Rockville, MD Car Accident Lawyers Who Fight for Crash Victims
Our attorneys can handle your injury claim or lawsuit
Car accidents caused by other drivers in Rockville, Maryland can quickly become complex legal matters. You may be experiencing whiplash after getting rear-ended by a distracted driver on Rockville Pike. Or maybe you’re dealing with a concussion due to another driver running a red light and colliding with your car on East Jefferson Street. Whatever the circumstances of your crash, it's important not to assume that you will automatically receive fair compensation just because the other driver was at fault.
In many cases, you have to demand the money you deserve, whether it’s negotiating the best-possible settlement offer or filing a car accident lawsuit seeking damages. Regardless of the approach you choose, our Rockville, MD car accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan are here to help you navigate Maryland's legal system.
Whatever approach you decide to take, our Rockville car accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan can help you navigate your way through Maryland’s legal system. Years of experience have taught us how to find the evidence you need to build a strong legal case. When you have the facts on your side, you have the power to demand the compensation you deserve.
FAQ About Rockville Car Accident Claims
- What are common types of car accidents in Rockville?
- Why do collisions occur in Rockville?
- What are common car accident injuries?
- What should I do after a car crash in Rockville?
- Do I need to give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
- How much is my car accident worth?
- What expenses can I be compensated for?
- Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?
- What if I was a passenger injured in a Rockville car accident?
- Can I still recover damages if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
- Do I need to prove the other driver was at fault to recover compensation?
- What is Maryland’s contributory negligence rule and how could it affect my case?
- What are my options after my car accident?
- How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Maryland?
- Will my case go to trial or will it likely settle out of court?
- How long does it usually take to resolve a car accident case in Maryland?
- Why should I hire a Rockville car accident attorney?
What are common types of car accidents in Rockville?
Car accidents caused by other drivers in Rockville often cover a wide range, including:
- Rear-end accidents, especially on busy streets like Old Georgetown Road.
- Head-on collisions on Wootton Parkway or another busy road.
- Intersection accidents on Maryland Avenue.
- Truck accidents, including car crashes caused by tractor-trailer accidents on I-495 and other major roads and highways.
Why do collisions occur in Rockville?
In most cases, car accidents in Rockville occur due to the negligent actions of another driver. This includes:
- Speeding drivers.
- Drunk drivers or drivers under the influence of drugs.
- Distracted drivers, especially texting drivers, even though texting while driving is against the law in Maryland.
- Tired drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.
- Aggressive or reckless drivers, including drivers who run a red light or don’t stop at a stop sign.
What are common car accident injuries?
Car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash: This is a soft-tissue neck injury, especially common in rear-end collisions.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries: Often caused by jolts or head impacts, with symptoms that may include headaches, dizziness, and memory problems.
- Spinal cord injuries, disc herniations, and nerve damage: These can result in numbness, weakness, or even paralysis.
- Broken bones: These often occur in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis due to strong impact.
- Soft-tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and deep bruises can limit mobility and cause lasting pain.
- Lacerations and puncture wounds: These may leave permanent scarring or require surgical care.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding can be hidden but life-threatening.
- Airbag and seatbelt injuries: These protective devices save lives but may cause chest injuries or burns.
- Emotional trauma: This includes anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
What should I do after a car crash in Rockville?
You need to act fast after a serious car accident. Each crash is different. But often, many of the steps you should take include:
- Call 911 and tell the police you have been in a car accident. Depending on where your accident took place, the dispatcher can send the appropriate law enforcement officials, which often include either a local police officer from the Rockville Police Department or a state trooper from Barrack N in Rockville of the Maryland State Police.
- If you or anyone else appears injured, ask the dispatcher to send an ambulance.
- Stay at the scene of your accident. It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident, even a property damage one, according to Maryland Code, Public Safety 13A-1039.
- If possible, take pictures of your accident before moving either vehicle. Also take photos of nearby traffic signs, skid marks caused by the accident and lighting conditions. The more photos, the better.
- If someone saw your accident, get their name and contact information before they leave the scene of your accident. Eyewitness statements can make your case stronger.
- Exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Don’t talk about your accident with anyone. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your injury claim.
- Don’t post anything on social media about your accident. Insurance companies carefully monitor such posts in search of details they can use to deny your accident claim.
- Soon after your car crash, call your insurance company and tell them you have been involved in an accident caused by another driver. You don’t need to say too much during your first call. You can always tell them more later.
- If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, don’t talk to them. Even if their questions seem simple, what they’re often doing is hoping you will say something they can use to deny your claim. You don’t have to talk to them.
