Car Accident Lawyer MD

Back Injuries in Maryland Auto Accidents

Car Accident Lawyer MD 

A car accident lawyer in MD understands that being injured in a car accident can be a life-altering event. When the incident was caused by the actions of another party, a skilled lawyer can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. At the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C, we have successfully represented many Maryland clients and their families in obtaining the best possible outcome based on the circumstances of their case. Our legal team has been advocating for injured victims for years and we understand that many accident cases can be complex to navigate.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

When you have been injured, it is important to remember that insurance companies are in the business to make money; therefore, their goal is to pay the least amount of damages possible. Even your own insurance may give you a hard time if you file a claim under your own policy, such as in the case of an uninsured/underinsured driver accident.

When you are dealing with the other party’s insurance company, it often becomes more difficult for them to quickly and fairly process your claim than when you are dealing with your own.

An MD car accident lawyer knows how manipulative and underhanded insurance adjusters can be. Some insurance adjusters are trained to steer conversations in such a way to get victims to admit fault – or at least partial fault – in order to excuse the insurance provider from paying up. Even an innocent statement like, “I’m sorry the accident happened,” might be used against you to show you were at least partly liable for the accident.

Other tactics some insurance companies use are to drag out processing the claim or offer an unfair settlement amount. These companies know that many people who are dealing with a serious injury are probably unable to work and might not be getting any income in and the type of financial stress this causes. The longer the company takes to settle, the more in debt a victim may become — and the more likely they will be to take whatever settlement amount the insurance company offers in order to just pay their bills.

Conversely, the insurance company will try to get the victim to settle the case quickly before the full extent of the injuries and the final prognosis has been medically determined. When you retain the services of a skilled car accident lawyer in MD, you can be assured that those kinds of tactics won’t work, and your best interests will be protected. Your lawyer will fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve for the losses you have suffered.

Back Injuries

A car accident lawyer MD residents seek to retain from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. will tell you that back injuries and dental injuries are very high on the list of injuries caused by car accidents. Back injuries can be categorized into three distinctive areas: neck, upper back, and lower back. Each section of the spinal cord is surrounded by muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, and nerves. When injured, these can cause varying degrees of pain, either temporary or permanent. Whiplash, while not a formal medical term, is the most common injury to the neck. Learn about Wrong-Way Crashes and Fatalities.

MD Car Accident Law Statistics

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are more than 3 million people in the U.S. that suffer whiplash injuries each year. About half of those victims are left dealing with chronic pain from their injuries and approximately 300,000 are left disabled because the pain of their whiplash injury is so debilitating.

Whiplash Injuries

Any car accident lawyer MD residents seek for car accident representation may tell you that most whiplash injuries are sustained from rear-end collisions. Vehicular accident victims exploiting neck pain to dig into the pockets of insurance providers is a common and unfortunate myth. To make matters worse, it is not uncommon for insurance providers to attempt to downplay how serious a whiplash injury is to avoid paying damages.

Whiplash can Happen to Anyone

You don’t have to be involved in a high-speed collision to sustain serious and painful whiplash injuries. In fact, you could emerge with painful injuries from a vehicular collision that caused little or no damage to the vehicle itself.

Statistically, whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused in low-speed auto accidents. This is largely because it is a term used to describe a range of neck injuries caused by a sudden distortion of a person’s neck. Whiplash is technically an injury caused when a person’s neck is suddenly “whipped” forward and then backward (or vice versa).

If you have been in an auto accident resulting in whiplash, you may need the experience of a car accident lawyer Maryland drivers recommend. Fortunately, at the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., you can easily consult with an experienced car accident lawyer.

What Symptoms Indicate a Whiplash Injury?

Neck pain and spasms tend to be the most common symptoms of a whiplash injury. A car accident lawyer in MD may also tell you there are several other symptoms linked to whiplash injuries including:

  • Frequent and lingering headaches
  • Back pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Insomnia
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Numbness in the limbs
  • Dizziness

A person who experiences any of these symptoms after an auto accident may need to seek medical attention, and might also want to consider speaking to a Maryland car accident lawyer. If there are lingering symptoms of a whiplash injury from a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

How Serious Are Whiplash Injuries?

Whiplash injuries can range anywhere from a minor injury to a catastrophic injury. While a minor injury may not cause too much damage to a person’s lifestyle, a moderate or major injury could have long-term implications. If you have suffered from a whiplash injury following a car accident, you may benefit from consulting with Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., a car accident lawyer MD has turned to for more than 75 years.

