Gaithersburg Car Accident Attorney Pursues Compensation for Victims

Skillful advocate assists injured clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

More than 30,000 people are injured in Maryland auto accidents each year. Most people understand that heavy traffic is a part of life in the Washington Beltway area, but when you or a loved one is injured, it can cause terrible physical and financial strain. At the Law Office of Christopher J. Smith, LLC in Gaithersburg, we strive to help crash victims and their loved ones secure reimbursement for accident-related costs as well as the pain and suffering stemming from the vehicle collision. 

Knowledgeable attorney handles a full range of vehicle collision claims

Each car and truck accident is unique, but in our years of handling personal injury and wrongful death matters, we've skillfully handled numerous cases involving accidents caused by drunk driving, speeding and distracted driving. Our firm is also familiar with the various types of collisions, including:

• Head-on crashes
• T-bone accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Sideswipes

By examining physical evidence and witness accounts, we can reconstruct the events that led to your accident, even if accounts differ.  

Winning recoveries for multiple types of injuries

Even if it is clear who is at fault for the injury, it is critical to present a strong case detailing the medical harm that resulted. We work with doctors and experts to help clients obtain full compensation for injuries such as:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash 
• Internal organ damage
• Paralysis and other catastrophic harm

Whatever your specific injury is, our firm will develop a thorough case to maximize the likelihood of a successful outcome.

The first steps you should take after a car accident

After a car accident, your first priority should always be your safety and the physical condition of everyone at the scene. Get any necessary medical assistance and contact the police as soon as possible. If everyone is out of danger, you can bolster your potential legal claim by recording your impressions of the scene, taking pictures and obtaining the contact information of the parties and witnesses. There's no need to get into an argument over who's to blame for the crash. That will be resolved later.  

Experienced firm advises on Maryland's contributory negligence rule

Frequently, parties to a vehicle accident will differ as to who caused the collision. This is even more likely in cases involving multiple impacts. Sometimes, there might be evidence that both vehicle operators were careless in the moments leading up to the crash. Maryland's contributory negligence rule prohibits a plaintiff from winning damages in court if he or she bears even the slightest responsibility for their injury. 

Legal counselor represents claimants in auto insurance matters

Maryland and Washington, D.C. have different types of auto insurance systems, so it's important to work with an attorney who has a detailed understanding of the applicable rules. Under Maryland's fault-based framework, drivers are required to maintain minimum levels of coverage. After an accident, the insurance company of the motorist responsible for the collision is supposed to pay the medical costs incurred by all victims. Washington, D.C. employs a no-fault system where the driver's own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage addresses expenses in most cases, regardless of who is to blame for the crash. There can be exceptions in cases where the accident results in a significant impairment and expenses that exceed the victim's coverage amount. No matter where you are, if the relevant insurance carrier denies your claim or offers a settlement that you think is inadequate, our firm will press them to honor their full obligation under the policy. 

Skillful litigator works to maximize damages in collision cases

Whenever we represent a client in a car accident, we press to resolve the case promptly so that victims and their families can get the legal relief they need. Often, a favorable settlement can be negotiated reasonably quickly, but if a fair offer is not forthcoming, we will litigate the case in court. Plaintiffs must file their lawsuit within three years of the accident date and are able to seek reimbursement for medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses relating to the crash. Compensation can also be granted for the pain and suffering victims endured along with the effect the accident had on their ability to enjoy life. 

Contact an aggressive Beltway-area car accident lawyer to set up a free consultation

The Law Office of Christopher J. Smith, LLC advocates on behalf of car accident victims in Maryland and Washington, D.C. clients who have been injured in slip and fall incidents on others' property. Please call 301-760-7460 or contact us online to make an appointment for a free consultation. We are located in Gaithersburg.