Copyright © 2025 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.
For over 70 years, the Maryland car accident lawyers at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. have provided top legal support for clients in Maryland. Our experience has built a reputation for excellence both in the courtroom and the community. Clients trust us for our responsiveness, legal knowledge, and proven results. Our firm maintains a 4.9-star Google rating across hundreds of reviews in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, many of which highlight our accessibility and thorough case handling. Call our Prince George’s County office in Upper Marlboro, neighboring Bowie, Laurel, and Clinton, anytime, day or night, at (202) 331-7227.
Unlike other firms where assistants handle most of the work and getting in touch with your attorney appears impossible, our car accident attorneys manage your case from start to finish. This level of direct attorney involvement is uncommon and sets our firm apart in how we serve car accident victims. We are readily available by phone, and many clients value the ability to text us seven days a week with any questions or concerns. This is just one of the many ways we distinguish ourselves. With decades of experience in Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, and surrounding counties, we are acutely familiar with the most dangerous roads and know how to position cases favorably in local courts. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
A local law firm has a network of resources. This is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, we have investigators on hand if we need evidence that is not otherwise available. Second, we have expert witnesses on standby, ready to prove aspects of your claim in court as necessary. These include medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, vocational experts, and economists. Third, we have unrestricted access to legal research tools such as WestLaw. This online database holds millions of cases for the most up-to-date case law, generally inaccessible on Google.
Below, we list more ways our Maryland car crash lawyers assist you through the legal process.
Next, we outline why the car accident lawyers at Gelb & Gelb are recognized among the best in Maryland.
Amid the expansive sea of car wreck lawyers in Maryland, Gelb & Gelb, P.C. stands out as having successfully represented over 10,000 clients in Maryland since 1954, helping recover hundreds of millions in car accident claims alone.
Roger Gelb has earned numerous awards for his 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 aggressively advocate 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.
What sets us apart is our client-first approach. From day one, clients are in direct contact with their attorney, not a case manager or paralegal. So, the person handling your case has the legal knowledge to answer every question or concern. This is not the case at many other firms, which offload you to paralegals.
At Gelb & Gelb, P.C., we believe in building strong relationships with our clients by listening to their concerns and providing clear, straightforward advice. Upon retaining our firm, our attorneys will immediately give you their office number, cell phone number, and email. You never have to wait to get a reply.
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 are here to help. Your call will go directly to an attorney, not a call center.
Our attorneys routinely handle complex personal injury cases, including multi-vehicle crashes, rear-end collisions, and uninsured motorist claims, securing favorable outcomes through settlement or trial. 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!”
Car accidents happen for many reasons, but in Maryland, a few recurring factors stand out. Weather conditions, vehicle mechanical problems, and traffic flow errors can all account for causing an accident. When one of these common causes is the reason for your accident, we have to take a closer look to determine who is at fault. Educating yourself about these common causes is the first step toward prevention.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of Maryland car accidents. As smartphones became mainstream, they have taken over our lives. Many people struggle to put their phones down even for a ten-minute drive to the store. Consequently, drivers are taking their eyes off the road more than ever. This is a form of negligence. While we do not necessarily need to prove that the driver was on their phone, we need to prove that the driver performed the negligent act caused by distracted driving. Their car may be slowly drifting out of their lane and into yours. God forbid, if they do this and it results in a head-on collision, the results can be fatal.
Texting and driving are not the only forms of distracted driving. Even speaking on the phone is a distraction when driving. It is illegal to drive while holding the phone up to your ear in Maryland (§21-1124.2). While a hands-free device is legally permissible, it can still be distracting. Your attention may be diverted, particularly if it is an important work call. There is little that a driver can do short of pulling over to the side of the road, which sometimes is the best option. Other distractions may be the radio, changing the song, the air temperature, or something on the side of the road that catches your eye.
When someone is late for a business meeting, lunch reservation, or to pick up a friend, they often resort to speeding. While this may seem like the best option to make up for lost time, it rarely is effective at saving you time. Of course, the better option is to plan ahead. You can observe speeding just about every time you drive on the road in Maryland. While this is not a unique issue in Maryland, it threatens Maryland residents daily.