- Even if you were already examined by a medical professional at the scene of the accident, schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Many car accident injuries have delayed symptoms, such as whiplash or a concussion. You might even have a life-threatening internal injury and not even realize it. Don’t take chances with your health. See a doctor as soon as possible.
- Obtain a copy of your official accident report, which contains important details about your crash, such as who was involved and what happened. You can request a copy from the Rockville Police Department, Maryland State Police, or the agency that responded to the accident.
- Contact a Rockville car accident attorney at our law firm to learn more about your legal rights.
Do I need to give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
You are under no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and doing so can be risky. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that elicit statements they can use to reduce or deny your claim.
In Maryland, your own words can be used for impeachment later if your testimony changes or if an innocent misstatement is taken out of context. If an insurance company requests a recorded statement, politely decline and say you’ll provide written information after speaking with an attorney. When you do communicate, stick to the facts such as where the accident happened, date and time, and that you were injured. Never speculate about fault, injuries, or speed, and always review any statement with your lawyer before submitting it.
If you’re worried about appearing uncooperative, remember that providing a recorded statement is optional and may hurt you more than help. Our attorneys can handle communications with insurance companies, so you don’t have to worry about inadvertent mistakes.
How much is my car accident worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to certain types of car accidents. If you were involved in a rear-end crash or head-on collision, your accident claim or lawsuit could be worth far more money than similar accidents in Rockville.
The bottom line is you should be paid for all your accident expenses. What you might not realize is just how many expenses this often includes. And when you add all these expenses up, your injury claim or lawsuit could end up being worth thousands of dollars or significantly more.
What expenses can I be compensated for?
As explained above, you should be financially compared for all of your accident expenses, now and in the future. Such expenses often include:
- Medical care, including future medical treatments, follow-up doctor’s appointments and future surgical procedures due to your accident, if necessary
- Money to repair your car or buy a new one if it is beyond repair due to your collision.
- Replacement income if you cannot work while you’re recovering from your injury.
- Lost income if you cannot return to work, can only work in a reduced capacity, or need to do a different, lower paying job due to a permanent disability sustained in your car accident.
- Pain and suffering in certain circumstances.
Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?
Maryland has an at-fault car insurance system. This means the at-fault party must pay for all your accident-related expenses. So, if another driver caused your crash, often it’s the at-fault driver’s responsibility to pay for your accident.
But just because the other driver’s insurance company should pay for your accident does not mean they will automatically do so. Often, insurance companies will look for any excuse to reduce or deny your claim.
This is especially true in Maryland due to its pure contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, a car accident claim can be denied if the injury victim was even slightly at fault. This is why it’s critical that you have a lawyer who understands how Maryland’s car accident compensation system works handling your case.
What if I was a passenger injured in a Rockville car accident?
Injured passengers have just as much right to compensation as drivers. Because passengers rarely cause accidents, proving liability is often easier. You can pursue claims against the driver of the car you were in, another driver, or both. Maryland’s contributory negligence law means even minor fault (such as not wearing a seatbelt) could bar recovery, so be honest about your actions.
Medical bills may initially be covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP), MedPay, or your own health insurance. For larger claims, you’ll seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and potentially your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. To strengthen your case, gather evidence at the scene, get prompt medical treatment, and avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies.
Filing multiple claims can be complicated, especially when several insurance companies and policies are involved. Our lawyers can identify all potential sources of compensation and negotiate with each insurance company on your behalf, ensuring you’re not left footing the bill.
Can I still recover damages if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Yes, but you’ll rely on your own coverage. Maryland requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. After reporting the crash, file a claim under this coverage. It pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses up to your policy limits. If your uninsured motorist benefits don’t fully cover your damages, you can sue the at-fault driver directly.
You might also use MedPay or PIP to cover immediate medical costs. Gather as much evidence as possible (including police reports, photos, and witness information) because your own insurance company will investigate the claim. Don’t agree to a settlement without knowing the full extent of your injuries.
If the driver was working when the crash occurred, their employer’s insurance may be another avenue of recovery. Navigating uninsured driver claims is tricky, but our Rockville attorneys have experience securing compensation even when the at-fault driver lacks insurance.
Do I need to prove the other driver was at fault to recover compensation?
Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning you must show the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. That involves proving four elements: the driver owed a duty of care (every motorist must operate safely), the driver breached that duty (e.g., speeding, distracted driving), that breach caused the accident, and you suffered damages such as medical bills or lost wages.
