Nick Parr

Maryland Updates Ignition Interlock Law with Camera Requirements

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Maryland Ignition Interlock Law: Camera Requirement Update

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 10,000 people died in alcohol-related car crashes between 2010 and 2019 – an average of nearly 30 people per day. Crucially, the NHTSA has also reported that nearly 30% of alcohol-impaired driving charges involve repeat offenders.

Given the statistical likelihood of repeat offenses, and in an effort to try to reduce drunk driving-related accidents, many states (including Maryland) have implemented the use of ignition interlock devices for those convicted of a DWI. And in 2019, Maryland updated the law to require the use of a camera on these interlock devices – one of the first states to include this requirement.

What is an Ignition Interlock?

Before we discuss the new camera requirement, let’s talk a little about ignition interlocks. In the simplest terms, an ignition interlock is a device that is hooked up to a car’s ignition and placed on the vehicle dashboard. The device includes a breathalyzer, which the driver must blow into in order to start the car. If the breathalyzer detects a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is above a certain limit (.025 in Maryland), the engine won’t start.

While you’re driving, these devices also perform what’s called a “rolling retest”. A rolling retest works the same way as the initial test, except that it occurs a few moments after you’ve started driving. The ignition interlock alerts you that a retest is about to occur and gives you a set amount of time to pull over and park your car. You then have to blow into the breathalyzer again and your BAC is re-evaluated. If it measures above the limit, it triggers an alarm on the device, (contrary to some reports, the car doesn’t automatically shut off after a failed rolling retest), and you are penalized (typically a suspension of your license).

Why Has Maryland Added a Camera Requirement?

There’s no doubt that ignition interlocks are effective: the CDC has reported that these devices reduce repeat offenses of alcohol-impaired driving by roughly 70%. But they aren’t a fail-safe solution. For example, drivers have tried to get around the restrictions by having someone else blow into the breathalyzer. Conversely, if someone other than the owner of the car needs to drive the car and their BAC is below the legal limit of .08 but above the .025 limit that the device allows, the owner of the car could be penalized unfairly.

That’s where cameras come in. These cameras take a photo of the person right as they blow into the breathalyzer and send it directly to the device provider, providing comprehensive proof of who is taking the test; there’s no chance of cheating the system by having another person blow into the device. Crucially, they also absolve the car owner of blame if someone else tries to start or drive the car and fails the test. These cameras don’t have video capabilities and they only take photos when a test is being administered; the photos are kept private and are only seen by representatives of the device manufacturer whose job it is to review them. By adding a camera requirement, Maryland lawmakers have taken an extra step to try to ensure the well-being of everyone on the road.

What if I’m Wrongly Accused or Penalized?

Even with these safeguards in place, there is a chance that you may be wrongly accused of trying to drive under the influence due to an error with the ignition interlock. If you live in Maryland and you believe this to be the case, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

Can I Sue for a Gym Accident in Maryland?

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Can I Sue For a Gym Accident?

One of the most important things you can do for your health is to be active – and joining a gym is a great way to reach and maintain your fitness goals. Of course, while it’s normal to feel a little sore after pushing yourself during a workout, more serious gym injuries can sometimes happen. What should you do if you are hurt in a gym accident? Can you sue in the state of Maryland? Here’s what you need to consider.

What types of gym accidents qualify for compensation?

There’s no easy answer to this question and each situation is unique, but generally speaking, you may qualify for compensation if your gym accident occurs as a direct result of another party’s negligence. The party in question can take several different forms:

  • The gym. First and foremost, you should consider whether or not your accident is the fault of the gym in which you’re working out. For example, perhaps they don’t make an effort to keep their equipment in good working order and you hurt yourself using a faulty machine. Or the staff doesn’t clean up a spill on the ground (or provide adequate warning about the spill) and you slip and fall as a result.


  • The equipment manufacturing company. If your injury was suffered using gym equipment and the fitness center can prove that they installed it correctly and kept it properly maintained, then you could argue that the equipment itself is inherently unsafe. In that case, you’d pursue legal action against the company that manufactured it.


  • Another gym member. A fitness center is a shared space, which means that everyone who works out needs to act safely and responsibly. Unfortunately, not everyone always adheres to the rules. If your injury is the result of another person’s carelessness (for example, dropping a weight on your foot), you may be able to sue that individual for compensation.

