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Towson Personal Injury Attorney
Towson, Maryland, a vibrant community, isn’t immune to accidents. Picture driving home from Towson Town Center, only to be t-boned on York Road. Or walking to THB Bagelry and Deli, and being hit by a distracted driver. These scenarios show the reality for many in Towson.
As a Towson personal injury lawyer, John Leppler understand these challenges. From car collisions to pedestrian accidents, the aftermath can leave you lost.
After an accident, the stress can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and insurance talks add to the burden. As your dedicated Towson personal injury attorney, Leppler Injury Law will work to ease this load and secure the compensation you need.
Do Accidents Occur Often in Towson, Maryland?
Car accidents on Towson’s roads are more than just unforeseen events—they are a stark reality of everyday life. With its data-driven approach, Maryland aims for zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
Maryland’s Traffic Crash Overview
Let’s dive into the numbers:
- In 2021, Maryland saw 108,900 crashes, including fatal, injury, and property damage crashes.
- Over five years (2018-2022), the state averaged about 29,680 injury crashes annually.
- Fatal crashes totaled 550 on average over the same period.
Speed and Aggressive Driving
Here’s how speeding and aggressive driving contribute:
- Aggressive drivers were involved in an average of 1,231 injury crashes yearly (2018-2022).
- Fatal crashes with aggressive driver involvement averaged 40 per year.
- Speed-related crashes resulted in an average of 2,504 injuries annually.
Distracted Driving
The impact of distracted driving is significant:
- Distracted drivers caused an average of 15,592 injury crashes each year (2018-2022).
- Fatal crashes due to distractions averaged 204 annually.
Vulnerable Road Users
It’s not just motorists at risk:
- Pedestrians were involved in an average of 2,430 injury crashes yearly (2018-2022).
- The five-year average of pedestrian fatalities was 129.
What is The Burden of Proof in a Personal Injury Case in Towson?
In Towson, Maryland, after an accident, grasping the legal landscape is vital, especially when pursuing compensation for injuries. Central to personal injury cases is the burden of proof—an essential concept that can heavily influence your claim’s outcome.
Understanding the Burden of Proof
In Towson’s personal injury law, the burden of proof is a foundational requirement for those seeking compensation. This principle dictates that the injured party must show it’s more likely than not that the defendant’s actions directly caused their injuries.
Towson’s Standard of Proof
Unlike the rigorous “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard seen in criminal trials, personal injury cases in Towson follow a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means victims must demonstrate it’s more probable than not that the defendant’s negligence caused their injuries.
Steps to Meet the Burden of Proof
Meeting this burden is no small task, yet it’s crucial for obtaining the compensation needed for recovery. Here’s how to effectively navigate this legal requirement:
Gather Concrete Evidence: An initial step in meeting the burden of proof is establishing concrete evidence of the accident and resulting injuries. In Towson, accidents may go undocumented unless victims take proactive measures. Reporting the incident to the police and seeking medical attention can create vital documentation supporting your claim.
Keep Detailed Records: Documenting the accident’s aftermath is vital for proving your damages’ extent. Maintain meticulous records of medical bills, treatment plans, and other accident-related expenses. These records serve as tangible proof of the injury’s financial impact.
Seek Professional Guidance: Navigating Towson’s personal injury laws demands the expertise of a seasoned legal professional. A dedicated Towson personal injury attorney from Leppler Injury Law can be your trusted guide through this process. With their knowledge and experience, they can assist you in compiling compelling evidence and building a strong case.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
At Leppler Injury Law, we comprehend the challenges those injured face due to negligence in Towson. Our mission is to offer unwavering support and diligent legal representation to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. With us at your side, you can confidently navigate the legal system’s intricacies, secure in the knowledge that your rights are safeguarded.
Personal Injuries and Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Laws
In Towson, Maryland, navigating personal injury claims involves understanding the intricacies of negligence law. Picture this: you’re a passenger in a vehicle trying to beat a red light at a bustling Towson intersection. Suddenly, a driver turning left collides with your car. Who’s at fault? How does Maryland law determine liability?
Maryland’s negligence law centers on duty, breach, and causation. If someone owes you a duty of care but fails, resulting in your injury, they may be liable for negligence. For instance, if Connie, driving you to work, collides with Paul’s turning car, she could be deemed negligent. However, Maryland law also recognizes “contributory negligence.”
