Common Injuries After a Car Accident and Your Claim in Maryland Courts

Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, but their consequences can linger far longer. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a high-speed collision, injuries from car accidents can range from mild discomfort to life-altering conditions. Understanding these common injuries, how they affect your daily life, and their role in your claim is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve from the Maryland courts.

Frequent Car Accident Injuries in Maryland

Some injuries are immediately apparent after a car accident, while others may take hours or even days to manifest. Common injuries include:

1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from rear-end collisions. It occurs when the neck is forcefully whipped back and forth, straining muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While it might seem minor initially, untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain and limited range of motion.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with Maryland’s strict seatbelt laws, head injuries can occur when your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Concussions, contusions, or more severe brain injuries can result in long-term issues like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or emotional instability.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a collision can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or even facial fractures. Fractures often require months of healing, and some may never fully return to their original strength, especially if surgery is involved.
4. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a crash can cause herniated discs, nerve compression, or spinal cord damage. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or full paralysis, altering your life forever.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, sprains, and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments are often overlooked but can significantly impact your ability to work or carry out daily tasks.
6. Internal Injuries: Not all injuries are visible. Internal bleeding or organ damage, like a punctured lung or ruptured spleen, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

How These Injuries Impact Your Daily Life

Even seemingly minor injuries can disrupt your routine. Chronic pain, reduced mobility, or the inability to return to work can lead to financial and emotional stress. For example:

• A concussion may prevent you from focusing at your desk job.
• A broken leg might mean missed shifts at a physically demanding job.
• Persistent back pain could make even simple tasks like grocery shopping unbearable.

Maryland law allows you to seek compensation for these disruptions, but proving the extent of your injuries is vital to your claim.

The Role of Injuries in Your Maryland Car Accident Claim

In Maryland, injury severity plays a significant role in determining your compensation. When you file a personal injury claim, you may seek two types of damages:

1. Economic Damages: These include tangible expenses like medical bills, lost wages, and future medical treatments. For example, if you require ongoing physical therapy after a back injury, those costs should be accounted for in your claim.
2. Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, inconvenience, or reduced quality of life. Maryland courts recognize that a car accident’s impact extends far beyond your wallet.

Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule

The state’s contributory negligence rule can complicate your claim. If you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. Insurance companies often exploit this rule to reduce payouts, so working with an experienced car accident attorney is critical to building a strong case.

For instance, let’s say you suffered a fractured wrist in a collision. If the other driver claims you were speeding, even slightly, their insurer might argue you share some fault. An attorney can gather evidence—like dashcam footage or witness statements—to prove you were driving responsibly.

Steps to Strengthen Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maryland, taking these steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not be immediately obvious. A medical evaluation creates a crucial record of your injuries.
2. Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and missed workdays.
3. Consult an Experienced Attorney: Insurance adjusters are not on your side. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate Maryland’s laws, negotiate with insurers, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

A car accident can upend your life, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Whether it’s a broken bone that keeps you off the job or a TBI that makes daily life a struggle, the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD, are here to help. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Call today to schedule a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.