Some caveats

Bear in mind that suing a person or an organization for a gym accident can be a complex process. This is particularly true in the state of Maryland; it’s one of only a handful of states that abide by the rule of contributory negligence, which dictates that you can only claim compensation if you can prove that you are 100% blameless in an accident. If the gym, the equipment company or the other gym member can demonstrate that you are even the slightest bit at fault for your injury, your right to compensation is forfeited.

Another important thing to remember is that most (if not all) gyms require you to sign a liability waiver when you join. These waivers act as the gym’s insurance policy against personal injury claims by making you attest that you understand the risks involved in using a gym and are willing to forego them.

Does this mean I don’t have a case?

Absolutely not. Hiring a qualified attorney is crucial if you want to navigate all of the potential pitfalls of suing for a gym injury successfully. An experienced lawyer will be able to thoroughly examine every aspect of your case, from the fine print in your liability waiver to disproving any potential for contributory negligence – and help you build a strong argument for compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a gym accident and you believe you’re entitled to compensation, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

Collecting Payment for Medical Bills After an Accident in Maryland

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How Do You Collect Payment for Medical Bills After an Accident in Maryland?

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, your first order of business is to seek immediate medical care to assess the extent of your injuries. Unfortunately, medical care (particularly in emergency situations) can be very expensive. Thankfully, in some cases, you can be compensated for the money you spend on your injury recovery. So what are your options with regard to collecting payment for your medical bills? Let’s break down what you need to do.

Determine if you have a case against the other driver. If you believe that your accident is the result of the other driver’s mistake or negligence, you can file a lawsuit against them and pursue compensation. In order for that lawsuit to be successful, however, you’ll need to prove that the other driver was 100% at fault for both the accident and for your resultant injuries; since Maryland is a contributory negligence state, you’re not eligible for payment if you contributed to the accident in any way. This isn’t always an easy task, but an experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to walk you through the steps involved in building a strong case.

Gather evidence to prove your case. If you want your injury case to be successful, you need to collect comprehensive evidence that demonstrates the other driver’s fault. Remember that insurance companies (both yours and the at-fault driver’s) are going to look for any angle to avoid a big payout – so you want your proof to be rock-solid. Here are some avenues to pursue.

  • Photos and physical evidence from the scene of the accident. If you’re physically able to do so, taking pictures and trying to recover any pertinent evidence from the scene of your crash can go a long way toward strengthening your case. Of course, some physical evidence might be difficult to recover, and not everything is admissible in court (should your case end up there) – but generally speaking, the more concrete proof you have, the better. And a qualified lawyer can help you with determining exactly what evidence is useful and why.

  • Accident reports. You should always contact the police to report a car accident in which you’ve sustained injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. The police officer will file a report with all of the pertinent details, including the time and date, location, property damage and so on. It’s also really valuable for a police officer to be on the scene as an impartial witness. If, after an accident, the other driver tries to convince you not to contact the police, don’t listen to them!

  • Medical records. If you have been injured as a result of your accident, you need to seek medical attention immediately – not only to treat your injuries, but also to have an official record of those injuries. If you wait too long, insurance companies may try to back out of paying for your care because of what they perceive as a “gap in treatment” (the argument being that you can’t have been that hurt if you waited to seek help).

    Another thing to keep in mind is that not all accident-related injuries are physical. It’s possible to experience anxiety, depression, PTSD and other psychological issues as a direct result of your crash. Obviously, these types of ailments are harder to quantify, which is why it’s essential to see a professional and get an official evaluation if you believe you are suffering from any mental anguish because of your accident.

  • Witness statements (including your own). In the immediate aftermath of the accident, try to identify anyone who may have witnessed the event and ask them if they are willing to provide a statement with their recollection of events. (Accident reports often include witness statements, as well as contact information – another good reason to contact police after a crash.) If you’re unsure about how to collect witness statements, ask a qualified personal injury lawyer.

    Make sure to take your own witness statement, too! The sooner you can do it, the better, while all of the details are fresh in your mind. Write it all down – even the details that seem unimportant – or use an app on your phone to record an oral statement.

Use your own insurance to pay your bills. Depending on the nature and complexity of the case, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive immediate payment from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re permanently out of pocket, however. Pay for your medical care with your own insurance and keep a detailed record of everything you have to spend. That way, you can make a clear case for how much you need to be reimbursed (as well as for any future care that you may need to receive as a result of your accident). 

