If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Greenbelt, Maryland, you need an experienced attorney who understands personal injury law and will work to recover the compensation you deserve. At CHASENBOSCOLO, our team of 67+ attorneys across four office locations has recovered over $1.1 billion for injured clients. We bring extensive trial experience to every case we handle.
Car accidents can happen in an instant, but the consequences often last for years. Medical bills pile up, lost wages mount, and the physical and emotional pain can be overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to handle the insurance claims process alone while dealing with your injuries. Our Greenbelt car accident lawyers are here to handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Choose CHASENBOSCOLO for Your Car Accident Claim
We understand the roads around Greenbelt—from the Baltimore-Washington Parkway to Route 50—and the common accident patterns that occur in our community. This familiarity helps us reconstruct accidents accurately and identify liability in complex multi-vehicle collisions.
Local Experience in Greenbelt and Prince George’s County
CHASENBOSCOLO maintains our headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland, giving us deep roots in the Prince George’s County community. Our attorneys have extensive experience with the local court system, judges, and insurance companies operating in the Greenbelt area. This local knowledge allows us to anticipate how insurance adjusters will approach your claim and how judges and juries in Prince George’s County courts will evaluate your case.
Visit our about page to learn more about CHASENBOSCOLO‘s commitment to the Greenbelt community and our track record of success.
No-Fee Guarantee—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We represent car accident victims on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours: we only get paid when you get paid. You’ll never face an upfront legal bill or hourly charges while your case is pending.
This no-fee arrangement removes the financial barrier to obtaining quality legal representation. You can pursue your claim without worrying about accumulating legal costs on top of your medical expenses and lost income. Learn more about CHASENBOSCOLO‘s no-fee guarantee.
Proven Track Record of Results
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for car accident victims. Recent settlements include a $2.5 million settlement in a catastrophic truck accident case and a $1.2 million settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident. These results reflect our commitment to aggressive representation and our ability to evaluate cases accurately.
Our team includes multiple Super Lawyers, attorneys with AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, and members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—recognition that comes only to attorneys who have won or settled cases valued at $1 million or more. John Everett, one of our shareholders, received the Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year award in 2019. View our case results and settlements to see how CHASENBOSCOLO has helped injured clients.
Understanding Your Car Accident Claim in Maryland
Maryland follows a “contributory negligence” rule that differs from many other states. Under Maryland law, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Maryland’s Comparative Fault Rule Affects Your Case
For example, if a jury determines you are 20% at fault and awards $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000. This rule makes it critical to have an attorney who can effectively argue liability and minimize any suggestion that you contributed to the accident.
Insurance companies will attempt to shift blame to you to reduce their liability. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and present evidence that clearly establishes the other driver’s negligence. For more information about how Maryland’s comparative negligence rule affects your case, contact our office.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maryland, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages depending on the circumstances of your case. These typically include economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses directly caused by the accident. These include:
- Medical expenses: All treatment related to your injuries, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages: Income you lost while unable to work during your recovery
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged property
- Future medical care: Anticipated treatment and rehabilitation costs for permanent injuries
- Loss of earning capacity: Reduced income if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
Economic damages are the easiest to calculate because they’re based on documented expenses and lost income. We gather medical records, bills, pay stubs, and expert testimony to establish the full extent of your financial losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for pain, suffering, and other intangible losses:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from your injuries
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the accident
- Disfigurement: Scarring or permanent physical changes affecting your appearance
- Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse
These damages require skilled advocacy to establish their value. Juries must understand how your injuries have affected your quality of life. Our attorneys present compelling evidence through medical testimony, client statements, and expert analysis to help juries understand the true impact of your injuries.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. While three years may seem like a long time, acting quickly is essential for several reasons:
Evidence
Evidence deteriorates over time. Accident scenes change, witnesses move away or forget details, and surveillance footage may be deleted. The sooner we investigate your accident, the more evidence we can preserve.
Insurance Investigations
Insurance companies begin their investigation immediately. They interview witnesses, obtain police reports, and photograph the accident scene. We need to conduct our own investigation in parallel to ensure we have complete information.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment should begin promptly. Delaying treatment can harm your claim because insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious if you waited to seek care.
