Over $150 Million Recovered For Our Clients “Roger K. Gelb is one of the area’s most respected and sought-after legal minds” – Washingtonian Magazine
Maryland Car Accident Lawyer
For over 70 years, Maryland car accident lawyers at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. have provided top legal support following an accident in Maryland. Our experience has built a reputation for excellence both in the courtroom and the community. Clients trust us for our responsiveness, expertise, and proven results. Our Prince George’s County office, neighboring Bowie, Laurel, and Clinton, is always ready to assist you in your recovery. Call us anytime—day or night—at (202) 331-7227.
If you are injured in a Maryland car accident, our auto accident attorneys offer compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized legal support. Unlike other firms where assistants handle most of the work and getting in touch with your attorney is nearly impossible, our Maryland accident attorneys manage your case from start to finish. This sets us apart from other car accident law firms in Maryland.
Need a Maryland car accident lawyer? Gelb & Gelb, P.C. is here for you. Our team of car accident lawyers in Maryland stands ready to guide you to justice.
A local Maryland car accident lawyer has a network of resources. This is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, we have investigators on hand if we need evidence that is not readily available. Second, we have expert witnesses ready to prove some aspects of your claim in court. These are witnesses with robust medical backgrounds who can testify to the extent of your injuries. This helps us establish your damages at trial. Third, we have unrestricted access to legal research tools such as WestLaw. This online database holds thousands of cases for the most up-to-date case law, generally inaccessible on Google.
Below is a list of ways our Maryland car crash lawyers assist you through the legal process.
Lead a thorough investigation and gather and organize evidence.
Prove liability against the defendant.
Represent you at trial if we cannot settle.
Evaluate the long-term impact of injuries for fair compensation.
Handle communication with all parties involved, reducing your stress
Assist in documenting your pain and suffering for your claim.
Advise on the best legal strategy based on Maryland-specific laws.
Provide updates and clear explanations throughout your personal injury case.
A Maryland car accident lawyer can provide significant value to your case. Below, we outline why the car accident lawyers at Gelb & Gelb are recognized among the best in Maryland.
How Gelb & Gelb, P.C. Helps After a Maryland Car Accident
Amid the expansive sea of car wreck lawyers in Maryland, Gelb & Gelb, P.C. stands out with our impressive track record, customized legal strategies, and deep-rooted commitment to achieving justice for crash victims.
Over 70 Years of Experience Serving Maryland
Our Maryland car accident lawyers have earned numerous awards for their skilled and compassionate advocacy. By truly understanding each client’s situation, we tailor our approach to deliver the best results. We make sure you feel comfortable and understand the process. Then, we advocate aggressively so you get the compensation you deserve. From experience, we know the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies. Key factors determine the value of your Maryland car accident case, and we help you navigate each one.
Personalized Support Tailored to Your Needs
What sets us apart is our client-first approach. At Gelb & Gelb, P.C., we believe in building strong relationships with our clients by listening to your concerns and providing clear, straightforward advice. Accordingly, our Maryland car accident lawyers immediately give you their office number, cell phone number, and email upon retaining our firm.
Our experience covers a wide range of cases, including hit-and-runs, DUI-related crashes, and multi-vehicle accidents. We navigate the complexities of Maryland’s traffic laws to secure your rightful compensation. We understand that, for you to feel comfortable throughout this process, you must be well-informed and receive the attention you deserve. While this page effectively answers the most common questions, we know your case is unique. If you have a question or concern, contact us as soon as it arises. We’re here to help. We excitedly await your call and will not rest until we win.
Thousands of Satisfied Clients with a 4.9 Google Rating
Our Maryland car accident lawyers excel in personal injury claims, negligence cases, and insurance settlements, fighting to ensure you get the compensation you deserve, whether in a rear-end collision or sideswipe. This is why our clients repeatedly tell us that our commitment to their well-being makes them feel heard and supported during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Indeed, one client wrote in an online review, “Mr. Gelb and his staff took on a “lost cause” case and transformed it into an advantage for me. I am a grateful client!”
Case Study of a Maryland Car Accident
This example highlights key facets of a Maryland car accident case, including where to file suit, maximizing case value, and how a Maryland car accident lawyer at Gelb & Gelb can enhance your chances of success.
Imagine driving through Prince George’s County in Bowie, Maryland. You stop at a red light and are rear-ended by a negligent driver, resulting in neck, back, and shoulder injuries. Liability is clear, and both parties have insurance. With personal injury protection (PIP) and collision coverage, this case should be straightforward.
