Car Accidents in Greenbelt

Every year, car accidents claim the lives of thousands of Americans, even though our vehicles have only gotten safer over the years. Most car accidents are caused by human error, where motorists make unsafe or irresponsible decisions. From drunk driving and speeding to distracted driving and drowsy driving, many of these accidents can be avoided if drivers make safety a priority. Unfortunately, there are other factors, like weather and poor decisions of other drivers, that you cannot control. Regardless of the cause of the accident, knowing what to do immediately following an incident can make the situation far less stressful.

In the state of Maryland, nearly 51,000 people were injured in car accidents in 2016. Most of those incidents were minor and did not cause major injuries or significant property damage. There are a wide range of accidents from minor fender benders to devastating head-on collisions. The following are examples of the most common types of car accidents:

  • Rear-End Collisions: These are one of the most common types of accidents. While they do not often cause serious injuries, victims may suffer from whiplash, which can lead to chronic pain if left untreated.
  • Low Speed Accidents: These occur in areas where vehicles are traveling below 10 miles per hour in parking lots and on residential streets. Unless the victim is a pedestrian or a cyclist, they rarely cause serious injuries.
  • Single Vehicle Accidents: When an accident involves one driver, it often occurs when the motorist loses control of the vehicle, either due to road conditions or unexpected debris in the road.
  • Sideswipe Accidents: This type of accident occurs when one car changes lanes, or merges into traffic without looking, and is hit by another vehicle.
  • T-Bone or Cross Traffic Accident: When a motorist runs through a stop sign, a red light, or fails to yield to oncoming traffic, this type of accident occurs.

Common Causes of Accidents

By making a safety a priority, you can avoid many of the following types of accidents:

  • Distracted Driving
  • Drowsy Driving
  • Drunk Driving
  • Poor Weather Conditions
  • Reckless Driving
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Tire Blowouts

Types of Car Accident Injuries

The type and severity of a car accident will often determine the types of injuries that the victim will sustain. The following are examples of some of the most common types of car accident injuries:

  • Arm injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Chest injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
  • Leg injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Whiplash

Steps to Take Following a Car Accident

One of the most important things you can do if you have been involved in a car accident is to remain calm. Car accidents can be extremely stressful, but if you know what to do after the accident happens, it can keep the situation from escalating. Keep the following tips in mind:

  • Move to a safe area as soon as possible.
  • Make sure the other driver and passengers of the vehicle are not seriously injured.
  • Call 911 immediately so that you can report the accident and alert the dispatcher if there are any injuries.
  • Take pictures of the accident to provide as evidence.
  • Exchange insurance information, as well as contact information, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers with the other driver involved.
  • Notify your insurance company.
  • Seek medical attention, even if your injuries are minor.

Greenbelt Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Car Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, the Greenbelt car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side, whether it was a minor fender bender or a serious collision. We will seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and ensure that your legal rights are protected. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent injured victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.