What to Do If You’re Injured as a Passenger in a Baltimore Car Accident
The last thing you expect when riding along as a passenger is to be involved in a crash. However, car accidents in Baltimore are common, often happen due to reckless driving behavior, and can leave passengers in the vehicle suffering devastating harm.
Unfortunately, passengers are often caught in the middle when insurance companies start pointing fingers. Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers help victims in this situation get the compensation they deserve. Find out what you need to know about your rights and the steps you can take to protect your injury claim.
Baltimore Car Accidents Can Leave Passengers With Serious Injuries
According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, nearly 30,000 people across the state are injured due to crashes and collisions each year. Nearly half are passengers.
Car accidents in Baltimore are particularly common due to heavy traffic and major interstates surrounding the city. Whether it occurs on a highway, while navigating local intersections, or while driving in your neighborhood, passenger injuries have the potential to be severe. Common types of injuries they suffer include:
- Whiplash and back pain from the force of impact
- Head injuries and concussions, even in low-speed collisions
- Broken bones or fractures, often from seatbelt strain or airbag deployment
- Internal injuries, including bruised organs or internal bleeding
- Soft-tissue injuries, like torn muscles or ligaments, that cause lasting pain
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should always get checked by a doctor after a crash. Many serious problems take days to appear, and early treatment also creates the medical records you’ll need later if you file a claim.
How to Protect Yourself As a Passenger in a Baltimore Car Accident
When passengers suffer serious injuries in Baltimore car accidents, either the driver of their vehicle or the other motorists involved may be to blame. Under the Maryland Statutes, you have the right to hold them liable for your losses.
However, from the moment the crash happens, it’s important to take steps to protect both your health and your rights in a Baltimore car accident claim. These include:
- Call 911 immediately so there’s an official crash report.
- Collect information from both drivers and any witnesses.
- Take photos of your injuries, the vehicles, and road conditions, if possible.
- Get medical care immediately, even if you think you’re okay.
- Keep every record of what happened, including medical bills, prescription receipts, and time missed from work.
- Avoid talking to insurers before getting legal advice.
Passenger injuries are not a top priority for insurance companies, which typically try to avoid payouts. Getting professional legal representation protects your rights and prevents them from attempting to deny or downplay your claim.
Passenger Injuries Due To a Baltimore Crash? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured as a passenger in a Baltimore car accident, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Maryland Injury Lawyers can investigate what happened, coordinate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/resources/crashdata/
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=20-102&enactments=false
