Car Accident Lawyer Perry Hall, MD

Getting into a car accident can not only ruin your day, but make you deal with things that you shouldn’t have. When people drive recklessly, they can cause accidents that leave people with serious injury, financial loss, and other inconveniences. While it may not be required of you to have a lawyer help you handle your claim, it greatly increases your odds of maximum compensation. Sadly, insurance companies rarely prioritize what victims need to recover, so let us advocate for you so that you aren’t taken advantage of at this time. Our Perry Hall, MD car accident lawyer can speak with you about the accident in further depth and then take the lead on pursuing compensation for what you have been through. At Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, your health and wellbeing is our top priority. 

Talking With Insurance Companies

After the accident, you will need to notify your insurance company about what happened. In the days to follow, you will be contacted by an insurance adjuster who will want to talk about the accident. They already have the information they need to process your claim, however, they are hoping you will make certain statements that can be used against you. Unfortunately, insurance companies are only worried about their profits and may offer minimal compensation to those who deserve so much more. As our dedicated car accident attorney suggests, when speaking with an insurance adjuster, here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Do not offer more information than what is asked of you
• Decline providing a recorded statement
• Do not accept blame for the accident
• Refrain from talking about your injuries in too much detail
• Do not say that you are “fine” or “okay” when asked how you are feeling
• Stay calm and polite during the conversation
• Do not accept early settlement offers
• Do not downplay your injuries 
• Do not make assumptions about what happened

Getting Medical Attention 

You must get a medical examination from a doctor after the car accident. Not only is this in the best interest of your health, but medical documentation describing your injuries can be an influential piece of evidence. The medical notes will show the type and severity of the injuries and recommended treatment plans. If you do not have medical coverage but need to see a doctor, please contact us right away so we can get you the care you require. 

Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC

Those who have been injured in a car accident can speak with our team at Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC about seeking compensation from the driver at fault. You should not have to pay for expenses that were caused by someone else’s negligence. Our MD car accident attorney can make sure that you receive the most restitution possible based on your injuries, damage to property, and other monetary loss. When meeting with our team, bring as much information and evidence related to the accident as you can. Let us help you through this difficult time by reaching out today for a free consultation. 

Do I Need A Car Accident Lawyer For My Case?

If you have been injured in an accident, you may wonder if you need a Perry Hall, MD car accident lawyer or if you can just deal with the other driver’s insurance company. The following are reasons why you should contact Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Investigating The Accident And Gathering Evidence

One of the first steps a car accident lawyer takes is to investigate the incident thoroughly. This helps build a strong case by gathering all necessary evidence to support your claims. Here’s how they can assist:

• Collecting Police Reports: A lawyer will obtain and review the police report filed after the accident. This report often contains important details, including the official account of the accident, witness statements, and the determination of fault.
• Eyewitness Testimony: Lawyers will track down and interview any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur.
• Accident Reconstruction: In some cases, a lawyer may hire experts to reconstruct the accident. This can help clarify how the accident happened, who was at fault, and the severity of the impact, which is particularly useful in complex cases where liability is disputed.
• Obtaining Surveillance Footage: If the accident took place near a business or public area, surveillance cameras might have captured the incident. A lawyer will seek out and review this footage, which can serve as invaluable evidence.
• Medical Records and Reports: Your lawyer will gather medical documentation related to your injuries. This includes hospital bills, diagnostic reports, and treatment records, which are vital in determining the extent of your injuries and how they relate to the accident.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be a complex and frustrating process. A lawyer’s role is to advocate for your best interests and handle all communication with the insurer. Here’s how they can help:

• Maximizing Your Compensation: Insurance companies are often focused on minimizing payouts, which can leave accident victims with less than they deserve. A car accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. This includes seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
• Handling Claims Adjusters: Insurance adjusters are trained to investigate accidents with the goal of paying as little as possible. They may try to get you to settle quickly for a low amount or even deny your claim entirely. A lawyer will handle the negotiations, ensuring the adjusters don’t take advantage of you and that your rights are protected.
• Ensuring You Don’t Accept Lowball Offers: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement that seems appealing but is often far lower than what you are entitled to. A Perry Hall car accident lawyer can evaluate any settlement offer to determine whether it’s fair and advise you on whether to accept or negotiate for a higher amount.