You may not know whether your whiplash injury is minor or major at the time the accident occurs. Often, the pain associated with a whiplash injury does not fully present itself at the time of the accident. In fact, it could take several days for symptoms to appear fully. A car accident lawyer MD residents trust may be able to give you advice on how to handle the situation in case the injury does cause long-term complications.

What Are You Entitled to Receive for a Whiplash Injury?

After you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s understandable that one of the first things you want to know is how much compensation you’re entitled to receive. But the reality is that every case is unique, with many variables in play. It requires a consultation with a car accident lawyer in MD who can assess and offer an accurate prediction of the amount that you should be entitled to receive. A car accident lawyer MD trusts, such as Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., may assess the extent to which two factors apply to your case:

  • The strength of your liability claim
  • The extent of your damages

The first thing your Maryland car accident lawyer needs to understand is the strength of your liability claim. For liability to exist, someone must be “at fault” through negligence or wrongdoing. A car accident lawyer MD relies on experience in such cases and understands that in the instance of a vehicular accident, negligence may stem from a variety of factors. Texting and driving is a widespread problem, but in the case of a rear-end accident (the most common cause of whiplash), the driver may be deemed negligent due to a lack of paying sufficient attention and not keeping a safe distance between vehicles. Many factors can be at play, however.

Next, a car accident lawyer in Maryland would examine the extent of your damages, which means the cost of the accident from a monetary standpoint and of the impact it has had on your life. There are three common methods for determining car accident damages:

  • Injury valuation software: “Colossus” is a system used by most major insurers, but there are other types of software in use as well. These systems calculate a value for your damages based on the extent of the involvement of several factors, including hospitalization, type of treatment, treatment length, physical therapy, delays and gaps in treatment, medication, and level of impairment.
  • Multiple of specials: This method considers the totality of medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering damages. It adds a judgment-based multiplier considering all the evidence of the case such as any aggravating circumstances, the seriousness of your injuries, length of recovery, and if you recovered completely.
  • Per diem: This method attempts to value your pain and suffering by determining a “per diem” (per day) value. It adds that value to your medical bills and lost income, and then adds a per-diem value for lingering pain depending on how long it may have lasted.

After a Car Accident

A common tendency is for drivers to try to get on with their day as quickly as possible after a car crash. This is a mistake because even minor accidents can have far-reaching effects on your health, your finances, and your family. What do you need to do after a car accident? When should you contact a car accident lawyer in MD?

1. Get Out of Danger

Your first priority should be to get yourself and your family or passengers out of danger. If possible, pull your car over to the side of the road, and off-street, or a parking lot. That way, you don’t have to worry about oncoming traffic causing further injuries.

What if your car is damaged in the middle of the road with no way to move it? In that case, put the car’s hazard lights on and carefully get everyone out of the vehicle. Move away from the vehicle while trying to be as visible to other cars as possible, such as by waving your arms. Don’t stop until you reach a safe place away from the crash, such as a field or sidewalk.

2. Check Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries

Don’t assume that a “minor” accident didn’t hurt anyone. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we’ve seen countless times how unknown injuries appear months or even years after an accident.

Whiplash and other injuries can be hard to remember when you’re full of adrenaline but still dangerous. Calm down and check your body for any cuts or painful spots. Check your passengers. If anyone is injured even a little, call 911 right away.

3. Report the Accident

It’s a good idea to report any collision involving injuries. That way, you can get a copy of the police report. This document helps serve as evidence down the road if you decide to file a claim against the other driver with the help of a car accident lawyer in MD.

4. Gather Information From the Other Driver

This is a vital step to obtain the compensation you deserve. Your car accident lawyer in MD needs this information to locate witnesses and negotiate with insurers. At the very least, get the other driver’s name, driver’s license number, address, phone number and insurance policy information.

5. Document the Scene as Safely as Possible

As far as possible, gather evidence of the accident. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and pictures of the other vehicle. Write down the make, model and color of the other vehicle.

6. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in MD and Your Insurance Company

We encourage you to contact us at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. as soon as is safely possible following a crash. That way, you have the help of a car accident lawyer in MD that looks out for your interests. You also need to contact your insurance company to report the accident and get an adjuster to look at the damage to your vehicle.

Car Accident Infographic

 

car accident infographic

Getting Compensation for Dental Injuries After a Car Accident

When you have been in a car accident, a Maryland car accident lawyer knows that it is highly likely that one of the areas you suffered an injury in was your mouth. Most people are extremely concerned with other bodily injuries, such as concussions, fractures, broken bones, lacerations, and bruising. However, oral injuries can be extremely painful, though you may be in shock immediately following the accident and not realize any damage had been done to your mouth. When it comes to going to an orthodontist to get the help you need for your mouth, though, how can they help? Your car accident lawyer in MD can talk with you about what you need to do to ensure you can get compensation for your orthodontic treatment following a car accident.

