Have you been injured in an auto accident? Contact a Baltimore car accident lawyer at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to find out how we might be able to help you recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Call us at (410) 837-2144 to schedule a free consultation.
If someone else caused you to get hurt, our attorneys will fight to hold them legally and financially accountable. We’ll do everything in our power to not only put money in your hands but maximize your recovery.
Our Baltimore law office extends a free consultation to injury victims to answer all of your questions. This provides you the time and opportunity you need to discuss the details of your case with an experienced attorney.
Our team will carefully review the circumstances of your crash, help you understand your rights, and address any concerns you might have. We have recovered tens of millions for injured victims of truck accidents, Baltimore wrongful death claims, Baltimore electric scooter accidents, motorcycle accidents, uber accidents, and more.
If you have a claim for damages, we’ll help you fight to get the money you deserve. It’s important to act quickly, so give us a call to get started today.
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How Will a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Help If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident in Baltimore?
Car accidents are traumatic and unexpected. Following a crash in Baltimore, your physical and emotional injuries can be overwhelming. Additionally, the financial costs and expenses related to your accident can be demoralizing. Fortunately, you might not have to struggle with the consequences of your accident on your own. If someone else is responsible for your crash and injuries, you can file a claim and demand compensation.
While you may be entitled to damages, it’s not always easy to get cash in your hands. At-fault parties will not rush to accept responsibility. Insurance companies will search for any reason to deny your claim and refuse payment. If you want your claim to be successful, you’ll have to stand tall and be aggressive as you pursue compensation.
That’s where WGK Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Since 1977, our Baltimore personal injury lawyers have been standing up to insurance companies and entities with deep pockets on behalf of crash victims like you. We know how critical a financial recovery can be in the months that follow an accident. Let us put our 80 years of collective legal experience to work for you.
When you contact our law firm for help after a collision in Baltimore, you can expect us to:
- Listen carefully to your side of the story and use the details you provide as the foundation for your injury claim
- Conduct an exhaustive investigation that scrutinizes your car accident from every possible angle
- Gather evidence to prove that you’ve been injured through no fault of your own
- Work with experts throughout the process to ensure that we’re working with all of the information we need and really understand the more technical aspects of your case
- Stand up and respond when insurers and at-fault parties attempt to point fingers and blame you for your injuries, and
- Handle court filings and all paperwork related to your case.
Our attorneys will work diligently to prepare an injury claim that will secure a swift and substantial monetary settlement on your behalf. However, we will be fully prepared to bring your case to a jury of your peers if insurance companies refuse to cooperate and negotiate fairly.
Insurance companies in Baltimore are well aware of our reputation for being successful trial lawyers. For years, we’ve demonstrated that we’re not afraid of deep pockets and that we know how to sway a jury in our favor. Our reputation can be a huge asset for you after a crash. Insurance companies will want to avoid a showdown in court.
Want to learn more? Contact our Baltimore car accident lawyers to arrange a free initial case evaluation.
Baltimore, MD Car Accident Statistics [April 2024 Update]
Baltimore is known for having some of the most dangerous roads in the nation. Why? The drivers. According to a study by Allstate, Baltimore has the “most crash-prone drivers in America.”
Just how common are car accidents in Baltimore? Very. Let’s break it down by County, then City. The numbers to follow are from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). There is not yet data available for 2023; the latest year from which full figures are available regarding overall car accidents is 2022. However, there are more recent statistics for fatal accidents in particular.
Baltimore County Car Accidents
Car accident statistics for Baltimore County are as follows for recent years:
- 2019: 21,698
- 2020: 17,796
- 2021: 20,331
- 2022: 22,623
- 2023: 20,232
Note that these statistics don’t include crashes in the City of Baltimore. Between 2019 and 2023, there were an average of 20,141 crashes a year.
Baltimore City Car Accidents
Most car accidents in Baltimore County happen on roads in Baltimore City. The number of accidents, however, has declined slightly over the past few years.
- 2019: 17,990
- 2020: 16,036
- 2021: 17,888
- 2022: 16,165
- 2023: 15,956
Fewer accidents might be happening because of the Zero Deaths Maryland initiative, which aims to reduce traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths. However, as of 2023, there were still roughly 45 car accidents in Baltimore every single day.
Fatal Car Accidents in Baltimore
Car accidents are common in Baltimore. But how often are these motor vehicle collisions fatal? According to the Fatal Crash Dashboard from Zero Deaths Maryland, there were 91 fatal car accidents in Baltimore County and 46 in Baltimore City in 2023.