Contributory negligence means that even if you, the plaintiff, have contributed slightly to your injuries, your ability to recover damages might be compromised. Maryland’s traffic laws offer exemptions, such as scenarios involving seatbelt use, yet the doctrine can be strict—being 1% at fault could bar compensation entirely.
Consider this: both Paul and Connie could face negligence claims in this scenario. You might file jointly, individually, or against one. Yet, Maryland’s contributory negligence law adds layers, demanding proof that the defendant’s negligence was the primary cause, without your significant contribution.
Understanding Maryland’s Negligence Laws
In Maryland, proving negligence goes beyond fault—it requires showing duty, breach, and causation:
“Duty” refers to the legal obligation to ensure others’ safety, such as drivers in Towson expected to operate safely.
A “breach” happens when this duty is violated, like following too closely or running red lights.
Ultimately, “causation” links the defendant’s breach directly to your injuries, showing it was the direct cause.
To recover in a negligence case, you must prove actual losses, like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the accident.
Contributory Negligence in Real-World Scenarios
Imagine two cars at an intersection: one runs a red light, and the other makes an illegal turn. Under contributory negligence, neither can successfully sue, as both contribute to the accident.
Exceptions exist. Maryland courts recognize the “last clear chance” doctrine, holding a negligent defendant liable if they could have prevented the accident but didn’t. This can override a plaintiff’s contributory negligence.
In a notable Maryland case, a paralyzed plaintiff recovered damages despite contributory negligence. The driver, aware of the plaintiff on the car’s hood, accelerated abruptly, leading to the accident.
What Types of Cases Does Your Injury And Accident Law Firm in Towson Handle?
Car Accidents:
Car crashes are increasingly common in Baltimore County, especially on major highways like I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-83 (Jones Falls Expressway), and I-895 (Harbor Tunnel Thruway). John Leppler, our experienced Towson personal injury attorney, handles a variety of car accident cases, including wrong-way incidents, rear-end collisions, hit-and-runs, speeding accidents, and those caused by distracted drivers.
Truck Accidents:
Truck accidents in Baltimore County have been a significant concern, with an average of 63 fatal crashes annually and 4,848 injury crashes per year over the past five years. Property damage crashes have been the most common, averaging 15,789 each year. Notably, State Highway (MD) crashes and County Road (CO) crashes showed the highest numbers, with averages of 4,228 and 8,246 respectively. These statistics underscore the critical need for experienced legal support, such as that provided by Towson personal injury lawyer John Leppler, for victims seeking fair compensation in the aftermath of these accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents:
Motorcyclists in Baltimore County face a heightened risk, evident in the average of 63 fatal crashes and 4,848 injury crashes annually over the past five years. Among the causes, alcohol impairment stands out, with 29% of riders in fatal crashes in 2019 having a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. Speeding is another significant issue, with 33% of fatal crashes involving speeding riders.
Additionally, factors such as issues with motorcycles, illegal lane splitting, carrying passengers or cargo improperly, left-turning vehicles, careless drivers, distractions, bad weather, and damaged roads contribute to the vulnerability of motorcyclists.
Bicycle Accidents:
Bicyclists in Towson face significant risks on the road, with 734 reported bicycle crashes in Maryland in 2021 alone, resulting in 583 injuries and six fatalities. Despite being less common than car accidents, the dangers are real, especially as Baltimore County and Baltimore City residents are disproportionately affected, representing close to 40% of all bicycle accidents in the state.
The clash between bicycles and motor vehicles is often disastrous, with cyclists particularly vulnerable due to their narrow profile and lack of protection. Causes range from driver errors, including failure to yield and distracted driving, to deliberate harmful actions like road rage incidents.
Pedestrian Accidents:
Pedestrians in Towson, Maryland face significant risks, with 2,748 injuries reported among the 3,136 pedestrian-involved car accidents in 2019, indicating an alarming 87% injury rate. Urban areas like Towson are particularly hazardous for pedestrians, especially vulnerable groups such as children under fifteen and senior citizens, as highlighted by the CDC. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, issues with left-hand turns, failure to use crosswalks appropriately, and the unpredictability of children near roadways. Even non-traditional pedestrians, such as skateboarders or cyclists, are protected by pedestrian safety laws.
Lyft Accidents:
Lyft, the second-largest ridesharing company in the United States, offers commuters in Towson, Maryland, a convenient alternative for quick and easy transportation. Despite its popularity, Lyft accidents can happen, requiring specific steps if you find yourself in one. In case of liability, if the Lyft driver is at fault, compensation can come from Lyft’s third-party auto liability coverage, offering at least $1,000,000 in protection. Alternatively, if another driver caused the accident, pursuing a claim with a Towson Lyft accident attorney can help recover losses.