PIP provides $2,500 in no-fault coverage, meaning you receive compensation quickly, regardless of who caused the accident. With the help of a Maryland car accident lawyer, this coverage helps pay medical expenses, increasing how much compensation you walk away with.
Collision Coverage allows you to get your car repaired almost immediately. This is the alternative to allowing the defendant’s insurer to repair your car. The downside to having the adverse insurance provider repair your vehicle is it is a slower process than using your collision coverage. The downside to using collision coverage is you may be responsible for a $500 or $1,000 deductible. Although, your insurance company will pursue a subrogation claim against the adverse insurer, which reimburses them for the repair cost and you for your deductible.
Next, we examine how a Maryland car accident lawyer may evaluate a settlement of your case.
Settlement Breakdown in a Maryland Car Accident
Expense Category
Amount
Medical Expenses
$25,000
Hospital treatment
$15,000
Doctor visits
$2,000
Physical therapy
$8,000
Lost Wages
$3,000
Pain and Suffering
$17,000
Total Settlement Amount
$45,000
$45,000 is a reasonable settlement for a moderate Maryland car accident case, covering your financial, physical, and emotional damages. We also account for the venue where we would file the lawsuit to evaluate your case’s value. Generally, Prince George’s County is a favorable venue for plaintiffs. If you are in a Maryland car accident and your case is worth $45,000, that does not necessarily mean you can recover that amount. The minimum limits on a Maryland insurance policy are $30,000 per person. Thus, after you exhaust that total on the other driver’s policy, you then make an underinsured claim of $15,000 on your policy. If you have PIP, you can pocket an extra $2,500 or $10,000, depending on your policy.
Navigating this process and effectively negotiating the value of your case can be complex. Consult a Maryland car accident lawyer today for professional guidance and support throughout your case.
Maximizing Compensation in Maryland Car Accident Cases
With the help of our Maryland car accident lawyers, you should be able to recover any reasonable expenses related to your accident. Understanding how compensation works in Maryland is crucial, especially when dealing with medical expenses and lost wages, which we discuss next.
Recovering Medical Expenses, Lost Wages, and Other Damages
If you go to physical therapy for a few months, you can recover money to cover those bills with help from a Maryland car accident attorney. The other side of this is that your expenses must be reasonable.
On property damage, you may receive total compensation for repair to any property damage from the accident. But, it, too, must be reasonable. For example, you can’t ask a repair shop to install more expensive tires than your original set. If the shop charges six times more than others, you’re unlikely to recover the full repair cost.
What to Expect from a Maryland Car Accident Lawsuit
If a Maryland car accident lawyer files suit on your behalf, it is because settlement negotiations have been unsuccessful.
Here is what to expect from a Maryland car accident case, from start to finish:
Preliminary Steps: To start, a Maryland car accident lawyer interviews you in person or over the phone, collects all pertinent information, ensures adequate medical attention, and contacts the defendant or insurer.
Medical Treatment: This is the longest stage in many car accident cases. Only after you complete your medical treatment will we know what your case is worth and can proceed to resolve it with the defendant.
Negotiation and Settlement Efforts: You should attempt to settle a case before filing a lawsuit for several reasons. To name a few, it is quicker, cheaper, and can net you a larger sum than if you go to trial. In many cases, your case ends here.
Trial Preparation: Trial preparation for a Maryland car accident involves finalizing the witness list, preparing evidence, developing a compelling legal strategy, and proceeding through discovery and motions before a judge.
Trial: In the typical car accident case, a trial lasts between half a day and two full days.
Post-Trial Outcomes: If we are successful, collecting a judgment can be nearly immediate or very challenging, depending on the defendant and whether an insurance company is involved. If the defense is unhappy with the judgment, it may appeal it, prolonging the process.
How Much Does a Maryland Car Accident Attorney Cost?
When you are in a car wreck in Maryland and hire a car accident lawyer from Gelb & Gelb, P.C., you sign a retainer agreement that operates on a contingent basis. Our fee structure aligns with the recommendations set forth by the American Bar Association for car collision cases. Our legal fee is contingent on whether we win your case. We charge one-third of the recovery if we win your case by settlement. This is true regardless of the size of your recovery. If we file a lawsuit for your case, our fee is 40%.
