If a car accident causes injuries or expensive property damage, you might think an insurance claim is the only way to obtain compensation in Maryland. In cases involving serious or catastrophic injuries, however, a personal injury lawsuit may better suit your needs.
You may need to hire an attorney following an auto accident in certain situations. A lawyer can help you file a claim for the full amount of your damages. Your attorney can deal with the complex aspects of your case while you focus on recovery.
Catastrophic injury cases
A catastrophic injury is one that causes long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns and multiple bone fractures. Catastrophic injuries may deserve legal attention if insurance companies try to downplay their severity. An insurance company may refuse to offer a fair settlement for injuries that could affect the victim for life.
Wrongful death cases
If an auto accident causes the death of a loved one, you may need to hire an attorney to help you file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death in Maryland is a course of action that may be available to the spouse, parent or child of a deceased person. If someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused the fatal car accident, the at-fault driver could owe your family compensation for damages.
Denied insurance claims
Maryland is a tort-based insurance state, meaning you will file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Should the insurer unfairly deny your claim, a lawyer can investigate the situation. Your legal representative may be able to convince the insurance company to treat your claim more fairly. If not, the lawyer can help you take the insurer to court in Baltimore.
Reckless driving accidents
You may need an attorney’s assistance if the at-fault driver was guilty of breaking a law, such as driving under the influence or a hit-and-run. In these cases, your lawyer may be able to use the outcome of a criminal case against the driver to your advantage during settlement negotiations or an injury trial.