When a driver is speeding, they reduce their car’s ability to turn around tight corners. This makes avoiding sudden obstacles more difficult and the odds of a car accident more likely. This, in combination with how ubiquitous speeding is across Maryland, spells a significant safety concern for Maryland drivers.
Despite the many convincing public safety campaigns that have fought against drunk driving, it remains among the most common causes of Maryland car accidents. Fortunately, the rise of Ubers and Lyfts has allowed for a decrease in drunk driving accidents in Maryland. In Maryland, the average number of fatalities from impaired driving is 169. This does not necessarily mean that 169 people were killed by another careless driver, as some are responsible for taking their own lives. Regardless of who is at fault, we can safely conclude that drunk driving is extremely dangerous. The Maryland government study considered alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications in its definition of impaired.
There are about 3,000 injuries that result from impaired driving annually. Criminally, Maryland enacted Noah’s Law in 2016. This requires a person convicted of certain alcohol-related driving offenses to participate in the ignition interlock system program. However, this is distinct from the civil aspect of a claim. If a drunk driver in Maryland injures you, it is crucial to speak to a Maryland accident attorney immediately to discuss the viability of your case.
Maryland experiences all four seasons. But unlike the previous common causes of Maryland car accidents, weather conditions do not relate to human error. Nonetheless, if a human driver succumbs to poor weather conditions and injures another driver, that driver is still at fault for the accident. No matter the weather conditions, every driver still has a legal duty to maintain control of their vehicle. A failure to do that is a breach of a legal duty and leads directly to civil liability. For example, who is at fault if another driver drives through snow and ice and fails to stop because their wheels cannot gain traction on the ice and rear-end your vehicle?
The answer is that the driver who rear-ended you is at fault.
Failure to yield accidents most commonly occur when the adverse driver is at a stop sign, yield sign, or even attempting to merge into your lane in traffic. In any of the three instances, if you have the right of way, a failure to yield is sufficient for the negligent driver to be liable for your injuries. Because a failure to yield to the right of way can apply in so many instances, it is one of the most common causes of Maryland car accidents.
The steps you should take after a car accident depend on the severity of your injuries. For example, if you suffer exorbitant injuries and are unable to get out of the car on your own accord, it is perfectly fine to wait for assistance. On the other hand, if you feel okay and believe you can get out and walk around without further injuring yourself, you should take the following steps to preserve the value of your legal case.
If you are in a car accident, the first thing to do is make sure you are safe and call paramedics if necessary. Once your car is in a safe position, you should get out and double-check that you are OK. Then, inspect your vehicle and talk to the other driver.
You should get the name, address, and insurance information from the other driver. Generally, it is easiest to take a picture of this information. If the driver who hit you has sped off, you should first try to take a picture of their license plate. If you have this, it is likely enough for us at Gelb & Gelb to track down the driver and ultimately file suit if necessary. Also, take pictures of the surrounding area and document the scene. It can also aid in the trial as an exhibit of evidence. You should take photographs of the road if something is related to the accident. For example, this might include a sharp turn around a corner. You should also photograph all vehicles involved, capturing the full extent of the damage.
Paint from the other car, dents, and other marks can reveal far more about how the crash occurred and be more convincing to a jury. Finally, photograph your injuries. While we hope they heal over time, a jury seeing you in person may assume you were never seriously hurt. Documenting your injuries ensures there’s clear proof of the pain and suffering you endured for months. It also helps to obtain witness contact information. A name and phone number should suffice. There is no need to get an official statement from the witness, though their general stance on how the accident occurred can help.
In Maryland, the police will not always come. However, it is worth trying. A police report can help both your lawyer and the insurance adjuster for the adverse party understand the extent of the injury in a formulaic manner. It allows the police officer who takes the report to reference it and remember your accident if he testifies at trial as a witness. Although, an officer can generally only testify to what they actually witnessed. So, if they did not see the accident happen, they cannot offer their opinion on the matter. Remember, the police officer and the report are not the final arbitor. They are there to facilitate an orderly exchange of information and ensure everyone is okay.