Double-check to see if your insurance policy includes PIP. The state of Maryland offers Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP), which is optional, no-fault insurance that goes into effect almost immediately after your accident. It generally covers up to around $5000 of medical bills and potential lost wages, and using it does not affect your premium. (Bear in mind that you have to opt in for PIP when you apply for your coverage, which a lot of people choose not to do.) Side note: PIP is always a good idea, so if you’re on the fence about opting into PIP coverage on your policy, take our advice and don’t hesitate!

The process of collecting payment for accident-related medical bills might seem overwhelming, but if you focus on everything step by step and enlist the services of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, you can make a strong argument for getting the reimbursement you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and you believe you’re entitled to compensation, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

Accidents Involving Amazon Delivery Trucks in Maryland

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What Happens if You’re in An Accident with an Amazon Delivery Driver?
Amazon delivery trucks have become an increasingly common sight over the years, both here in Maryland and all over the country. This isn’t too surprising, given that Amazon offers quick delivery on a huge variety of items; many of us appreciate the ease and convenience of having our purchases arrive on our doorstep within a day or two of ordering them. The downside to this convenience, however, is the increased likelihood of accidents involving Amazon trucks, simply because there are so many of them on the road making so many deliveries. If you’ve been in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck and you believe the accident was the other driver’s fault, you might be wondering what your options are. Let’s talk through the details a little bit.

Why do accidents with Amazon delivery vehicles happen?

Let’s face it, accidents happen – and they happen for any number of reasons. But if you’ve been involved in a crash with an Amazon delivery truck, there might be some factors in play that don’t necessarily apply to other accidents. For example, perhaps the truck driver was speeding because they were behind schedule and didn’t want their deliveries to be late. Maybe they were unfamiliar with the area in which they were driving and made a wrong turn. Or perhaps they were working an overnight shift and were too tired to focus properly.

Can you sue Amazon for a delivery vehicle accident?

The short answer to this is that it depends. The first thing you need to find out is whether or not the vehicle is owned and operated by Amazon directly. Sometimes it is, but many times it isn’t. Amazon often contracts out their delivery service to other companies (such as small trucking and logistics firms), who in turn hire drivers to fulfill the terms of the contract. So if your accident was with a driver who was hired by another company, that company would be held liable rather than Amazon. (According to Maryland law, employers are generally held accountable if their employees cause an accident while on the job – which is why most employers have insurance to cover these types of situations.)

Of course, before you think about suing Amazon (or anyone else) for damages sustained in a delivery vehicle accident, you’ll have to be able to prove that the accident was completely the other party’s fault. Remember that Maryland is a contributory negligence state, so if you’re even 1% at fault for the crash, you won’t be able to claim compensation. Consider hiring a capable personal injury attorney; you want someone with experience in these types of cases, who can make the strongest argument on your behalf.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck and you believe you’re entitled to compensation, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

When to Report a Car Accident in Maryland

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Car Accident with Police Collecting Info

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be confusing. Even if you’re fortunate enough only to be dealing with a small fender bender, you may be feeling overwhelmed and wondering what you need to do next. One common question people ask is whether or not they need to report their accident (and who they should report it to).

The answer to this question depends on several factors – including where the event took place, since different states have different requirements. If you are in the state of Maryland and you have an accident involving a vehicle, here are some things you need to consider.

Which accidents should be reported?
In some cases, reporting a car accident is mandatory. These cases include:

  • Accidents in which there is an injury or a fatality
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Accidents in which a car is too damaged to safely move off the road
  • Accidents involving someone who doesn’t have a license or is driving under the influence
  • Accidents in which a domesticated animal (i.e., someone’s pet) has been hit

Who do I need to contact?
The police (and medical professionals if you need them). In all of the above cases, you’ll need to contact the police and file a report with them. It’s best to do this as soon as possible. If you were injured as a result of the accident, you should also contact your doctor (or go to your nearest hospital), who will provide you with medical records documenting your injuries.

Your insurance agency. Get in touch with your insurance agency immediately and report the accident. Waiting too long to report could potentially affect the validity of your claim (and your eligibility for compensation).

The MVA. According to Maryland law, drivers involved in an accident should contact the Motor Vehicle Administrationwithin 15 days and provide a written statement of the incident, as well as pertinent insurance details including their policy number).

A qualified personal injury attorney. If you’ve been injured or your vehicle has been damaged in an accident, and you believe someone else is at fault, you should contact a lawyer to find out if you’re eligible for compensation.

Are there cases in which reporting a car accident isn’t necessary?
Yes – if the accident was so minor that neither party sustained any property damage, and no one was hurt. Even then, it’s a good idea to exchange information with the other driver, just in case you notice some issues with your car after you’ve left the scene of the crash (or if you sustain an injury that doesn’t present itself until later). It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you believe you’re entitled to compensation, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

What Can Cause Paralysis in Newborns in Maryland?

