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Common Questions About Maryland Personal Injury Cases

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident or another type of personal injury incident in Maryland, you likely have many questions about your rights and the legal process. At The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost, we’re here to provide the answers you need. Call us today at 240-439-1922 for a free consultation and personalized guidance.

How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including:

Economic Damages:

Medical Expenses: Costs for doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and future medical care.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery.
Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property.

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Loss of Consortium: Damages for the loss of companionship or support from a loved one.

Liability and Insurance Limits:

The at-fault party’s insurance coverage can impact how much you can recover. Maryland law requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident, but higher-value claims may require pursuing additional compensation from the at-fault party.

Key Statute:

Under Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, § 11-108, Maryland places a cap on non-economic damages for personal injury cases. As of 2024, the cap is $920,000 for non-economic damages, which increases annually for inflation.

For a detailed evaluation of your case value, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost.

Do I Need to Go to Court?

Many personal injury cases in Maryland settle out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, going to court may be necessary if:

The insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement.
Liability is disputed, and the other party claims you were at fault.
The value of your damages exceeds the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits.

At The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost, we aim to resolve cases efficiently through negotiation and mediation but are fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed.

Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule:

Maryland is one of the few states that follows the contributory negligence doctrine, which bars recovery if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident. This rule makes it especially important to have an experienced attorney to build a strong case and avoid unnecessary court disputes.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The timeline for a personal injury case depends on the complexity of your claim. Key factors include:

Initial Investigation:

Gathering evidence, obtaining police reports, and consulting medical experts can take several weeks to months.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies:

Most cases are resolved during negotiations, which may take a few months. However, if the insurer disputes liability or damages, the process may take longer.

Litigation:

If a lawsuit is filed, the case may take 12–18 months or longer to reach a resolution, depending on court schedules and whether the case goes to trial.

Statute of Limitations in Maryland:

Under Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, § 5-101, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident. Failure to file within this period may bar you from recovering compensation.

Additional Common Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?

Call 911 and report the accident.
Seek medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
Document the scene with photos and collect contact information from witnesses.
Avoid speaking with insurance companies until consulting an attorney.

How Is Fault Determined in Maryland?

Fault is determined based on evidence such as:

Police reports.
Witness testimony.
Surveillance footage.
Expert accident reconstruction.

Because Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule, proving fault requires a thorough and detailed investigation.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

At The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Call-to-Action

Have more questions about your Maryland personal injury case? Let The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost provide the answers you need and the legal support you deserve. Call us today at 240-439-1922 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.

Still have questions? Contact us for a free consultation.