You should seek medical treatment if you get hurt in a car accident. While optional, prompt care not only protects your health but also supports any potential negligence claim. If your claim is successful, the at-fault driver is responsible for covering your medical expenses, relieving you of the burden of high bills. Keep in mind you have a legal duty to mitigate your damages by following recommended treatment. If you have questions about what to do after a car accident in Maryland, we are here to help.
Our 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.
After thousands of cases, we know the most 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. We discuss the most common mistakes below in the hopes that it will educate you enough to avoid making them yourself.
If you are in a serious car accident in Maryland, you will require immediate medical attention to address your injuries. A jury intuitively knows that your injuries are likely not as bad if you do not seek immediate medical help. You signal to the jury that your injuries are not as severe as you claim at trial. Even though things pop up and life happens, waiting too long can negatively affect the value of your case. This is true even if you have defensible reasons for delaying your visit to the doctor for an otherwise legitimate injury.
Thus, calling our office at (202) 331-7227 today is imperative for the success of your case. You can contact us anytime by phone or through our website.
It is natural to apologize when you are under stress. 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 that this statement may be used against you. While you may even believe it is hearsay, it falls under a hearsay exception and may be admissible at trial. If a jury does hear that you apologized for the car accident, they may think you felt a moment of guilt and are at fault.
If you do not collect evidence at the accident scene, you risk the evidence being gone forever. As the plaintiff, 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 lawyers will search for some evidence after the fact, the bulk of the evidence should be gathered at the accident scene. Otherwise, you risk it being unrecoverable.
Insurance companies often ask for a recorded statement. Worse, they know to do so immediately after the accident, as you may not yet have retained counsel 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. In some situations, giving a statement is necessary to preserve your own insurance coverage. In others, declining can actually protect the value of your case without any negative consequences. Distinguishing between these two instances is critical, and our attorneys can help.
Without legal representation, you may not know your rights or the true value of your claim. A lawyer will advocate for you, handle the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, take your case to trial. In some cases, personal injury protection (PIP) can put more money in your pocket. But in others, it may limit your ability to pursue a bodily injury claim. Failing to hire a knowledgeable lawyer can result in a significantly lower settlement or missing out on compensation for medical bills, lost income, 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.
This example highlights key facets of a Maryland car accident case, including where to file suit, maximizing case value, and how a Maryland superhero lawyer at Gelb & Gelb can enhance your chances of success.
Imagine driving through 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.
Next, we examine how a car accident law firm evaluates your case’s value.
| 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, but only if your own policy is larger than that of the adverse driver. 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. Call today for professional guidance and support throughout your case.
Sometimes. While it is not legally necessary to obtain a police report after a Maryland car accident for your bodily injury case, you may be required to by statute. Maryland law requires drivers to report an accident in writing to the Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days if it results in bodily injury or death (Md. Code, Transp. § 20-107(a)).
A police report serves as a third-party account of the crash, which can help establish key facts like fault, time, location, and a witness’s position. Insurance companies often rely on these reports to determine fault in an accident. However, police reports are generally inadmissible. The police officer writing the report likely did not witness the accident themselves. Thus, they cannot act as a witness to testify at trial, with very limited exceptions. However, it is still helpful to call the police to the accident scene and request a report. They will neatly organize the information you need to pursue a lawsuit against the adverse driver. Having said that, you should still collect that information yourself.
This means recording the following information:
With the help of Brian Gelb and the rest of our legal team, 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.
If you go to physical therapy for a few months, you can win money to cover those bills. Although, your expenses must be both reasonable and related to your car accident.
Regarding 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 cannot ask a repair shop to install more expensive tires than your original set. If the shop charges six times more than others, you probably will not recover the full repair cost.
While no two cases are alike, many clients ask what the “average” settlement looks like in Maryland. The truth is, settlement amounts vary widely depending on factors like medical expenses, lost income, and the severity of your injuries. Moreover, the exact same case with the same parties, property damage, and insurance policies may go for two different values depending on the judge or the jury. Especially at the outset, we do not know how much you will decide to treat. Your injuries may be worse than you initially believe, making your case worth a lot more.
Or, you may discover that you feel better after a few visits to the doctor, in which case your case is probably worth less. But without a thorough review of your medical records, we cannot conclude with certainty what your case is worth. And even then, we must consider the facts of your case, the availability and credibility of your evidence, and liability. Thus, we can never accurately predict what your case is worth, barring very limited exceptions.
