While the number of victims who are killed each year in car accidents has begun to creep down a little, a car accident lawyer in MD knows that the number of injuries that victims suffer is astronomical. In fact, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that there are about 4.5 million people who seek out medical treatment because of injuries they suffered in car accidents each year. The cost of all this medical care adds up to approximately $463 billion. There is also the high cost of loss of income, damage to vehicles, damage to property, and more.
Just about every car accident that occurs is avoidable. This is because most crashes are caused by a driver’s negligent driving behavior. When another driver’s negligent action causes an accident that injures a victim, that victim can pursue for damages.
What is considered negligent driving?
Negligence is defined as failing to do something that a reasonably careful person would do or doing something that a reasonably careful person would not do. When that act of negligence causes an accident that injures a victim and that injury results in financial and other compensatory losses for the victim, the negligent driver is held liable for those losses.
There are many types of behaviors or actions that are considered negligent driving. Some of the more common that each MD car accident lawyer sees in the cases our firm handles include distracted driving, driving under the influence, and drowsy driving.
How does distracted driving cause car accidents?
Distracted driving is one of the most common – and dangerous – negligent driving behaviors that occur. Engaging in activities that distract focus from the road is an issue with drivers of all ages and all genders. One of the biggest distracted driving problems is cell phone use, including talking, texting, checking social media, taking photos, and more. Other distracted driving behaviors include setting GPS, fiddling with radio, grooming, or eating and drinking.
Is speeding considered negligent driving?
Speeding is another negligent driving behavior and in some cases, the law deems speeding as reckless driving behavior. A speeding driver who causes a bad accident can even face criminal charges if their actions are legally considered reckless. Speeding accidents are often more severe because the at-fault driver does not have enough time to even slow down so the impact can be deadly.
How common is driving under the influence in car accidents?
Another dangerous and illegal behavior, people who drive when they are intoxicated or high on drugs are responsible for killing more than 10,000 victims every year and leaving millions f more seriously injured.
Is fatigued driving considered a negligent act?
Driving when you are drowsy is almost as dangerous as getting behind the wheel of a vehicle when you have been drinking. Almost 1,000 victims are killed each year in accidents caused by a fatigued driver.
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.
