Standing Up For The Most Vulnerable Road Users After An Injury
Cyclists and pedestrians are no match in a crash with a car. The injuries that result from pedestrian and bicycle accidents are considerable. The path toward recovery is long and filled with challenges. Rafael Law, LLC, is here to help injured cyclists and pedestrians in Baltimore hold the negligent drivers that hurt them responsible and secure compensation to support their recovery.
Why Work With Rafael Law, LLC, After Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents?
My dedication to my clients is unmatched. All accidents that weren’t your fault are unfair. But it’s especially shameful when people get hit by cars while riding a bike, walking or jogging. Often, there’s no way for them to avoid these crashes, and their force is brutal. Meanwhile, the people responsible are often driving carelessly but walk away unscathed. In these cases, I am particularly committed to tipping the scales of justice in my client’s favor.
Who Do I Contact If I Was Hit By A Car While Crossing The Street?
Contact a personal injury attorney right away. A legal professional can guide you through filing a claim against the driver at fault and advocate for maximum compensation from the driver’s insurance carrier.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault For My Injuries?
Maryland is a contributory negligence state. This means that victims may not be able to get compensation if they contributed at all to causing the accident that injured them. To learn if contributory negligence could be at play in your case and how it may affect the outcome, contact my firm.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Recover For My Pedestrian Injuries?
Maryland law allows you to seek various types of economic and noneconomic damages. These might include compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages, if your injuries prevent you from working
- Permanent disability and loss of earning capacity (if applicable)
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Punitive damages are technically an option, but they are very rarely awarded. In order to claim punitive damages, the victim must demonstrate that the at-fault party acted with the intent to injure or kill someone else.
How Is Fault Determined In A Car Accident Involving A Pedestrian?
Determining fault for a car accident means figuring out who failed to exercise reasonable care on the road. Skilled attorneys will look at all available sources of evidence such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, police reports and possibly the opinions of accident reconstruction experts.
As noted above, Maryland is a “contributory negligence” state, meaning that fault is an all-or-nothing proposition. When I represent you, I work tirelessly to demonstrate that blame rests entirely with the at-fault driver and that you had no part in causing the accident or your own injuries.
How Do I Know If My Settlement Offer Is Fair Or Too Low?
Assessing the fairness of a settlement can be challenging. You must consider the total costs of your medical treatments, any lost income and other expenses related to your injuries. It’s also important to account for future costs or losses, which may not be immediately apparent.
It is even more difficult to assess the value of “noneconomic damages,” or those that do not have direct financial costs. Pain and suffering is one example. Consulting a seasoned attorney is often the best way to know the full value of your claim.
Do I Really Need A Lawyer If I Was Offered A Settlement For My Bicycle Accident Injuries?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer to accept a settlement, having legal guidance can be very beneficial. As stated above, you may have no idea what your case is worth or how much compensation you’ll need to cover your expenses.
Additionally, if you were offered a settlement quickly, chances are good that it is a lowball offer. Insurers want to resolve claims as quickly and cheaply as they can. I can negotiate on your behalf and work to ensure that any settlement offer adequately covers your needs, both now and in the future. If the insurance company isn’t willing to negotiate or an agreement cannot be reached, I will not hesitate to take your case to trial in order to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Hit By A Bad Driver? Reach Out For Help Today
If you are a cyclist or pedestrian injured in a car accident, contact Rafael Law, LLC. We’ll begin to explore your legal options in a free consultation meeting. To schedule your appointment, call my office at 410-204-5411 or send me a message.