Automobile Accident Questions

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer

What should I do after an auto accident?

After an auto accident, the scene will be chaotic and stressful, but it is important to keep your head about you and follow these important steps to make sure that you—and everyone else involved—is safe and properly taken care of in the days, months, and years to come.

Who determines the fault for an auto accident?

First, remember to never admit fault for an accident. If you are at fault, the facts will show it without your admission, which may be made in ignorance of extenuating circumstances. An admission of fault can make it hard for you to receive full compensation, even if the facts prove you were not at fault after all.

Although it is possible to share liability for an accident, it is often obvious that one driver is responsible for the accident. After weighing evidence, the experienced auto accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. can tell you to what extent different drivers may be held responsible. In addition, after looking at the statements of all the drivers, witnesses, and authorities on the scene, they can often see other parties that may be responsible, including road maintenance contractors, cities and townships, and owners or operators of commercial vehicles.

Do I need a lawyer for my auto accident claim?

If you want to get full compensation for your accident you definitely need a lawyer. There are very specific guidelines you must follow to document your accident and injuries with the insurance companies and with the state. You may need to have your medical history reviewed, and your coverage may be contingent on the way certain facts of your history are interpreted. In addition, the insurance company or trucking company is usually going to attempt to settle for far less than your actual damages. An experienced auto accident lawyer from Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. can find the responsible parties and hold them to the full extent of their liability.

What do I do if the at-fault driver is uninsured?

If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you have two options:

• Sue the driver personally.
• Go through your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is required by law in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Your insurance company will pay your damages up to your uninsured motorist coverage, and pursue the other driver for reimbursement.
Will I need to appear in court for my accident?

If you have a lawyer representing you, many claims with insurance companies, trucking companies, and public agencies can be settled out of court without the need for the time and financial expense of a trial. Although the lawyers of the Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. law firm are well accomplished trial lawyers and are not afraid of facing off with the biggest national interests before a judge, they understand that the stress of court is too much for some people. If you are afraid of going to court, your best bet for getting a reasonable settlement is with an experienced auto accident lawyer from Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C.

What damages can I recover for my auto accident?

The damages you can receive for your accident depend on the specifics of your case. Every case is unique, but you may receive damages for one, some, or all of the following:

• Damage to your car or other property
• Past, ongoing, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Household services
• Diminished quality of life
• Consortium of child
• Consortium of spouse
• Loss of society and companionship

In many of these cases, it is impossible to receive money that will adequately compensate you for what you have lost. Therefore, it is important to work with an experienced auto accident lawyer who can advise you what constitutes a fair settlement under the law. When you have lost something priceless to you, do not settle for less. Contact us today to set up your free initial consultation.

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