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What Can Cause Paralysis in Newborns in Maryland?

Welcoming a new child into the world is an exciting time for expectant parents. It can also be stressful, however. While huge strides have been made in pre- and post-natal medicine over the last century, unfortunately not every pregnancy experience is problem-free.

Paralysis is one of the post-birth injuries we see in our practice here in Maryland. While relatively rare, paralysis in newborns is a very serious diagnosis. Some instances of paralysis are unavoidable, but some are the result of mistakes or neglect on the part of the medical professionals treating the baby and their parent. Let’s talk about the ways in which medical malpractice can contribute.

Lack of proper monitoring and/or testing during pregnancy. Proper prenatal care is crucial; if medical professionals don’t quickly and accurately diagnose potential issues with the unborn baby (or diagnose them incorrectly), it can lead to complications both before and after birth. Perhaps the mother has a certain condition that needs to be monitored in order to avoid any birth-related complications (pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, for example). Or perhaps the baby has a condition that requires special care; overlooking this condition can cause complications if medical professionals are not aware and prepared for it in advance.

Errors during labor and delivery. If medical professionals make mistakes during the labor and delivery process, they can put the baby at risk. Some examples of these mistakes include:

  • Not detecting that the baby’s umbilical cord is wrapped around his or her neck. It’s crucial to correct this issue immediately, in order to avoid a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain (and the potential for brain damage and/or paralysis).
  • Waiting too long to perform a Caesarian section if the baby is – or could potentially be – in distress. C-sections are often determined to be necessary if the mother has an infection or if the baby’s heartbeat suddenly drops dramatically. When every minute counts, delaying too long to make the decision to perform this procedure can have catastrophic consequences.
  • Improper use of vacuums or forceps. Doctors will sometimes use specialized tools to assist in removing the baby from the birth canal. If these tools aren’t used right, they can cause damage to the baby’s brain or spinal cord, resulting in paralysis.

Determining Accountability
It’s not always easy to prove that paralysis in newborns is the result of a mistake on the part of a medical professional. For one thing, you might have a hard time getting them to admit liability. That’s why it’s important to talk to an attorney who is well-versed in birth-related injuries. This person can walk you through what’s involved and will be able to advise you on if you have a strong case.

If you think your newborn has a health issue such as paralysis resulting from medical malpractice, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

How Long Does it Take to Sue Someone in Maryland

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How Long Does it Take to Sue Someone in Maryland?

If you’ve been hurt in an accident and you believe someone else was at fault, you may be considering filing a claim against that person to receive compensation. But how long does it take to sue someone in Maryland? Keep in mind that there are two aspects to consider here: the amount of time you are given from a legal standpoint, and how long the process takes from a logistical standpoint.

Legally, you have three years to file your case. According to Maryland Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 5-101, “[a] civil action at law shall be filed within three years from the date it accrues unless another provision of the Code provides a different period of time within which an action shall be commenced.” In other words, the clock officially starts on the day of your accident and ends three years later. (There are some instances in which the time limit can be extended – for example, if the victim was a minor at the time of the accident – but they are somewhat rare.) If you wait longer than three years to file your claim, it will be forfeited.

Logistically, building a case can take some time. Three years might seem like plenty of time, but remember that there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to developing a strong personal injury case and taking care of the necessary paperwork. You’ll need to keep on top of the following details:

  • What is the correct court in which to file this claim? Filing your claim in the wrong place can lead to delays.
  • Do I have all of the documents I need to file this claim? These documents include police reports, medical records and witness statements.
  • Have the defendants in my case been served properly? Part of filing a claim is ensuring that the person or people whom you’re suing get notified in a timely manner.

There’s another important reason to file your claim as soon as possible: witness statements. If others were privy to your accident and can vouch for your innocence, their accounts will be more reliable when the accident is still fresh in their minds. The longer you wait to file a claim, the greater the chances that your witnesses might forget important details that will help strengthen your case.

One last thing to keep in mind: Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means that you must be able to prove that the other party is 100% responsible for your injury in order to claim compensation. If you retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney (which, given the complexity of this process, is highly recommended), you’ll want to give that person plenty of time to develop a convincing case that you are completely innocent.

If you’ve been injured in an accident and you think you have a right to a claim, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

Do Courts Get Videos from Traffic Cameras in Maryland?