What Causes Tooth Damage in a Car Accident?

Tooth and jaw damage are extremely common in car accidents. Some of the most common ways of getting this kind of damage are through:

  • Your face hitting the steering wheel
  • The airbag coming into contact with your face
  • Hitting your head and jaw on the side window
  • The other car coming into contact with the front or side of your car

What Kinds of Tooth Damage Can You Get From a Car Accident?

Because of how complex a tooth is, there are many different types of oral injuries one can sustain from a car accident. A tooth consists of many different parts, all of which can become damaged in a car accident.

  • Chipped or Fractured Teeth. This happens when the enamel of the tooth is damaged. While there is sensitivity, there should not be great pain and your orthodontist can usually repair this relatively quickly and painlessly.
  • Tooth Pulp. Your tooth pulp is in the dentin layer of your tooth underneath the enamel. When your tooth is severely injured and the pulp is exposed, you will likely feel severe pain and sensitivity which may be accompanied by headaches. Your orthodontist can quickly assess the best course of action which will likely be a root canal.
  • Avulsed Teeth. This is also not uncommon when it comes to car accidents. An avulsed tooth is when an entire tooth is knocked out of its socket. If you can schedule an emergency orthodontist appointment after the car accident and bring your tooth with you, the orthodontist may be able to save it. On the other hand, they may simply have to replace it with an artificial tooth.

How can My Orthodontist Help with My Insurance Claim?

It is incredibly important that you talk with your MD car accident lawyer and your orthodontist immediately about why and how the damage occurred. You should let them know that you will be filing an accident claim and that you are hoping to get compensation for your orthodontic procedures. When they know this, your orthodontist can ensure that they document the injuries, the procedure, prescription medications, and expected recovery time in detail so that your insurance claim has all of this on record.

There are many judgment factors at play when determining the compensation to which you are entitled. Even though Insurance companies have their own valuation methods, there are often opportunities for negotiation. Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is a car accident lawyer MD has relied on for over 75 years.

Delayed Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries; but, what happens if you do not appear to have significant injuries immediately following the accident? Unless you are bleeding or your injuries appear to be severe, you may want to skip a trip to the hospital or physician’s office. After all, why make a situation worse by making a big deal out of nothing? The truth is, you may have no idea just how bad your injuries are if you do not get medical help immediately after an accident. Many internal injuries do not have obvious outward signs and you could miss a life-threatening injury or an injury that causes permanent damage if left unchecked.

The Adrenaline Is Flowing

After a car accident, you are likely experiencing adrenaline. When your body begins pushing adrenaline (and endorphins) after an accident, you may be in go-mode. This means that even if you sustained very painful injuries, your body is focusing on getting out of the situation you are in or helping others around you instead of your pain. Thus, a few hours after the accident, you may begin feeling the ramifications of the car accident even if you thought you were fine.

Dealing With a Traumatic Brain Injury

This is one of the most common types of injuries that do not have obvious warning signs immediately after an accident. While some people may be knocked unconscious, others may not notice signs for hours or days later. You may experience:

Headaches or migraines

  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks
  • Blurry vision
  • A lack of sleep and energy
  • Dizziness

If you have any of these symptoms after a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. 

Signing With the Insurance Adjuster

You know you probably have a good claim when the insurance adjuster calls you and tries to settle with you. They want you to sign an agreement waiving your right to a legal pursuit by offering you money. However, it is best to wait until you have spoken with both a doctor and an attorney. You will have no idea what the financial ballpark of your injuries is until a doctor can tell you if you need to stay in a hospital, have surgery, or have future rehabilitation. The initial offer from the insurance adjuster may not touch all of the financial burdens you will have. Your attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance adjuster and make sure you are not settling for a lowball offer. 

If you were in an auto accident and suffered from whiplash or from dental injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. Call to schedule an appointment with a car accident lawyer MD residents turn to at (301) 637-0463 today.

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most extreme and distressing injuries somebody can go through and could lead you to contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Maryland at  The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

According to the CDC, there are at least 1.7 million TBIs every year, either as an isolated injury or in addition to other injuries.

How do people sustain terrible brain injuries?

Automobile accidents are the 2nd leading reason for TBIs, making up 17.3% each year, right after falls, which make up simply over 35% of traumatic brain injuries.

TBIs are normally caused by a violent blow or jolt to your head or body, which is really typical during a cars and truck mishap.