As of early September 2024, there have been 50 fatal accidents in Baltimore County and 28 in Baltimore City.
And, despite the government’s efforts to reduce fatalities and make Baltimore’s roads safer, fatal crashes have only become more common. Between 2019 and 2023, fatal accidents rose by roughly 46 percent.
Baltimore’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Accidents can and do happen all across the city. However, there are certain parts of Baltimore that tend to see more car accidents than others. In fact, the most dangerous intersection in the state can be found in Baltimore. According to one report, the intersection of Gwynns Falls Parkway at Reisterstown Road is home to the most number of fatal car accidents in Maryland.
That’s not the only dangerous spot in Baltimore, MD. Other stretches of road and intersections where accidents tend to take place include:
- Northern Parkway and Jones Falls Expressway
- Orleans Street and Gay Street and Ensor Street
- West Cold Spring Lane at Jones Falls Expressway
- South Monroe Street at Washington Boulevard
- Caroline Street and Baltimore Street
- Bank Street and S Wolfe Street, and
- Liberty Heights Ave and Burleith Ave.
There is no guarantee that you won’t be involved in an accident if you avoid these crossroads. However, you might be able to decrease the likelihood of a collision by using different roads during rush hour or when traffic is really heavy.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Baltimore, MD
Why are there so many car accidents in Baltimore? There are many different factors that can contribute to or cause collisions. Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted Driving
Many experts believe that distracted driving is now more dangerous than drunk driving. When a driver isn’t paying attention, takes their hands off of the wheel, or diverts their gaze from the road, the likelihood of a crash surges. In a place like Baltimore, where the roads are often jam-packed, not paying attention is particularly dangerous. In 2023 alone, there were 37 people killed in distracted driving accidents in Baltimore County.
Speeding
Baltimore has some of the most congested roads and highways in the United States. After sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for a while, it’s not uncommon for drivers to hit the gas to try to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, speeding is associated with an increased likelihood of getting into or causing an accident. Speeding drivers have less time to react and are likely to lose control over their vehicles. In 2023, there were over 30 speed-related fatal crashes in Baltimore County.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence is never a good idea. When an impaired driver is behind the wheel, they’re more likely to fall asleep, suffer from reduced reaction times, and misjudge distances. All of these factors can – and do – cause motor vehicle accidents. In 2023, 110+ people were killed by drunk drivers across the state. In Baltimore County alone, 28 were injured or killed in DUI crashes.
Driving After Dark
Auto accidents in Baltimore tend to increase at night. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, it’s simply harder to see. Visibility is limited, especially when someone is driving a black or dark-colored vehicle. Second, you’re more likely to share the road with dangerous drivers – those who are drunk, impaired, or simply tired.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Sometimes accidents happen, regardless of how cautious drivers are behind the wheel. In some cases, these accidents are caused by defective road design, inherently dangerous conditions, or hazards on the road. Examples include sharp curves, obscured signals, potholes, and missing signage. When a hazard contributes to an accident, the government agency in charge of the roads might be responsible for damages.
Defective Vehicles
There are times when a vehicle or a piece of equipment will contribute to a crash. Maybe the brakes fail, or the airbags improperly deploy. If something like this happens because of a defect – either in the design or manufacture of the product – the manufacturer may be responsible for the injuries and damages they caused.
Failure to Yield
There are a lot of accidents at intersections in Baltimore. Many times, these accidents happen because motorists fail to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic, bicyclists, or pedestrians. A driver who fails to yield the right of way can be financially responsible for the costs associated with an accident.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Baltimore, MD
Whether your car accident injuries are mild, moderate, or severe, the costs can be overwhelming. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, we know what a difference money can make as you’re fighting to get back on your feet.
That’s why, at our firm, no case is too big or too small. If you’ve been injured in a wreck in Baltimore, we’ll do everything we can to recover compensation on your behalf. We represent clients who, because of a Baltimore car accident, sustained:
- Back injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns
- Chest injuries
- Concussion
- Crushing injuries
- Degloving
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries
- Lost limbs
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue damage, including sprains, strains, and bruising
- Whiplash injuries and spinal cord damage
- Wrongful death.
Following a crash in Baltimore, don’t hesitate to reach out to our accomplished team of attorneys for help. Your first consultation is 100 percent free, and there’s absolutely no risk in asking for our help, so call now.