Contact us as soon as possible after your accident so we can begin protecting your rights and gathering evidence.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Greenbelt
Immediate Steps at the Scene
If you’re able to do so safely after a car accident:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention
- Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible
- Call the Greenbelt Police Department to report the accident
- Exchange contact information with the other driver(s), including name, phone number, address, and insurance information
- Take photos of vehicle damage, accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signs
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident
- Do not discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurance company without an attorney
Gathering Evidence for Your Claim
The evidence you gather at the scene is crucial, but additional evidence strengthens your claim:
- Police report: Obtain a copy from the Greenbelt Police Department
- Medical records: Keep all documentation of treatment and medical expenses
- Photos and videos: Document your injuries, vehicle damage, and accident scene
- Witness statements: Collect detailed accounts from anyone who saw the accident
- Expert analysis: We may hire accident reconstruction experts to establish how the accident occurred
- Vehicle inspection: Mechanical defects or maintenance issues may have contributed to the accident
Why You Shouldn’t Speak to Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims and protect their company’s bottom line. They may:
- Ask leading questions designed to establish your fault
- Offer quick settlements that don’t fully compensate for your injuries
- Request recorded statements that can be used against you later
- Suggest that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim
An experienced car accident attorney in Greenbelt handles all communication with insurance companies. We know what information to provide, what to withhold, and how to counter lowball settlement offers. Having an attorney protects your rights and helps you receive fair compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents We Handle
Most car accidents result from driver negligence. Common causes include:
Negligent Driving Behaviors
- Distracted driving: Texting, using phones, eating, or other activities that divert attention from the road
- Speeding: Driving too fast for road conditions or exceeding posted speed limits
- Reckless driving: Aggressive driving, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic laws
- Drunk driving: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy driving: Falling asleep or losing alertness while driving
- Failure to yield: Not yielding the right of way at intersections or when merging
Mechanical Failures and Defects
Sometimes accidents result from vehicle defects rather than driver error:
- Brake failure: Defective brakes that don’t function properly
- Tire blowouts: Manufacturing defects or design flaws in tires
- Steering problems: Defective steering systems that fail during operation
- Airbag failures: Airbags that don’t deploy or deploy unexpectedly
- Recall violations: Manufacturers’ failure to address known safety defects
If a vehicle defect contributed to your accident, we may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer in addition to a negligence claim against the driver.
Road Conditions and Environmental Factors
While drivers must adjust their driving to road conditions, sometimes poor road maintenance or environmental factors contribute to accidents:
- Potholes and road damage: Inadequate maintenance by government agencies
- Debris on roadway: Objects left by other vehicles or improper cleanup
- Poor visibility: Inadequate street lighting or overgrown vegetation
- Weather conditions: While drivers must adjust for weather, extreme conditions may establish comparative negligence
The Car Accident Claim Process
The car accident claim process can feel overwhelming after an injury. Understanding the key steps can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Our investigation begins immediately after you hire us. We:
- Obtain the police report and all accident documentation
- Photograph the accident scene and document road conditions
- Interview witnesses and obtain detailed statements
- Retain accident reconstruction experts if necessary
- Review medical records and consult with medical experts
- Investigate the other driver’s history and insurance coverage
- Identify all potentially liable parties
This thorough investigation establishes liability and quantifies your damages before we enter settlement negotiations.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Once our investigation is complete, we present a demand letter to the insurance company outlining:
- How the accident occurred and who was at fault
- The extent of your injuries and medical treatment
- Your economic damages with supporting documentation
- Your non-economic damages and their value
- Our settlement demand
Insurance companies often make initial lowball offers. We negotiate aggressively, presenting evidence and legal arguments that support a higher settlement value. Many cases settle during this negotiation phase without proceeding to trial.
Settlement or Trial
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial. This includes:
- Filing a lawsuit in Prince George’s County Circuit Court
- Conducting discovery to obtain additional evidence from the other party
- Preparing witnesses and experts for testimony
- Developing trial strategy and arguments
- Presenting your case to a judge or jury
Our attorneys have extensive trial experience. We’ve tried over 1000 jury trials in the past five years, giving us the skills and confidence to take cases to trial when necessary. However, we always pursue settlement when it’s in your best interest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Greenbelt
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, you should contact an attorney much sooner. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses become unavailable, and prompt action strengthens your claim.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule allows you to recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 25% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $75,000. We work to minimize any finding of comparative fault through aggressive representation.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, your lost income, and the strength of liability evidence. Cases involving permanent injuries, significant medical expenses, and clear liability are worth more than minor injury cases. We evaluate your case individually and provide an honest assessment of its value.
Do I need a lawyer for my car accident claim?
While you can handle a claim yourself, insurance companies have significant advantages. They employ adjusters trained to minimize claims, and they know that unrepresented claimants often accept inadequate settlements. An experienced attorney levels the playing field and helps you receive fair compensation.
How long does a car accident case take to settle?
Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle within weeks. Complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability may take months or years. We work efficiently to resolve your case, but we never rush to settle for less than your claim is worth.
Contact CHASENBOSCOLO for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Greenbelt, Maryland, contact CHASENBOSCOLO today for a free consultation. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your case and explain your legal options. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (301) 220-0050 or visit our office at 7852 Walker Drive, Suite 300, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770. We’re ready to work for the compensation you deserve.