Uber Accidents:
Uber, a leading ridesharing company in Baltimore, Maryland, alongside Lyft, offers convenient transportation options but is not immune to accidents on Maryland roads. The rise of Uber accidents in Baltimore County has introduced complexities in pursuing legal claims due to evolving laws and policies. Studies suggest that the introduction of ridesharing services correlates with a 2 to 3% increase in fatal motor vehicle accidents, impacting both vehicle occupants and pedestrians.
Premises Liability:
Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe premises for visitors. In cases of slip and fall accidents or other premises-related injuries, attorney John Leppler can help you understand your legal options.
Hit-and-Run Accidents:
Hit-and-run accidents in Towson, Maryland, can be traumatic experiences, often involving pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicle occupants. Such accidents, representing the worst in driving practices, leave victims in distress. Hit-and-run incidents can occur on highways or in parking lots, resulting in injuries and property damage.
Bus Accidents:
Bus accidents in Towson, Maryland, involving the Maryland MTA bus transit and the Baltimore County Circulator, can lead to serious injuries for passengers and others on the road. With many school buses and students utilizing public transit, such incidents require immediate legal attention. The Maryland MTA bus transit serves Towson with routes like the 51 line, while the Baltimore County Circulator offers additional transportation options. If you’ve been in a bus accident, it’s crucial to seek legal guidance to protect your rights and seek compensation.
Wrongful Death:
In Towson, Maryland, the loss of a loved one due to negligence can lead to wrongful death claims. State law allows surviving family members, including spouses, parents, and children, to file wrongful death claims. These claims aim to compensate for economic damages like lost wages and medical bills, as well as non-economic damages such as emotional pain and suffering. It’s crucial to seek legal guidance promptly, as Maryland typically allows three years to file a wrongful death action.
Who is Potentially Liable in a Maryland Personal Injury Case?
In law, every individual is presumed responsible for their actions. This responsibility includes the duty to act in a way that does not cause harm to others, often referred to as owing a duty of care. When this duty is breached, resulting in an injury or loss, the responsible party is considered liable. Here’s a breakdown of what liability entails:
Liability is established when:
- A person has a duty of care towards others.
- This duty is not fulfilled.
- Another person suffers harm or loss due to this failure.
It’s important to note that for liability to exist, there must be demonstrable harm or loss. The mere presence of danger, without resulting harm, does not form the basis for a personal injury case.
Negligence, Fault, and Liability
Negligence, whether accidental or deliberate, is the failure to fulfill an expected action. On the other hand, a fault is typically seen as the cause of an event, either directly or indirectly.
In legal terms, liability determines the party responsible for causing harm to another. While not always synonymous, fault and liability often align.
Determining Liability
The establishment of liability can take various forms. In some cases, an admission of responsibility by one party is sufficient. However, more complex situations may require a jury to review all evidence before assigning liability.
Proving Fault through Negligence
In legal proceedings, negligence stands as an indefensible action. Proof of negligence alone is adequate to establish fault and subsequent liability.
Why Evidence is So Important in Personal Injury Claims in Towson, Maryland
In Towson, Maryland, gathering compelling evidence is a cornerstone of any personal injury claim. Your case’s strength often hinges on the evidence presented, significantly influencing the claim’s outcome. Understanding the vital types of evidence can greatly enhance your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
1. Medical Records and Documentation
Essential to any Towson personal injury claim are thorough medical records. These records detail your injuries, treatments, and prognosis, serving as tangible evidence of the accident’s impact on your health. Hospital charts, test results, treatment notes, and expert medical opinions all play a crucial role.
2. Photographic and Video Evidence
Visual evidence, such as photos and videos, carries significant weight in illustrating your injury’s circumstances. Capturing images of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage is crucial for reconstructing events. Surveillance footage or dashcam recordings can further corroborate your account.
3. Witness Testimony
Eyewitness accounts are invaluable for supporting your Towson personal injury claim. Statements from those who witnessed the accident provide independent perspectives, corroborating your version of events. Gathering witness contact information promptly is vital for obtaining their statements.
4. Employment Records and Financial Documentation
Financial impacts are often key in personal injury cases. Providing documentation of your employment history, income, and lost wages due to the injury is crucial. Pay stubs, tax returns, and medical expense records all strengthen your claim.