In the post listed below, we will speak about the occurrence of distressing brain injuries in vehicle mishaps and when you need to get in touch with a cars and truck mishap lawyer.

Which Car Accidents Can Result in TBIs?

During a cars and truck accident, you will normally be subjected to an abrupt, violent movement. This can cause your head to come into contact with your steering wheel, dashboard, or window, or free-flying things that might strike you.

  • A widespread injury to occur during these movements is whiplash. Whiplash takes place when your head is strongly tossed backward and after that forward due to a force from behind. When this occurs, your brain might strike within your skull at high speed, resulting in mild to moderate signs of a TBI.
  • Neck and neck and back pain are likewise really common. A front-end crash can also trigger your automobile to stop abruptly. You will continue to progress at the very same rate of speed you were taking a trip prior to the impact while your vehicle concerns an abrupt stop. This can likewise trigger your brain to slam against your skull with violent force. Your brain goes through injury, and so is your face. A severe injury to the face is often accompanied by a traumatic injury to the brain.
  • In a side-impact crash, your head will be included in the direction of the effect. So, if your vehicle was struck on the motorist’s side, your head will be tossed to the left. This forces your brain to strike the best side of your skull and then back once again, striking the left side of your skull. Your head injury will be various depending on where your car and truck are struck during a side-impact accident. Being struck straight in the side will be a lot more devastating than being struck even more in the front or the back of the automobile.

If an accident victim hits their head versus the window or an outside item, it can result in lacerations on the head or fractures to the skull. Fragments of glass, particles, or perhaps bone pieces could enter their brain and result in devastating, dangerous wounds. These injuries are referred to as open head injuries and you may want to contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Maryland at  The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

Given that your skull is only about a quarter of an inch thick, a blow to the head with the force of effect that accompanies most cars and truck accidents can lead to disastrous and long-term suffering and cause a long road to healing.

Kinds of TBIs in Car Accidents

A direct blow to the head or an injury like whiplash during a car crash can bruise your brain and cause damage to the internal tissue and capillary. Swelling at the site of the effect is called a coup sore. When a car crash victim’s brain is jolted on impact, it can rebound and hit the skull and cause what’s described as a contrecoup sore. This disconcerting of the brain versus your skull can tear your brain’s internal lining along with the tissues and capillary. This could cause internal bleeding, bruising, or swelling of the brain. Penetrating head injuries brought on by foreign objects can fracture your skull and rip it into brain tissue. Any damage to the brain arising from trauma is a distressing brain injury.

Reach out to a Car Accident Lawyer in MD at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today.

Car Accidents and Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

It is no secret that a car accident lawyer in MD can cost a small fortune in criminal defense cases; those costs typically boil down to hourly rates, expert witness fees, and numerous minor costs that quickly add up. However, while a criminal case is costly, hiring a lawyer for a personal injury claim, especially as the victim, is not the same.

Contingency Arrangements and Percentages

Personal injury lawyers usually work on contingency, meaning they work based on the possible outcome of your case. In other words, a personal injury lawyer working for the victim likely offers to work for the possibility of a settlement or win. If either outcome occurs, the lawyer will get a percentage of the awarded amount, usually between 30% and 40%.

The percentage often depends on the amount of work involved in the case. If the claim is disputed through settlement negotiations, it requires less work for the lawyer and less expense. However, a trial requires a significant amount of work and money upfront from the lawyer. Therefore, settlement arrangements cost less for the client, requiring less percentage of the winnings.

Hidden Expenses

While attorney fees often use a contingency arrangement, some lawyers will still require the client to pay for any other case requirements. For example, you might still need to pay for court filings, copies, experts, investigations, etc. The extent of the contingency agreement depends on the lawyer or law firm, meaning you will want to evaluate the agreement line by line and ask as many questions as you need to clarify the arrangement. Our Maryland car accident lawyers from the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. are always willing to answer your questions and our goal is to get the justice you deserve.

Receiving Payment

As the lawyer works on contingency, they only receive payment at the end of the case and only if they win. A win is defined as a settlement agreement or a positive verdict. Once either is achieved, your lawyer will take their share of the award before you get the remainder of the balance. It is worth noting the check is typically made out to the lawyer or law firm, meaning you have no access to the funds until the lawyer cuts a check for the remaining balance.

While a contingency might not be right for everyone, it can be helpful for clients who cannot afford upfront lawyer fees or who fear being stuck with a balance at the end of a trial. If you are not sure if a contingency agreement works for you, consider consulting a local personal injury lawyer to learn more about the agreement’s specifics. Some lawyers might be willing to negotiate the terms of the arrangement.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Today!

