If you or a loved one is in a car accident in Laurel, you may have a valid tort claim and should reach out to a Laurel car accident lawyer. There is a number of different claims you can make which will affect the value of your recovery. The most common claim a plaintiff makes after a car accident in Lauren is for negligence. This is what most imagine when thinking of your “run of the mill” car accident. Of course, each car accident is unique and proposes its own set of legal challenges.
Additionally, a Laurel car accident may rise to the level or recklessness. Under the law, this is a harder burden to prove, but if we can show it in court, your case value may increase significantly. In a car accident, there are certain behaviors behind the wheel that almost always rise to the level or recklessness. The most common example is drunk driving. The third type of claim you can make after a car accident is for an intentional tort. This may involve a vehicular assault or battery and is less common. However, it does happen and is a separate type of suit than the more traditional negligence claim.
Under general tort law, a claim for recklessness or intentional conduct relating to a car accident is awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages can substantially increase the monetary value of your case. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish and deter. In general, the number of punitive damages is a multiple of your compensatory damages, and can be worth up to approximately nine times as much, per the famous Supreme Court case State Farm Mut. Automobile Ins. Co. v. Campbell. However, in Maryland, the willful, wanton, reckless standard equating to punitive damages is different. We have a slightly more complex standard which requires assistance from an experienced Laurel car accident lawyer.
Call today for a detailed explanation based on your unique facts. Our consultations are always free.
There is a limitless number of types of car accidents. In our nearly 70 years of experience, we have handled thousands of cases and understand what goes into each type of car accident case. Below is a list of the most frequent car accident types we encounter, many of which end up in wrongful death:
We address this type of claim because it is the most common following a car accident in Laurel. A negligence claim in Laurel falls under the larger umbrella of Maryland tort law. Maryland tort law is similar to most other states in the country in that four elements we must prove four elements. First, the driver who caused the accident must have owed a duty to you, the plaintiff. This means you must have been a foreseeable plaintiff.
This duty owed is that of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances. While this is a rather vague standard, it is formed by the case law and is entirely fact dependent. Next, to have a valid claim, the tortfeasor must have breached his or her duty of care that he owed to you. Third, we must be able to show causation. This involves actual causation and legal causation. Fourth, you must have suffered an injury. This means you must have suffered some legal harm.
Back in 2020, we opened a second office to better serve Laurel and the people of Maryland. This office is run by our managing partner, Roger K. Gelb. Mr. Gelb has been practicing law in Maryland for over 30 years and has been awarded numerous accolades throughout his career. Call our office today for a free consultation at (202) 331-7227. We look forward to speaking with you.