Evidence can include police reports, photos, witness statements, and expert testimony from accident reconstructionists. Maryland’s contributory negligence rule makes proof even more critical. If you’re found even 1% at fault, you can’t recover damages. To avoid disputes about fault, avoid apologizing or speculating at the scene and consult a lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.
An experienced attorney will gather evidence to show the other driver’s full responsibility. Our lawyers know what proof is needed to build a strong liability case and can fight to show the other driver’s negligence without exposing you to allegations of contributory fault.
What is Maryland’s contributory negligence rule and how could it affect my case?
Maryland is one of only a few jurisdictions that still follow the contributory negligence doctrine. Under this rule, if an injured person is found to have contributed in any way to the car accident (even as little as 1%), they are barred from recovering any compensation. Even a minor lapse like not wearing a seatbelt could jeopardize your claim.
This contrasts sharply with comparative negligence states, where victims can still recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault.
There are limited exceptions, such as the “last clear chance” rule, which may still allow recovery if the defendant had the final opportunity to avoid the accident. Because of this harsh doctrine, you need a lawyer who can counter allegations that you were partially at fault. Our attorneys understand how to navigate contributory negligence and will work to prove the other party’s sole responsibility.
What are my options after my car accident?
In most cases, you often have three options after your Rockville car accident:
- Accept a one-time settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s car insurance company to pay for your accident.
- Negotiate a better car accident settlement offer with the other driver’s insurance company.
- File a car accident lawsuit seeking damages, the legal term for financial compensation.
In each case, having an attorney can often improve your ability to obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your accident. This is especially true if you want more money than an insurance company’s first settlement offer, which can often be far less than what you deserve.
Remember, if you agree to accept a settlement offer for your accident, that’s it. Your case is settled, and you cannot ask for more money in the future. This is why you should carefully consider all your options after your Rockville car crash.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of the accident. That means you must file your case in court within three years or risk losing your right to compensation. For wrongful death cases, the three-year clock starts on the date of the victim’s death.
While you technically have three years, waiting can undermine your case. Evidence may vanish, witnesses’ memories may fade, and medical records can be lost. A lawyer can help ensure you comply with deadlines and preserve evidence. Our Rockville legal team can file your suit on time and protect your right to compensation.
Will my case go to trial or will it likely settle out of court?
Most Maryland injury claims settle without a trial. Negotiations begin with insurance adjusters, and many cases resolve through settlements, mediation, or arbitration. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean you’re headed to the courtroom; it’s often a strategic step to pressure insurance companies into offering a fair amount. During litigation, parties continue to negotiate, and settlements frequently occur before trial.
Trials are more likely if liability is heavily disputed or the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer. While rare, trials can provide a chance for a jury to award full damages, but they take longer and carry more risk.
A Rockville car accident attorney can prepare your case for trial while working toward a settlement. Even if you must appear in court, our lawyers can handle most of the proceedings. Our attorneys are seasoned negotiators and litigators. We aim to settle your case efficiently but won’t hesitate to take it to trial when necessary to secure proper compensation.
How long does it usually take to resolve a car accident case in Maryland?
The time frame for resolving a car accident claim varies widely. Simple cases involving minor injuries and clear liability often settle within three and six months. Moderate injury cases with fractures or herniated discs can take six to twelve months. Severe injury cases requiring surgeries or long-term care may take a year or two to settle.
When liability is disputed or injuries are serious, it’s often best to wait until you reach “maximum medical improvement” before settling. Insurance companies sometimes delay negotiations, hoping financial pressure will force victims to accept low offers. If a lawsuit is filed, discovery and court backlogs can extend the process by another six to twelve months.
Because Maryland applies contributory negligence, insurance companies often dispute liability, which may lengthen negotiations. Working with a skilled attorney can expedite your claim by countering these tactics and keeping the case on track. Our Rockville lawyers can push for a timely resolution while ensuring you don’t settle for less than your case is worth.
Why should I hire a Rockville car accident attorney?
The more you learn about car accident claims, the more you realize just how complicated such legal cases can be for crash victims. This is why it’s important that you have an experienced attorney who understands how the legal system works in Rockville if you or a loved one was injured in a collision caused by another driver.
Our Rockville car accident lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan thoroughly understand how the legal system works in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland. This is because we have dedicated our legal careers to helping injury victims in our community when they need our help the most.
Your accident is more than just a legal case. At Goldberg Finnegan, we take your car accident injury claim personally. You’ll notice the difference right away at our law firm. We’ll take the time to find out what happened. And we will carefully craft a legal strategy that suits your specific case.
This is your opportunity for justice. Seize it. Contact our law firm today and schedule your free case evaluation with an attorney from our Rockville law firm.