If the other driver lacks insurance in a Maryland car accident, that’s not necessarily a problem, as long as there are other sources of recovery. When the adverse driver causes the accident but has no insurance, the policy on the car you are in becomes primary. This is true even if you are not the owner of the vehicle.
An excluded driver is someone specifically named in an insurance policy as not covered to drive the insured vehicle. If you are an excluded driver, the insurer can deny coverage entirely, even for covered passengers. However, if you are an excluded driver under that policy, you should speak to an attorney to determine if other sources of recovery are available. If you are not an excluded driver, your preferred option becomes to file an uninsured motorist claim (UM claim).
But what if you are a passenger, and there is no insurance on the car you are in, either? You may still have options. You may be able to make a claim through your own insurance policy if you are a named insured on a vehicle at home. Or, if you reside, at least half of the year, with a relative, then you may be able to make a claim under their policy.
Some people think your insurance premiums will increase if you make an uninsured motorist claim. However, if you are not at fault for the accident, your insurer is prohibited from increasing your rates, per Maryland Insurance Code § 27-501.
If we file 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:
How long it takes to resolve a car accident case ultimately depends on how long it takes for you to complete your medical treatment. For the typical case with soft tissue injuries such as neck and back soreness, a client may receive treatment for two to four months. Once you complete your medical treatment, it takes an additional seven to 10 days to get your final medical bills and records from the last medical provider. Then, we send our demand package to the adverse insurer for settlement. Generally, it takes them four to six weeks to make an offer.
If they make a reasonable offer that properly compensates you for your injuries, we can wrap things up relatively quickly. Although, a caveat to that is if you have Medicare, Medicaid, or military health insurance, it can cover some or all of the bills. However, it may take longer to finalize your lien amount. While we are not obligated to pay back a private health insurer, federal law does require us to pay back the aforementioned insurers.
In summary: A straightforward case without liens can settle within a few months. More complex cases may take longer, especially when ongoing treatment or government insurance is involved. If the case goes to court, expect the process to take a year or more.
When you are in a car wreck in Maryland and hire a 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 collisions. 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. If we file a lawsuit on your behalf, our fee is 40%.
This works to your benefit because:
Beyond our fee structure, there are several other reasons Gelb & Gelb is the right choice to handle your car collision case. Call our experienced car accident lawyers for a free consultation today, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
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 an attorney immediately.
One exception in some states is for a wrongful death claim arising from a car accident. When you or a family member is pursuing a wrongful death claim for a Maryland car accident, the statute of limitations allows for claims no more than three years after the date of the accident. This is the same as a typical car accident claim, unlike many other states (§3-904)
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.
Additionally, Maryland has a one-year statute of limitations for filing a PIP application. Although, if you are a resident of another state and were involved in an accident while in Maryland, the applicable deadline may be longer or shorter, depending on your own state’s laws. Call us today to understand how these time considerations apply to your case.
At Gelb & Gelb, we are happy to conduct your consultation in person or over the phone, whichever is best for you. Moreover, you do not even need to schedule an appointment. Just give our office a call, and an attorney will hop on the phone with you and talk about your accident. While no documents or evidence are necessary, and you can get started with a simple phone call, having everything ready to go allows us to assess your claim’s strength, determine available coverage, and build a strategy to win your case.
Here’s what you should bring:
Even if you do not have any of the above information, we can still help. But the more information you provide, the faster and more accurately we will evaluate your case and work towards a successful outcome.
Seen our superhero or cartoon lawyer commercial? If you have been in a car accident or have questions about your legal options, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. With a proven track record, including multiple million-dollar recoveries, we are here to help.
Contact Gelb & Gelb, P.C. today for a free consultation. Call our office anytime.
5 Stars
By: Tatiyone C.
1634 I Street NW #350
Client Description: I’m truly grateful for Mr. Gelb’s professionalism and dedication throughout my personal injury case. He communicated clearly, responded quickly, and always made sure I felt informed. His time and effort led to a fair settlement. I appreciate how smooth and stress-free he made the process. Highly recommend his services.
Rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5 stars
Copyright © 2025 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.