No one ever plans to get into a car accident nor do they plan for the countless fees and expenses that follow. Having a clear strategy and support in navigating complex court processes is needed so that you can focus on getting your life back to normal. Talk to our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers from the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to get the help you need today.

A Lawyer Can Help You With Insurance Companies

When you purchase car insurance, you are trusting that the company has your best interest in mind. For the company you hire, that may be the case, but for the responsible party, they are often only interested in protecting their profit margins. Insurance companies are private entities that answer to their shareholders who expect their investment to generate a profit. As a result, insurance companies will often try to pay you as little compensation as possible. 

But you likely want the compensation you deserve. If this is the case, you should speak with a car accident lawyer in MD as soon as possible following your accident. A professional firm will provide a free consultation where they will discuss your case with you. They advise you on your legal options and how they relate to your insurance claim. For a firm you can trust, call The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. We have years of experience working on cases like yours and taking them to court if the insurance company is unwilling to pay you the justifiable amount. 

The Insurance Claim Process 

If the other party had insurance, then they likely called their insurance company when the accident occurred. Their insurance company assigned a claims adjuster to the case, who assesses the damage that resulted from the accident. They then recommend whether the company should pay you damages, and if so, how much. After this process,  the company will offer you a settlement, which may not be enough to pay for the costs you incurred and the support you will need going forward. If this is the case, you should consider speaking with a lawyer to see if you should argue for a higher amount. 

You might also find yourself in a situation where the party at fault doesn’t have insurance. In this case, you can either file a claim with your insurance company or choose to take the responsible party to court. It can be tricky deciding which course of action is best. Scheduling a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in MD from a firm like The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can help you understand which option is better for your unique situation. 

Insurance Companies Do Not Want To Go To Court

Whether you are filing a claim with your insurance company or the at-fault party, you may find that their initial offer isn’t acceptable. Your lawyer can advocate for greater compensation. Many times insurance companies are willing to settle for higher amounts to avoid going to court, but if those negotiations fail, you can take your case to court. They do not like going to court because you have the upper hand here. In the event that your case does go to court, the insurance company may use tactics to discredit you. They may dredge up history from your past that you thought was gone forever. It’s very important to be honest with your lawyer about anything that could be used against you in court so they aren’t caught off guard. 

3 Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer

Once you hire a car accident lawyer to help with your case, you have the opportunity to get many of your questions answered. Perhaps the greatest benefit of having an experienced car accident lawyer in MD on your side is their knowledge. With that in mind, the following are some of the best questions you can ask your attorney to help put your mind at ease. 

1: How Can I Make This Easier? 

Perhaps the first question you should ask The Lawfirm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is how you can make your case easier. While it may be tempting to take a back seat during the proceedings and let your car accident lawyer in MD take the reins, that could potentially harm your case. Through every stage of the legal process, you’ll need to be proactive and reliable. Meeting deadlines, providing information, and keeping open communication are all responsibilities your attorney may give you. By taking the first step and asking what you need to do, you can help minimize stress down the line. 

2: How Long Do Proceedings Take?

Another question you may have for your car accident lawyer in MD is how long your case will take. Depending on the severity of your accident, there could be many components to your individual case, drawing it out over time. When you first hire your attorney, you should ask them how long your case will take. Knowing what to expect could help you plan out your finances and prevent undue stress while the proceedings take place.  Whether or not you’ll need to appear in court, your attorney from The Lawfirm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. will be able to give you a rough estimate of your case’s timeline. This information can help you plan your next few months and keep your stress levels low. 

3: What Outcome Can I Expect?

Finally, it may help you to ask your attorney what outcome they’re expecting for your case. More than likely, your car accident lawyer in MD has gone through multiple cases similar to yours. Their experience will allow them to evaluate your case at every stage, giving you an idea of what to expect. No matter what the details of your accident are, your attorney has your best interests in mind. They will do their best to help you get the settlement and reparations you deserve, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions about your case. The legal process can be confusing and intimidating, but an experienced attorney found at The Lawfirm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can help simplify it. 

Determining What Your Settlement Amount Should Be

An insurance company must consider a variety of factors when determining how much compensation they will offer you. An adjuster considers elements like vehicle damage, police and medical reports, documented physical and mental injuries, and lost compensation. The number they arrive at is often smaller than what is justified. They may also make the process a lot longer or more complicated than it should be. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in MD can help. Pick up the phone and call The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today to fight for you.

 

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“Mr Brynn did a good job but i was told my case would stay open because a bill was paid out of my settlement that shouldnt have been paid. But he did such a good job that once again I’m using his services”
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