Start With Legal Experience That Fits Your Needs

Not all personal injury lawyers work on vehicle-related cases. After a crash, you want someone who regularly represents clients in car accident claims. A trusted auto accident lawyer will be familiar with issues like insurance disputes, medical evaluations, and state-specific accident laws. More importantly, they’ll understand how these issues affect your recovery—both personal and financial.

Clear Communication Should Be A Priority

Good legal support starts with clarity. An attorney should take the time to listen to your story, explain your options, and answer your questions without using confusing legal jargon, which can quickly overwhelm those who were recently involved in an accident. You should leave the conversation with a clear sense of what your next steps are—not a list of things to figure out on your own. Our friends at Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC can attest that clients appreciate regular updates and prompt communication, especially when so much is at stake.

Ask About Case Strategy, Not Just Outcomes

It’s reasonable to want a favorable result, but it’s also important to know how the attorney will get there. What steps will be taken to investigate the accident? How will damages be calculated? Will the lawyer handle negotiations directly or pass the case to someone else in the office? These details can tell you a lot about the level of support you’ll receive from your traffic accident lawyer.

Look For Focus On Injury-Related Support

A car crash can lead to more than property damage. Soft tissue injuries, back pain, concussions, and emotional trauma are common and often misunderstood. A strong motor vehicle lawyer won’t overlook these details. Instead, they’ll seek fair compensation that reflects both immediate and future impacts. This may include lost wages, therapy costs, and long-term care when needed.

Reputation Matters—But Ask For Fit

Referrals and online reviews are helpful starting points, but a lawyer’s experience should match your specific situation. For example, if your accident involved a multi-car pileup or a distracted driver, ask if the firm has handled similar cases. A vehicle collision lawyer who can relate directly to your situation may offer more personalized insights than someone who works on broader cases.

Trust Your Instincts When Making A Choice

Ultimately, your comfort level with the attorney you choose to handle your case is what matters most. If you feel rushed, ignored, or unsure after the first conversation, consider speaking with someone else. A car wreck lawyer should offer support that goes beyond paperwork—they should be someone you feel confident relying on.

If you have questions, contact an attorney today. A timely consultation could help clarify your legal options and ease some of the pressure after a difficult event.

The post Choosing The Right Lawyer After A Car Crash appeared first on Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC.

Car Accidents

Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of spinal cord trauma. The force of a collision, especially at high speeds or involving large vehicles, can cause the spine to bend or compress unnaturally. Rear-end impacts, rollovers, and side collisions often result in back and neck injuries, especially when seatbelts or airbags fail or when the vehicle’s structure doesn’t absorb the shock properly. Car accident lawyers know that there are many factors that can contribute to determining liability and recovering a settlement after a car accident. Legal assistance can be crucial in ensuring that you are giving yourself the best chance for a successful claim.

Falls

Falling from ladders, stairs, rooftops, or even slipping on wet floors can lead to serious damage to the spine. These incidents often occur at construction sites, in nursing homes, or on unsafe property. When a person lands on their back or neck, the impact can cause fractures or disc injuries that affect the spinal cord. Attorneys like our colleagues at Pavlack Law, LLC can attest that many fall-related claims are preventable and trace back to unsafe conditions.

Acts Of Violence

Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and assaults can directly damage the spinal cord or cause swelling that results in permanent loss of function. These types of injuries are unfortunately more common than people think and often occur during robberies, domestic disputes, or physical altercations. Victims in these cases may face extensive rehabilitation and emotional trauma alongside physical pain. While criminal charges naturally follow, victims can also pursue civil claims to recover compensation for their injuries.

Workplace Accidents

Jobs that involve physical labor or heavy machinery pose a real risk for back injuries. Construction workers, warehouse employees, and those in industrial settings are especially vulnerable to falls, equipment malfunctions, or being struck by objects. If safety protocols are skipped or proper training is not provided, spinal injuries can result.

Medical Procedures

Although rare, surgical errors or improper techniques during anesthesia administration can harm the spinal cord. Missteps during back surgery, epidurals, or spinal taps may cause permanent nerve damage. These cases often require detailed medical review and input from professionals and medical specialists but may give rise to serious legal claims when negligence is involved.

Contact An Attorney Today

Spinal injuries can change lives instantly, and the road to recovery is rarely simple. If you or a loved one has suffered spinal trauma due to another party’s carelessness, speaking with a spinal cord injury lawyer is an important first step to take on the path to recovery.

The post Common Causes Of Spinal Cord Injuries appeared first on Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC.