This works to your benefit because our Maryland car accident lawyers do not bill you for hourly work. So, no matter how complex your case is and how much time it requires, we will charge you only what is necessary. Another advantage is you only have to pay us after your case is resolved. So, if you cannot afford an attorney, this fee model benefits you. For this purpose, it is the prevailing structure for car wreck law, as it affords anyone excellent legal representation. Beyond our fair and transparent fee structure, there are several other reasons Gelb & Gelb is the right choice to handle your car collision case.
Do not wait. Call our experienced car accident lawyers for a free consultation today, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Maryland
Our Maryland car accident lawyers skillfully handle a wide range of car accident-related injuries, from whiplash and spinal injuries to head traumas and broken limbs. Below is a list of common auto accident types we handle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Maryland Car Accident
After thousands of cases, our Maryland car accident lawyers know the common mistakes clients make before coming to us for help. These mistakes range from minor mistakes that marginally affect your case’s value to monumental mistakes that can utterly derail your case.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
If you are in a serious car accident in Maryland, you will require immediate medical attention to address your injuries. You intuitively know that failing to seek immediate attention can expose you to the possibility of permanent injury or death. Instead, if you wait a few weeks or months before visiting a doctor, hire a car accident lawyer who immediately gets you into a doctor. By not seeking prompt medical attention, you may signal to the jury that your injuries aren’t as severe as we claim. Thus, calling (202) 331-7227 today is imperative for the success of your case. You can contact a Maryland car accident lawyer anytime by phone or online.
Admitting Fault or Apologizing
It is natural to apologize when you are under tension. If you see someone in pain, it is polite and instinctive to reach out and say, “I am so sorry this happened. Are you okay?” The problem is this statement may be used against you. While you may believe it is hearsay, it falls under a hearsay exception and may be admissible at trial. Although, a good Maryland car accident lawyer will argue this point. If a jury does hear you apologized for the car accident, they may think you felt a moment of guilt and are at fault.
Not Collecting Evidence after a Car Accident
If you do not collect evidence at the accident scene, you risk the evidence being gone forever. As the plaintiff in a Maryland car accident case, the burden of proof rests with you to convince a jury that your claim is true. Thus, it is critical to collect as much evidence as possible. While our Maryland car accident lawyers will search for some evidence after the fact, the bulk of the evidence should be gathered at the accident scene.
Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company Without Legal Counsel
Insurance companies often ask for a recorded statement. Worse, they know to do so immediately after the accident as you may not have retained a Maryland car accident lawyer to represent your interests. If an insurance company asks you for a statement on the record, consult with an attorney at Gelb & Gelb to learn your rights.
Not Hiring a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer
Without legal representation, you may not know your rights or the true value of your claim. A Maryland car accident lawyer will advocate for you, handle the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, take your case to trial. Not hiring an experienced attorney can lead to a lower settlement or missing out on compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Avoiding these mistakes is crucial. A Maryland car accident attorney can help guide you through the process successfully. Call us today to learn more.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Claim?
Maryland has a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. In a car accident case, you have three years from the accident date to file a complaint in a Maryland court. Exceptions are rare in car accident cases, even if injuries are discovered later. Thus, it is important to speak with a Maryland car accident lawyer immediately.
Other Time Considerations
Beyond the three-year deadline, other incentives exist to take action immediately. Generally, the longer you wait to begin treatment, the less severe your injuries will appear to a jury. For example, if you receive catastrophic injuries in a car accident case, you will probably rush to the hospital for emergency treatment. Therein, you may undergo surgery to save your life. To follow up, you may consult a plastic surgeon to avoid any permanent scarring.
In contrast, an accident victim who gets into an accident and does not go to the hospital generally has less severe injuries. Delaying medical treatment can make a jury question the severity of your injuries. If they were, the plaintiff would seek medical treatment earlier.
Call a Maryland car accident lawyer today to understand how these time considerations apply to your case.
If you are in a car accident or have questions about your legal options, our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights. With a proven track record, including multiple million-dollar case resolutions for car accidents, we are here to help. Contact Gelb & Gelb, P.C. today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate your path to recovery. Call our office today.
Client Review
Reviewed by: Michelle J.
Review Content: Mr. Gelb was an excellent attorney for our case (my mother and I). He kept us updated during every step, was available by phone whenever needed, and even followed up afterward with a few loose ends. I highly recommend his services, especially if you want excellent service with a personal touch.