How Can a Baltimore Car Accident Attorney Demand Compensation After an Auto Accident
In Maryland, you can potentially recover compensation if you’ve been hurt by someone who (a) was negligent or (b) is strictly liable for your injuries under the law.
Negligence
Negligence is – by and far – the most commonly used legal grounds for filing a car accident injury claim. In order to establish negligence, you have to prove:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- This duty of care was breached in some way
- The defendant’s actions or failure to act caused you harm, and
- You’ve suffered a physical, emotional, and/or financial injury.
Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car or vehicle in Maryland has a duty to use care and caution, a duty to act in a way that doesn’t put others at risk. When drivers speed, read, or send a text message, or tailgate, they breach this duty of care. If they cause an accident and someone gets hurt, their negligence can open them up to liability for resulting damages.
Strict Liability
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how careful someone is – they can still be financially accountable for an injury. This is true if the party is strictly liable under the law. In the context of car accidents, this typically applies when a defective vehicle or piece of equipment contributes to an accident.
Auto manufacturers can be financially responsible for injuries that result because of a design defect, manufacturing defect, or marketing defect (failure to warn). It doesn’t matter how much care they exercise while creating or assembling a car. If it’s defective in any way, the company can be liable for resulting harm.
Who’s Responsible For My Baltimore Car Accident Injuries?
Following a car accident in Baltimore, you can potentially recover compensation from anyone who is negligent or strictly liable under Maryland state law. This might include:
- Negligent drivers on the road
- The driver of your car, if you were a passenger
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Motorcyclists
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
- Bus drivers
- Transit companies
- Employers
- Uber and Lyft drivers
- Government agencies
- Vehicle manufacturers, and
- Vehicle mechanics.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers will carefully investigate your crash. We’ll evaluate the accident to determine the cause(s) and know who can be held financially responsible for the consequences.
Can a Car Accident Lawyer Recover Compensation If I Share Blame For a Crash in Baltimore?
No. Maryland has pure contributory negligence rules. Sharing any responsibility for an accident will automatically bar you from seeking and recovering compensation. Just sharing one percent of the blame will stand between you and a financial recovery.
Don’t be surprised when at-fault parties and insurance companies try to raise this as a defense. They won’t hesitate to point fingers and try to shift some of the blame to you. That’s true, even if the allegations aren’t legitimate. If these tactics work, you’ll lose out on valuable compensation. The only way to protect your ability to recover compensation is by standing up and fighting back.
Our experienced and passionate attorneys are ready to do that for you. Give us a call today to learn more.
What Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims in Baltimore, MD?
Car accidents can be expensive. The National Safety Council estimates that crash victims who suffer an evident injury will incur, on average, $27,800 in crash-related costs. For a debilitating injury, the cost more than triples to $96,200. Those are just average economic costs that don’t even begin to factor in the intangible suffering and distress that victims often endure.
When someone else causes an accident, these are not costs that you should have to take care of. Rather, the person (or parties) responsible for putting you in harm’s way should take responsibility. That’s precisely what our Baltimore personal injury attorneys will work to make a reality for you.
Our law firm will aggressively pursue any and all damages that you are entitled to under state law. This might include money for:
- Medical bills and expenses (including transportation to the hospital, diagnostic testing, surgery, medication, follow-up care, and medical devices)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Nursing care
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, and PTSD)
- Loss of consortium
- Lost income and wages
- Disability
- Reduced earning capacity and/or
- Wrongful death.
Note that, as of 2023, Maryland caps awards of non-economic damages at $935,000.
If an insurance company can’t deny your claim in good faith, know that it will go to great lengths to drive down the value. Our car accident lawyers will be prepared to challenge those tactics every step of the way. For more than 40 years, our law firm has been forging professional relationships with car accident experts in and around the state of Maryland.
These experts can provide invaluable insight and support as we investigate, build, and value your case. We’ll be prepared to back our demands for compensation with facts and hard figures. That’s how we’ve helped countless clients recover millions of dollars in life-changing settlements and awards.
What’s the Statute of Limitations For a Car Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?
Typically, car accident lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of a car accident in Baltimore. You could potentially have more or less time to assert your rights and demand compensation. However, once the statute of limitations expires, you will be barred from bringing a lawful claim.
Our experienced car accident attorneys can provide critically important information regarding the statute of limitations. WGK Personal Injury Lawyers will carefully review your case and, if you decide to pursue compensation, help to ensure that a procedural technicality doesn’t stand between you and your rightful award.
