Car Accidents in Silver Spring

8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1250, Silver Spring, MD 20910 | (301) 450-5556

Seeking Justice for Silver Spring Car Accident Victims

Located just outside the nation’s capital, along the booming I-495 Beltway, Silver Spring and its many cultural attractions are a magnet for tourists and locals alike. Unfortunately, all of that traffic makes car accidents a fact of life in Silver Spring. Between 2015 and 2019, there were over 59,000 crashes in Montgomery County, resulting in more than 1,200 severe injuries and nearly 150 fatalities.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Silver Spring, the experienced car accident attorneys at Ashcraft & Gerel are prepared to fight for you. You deserve to have a legal team with an established track record of standing up for the rights of the injured. We know how to take on insurance companies and other monied interests so you can get the compensation you deserve. Let us be your partner through the difficult process. Call us at (301) 450-5556 to schedule your free case review today!

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What Should I Do Immediately After a Silver Spring Car Accident?

If you’re in a car accident in Silver Spring, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights:

• Stay calm: Try to remain calm and avoid getting angry or upset. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the situation at hand.
• Check for injuries: Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call an ambulance immediately.
• Move to a safe location: If your vehicle is blocking traffic, move it to a safe location. If you are unable to move the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
• Call the police: Call the police to report the accident, even if it’s a minor one. The police will create a report that can be used as evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
• Exchange information: Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes name, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate number.
• Take pictures: Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to both vehicles, skid marks on the road, and any injuries.
• Don’t admit fault: Do not admit fault for the accident, even if you think you may be responsible. Let the police and insurance companies determine who is at fault.
• Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible, but do not sign anything until you have consulted with a car accident attorney.

Remember to stay calm, take care of any injuries, and follow these steps to protect yourself legally and financially. When it is safe to do so, call our team of Silver Spring car accident attorneys at (301) 450-5556 for a free case review, and let us guide you through the legal process.

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Why Hire a Silver Spring Car Accident Attorney?

There are several reasons why you should consider hiring a lawyer after a car accident. We will:

• Protect Your Legal Rights: A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and ensure that they are protected. They can advise you on the best course of action to take and help you navigate the complex legal process.
• Investigate Your Accident: A lawyer has the time and resources to investigate the accident and uncover all the facts about a case.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are in the business of making money and may try to settle for less than you deserve. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
• Calculate Damages: A lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is important because you may be entitled to more compensation than you think.
• Represent You in Court: If the case goes to court, a lawyer can represent you and argue your case in front of a judge or jury. They can also handle all of the paperwork and legal filings.

In short, hiring a Silver Spring car accident attorney can help ensure that your legal rights are protected and fight for the compensation you are owed for your injuries and damages.

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When Should I Contact a Silver Spring Car Accident Lawyer?

It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that your legal rights are protected. The aftermath of a car accident can be complicated: you or a loved one may have suffered serious injuries, fault may be disputed, and the insurance company may try to strong arm you into accepting a lowball settlement. With our car accident attorneys in Silver Spring on your side, you’ll know you’ve got someone fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.

What is the Statute of Limitations on a Silver Spring Car Accident?

Statutes of Limitations are state laws that define the time period after a car accident in which you are able to pursue legal action. There are many circumstances and factors that can affect the overall time period you will have to pursue a claim. Our car accident attorneys can help you understand the specific deadlines and requirements for your case.

Who Is Liable for My Injuries in a Silver Spring Car Accident?

Every motorist has a legal obligation to other drivers to drive responsibility and follow the rules of the road. This is known as a driver’s duty of care. When a driver is found to have caused an accident through reckless or avoidable actions, they are held liable for the accident and are responsible for compensating the affected parties for losses and injuries.

In Maryland, liability for a car accident is generally determined through negotiations between the parties involved and their insurance companies. It can be a particularly tricky concept in Maryland, where the doctrine of contributory negligence means that if you are even 1% responsible for an accident, it will be difficult to receive compensation (another great reason to lean on the expertise of a Silver Spring car accident lawyer). If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to court where a judge or jury will determine liability based on the evidence presented. It’s important to consult with a lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options if you have been involved in a car accident in Silver Spring.

What Damages Can You Pursue After a Silver Spring Car Accident?

There are various types of damages that you may be able to pursue, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries you have suffered. If you’ve been in a car accident in Silver Spring, here are some common damages that you may be able to pursue:

• Medical expenses: You can pursue compensation for medical expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and medication costs.
• Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can pursue compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
• Property damage: You can pursue compensation for damage to your vehicle or other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering: You can pursue compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, if the at-fault driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, you may be able to pursue punitive damages to punish them and deter similar behavior in the future.

It’s important to note that the damages you can pursue will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Our Silver Spring car accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and pursue the damages you are entitled to after a car accident.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Silver Spring, MD?

The amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, the impact of the accident on your ability to work, and the extent of property damage. The more severe the accident and resulting injuries, the higher the settlement will be, because medical bills are often at the center of legal claims after a car accident.

While it’s difficult to estimate your potential settlement due to these unique factors, the national average for an auto claim with bodily injury was $22,734 in 2021, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The average property damage claim in an auto accident was $5,314.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Silver Spring, MD, we recommend that you speak with a car accident lawyer from Ashcraft & Gerel, who can help you understand your legal rights and options, determine the value of your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve. The Silver Spring car accident lawyers at Ashcraft & Gerel have earned more than $1 billion dollars for our clients.

