Seeking Maximum Compensation After A Motor Vehicle Accident
Many of us have been in a car accident at one time or another. In most cases, this means a fender-bender and a resulting headache. But in some cases, it is a life-changing ordeal. Serious injuries that result from a motor vehicle accident can put a halt on someone’s life. The time it takes to recover, the time away from work and the pause in moving forward with your life – you experience all these things because someone was negligent on the road.
Injured car accident victims should be careful not to concede too quickly and take whatever their insurance company agrees to cover. Often, the fast way is not the best way when serious injuries are involved. At the Law Offices of Elling & Elling, we know what really makes the difference is a hands-on personal injury lawyer in Maryland.
Hands-On Personal Injury Counsel After A Serious Car Crash
At our firm, we pride ourselves in our extreme commitment to our clients. Each client is cared for personally by a seasoned attorney from our father-son team. With over five decades of combined experience, our lawyers have the skills necessary to seek maximum compensation for our auto accident clients.
Our law firm handles all types of automobile accidents in Maryland. These include:
- Car accidents such as head-on-collisions, distracted/negligent driving wrecks, side-swipes, rear-ends, T-bone collisions and more
- Semi, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and other large vehicle accidents
- Commercial vehicles such as buses, delivery trucks and vans
- Motorcycle, SUV rollovers and pickup-truck accidents
Our team of attorneys can help victims seek full and fair compensation for these and other motor vehicle accidents. In addition to seeking damages, our lawyers are focused on helping our clients get the specific medical care they need.
Damages, DOV And PIP Claims
In many serious car accident cases, the vehicle is determined to be a “total loss.” But even when the car is not deemed a total loss, you can seek damages by filing the following:
- Bodily injury claim
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection) claim
- DOV (Diminution of Value) claim
PIP claims are for accident victims who have the proper insurance coverage. A DOV claim depends entirely on eligibility. If we can determine that you are eligible, then we can seek this additional DOV claim. This type of claim is unique because it takes into account the decreased value of your car after it has been fixed. Many attorneys fail to consider a DOV claim, but our team considers every avenue to pursue the compensation you need.
How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
Determining the value of your car accident claim involves several factors, each contributing to the final compensation amount you may receive. At the Law Offices of Elling & Elling, we take a comprehensive approach to ensure that every aspect of your claim is thoroughly evaluated to maximize your settlement.
One of the most significant components of your claim will be the cost of medical care. This includes not only the expenses you have already incurred but also those you are likely to face in the future. Many injuries require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation or even surgeries long after the initial incident. We work closely with medical professionals to estimate these costs accurately, ensuring that your compensation covers both current and anticipated medical needs. This approach helps prevent the financial burden of unforeseen medical expenses down the line, securing your health recovery without compromising your financial stability.
If your injuries have caused you to miss work, or if they impact your ability to earn a living in the future, these lost wages are recoverable as part of your claim. We meticulously calculate not just the income you’ve already lost but also project future losses, considering your career trajectory, inflation and other relevant factors. Whether it’s temporary disability or a long-term impact on your capacity to work, we aim to ensure that your compensation reflects the true extent of your lost earnings.
Beyond the tangible losses, compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident. This aspect of your claim is profoundly personal and subjective, but it’s crucial for a full recovery. We delve into how your injuries have altered your lifestyle, affected your mental health and the extent of the physical pain you’ve endured. We also consider the longevity of these effects, ensuring that your settlement addresses both current suffering and any ongoing challenges.
At the Law Offices of Elling & Elling, we are committed to securing a compensation package that fully addresses the breadth of your losses, from tangible financial costs to the more intangible personal impacts. Understanding the full value of your car accident claim is the first step toward reclaiming your life and moving forward with financial security so you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Car Accident Claims
A serious car accident can leave you with questions about deadlines, fault, insurance coverage and settlement offers. Getting clear answers early can help you avoid choices that may hurt your claim later. Here, we have provided answers to a few common questions clients ask us.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Maryland?
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. That deadline matters even if you are still treating with doctors or still talking with an insurance company. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather records, speak with witnesses and protect your right to seek damages.
Insurance claims can also involve policy deadlines, forms and notice rules. For that reason, you should not wait until the filing deadline is close. We can review the accident, the available coverage and the damages you may be able to claim.
What is Maryland’s contributory negligence rule, and how does it affect my case?
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found even partly at fault for the accident, you may be blocked from recovering damages from the other driver. Insurance companies know this rule and may try to shift blame to you.
This is why evidence matters. Photos, witness statements, crash reports, vehicle damage, medical records and the timing of your symptoms can all affect how fault is viewed. We look closely at what happened so your side of the crash is not reduced to the insurance company’s version.
Do I still have a case if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured in Maryland?
You may still have options if the other driver did not have enough insurance or had no insurance at all. In many Maryland car accident cases, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for covered losses.
These claims can still be contested. Your insurance company may question fault, the seriousness of your injuries or the amount of your damages. We can review your policy, identify available coverage and help you understand how a claim may move forward.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement after a car accident?
Be careful before accepting a quick settlement. The fast way is not always the right way, especially if you are still in pain, still missing work or still waiting to learn whether you need more medical care. Once you sign a release, you may give up the right to ask for more money later.
A fair settlement should consider more than the first repair bill or the first doctor visit. It may need to account for future treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, PIP benefits and, in some cases, the reduced value of your vehicle. Before you accept, it is worth having an attorney review the offer and explain what it may leave out.
Make A No-Risk Phone Call
Start your inquiry with us by making a no-risk phone call. This means a free initial consultation with an attorney at our firm in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Call us today at 301-960-3416 or contact us online. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you do.