We Handle All Car Accident Cases in Baltimore, MD
No two car accidents in Baltimore are the same. However, most crashes do fall into one or two of the same categories. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all car accident cases, including:
- Frontal crashes
- Head-on crashes
- Side-impact collisions, including T-Bone accidents and sideswipes
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Baltimore Rear-end accident lawyer
- Baltimore Rollover accident lawyer
- Baltimore single vehicle accident lawyer
- Stop sign crashes
- Red and yellow light accidents, and
- Baltimore highway crashes lawyer.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our passionate and accomplished legal team for help if you’ve recently been injured in an accident. We’ll be there to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Your first consultation is free, so call us today.
I’ve Been Involved in a Baltimore Car Accident. What Should I Do?
You might not think that the things you do after a car accident are important. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The decisions you make can be of the utmost importance for your health, safety, and financial future. Keep these things in mind if you are involved in an auto accident in Baltimore.
Stay at the Scene: Leaving the scene of an accident isn’t just against the law (it can be considered a hit and run), it can also prevent you from recovering compensation. Remain at the scene until you’ve exchanged information with other parties or, better yet, until the police have arrived and conducted a preliminary investigation. While you wait, be sure to move away from the scene to safety, if possible.
Call 911 or the Local Police: If there’s significant property damage or if anyone was injured or killed, be sure to call the police to report the accident. An officer will be dispatched to the scene. Once they arrive, they’ll begin to ask questions and complete an accident report. This is important. The officer will likely document details that, quite often, are forgotten over time. These details – such as the traffic or weather conditions – could be important to your case, should you decide to pursue compensation. Your car accident lawyer can use the details of an accident report during an independent investigation into the crash.
Don’t Apologize: Maryland will not let you recover compensation if you share any responsibility for your accident. Even though you might think that you’re to blame or want to apologize to others, don’t say anything. You don’t really know what happened. You can’t – not until the accident is carefully investigated by your lawyer and experts. If you apologize or admit fault at the scene, that investigation will probably never happen. Insurers and at-fault parties will use your words against you.
Seek Medical Treatment: Go to the doctor or hospital after a car crash if you are injured. If you delay medical care, you could allow internal injuries to worsen or suffer from complications. A visit to the doctor is the only way to make sure that all of your injuries are identified, diagnosed, documented, and treated promptly. You’ll have the burden of proving a causal link between the crash and your injuries. The medical record can help.
Refuse Early Offers: If fault is clear, an insurance company might contact you soon after your accident. They’re not doing this out of the goodness of their heart. Rather, they’re likely trying to get you to accept a lowball offer before you fully understand how the collision affected you. The adjuster knows that you need money. The adjuster hopes that you sign away your rights for fast cash. The best thing to do is to direct all communication to your lawyer.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Baltimore: You might not have a lot of experience dealing with insurance companies. You might not really know what your rights are or what your case is worth. An insurance company will try to use these things to their benefit. You can level the playing field by hiring a car accident lawyer to handle your car accident claim.
Hire Our Baltimore Car Accident Attorneys For Immediate Assistance
Have you recently been injured in a car accident in Baltimore, Maryland? Is someone else responsible for the crash? If that’s the case, you may be entitled to a financial settlement or award. The money you get can make a huge difference for days, weeks, and months to come. It can help to cover the costs of your medical bills, make up for present and future lost income, and even compensate for your chronic pain and suffering. In order to put yourself in the best position to maximize your recovery, it’s important to enlist the help of an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer.
At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, our Baltimore car accident attorneys have more than 80 years of collective experience fighting on behalf of crash victims like you. Our family-run law firm has been handling car accident cases for a long time – three generations, in fact. Insurance companies know who we are and are well aware of our successes. They don’t want you to hire us. That’s precisely why you should.
To learn more about how we might be able to help, give us a call. Your first consultation is free, and since we operate on contingency, there’s absolutely no risk in asking for our help. When you sit down with our team, we’ll do our best to help you understand your rights. If you decide to file an insurance claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way. The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner we can work on your behalf. So, call now.
Areas We Serve
Towson, Parkville, Mays Chapel, Carney, Overlea, Pikesville, Lochearn, Arbutus, Essex, Milford Mill, Perry Hall, Cockeysville, Rossville, Rosedale, and surrounding areas.
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Car Accident Infographic
High Rated Local Auto Repair Shops
- JT Automotive – 1020 Homewood Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Maish’s Auto Service – 530 W Mulberry St, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Eds Autos – 812 Murphy Ln, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Daniel’s Auto Service – 6 W Lanvale St, Baltimore, MD 21201
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
