments such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, or even in-home care for more severe injuries. In cases of permanent disability, victims might need adaptive equipment or modifications to their homes to accommodate their condition.
• Medications and medical devices: This includes the cost of prescription drugs, pain management, and medical devices such as braces or wheelchairs required for recovery or permanent use.

In most car accident claims, the responsible party’s insurance company is required to pay for the medical expenses incurred by the victim, both immediately after the accident and for future medical care associated with the injuries.

Lost Wages And Loss Of Earning Capacity

When a car accident leaves a victim unable to work, they may claim compensation for lost wages. These damages help cover the financial gap created by missed workdays or, in more severe cases, the victim’s inability to return to their previous employment.

• Lost wages: These include the income the victim would have earned from the time of the accident until their return to work. It also covers any sick days or vacation days the victim had to use due to the accident.
• Loss of earning capacity: In cases where the injuries lead to permanent disability or long-term inability to work, the victim may also claim damages for their reduced ability to earn in the future. This type of damage requires an assessment of the victim’s future earning potential, considering their age, career, and the severity of the injury.

If loss of future income is a factor in your claim, your Parkville car accident lawyer will use a number of tools to calculate that amount to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Pain And Suffering

In addition to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, victims of car accidents can also seek compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. This type of damage covers the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on the victim. Pain and suffering damages are used to compensate for:

• Physical pain: Injuries can lead to severe pain, discomfort, and long-term physical suffering that might last for months or even years.
• Emotional distress: A car accident can cause psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims might experience ongoing emotional difficulties, especially if the accident was particularly traumatic.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Some injuries result in a diminished ability to enjoy everyday activities, hobbies, or social interactions that the victim once enjoyed. Compensation can be awarded for this diminished quality of life.

Pain and suffering damages can vary significantly from case to case, depending on the severity of the injuries and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.

Property Damage

Another key aspect of a car accident claim is compensation for property damage. In most cases, this refers to the damage done to the victim’s vehicle, but it can also cover other personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed in the accident. Property damage claims typically cover:

• Vehicle repair or replacement: If the victim’s car was damaged or totaled, they can recover the cost of repairs or the fair market value of the vehicle if it is beyond repair.
• Rental car costs: If the victim needs a rental car while their vehicle is being repaired, they can seek compensation for the rental expenses.
• Other personal property: Items such as cell phones, laptops, or other valuable belongings that were damaged in the accident can also be included in the claim.

The goal of property damage compensation is to restore the victim to the financial position they were in before the accident, ensuring that they do not have to bear the costs of repair or replacement out of pocket.

Contact Our Car Accident Firm For Legal Assistance

When a car accident occurs, victims may be eligible to recover a variety of damages that cover both their economic and non-economic losses. Properly documenting these damages and working with a knowledgeable Parkville car accident lawyer can help ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC for a free consultation to find out what legal options you may have.

Parkville Car Accident Infographic

Parkville Car Accident FAQs

Car accidents can be distressing events, and many individuals have many questions in the aftermath. Understanding the common concerns and legal implications can help victims navigate the complexities of dealing with an accident. Here are the four most frequently asked questions about car accidents that our clients at Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC often ask. For more detailed information, call our office to speak with an experienced Parkville, MD car accident lawyer.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident?

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing the appropriate steps to take can help ensure safety and preserve evidence for any potential claims. Here’s a checklist of what to do:

• Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check for injuries to yourself and others involved in the accident. If safe, move to a secure location away from traffic.
• Call Emergency Services: If there are injuries or significant damage, call 911 to report the accident. Emergency responders can provide medical assistance and create an official accident report.
• Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Collect information from other drivers, including names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
• Report to Insurance: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be honest and provide them with all necessary information, but avoid admitting fault at this stage, as it may complicate your claim.

How Is Fault Determined In A Car Accident?

Determining fault in a car accident is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Fault is typically assessed based on several factors:

• Police Reports: Law enforcement officers often create a report after an accident detailing their observations and any citations issued. This report can be pivotal in establishing fault.
• Traffic Laws: Analyzing whether traffic laws were violated can help determine fault. For example, if one driver ran a red light, they may be deemed at fault for the accident.
• Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can provide additional context and help clarify how the accident occurred. Gathering contact information from witnesses can be beneficial for your case.
• Insurance Investigations: Insurance companies will conduct their investigations to determine liability. They may review the collected evidence, including police reports, photographs, and witness statements, to assign fault.

What Types Of Compensation Can I Seek After A Car Accident?

Victims of car accidents may pursue various types of compensation depending on the circumstances and severity of their injuries. Common types of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs associated with medical treatment, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages: If the accident prevents you from working, you may seek compensation for lost income. This includes current wages and future earning potential if the injuries have long-term effects.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for pain and suffering account for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath. This can be more challenging to quantify but is essential for a fair settlement.
• Property Damage: Compensation can also cover repairs to your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident. This may include items inside the car, such as electronics or personal belongings.

Should I Hire A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

While hiring a Parkville car accident lawyer after a car accident is not mandatory, it can be highly beneficial, especially in cases involving significant injuries or disputes over fault. Here are reasons why you might consider legal representation:

• Expertise in Negotiation: Personal injury lawyers have experience negotiating with insurance companies. They understand insurers’ tactics to minimize payouts and can advocate for your best interests.
• Assessment of Claims: A lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your case and determine the types and amounts of compensation you may be entitled to, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
• Legal Representation: If your case goes to court, having an attorney who understands the legal process can make a significant difference. They can prepare your case, gather evidence, and represent you effectively before a judge or jury.
• Peace of Mind: Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be stressful. Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case.

Parkville Car Accident Infographic

Call Our Car Accident Law Firm For Legal Assistance

Understanding these common questions about car accidents can provide clarity and direction in a stressful time. Knowing the answer to these questions can empower victims to make informed decisions. With the right approach, individuals can navigate the aftermath of a car accident more effectively and work with a Parkville car accident lawyer toward a fair resolution.

Call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC to schedule a free case evaluation and determine what type of financial justice you may be entitled to.