5. Expert Opinions and Reports
Expert testimonies add credibility to your claim, offering specialized insights. Testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or engineers can clarify the accident’s cause, your injuries’ extent, and recovery prognosis.
6. Police Reports and Official Documentation
Police reports from the accident scene serve as valuable evidence. They contain essential details, including specifics of the accident, witness statements, and officer observations. Obtaining a copy strengthens your claim with an official record.
7. Communication Records and Correspondence
Maintaining records of all injury-related communications is crucial. Copies of emails, letters, and notes with insurance companies, medical providers, and others show the accident’s impact and your efforts for compensation.
Thorough Evidence: A Game-Changer
Success in your Towson personal injury claim relies on strong and credible evidence. Thorough documentation creates a compelling narrative of the accident’s impact on your life. Inadequate evidence can make it challenging to prove liability and quantify damages, risking your claim’s outcome.
Preserving Evidence and Acting Swiftly
For catastrophic injuries, like severe spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, substantial evidence is crucial. Taking immediate steps to gather documentation, including medical records and witness statements, is vital.
Determining the Value of Your Personal Injury Claim in Towson, Maryland
Evaluating the worth of your personal injury claim in Towson, Maryland goes beyond mere numbers; it’s akin to piecing together a complex puzzle of losses resulting from your accident or injury.
Understanding Settlement Values
Online personal injury calculators offer a starting point, but they’re just that—starting points. Settlements are fact-specific, often involving multipliers to adjust for pain severity. Our experienced Towson personal injury lawyers at Leppler Injury Law can guide you through this process, considering tangible costs and intangible damages unique to Maryland law.
The Role of Your Towson Personal Injury Attorney
Consider an injury claims calculator as merely step one. Engage the expertise of a seasoned personal injury attorney in Towson. Our legal team comprehends how insurance companies approach claims and will meticulously analyze your case, from future medical costs to potential contributory negligence.
Evaluating Economic Losses
Understanding your economic losses post-accident is crucial. Medical bills, future expenses, and even special accommodations are essential considerations for your claim’s evaluation.
Assessing Lost Earnings
Injuries often result in lost income. Calculating this loss is pivotal. How many workdays were missed? What impact does this have on your future earning potential?
Estimating Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering are invaluable but challenging to quantify. Multipliers are often used, rating pain and then applying a multiplier to assess economic impact. Yet, this approach varies widely, acknowledging the unique nature of each injury and accident.
Navigating Maryland’s Laws with Legal Expertise
In a state governed by contributory negligence laws like Maryland, experienced legal representation is paramount.
The Complexity of Settlements
There’s no formula or calculator for your case’s precise payout. It’s about understanding your unique situation, and this is where legal expertise shines.
Jury Determination and Real Information
Juries do not rely on formulas but rather on what they deem fair compensation for your pain, suffering, and losses. Insurance companies’ formulas may not capture your full damages, which is why seeking counsel from Leppler Injury Law is crucial.
Towson, Maryland
There are many resources for Towson residents who have been injured in an accident and need physical therapy or treatment after a personal injury. Some local physical therapists to consider include:
MHC offers a wide range of services for individuals in Towson who have suffered personal injuries. They handle orthopedics, neurology, generalized medicine and more.
Specializing in personalized rehabilitation plans, Lynch helps Towson residents recover from sports injuries, surgeries, and chronic pain. Their expert team aims to restore mobility and improve overall well-being.
Life Strength Physical Therapy
Life Strength PT in Towson offers tailored treatment programs for accident, surgery, and sports injury recovery. Serving the Towson community, their therapists focus on restoring strength and flexibility for optimal recovery.
For personalized care after orthopedic injuries, work-related incidents, or motor vehicle accidents, Towson residents turn to Carol Frazier & Associates. Their expert team helps individuals regain independence and achieve optimal recovery.
Injury Law Firm in Towson, Maryland
In the heart of the city, personal injury attorney in Towson, Maryland, John Leppler brings a wealth of experience as a dedicated personal injury lawyer. With a deep commitment to his community, John provides personalized attention to every case, ensuring clients receive the individualized care they deserve. Unlike the impersonal mega-firms, John is always available to speak directly with you, answering questions and guiding you through the complexities of your accident or injury claim.
Trust in John Leppler’s expertise for compassionate advocacy and unwavering support in your time of need.
Locations near Towson which John Leppler serves include Baltimore, Lutherville-Timonium, Parkville, Glen Burnie, Pikesville, Owings-Mills, Carney, Catonsville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Perry Hall, Hampton, White Marsh, and more.