Baltimore Car Accident Attorneys

Lawyers for Injuries in Motor Vehicle Collisions in Baltimore, MD

Driving is a part of daily life for many people in Baltimore. Unfortunately, the roads can be dangerous, and collisions involving large, fast-moving vehicles can result in serious injuries to multiple people. Even with safety features that are meant to provide protection, drivers and passengers can suffer serious harm in a collision. Pedestrian or bicycle accidents are likely to result in even more serious injuries, since victims may have no protection at all.

Victims of car accidents can take steps to address the harm they have suffered and hold negligent drivers or other responsible parties accountable. At Posner & Cord, LLC, our attorneys provide representation in these cases, helping accident victims obtain the financial compensation they need. We understand what is at stake when a person's life has been upended by a crash, and we fight to recover the full compensation our clients deserve.

The Real Cost of a Car Accident

The effects of a serious car accident do not end when the vehicles stop moving. For many people, the aftermath of an accident can stretch on for months or even years, touching nearly every part of their lives. The problems a person may experience include:

Medical Expenses

The injuries a person suffers in a car accident may require transportation in an ambulance to a hospital and emergency room treatment. They may need surgery to repair the damage that has been done to their body, and they may be hospitalized for days, weeks, or months. As they recover, they may need physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing care from multiple medical professionals.

Even if a crash only seems to involve minor injuries, the treatment that may be required may be extensive. Issues such as whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or traumatic brain injuries can continue to affect a person for months or years. The medical bills that may pile up as a person receives treatment for car accident injuries can reach tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars. Dealing with these expenses can place a great deal of financial strain on an injury victim and their family.

Lost Income

When injuries suffered in a car accident prevent a person from returning to work, the financial problems they and their family may experience can quickly become serious. When a victim is prevented from working during their recovery, their family may struggle to cover basic living expenses like groceries, rent, and transportation. In cases involving serious or permanent injuries, a person may be unable to return to work at all, which can severely limit the financial resources available to them and their family.

Physical Pain and Mobility Limitations

Car accident injuries will often lead to significant, lasting physical pain. Spinal cord injuries, broken bones, nerve damage, and joint injuries can limit a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. They may struggle to handle daily tasks around the home, care for their children, or run errands. Serious injuries may result in ongoing physical limitations that will permanently change a person's life.

Emotional Trauma

Many car crash survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other related mental health issues. They may struggle with sleep disturbances and other issues that can affect their daily lives. They may also experience a fear of driving or riding in vehicles. The psychological impact of a car accident can be just as serious as a person's physical injuries.

Traffic Violations and Other Forms of Driver Negligence

The majority of car accidents are caused by driver error. When a driver violates traffic laws or behaves carelessly, they can put everyone sharing the road with them at risk. Some of the forms of negligence that often lead to car accidents include:

• Speeding: People often violate the posted speed limits on roads throughout Baltimore. Even if they obey speed limits, they may drive at unsafe speeds, including in areas with heavy traffic or in conditions such as snow or heavy rain. When a driver is speeding, they will need more time and distance to stop, and they will be more likely to lose control, causing an accident.
• Reckless and Aggressive Driving: Tailgating is a serious violation that may lead to rear-end collisions. Changing lanes without signaling, cutting off other drivers, or making illegal turns can lead to other types of accidents.
• Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Serious accidents can take place at intersections when drivers fail to stop at red lights or roll through stop signs. Other violations of traffic laws can also lead to collisions, such as when a person merges into traffic without checking to make sure the road is clear.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who use phones or mobile devices are responsible for an increasing number of car accidents. When a person is looking at their phone instead of the road, they will be more likely to miss details like a slowdown in traffic or a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Other distractions can also be dangerous, including grooming, eating, attending to children in the back seat, or adjusting vehicle controls.
• Intoxicated Driving: Even though people know about the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, many drivers ignore the laws and get behind the wheel while they are impaired. Substance use can affect drivers in many ways, and impairments to vision, coordination, and reaction times can greatly increase the chances of a car accident.

Other Causes of Car Accidents in Baltimore

Not every crash is caused by a reckless or distracted driver. There are other potential causes of accidents, including:

• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: When operating a vehicle, a person will need to make sure it is safe and will be able to function correctly. Issues such as worn brake pads, bald tires, burnt-out headlights, and malfunctioning windshield wipers can cause or contribute to a crash. When a driver does not keep their vehicle maintained, they may be responsible for an accident that takes place because they were unable to drive safely.
• Defective Auto Parts: Manufacturing defects in parts such as brakes, tires, steering systems, airbags, or engines can cause a driver to lose control without warning. In these situations, the manufacturer of a defective part may be held liable. Auto mechanics may also be responsible for accidents that occurred because they failed to perform repairs or maintenance correctly.
• Dangerous Roads and Intersections: The City of Baltimore or other government entities may be held responsible for their failure to design, construct, or maintain safe roads. Poor intersection design, missing traffic signs, malfunctioning traffic signals, potholes, poor lighting, or other issues that contribute to accidents may be addressed by injury victims. Cases involving government organizations may involve complex legal factors, and it is important to act quickly in these cases to avoid missing deadlines.

Contact Our Baltimore, Maryland Car Accident Lawyers

A car accident can be devastating, but victims have legal options, and they can take steps to obtain financial compensation for their injuries. At Posner & Cord, LLC, our lawyers can provide the legal help needed to secure the full compensation that injury victims deserve. Contact our Baltimore auto accident attorneys today at 410-252-0600 to arrange a free consultation.