Jill Kolodner | July 29, 2020 | News

On Thursday, July 17, a tragic accident in East Baltimore claimed the life of one person. According to The Baltimore Sun, police officers located a vehicle that was suspected of being used in connection with a recent crime. The officers tried to make a traffic stop, but the driver sped away.

The patrol officers were ordered to cease the traffic stop. However, the vehicle slammed into another vehicle in the 1200 block of North Bond Street. The suspect jumped out of the car and fled the accident scene.

Witnesses reported that the police officers chased the person. They claim to have tackled the suspect before Eastern District officers made the arrest. Police officials have declined to confirm reports from witnesses and bystanders. 

Police officers have not identified the suspect who drove the vehicle. The woman in the vehicle that was struck by the suspect died. Cristal Eatmon of Baltimore was transported to the hospital after the accident where she died.

Life Threatening Injuries in Baltimore Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in numerous injuries. The types and severity of injuries range from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. Sadly, what begins as a minor car accident injury could result in life-threatening complications.

Car accident injuries that are common in Baltimore car crashes include:

If you or a family member sustains injuries in a car crash, you might receive compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and other damages. However, you may need to fight an insurance company for compensation. In some cases, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover fair compensation for a car accident claim.

What Damages Are Included in a Car Accident Claim?

The damages included in your injury claim depend on your injuries and circumstances. Life-threatening injuries and catastrophic injuries tend to increase the value of a car accident claim. It costs more to treat traumatic injuries, and the future loss of income from a permanent disability can be substantial.

Some types of damages are included in most car accident claims. Those damages include:

  • Medical bills, invoices, and expenses
  • Expenses related to personal care and help with household chores
  • Travel expenses to and from the doctor visits
  • Costs of physical therapy, counseling, and occupational therapy
  • Loss of wages, salary, commissions, overtime pay, and benefits
  • Decreases in earning potential
  • Physical, emotional, and mental pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement, impairments, scarring, and disabilities
  • Loss of enjoyment and quality of life

The financial losses caused by a car wreck can create financial hardship. However, the physical and emotional trauma can also be overwhelming. For some accident victims, it can be difficult to imagine a “normal” life after a severe car crash.

Families who lose a loved one in a car accident may also be entitled to compensation from the party who caused the crash. Car accident fatalities often result in wrongful death claims.

Deadlines to File Injury Claims in Maryland

The Maryland Statutes of Limitations restrict the time a person has to file a personal injury claim. In most car accident cases, you only have three years after the date of the car crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit before the end of the three years, you lose the right to pursue legal action to recover compensation for damages.

However, the deadline to file an injury claim can be shorter. In the case of claims filed against government entities, including police departments, the deadline to file a claim is usually much shorter. 

You could have just a few months after the date of the car wreck to file a notice of claim with a government agency. If you do not file the notice of claim, you could lose your right to file a lawsuit later.

Most government entities are protected from being sued by the legal theory of sovereign immunity. However, there are exceptions to sovereign immunity for negligence and intentional injuries. 

If your car accident involves a government vehicle or government employee, it is in your best interest to contact a car accident lawyer immediately. Your lawyer can review the claim to determine if you have a legal right to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. If you do have a legal cause of action, the attorney calculates and monitors the deadlines for filing claims closely so that you do not give up any of your legal rights by missing a filing deadline.

Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help

For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080