McGowan and Cecil helped me recover thousands of dollars after I was rear ended. My attorney Turner Sothoron and paralegal Emily Znamirowski stood up to the insurance company to get me the settlement I deserved. Turner and Emily were always just a phone call or email away to respond to any questions I had and they were extremely caring about my recovery.
— Sean
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Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Clients Choose Our Firm

  • 5-Star Client Satisfaction and Trusted Local Reputation
  • Free, No-Obligation Consultations
  • Over 120 Years of Combined Legal Experience
  • Personalized Attention and Direct Attorney Communication
  • Proven Record of Success in Maryland Injury Cases
  • Bilingual Representation Available

At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we understand the profound impact a car accident can have on your life. From physical injuries to emotional distress and financial burdens, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team of Laurel car accident attorneys is committed to guiding you through this challenging time, ensuring you receive the compensation and support you deserve.

Understanding Maryland’s Car Accident Laws

Maryland follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. However, Maryland also applies contributory negligence, which means if you are even 1% at fault, you could be barred from recovering compensation. This makes legal representation essential.

Key facts about Maryland car accident laws:

  • The at-fault driver is liable for damages.
  • Any level of shared fault can impact recovery.
  • Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Maryland?

You generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation.

Important time limits to remember:

  • Standard personal injury claims: 3 years
  • Claims involving government entities: as little as 1 year
  • Property damage claims: 3 years

Acting quickly ensures vital evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents in Maryland often result from driver negligence or hazardous conditions.

Common causes include:

Understanding the cause of your crash helps build a strong liability case.

What Steps Should You Take After a Car Accident?

Following a crash, the steps you take can significantly affect your claim’s outcome.

Take these steps immediately:

  1. Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
  2. Call 911 to report the accident and request help.
  3. Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and the scene.
  4. Exchange insurance and contact information.
  5. Avoid admitting fault or making statements.
  6. Seek medical evaluation even for minor injuries.
  7. Contact a car accident attorney to discuss your options.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

A skilled car accident attorney can help maximize your compensation and protect you from insurance company tactics.

Here’s how legal representation helps:

  • Handles insurance negotiations and paperwork.
  • Gathers and preserves critical evidence.
  • Evaluates the true value of your claim.
  • Manages all communications and legal deadlines.

Hiring an attorney allows you to focus on recovery while your case is handled with care and precision.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?

Car accident victims may recover several types of damages depending on their losses.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and future income loss
  • Pain and suffering
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Emotional distress and loss of consortium

Your attorney will calculate both economic and non-economic damages to ensure full and fair recovery.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause both visible and hidden injuries.

Frequent injuries include:

Prompt medical attention and proper documentation are crucial for both recovery and your claim.

Contact Our Maryland Personal Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The Laurel car accident attorneys at McGowan & Cecil, LLC are ready to help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve. Call today for your free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights from day one.

McGowan & Cecil, LLC is based in Laurel, Maryland, and proudly serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Maryland?

Most Maryland car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients do not pay upfront costs. The attorney only receives payment if compensation is successfully recovered through a settlement or verdict.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover damages through your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Can I still file a claim if I was partly at fault?

Maryland’s contributory negligence law prevents recovery if you are found even slightly at fault, which makes having a lawyer essential to protect your rights.

If the other driver flees the scene, can I still file a claim?

Yes. Even if the driver flees, you may file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage. Maryland law allows recovery for hit-and-run accidents if the incident is promptly reported to the police.

Does notifying my insurance company start the statute of limitations?

No. Reporting a crash does not affect the statute of limitations. In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

What happens if I settle with the insurance company too early?

If you settle too soon, you usually waive the right to seek more compensation later. Once you accept a settlement, the claim is closed even if new injuries or expenses arise.