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Silver Spring Car Accident Case?

The length of time a settlement takes will depend on the specific aspects of the case and whether a settlement can be made with the insurance company or a lawsuit must be filed. Cases involving minor injuries, property damage, or clear liability may settle within a few months, while cases involving a lawsuit can stretch on for years. Our team of car accident attorneys can assess your case to estimate how long settlement negotiations might take, so that you can decide whether to pursue discussions or move forward with a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Silver Spring?

In Maryland, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically responsible for paying your medical bills after a car accident. Maryland is a “fault” state, which means that the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages caused by the accident. However, before your medical bills are paid, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You will need to provide documentation of your medical treatment and expenses, and the insurance company will typically investigate the accident and determine who was at fault.

If you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on your own insurance policy, you may also be able to file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your medical expenses. PIP coverage is optional in Maryland, but it can provide coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. It’s important to note that insurance companies will often try to minimize the amount they pay out in claims, so it’s important to have an experienced Silver Spring car accident lawyer on your side to help you negotiate a fair settlement and ensure that your medical bills are paid in full.

What Happens if You Don’t Have Auto Insurance in a Car Accident?

If you get into a car accident in Silver Spring and do not have auto insurance, you may still be held liable for any damages caused. Moreover, you may face steep penalties for driving without insurance, regardless of whether you were at fault in the accident. Insurance is legally required for all drivers in Maryland, and if you are found to be driving an uninsured vehicle, you may face fines, suspension of your license and car registration, and even jail time.

What if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Car Insurance?

Many clients believe that they will be responsible for all of their losses and medical bills if they are in a car accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. However, Maryland state law requires that you have minimum uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy. This is known as Uninsured Motorist (UM) insurance.

As long as your own coverage is up to date, you do have some degree of coverage if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, and working with a qualified car accident attorney can help ensure you maximize your recovery. At Ashcraft & Gerel, our team of Silver Spring car accident lawyers will pursue every avenue possible in getting your losses covered after a car accident.

What Causes Most Silver Spring Car Accidents?

Montgomery County sees an average of almost 13,600 car accidents per year. According to statistics, human error is the cause of most accidents. This includes speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, distracted driving, and failure to yield the right-of-way. Whatever the cause of your accident, our team of Silver Spring car accident lawyers have the experience to build a case to get you the compensation you deserve.

How Do I Get a Temporary Rental Car After an Accident?

If you need a temporary rental car after an accident, there are a few steps you can take. If you have rental car coverage as part of your insurance policy, your insurance company may be able to help you arrange for a rental car. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance company may be responsible for providing you with a rental car. Contact their insurance company to find out if they will cover the cost of a rental car.

If the at-fault driver’s insurance company or your own insurance company will not cover the cost of a rental car, you may need to pay for the rental car yourself. Consider the cost of the rental car and how long you will need it before making a decision. It’s important to keep all receipts and documentation related to your rental car, as you may be able to seek reimbursement for the cost of the rental car from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or your own insurance company. Our Silver Spring car accident attorneys can review your coverage and help you choose the best option for getting a rental car.

What if I’m in an Accident in a Rental Car?

Busy thoroughfares around Silver Spring like I-495 and Frederick Road can be challenging under the best of circumstances, and getting into an accident in a rental car can be that much more stressful, as you may be unfamiliar with your surroundings. You are also responsible for any damage or loss to the vehicle.

However, any insurance coverage you have can help pay for the damages. Rental companies generally require renters to carry insurance, and if you have your own car insurance, you may use that. Be sure to check with your own car insurance company before renting a car to verify the type of coverage offered. You may also want to check if the credit card with which you will be renting the car offers insurance coverage as a cardholder perk.

Car rental agencies will typically offer their own insurance coverage for a fee. If you do not have your own auto insurance policy, or if you feel like your policy offers insufficient coverage, you may purchase full or supplementary coverage from the car rental agency. If you’ve been in a car accident in a rental car in Silver Spring, our rental car accident lawyers are here to help.

What Is UM/EUIM Insurance?

Uninsured/Enhanced Underinsured Motorist (UM/EUIM) insurance is a type of car insurance coverage that protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages and injuries caused by the accident. UM coverage provides protection if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance. EUIM insurance provides protection if you are hit by a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover the damages and injuries caused by the accident.

UM/EUIM coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that you and your passengers incur as a result of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Our Silver Spring car accident attorneys can help you find out more about UM/EUIM coverage and if it may be applicable in your case.

Our Silver Spring Car Accident Attorneys Are Ready To Serve Your Case

With its prime location inside the Capital Beltway and along the bustling I-95 corridor between DC and Baltimore, Silver Spring’s roadways see thousands of car accidents each year. A car accident can change your life in an instant, and it’s natural to feel scared and unsure of where to turn for help. The car accident attorneys at Ashcraft & Gerel understand what you are going through. We’ve helped thousands of victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserved, and we’re ready to serve your case. Call us at (301) 450-5556 to schedule your free case review today!

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Silver Spring, MD

Our Silver Spring car accident attorneys specialize in all types of car accident cases! Whatever type of accident you have been in, contact us today to schedule your free case review, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.