While many car accident cases are resolved through settlement, there are times when litigation is necessary. If your case goes to court, a lawyer will represent you and advocate for your best interests.

Managing Legal Procedures And Paperwork

A car accident case involves a significant amount of legal paperwork and procedural requirements, and a lawyer can handle all of these tasks to ensure everything is filed correctly and on time. Here’s how they can assist:

• Filing Legal Claims and Documents: A lawyer will help you file all necessary paperwork, including your personal injury claim, notices of claims, and legal motions. This is especially important because missing deadlines or failing to submit documents correctly can jeopardize your case.
• Statute of Limitations: In many states, there is a limited amount of time within which you can file a lawsuit after an accident, known as the statute of limitations. In Maryland, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. A lawyer will ensure you do not miss this critical deadline, preventing your claim from being dismissed.

Call Our Car Accident Law Firm Today

Having legal representation in a car accident case gives you the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome, particularly if your case is complex or contested. Your Perry Hall car accident lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure you are compensated fairly for your harm. Call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.

Potential Liable Parties In A Car Accident Claim

Determining liability is a crucial step that a Perry Hall, MD car accident lawyer takes in pursuing a car accident claim. While many accidents involve straightforward cases of driver negligence, other parties can also bear responsibility depending on the circumstances. Identifying all liable parties ensures victims can seek appropriate compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses. Below are the four most common potential liable parties in a car accident claim. To have your claim evaluated, call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC.

The At-Fault Driver

In most car accident claims, the primary liable party is the driver whose negligence caused the collision. Common forms of driver negligence include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, using a phone, eating, or other distractions that take attention away from the road
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Driving at excessive speeds or making aggressive maneuvers
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic signals, signs, or right-of-way rules

Proving a driver’s liability typically involves gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and video footage. In some cases, the driver may also be cited or arrested for traffic violations, strengthening the victim’s claim.

Vehicle Owners (If Different From The Driver)

If the driver operated a vehicle they do not own, the vehicle’s owner might be liable under certain circumstances. This can occur if the owner:

• Negligently Entrusted the Vehicle: Allowed someone to drive knowing they were unfit, such as an unlicensed or intoxicated driver
• Failed to Maintain the Vehicle: Did not properly maintain the vehicle, leading to mechanical failures such as brake or tire issues

For example, suppose an employer owns the vehicle, and the accident occurs while the employee is performing job duties. In that case, the employer might also bear liability under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability.

Vehicle Or Parts Manufacturers

Sometimes, a car accident may result from a defect in the vehicle or its components rather than driver error. Examples of manufacturer liability include:

• Defective Brakes: Malfunctions that prevent the driver from stopping in time
• Faulty Tires: Tread separation or blowouts leading to loss of control
• Airbag Failures: Airbags that deploy incorrectly or fail to deploy during a collision

When a defect causes or contributes to an accident, the vehicle’s manufacturer or the specific faulty part can be held liable under product liability laws. Proving manufacturer liability requires expert analysis of the vehicle and documentation of how the defect directly caused the crash.

Government Entities

Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and design can be held liable if hazardous road conditions contribute to an accident. Examples of potential negligence by government entities include:

• Poorly Designed Roads: Dangerous intersections, sharp curves, or inadequate signage
• Failure to Maintain Roads: Potholes, uneven pavement, or debris left on the roadway
• Improper Traffic Signals: Malfunctioning traffic lights or missing stop signs

Filing a claim against a government entity can be more complex than other cases, as it often involves strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines. An experienced Perry Hall car accident lawyer can help navigate these unique challenges.

Call Our Office For Legal Assistance

Identifying all responsible parties is critical to ensuring victims receive full compensation for their injuries and losses. Working with an experienced Perry Hall car accident lawyer can help you investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and pursue claims against all liable parties to secure the justice you deserve. Call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC to schedule a free consultation and learn your legal options.