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Answers To Common Questions About Car Accidents

After an accident, you may have countless questions about your rights and the law. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about auto accidents.

For detailed guidance on your specific situation, contact Whitlock Law, LLC, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Car accident attorney Morgan Whitlock has a wealth of experience representing auto accident victims in both Maryland and Virginia. She can help you, too.

What Should I Do After An Accident?

The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t have any obvious injuries, you could have sustained internal damage that might not manifest right away. Getting medical care will also help establish a record of injuries that could be pivotal later on.

The next thing you should do is contact an injury lawyer. Because strict deadlines apply when filing a car accident claim, and important evidence could get lost or overlooked if you don’t take the right steps to preserve it, getting legal help early on is critical for a successful outcome.

What Kinds Of Damages Can I Get For A Car Accident Case?

Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to multiple types of compensation, or damages, for your auto accident. They could include:

  • Compensatory or economic damages for expenses you incurred as a result of the accident (such as medical bills and property damage)
  • Noneconomic damages for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced (and may continue to experience) as a result of the accident
  • Punitive damages, which are intended to punish wrongdoing and are only available in limited situations

Talk to car accident lawyer Morgan Whitlock for guidance on which types of damages may be available in your case.

How Much Compensation Can I Get For My Auto Accident Case?

The answer depends on numerous factors, including:

  • The cause of the accident and other parties involved
  • How the accident happened and whether you were partly at fault
  • The severity of your injuries and costs of medical care, including transportation expenses for traveling to and from appointments
  • The costs involved in getting future medical care for your injuries
  • Your lost wages from missed work due to the accident and injuries you’ve suffered
  • Whether your case settles or goes to trial

In general, the more extensive your injuries and resulting treatment, the higher your compensation will likely be.

While no auto accident lawyer can forecast exactly how much you’ll recover, car accident attorney Whitlock can give you an estimate of how much your case might be worth. Reach out today to learn more.

What If I’m Partly At Fault For The Accident?

Maryland and Virginia both follow a doctrine called pure contributory negligence, which means that you can’t pursue a personal injury claim if you were partly at fault for the accident. However, fault is often a gray area, and you should never assume you don’t have a claim without first consulting an experienced injury attorney.

How Can I Prove That Another Party Was At Fault?

Proving fault or negligence in a car accident claim isn’t always easy. It often takes a detailed investigation to uncover evidence of fault. That evidence might include:

  • Witness testimony
  • Police reports
  • Photos from the scene
  • Cellphone records
  • Expert testimony from accident reconstructionists

Injury lawyer Morgan Whitlock knows how to effectively prove fault in auto accident cases. She can gather evidence on your behalf and build a strong case.

How Much Time Do I Have To File A Car Accident Claim?

The answer depends on the state. In Maryland, the deadline (or statute of limitations) for car accident cases is generally three years. In Virginia, it’s two years. Because car accident cases take time to investigate and build, the sooner you can involve a trusted injury lawyer like Morgan Whitlock, the better.

How Long Will It Take To Get Compensation?

Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for car accident cases. They could settle in as quickly as a few months or they might drag on for years. It depends on numerous case-specific factors such as:

  • The complexity of your accident claim
  • The extent of your injuries
  • The amount of damages you’re seeking
  • The number of parties and insurance companies involved
  • Whether your attorney can put the right pressure on insurers to act quickly
  • Whether other parties are open to a fair and reasonable settlement

Nobody wants to waste years of their life tied up in legal proceedings for a car accident claim. Lawyer Morgan Whitlock can take swift legal action to help minimize delays and keep your case moving forward.

Should I Settle My Claim Or Go To Court?

This is one of the biggest decisions that car accident victims face. If your attorney is able to obtain a strong settlement offer – sufficient to provide adequate compensation for all aspects of your claim, including present and future expenses – it’s often wise to settle. Going to trial involves more expense, uncertainty and time.

However, trials are sometimes the only way to secure the full financial recovery you deserve. Injury attorney Morgan Whitlock is skilled at both settlement negotiations and trial. She can advise you on the wisest course of action for your case.

Get More Answers During A Free Consultation

Talk to an experienced auto accident attorney today. Call 888-240-7504 or reach out online to discuss your case with car accident lawyer Morgan Whitlock.