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Do Courts Get Videos from Traffic Cameras in Maryland?

If you live in Maryland, then you’re probably aware that the state employs traffic, red-light and speed cameras throughout the state to monitor driver behavior. And while it can be a nuisance to receive a ticket in the mail for going just a few miles per hour too fast or passing through an intersection a half-second after the light has turned red, ultimately these cameras help to keep all of us safe by reminding us to obey the rules of the road.

Not Just for Tickets

Cameras serve another important purpose as well – providing evidence in case of an accident. Let’s say your car is hit by someone running a red light. If there aren’t any witnesses around to corroborate your story, you might have a tough time filing a claim and proving that the other driver is at fault. Or the other driver might even try to say that you are at fault for the accident, because you jumped the light. And, not surprisingly, insurance companies will likely be reluctant to pay your claim without ironclad proof that you deserve the payout.

That’s when camera footage can be extremely valuable. Obviously, you have a much stronger case if you’re able to provide photographic or video proof that you were indeed the victim in a car accident.

Obtaining Video Evidence

Unfortunately, even though traffic cameras in Maryland operate 24 hours a day, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) doesn’t store video footage anywhere (they only stream it live on their website). So you won’t have too much success obtaining evidence of your accident, because it doesn’t get saved.

On the other hand, red-light or speeding cameras do store their footage (which is how you get those pesky tickets in the mail from time to time). If there is a camera at the scene of your accident, you might be able to obtain photos of the crash that can help your case. Keep in mind, though, that photos are a lot less conclusive than video – they may be blurry, and they don’t provide the most accurate description of the sequence of events. The camera would also have to be triggered at the exact moment of your crash in order to be helpful, the likelihood of which isn’t particularly high.

The Burden of Proof

Still, camera evidence is better than nothing. Or is it? Keep in mind that insurance companies are always looking for ways to avoid paying out large claims. So they will likely request access to this evidence as well – and so will the other person (or people) who were involved in the accident. Depending on how conclusive the photos are, the insurance company or the other driver may try to use them to cast doubt on your claim. Don’t forget that Maryland is a contributory negligence state. That means that in order to receive compensation for a personal injury, you must be able to prove that you are 100% not at fault. If an insurance company (or the other driver) can make a compelling case that you are even 1% liable for the accident, you are not eligible to receive any compensation. (If this statute sounds severe, that’s because it is – only four states and the District of Columbia adhere to the rule of contributory negligence, while every other state in the country generally allows for a sliding scale of compensation based on percentage of liability.)

What About Private Security Footage?

If MDOT traffic camera footage archives are unavailable and red-light or speeding cameras can be relatively unreliable, you may be wondering: is there any other way to provide conclusive evidence of your accident? One thing you might be able to explore is the possibility of private security cameras in the vicinity of the crash. Perhaps there is a business nearby, or even a private residence, with cameras that monitor the road. Road surveillance by a private camera is not illegal, given that the road is a public area and can easily be seen by others. And it’s likely that these cameras store footage in an archive of some sort – either on a physical server or in the cloud. So if your accident occurs within the camera’s range of vision (and you make an effort to retrieve the video quickly enough), you might be able to get what you need.

Given all of the logistics involved, you might be asking yourself, where do I even start? This is where it’s important to have a competent, experienced lawyer on your side, who can manage the procedure of requesting and obtaining any available private footage. Your attorney will understand all of the steps required, especially if they involve more than just a simple phone call (in some cases a subpoena might even be necessary in order to procure camera footage).

The Bottom Line

Having video or camera proof of your car accident may seem like a slam dunk when it comes to demonstrating your innocence. But you might have some hoops to jump through when it comes to obtaining the footage. And you should expect the insurance company investigating your claim to closely examine this footage as well, looking for ways to disprove that you are the victim (or at least trying to show that you are partially at fault). With a little perseverance and the help of a smart, capable attorney, you can navigate these potential roadblocks and make the strongest possible case for compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and you think that video or camera footage might support your right to a claim, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

What to Know About Neck and Back Injuries From Car Accidents

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Car accidents are an unfortunate fact of life, and most of us are involved in one at some point or another. The best-case scenario is that it’s more of a hassle than anything else, but sometimes accidents result in injuries – and given the way we sit when we’re in a car, neck and back injuries are particularly frequent. Below, we discuss some of the more common neck and back injuries suffered in car accidents, as well as symptoms, treatment and next steps if you’ve been hurt in a crash.

