College Park Maryland Auto Accident Lawyers

If you've been involved in an auto accident in College Park, Maryland, you need a dedicated and experienced legal team by your side to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex legal processes that follow such incidents. At Farmer & Klopfer, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that auto accidents can take on victims and their families. Our mission is to provide unwavering support and legal expertise to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Maryland

Drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage are required to report the accident to law enforcement authorities. Failure to report an accident can result in penalties.

Maryland follows a fault-based system, meaning the person who is determined to be at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating the other parties involved. This is typically determined by investigating the circumstances of the accident and establishing who acted negligently or recklessly.

But what if the at-fault party claims that you were partially at fault for causing the crash? Maryland follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence, which is one of the strictest forms of this doctrine in the United States.

Under this legal principle, if a person's own negligence or fault contributes to an accident or injury in any way, even to a very small degree, they are generally barred from recovering any compensation from the other at-fault party, regardless of how much more at fault the other party may be. In other words, if the injured party is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be completely barred from recovering damages.

Handling All Types Of Traffic Accidents

An auto accident, also known as a motor vehicle accident (MVA) or traffic accident, is an event involving a collision or crash between one or more vehicles or a vehicle and a pedestrian or cyclist. These accidents can result in various degrees of damage to vehicles, injuries to individuals, and, in some cases, fatalities. Auto accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including driver error, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failures, or other factors.

Here are common types of auto accidents:

• Car Accidents: Car accidents involve collisions between passenger cars. They are the most common type of auto accident and can result from factors such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, running red lights, and more.
• Truck Accidents: Truck accidents involve large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and delivery trucks. These accidents can be particularly severe due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Causes can include driver fatigue, overloading, and mechanical failures.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents involve collisions with motorcycles, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protective barriers for the rider. Common causes include failure to yield right of way, distracted drivers, and road hazards.
• Bicycle Accidents: Bicycle accidents occur when a motor vehicle collides with a bicyclist. These accidents can result from drivers failing to see or yield to cyclists, dooring (when a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist's path), or unsafe road conditions.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents involve collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians. They can occur at crosswalks, intersections, or along roadways. Common causes include distracted or inattentive drivers, failure to yield, and impaired driving.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

If you've been involved in an auto accident in College Park, it's essential to take the following steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.

2. Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police to report the accident. An official accident report will provide valuable documentation for your case.

3. Gather Information: Collect information from all parties involved, including names, contact information, insurance details, and witness statements.

4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. These photos can be crucial evidence.

5. Avoid Speaking with Insurers: Before speaking with insurance companies, consult with an experienced College Park auto accident attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim.

6. Consult an Attorney: Reach out to Farmer & Klopfer for a free consultation. We can provide you with expert legal guidance and help you understand your rights and options.

Ready to Fight for Your Compensation

Farmer & Klopfer is a well-established law firm with a proven track record of success in handling auto accident cases in College Park, Maryland. With more than 37 years of experience, we have earned a reputation for providing compassionate and effective legal representation for our clients. Our commitment to excellence and our dedication to each client sets us apart in the legal community.

Call (301) 265-2220, and let us handle the insurance company.