Common Neck and Back Injuries

Whiplash. If your car is struck by another car, even at a low speed, the force of the impact can cause your head to bend forward and backward quickly. The jarring nature of this injury can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, as well as a limited range of motion, headaches and fatigue.

Slipped, herniated or ruptured discs. Vertebral discs are located between the vertebrae in your spinal column; they aid movement and act as shock absorbers. Accidents can cause these disks to be pushed out of alignment; in some cases, the impact can cause them to rupture.

Dislocated or fractured vertebrae. Disks aren’t the only part of your spinal cord that are at risk of injury. Vertebrae – the bones that make up your spine (and that your disks protect) – can also be jarred out of place or fractured in a crash. Fractured vertebrae constitute a serious injury that can cause permanent damage in some cases.

Pinched nerves. Accidents can often result in pinched nerves in your spine. That’s because damage to discs, tissue, bones or tendons can cause them to move out of place and compress the nerves that surround them. 

Neck and Back Injury Symptoms

Your symptoms will, obviously, depend on the type and severity of your injury. As mentioned above, though, the most common symptoms of neck and/or back injuries include headaches and dizziness, stiffness, fatigue, dull or shooting pain, decreased range of motion, numbness and tingling. In very serious cases, neck or back injuries can cause partial or full paralysis.

Treatment 

Just as your symptoms will depend on the nature of your injury, so will the treatment you need. In some cases, you may benefit from rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Some accidents, however, might cause neck or back injuries that are so severe they require surgery to correct. Regardless, one of the first things you should do after a car accident is see your doctor (or go to the nearest emergency room, if you believe your injuries are serious enough to require it).

Compensation

What if the accident is someone else’s fault? You may be able to file a claim, particularly if you incur medical bills as a result of your injuries or lose wages because you’re not able to work. The mental toll of being injured in an accident can be high as well; you could potentially file for emotional distress. Remember that if the accident occurs in Maryland, you’ll have to be able to prove that it was 100% the other driver’s fault, since Maryland is a contributory negligence state. If you’re deemed to be even the slightest bit liable for the accident, you won’t be able to claim any compensation for it. Our advice: find a smart, capable lawyer who can help you decide your best course of action.

If you’ve injured your neck or back in a car accident and you think you have a right to a claim, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

Personal Injury Claim for Slipping on Ice Outside of a Business

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Do I Have a Claim if I Slip on Ice Outside of a Business?

It’s wintertime here in Baltimore, and that means lower temperatures and an increased chance of ice or snow on the ground. Unfortunately, ice can be treacherous, and it’s easy to slip and hurt yourself while you’re walking outside. Some slip-and-fall accidents are relatively minor, with not much damage other than to your pride. But some can be serious – think broken bones, concussions and neck or back injuries.

What happens if you slip and fall on the ice outside of a business? Are you eligible to receive compensation from the company? Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is the business liable? The first thing you need to determine when building a personal injury case for a slip-and-fall accident outside of a business is whether the business is liable. This means you’ll have to prove that the business was aware that the ice on their property constituted a dangerous situation, and either neglected to rectify the situation or attempted to rectify it in a way that made it more dangerous as a result. For example, if there is an ice or snow storm on a Monday and the company still hasn’t cleared its walkway by Friday, you may be able to claim that the business knew the danger that an uncleared walkway presented and had ample time to clear it, but didn’t do so (and was therefore negligent). Or maybe the company did attempt to clear the ice, but did so in a way that actually made the environment more treacherous (they poured hot water on the ice to melt it and the hot water froze, for example).

2. Are you liable? Remember that Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means that you can’t be compensated for an accident or injury if you are determined to be even 1% at fault for it. If you attempt to file a claim, be ready to answer questions about whether or not you were talking on the phone or otherwise distracted when you slipped, if you were under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or if you took a shortcut and didn’t stick to the specified walkway.

3. Can you prove that you were hurt where, when and how you said you were? In the immediate aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident, you’re likely to be a little overwhelmed (not to mention possibly in a lot of pain). It’s understandable if your first reaction isn’t to pull out your phone and snap pictures of the scene of your accident, or to try to talk to witnesses who can corroborate what happened. But having tangible proof of how your injury occurred (as well as documentation proving the injury, such as photos and medical records) is crucial in developing a credible claim.

Given all of the different things you need to keep in mind when considering a claim of this type, it makes sense to get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A qualified attorney can provide helpful advice and act as your representative throughout the process, ensuring the best possible outcome.

If you’ve hurt yourself slipping on the ice outside of a business and you think you have a right to a claim, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.