Initial Medical Attention And Case Evaluation

After an injury, the most important step is getting proper medical treatment. This not only protects your health but also documents your injuries, which becomes a key part of your claim. Once your condition is stable, your personal injury lawyer will typically review the facts to assess whether there is a viable personal injury claim. They’ll look at the nature of the injury, how it happened, and whether there is a party who can be held legally responsible.

Investigation And Evidence Collection

A solid personal injury case is built on evidence. After deciding to move forward, your attorney will gather records, speak to witnesses, request video footage if available, and secure expert input where needed. This stage may also include reviewing insurance coverage details and loss documentation, such as medical bills, proof of lost wages, or property damage estimates. These materials help build a clear picture of how the injury occurred and the full extent of damage.

Filing The Lawsuit And Serving The Defendant

If a fair settlement isn’t reached early on, your personal injury attorney may recommend filing a formal lawsuit. This begins the litigation phase. The lawsuit must be filed within the statute of limitations, which varies by state. Once filed, the complaint is served on the defendant, who then has a limited window to respond. Their response will generally admit, deny, or claim insufficient knowledge of each allegation, and may raise defenses.

Discovery Phase And Pre-Trial Proceedings

Discovery is the process where both sides exchange information and evidence. It typically includes written questions (interrogatories), document requests, and depositions. This stage can be lengthy, depending on the number of parties and the complexity of the case. Pre-trial motions may also be filed during this time, such as requests to dismiss certain claims or exclude evidence.

Mediation Or Settlement Negotiations

Before trial, many courts encourage or require parties to participate in mediation or settlement discussions. This is an opportunity to resolve the dispute without going to court. If both sides can agree on terms, a settlement is finalized, and the case concludes. Many personal injury claims are resolved at this stage.

Trial And Verdict

If the case doesn’t settle, it proceeds to trial. A judge or jury will hear the evidence and arguments from both sides and decide the outcome. Trials can range from one day to several weeks, depending on the issues involved. After hearing testimony and reviewing exhibits, the court will issue a verdict, which may include a compensation award if the plaintiff prevails.

Although the personal injury lawsuit process can take time, knowing what lies ahead can make a significant difference in your peace of mind. Attorneys like those at our friends at Hickey & Turim, S.C., can attest to the value of preparation, open communication, and thorough case development. If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, we encourage you to speak with someone who can guide you through each phase of the process and help you determine the best course of action.

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What Compensation Is Available For Medical Expenses In A DUI Accident?

Medical expenses are one of the most significant costs incurred after a DUI accident, and victims may be entitled to compensation for both current and future medical bills. Compensation can cover a wide range of medical costs, including:

• Emergency medical care: Costs associated with immediate treatment after the accident, including ambulance fees, emergency room visits, and urgent care.
• Hospitalization: Any hospital stays for surgery, observation, or specialized treatment following the accident.
• Rehabilitation and therapy: Expenses related to physical, occupational, and long-term rehabilitation to recover from injuries.
• Medications: Prescription drugs needed for pain management or to treat injuries sustained in the accident.
• Specialized care: If the injuries result in a disability, long-term care or in-home assistance may also be compensated. In a DUI accident, the intoxicated driver’s insurance or the at-fault party may be responsible for covering these medical expenses. However, in some cases, victims may need to seek legal action if the responsible party’s insurance is insufficient or refuses to provide fair compensation.

Can I Receive Compensation For Lost Wages In A DUI Accident Case?

If you have to take time off work due to injuries sustained in a DUI accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This compensation covers the income you would have earned had you not been injured. Key factors affecting lost wages compensation include:

• Length of time off work: The longer you are unable to work due to your injuries, the more compensation you may be entitled to.
• Amount of income: Your compensation is typically calculated based on your regular salary or hourly wage.
• Impact on future earning potential: If your injuries affect your ability to return to your previous job or prevent you from working entirely, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings. For victims who are self-employed or working on commission, compensation may be calculated based on average income or business profits. If the at-fault driver’s insurance does not adequately cover lost wages, pursuing legal action can help ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve.

What Is Pain And Suffering Compensation In A DUI Accident Case?

Pain and suffering compensation is intended to provide financial relief for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by injuries sustained in a DUI accident. Unlike medical expenses or lost wages, pain and suffering damages are non-economic and can be more difficult to quantify. These damages may include:

• Physical pain: Compensation for the ongoing discomfort and physical limitations caused by injuries.
• Emotional distress: Psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident and its aftermath.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. The amount of compensation for pain and suffering is typically determined by the severity of your injuries, the duration of your recovery, and the impact on your daily life. Experienced attorneys can help assess these damages and advocate for a fair settlement or judgment.

Can I Receive Compensation For Property Damage In A DUI Accident?

Property damage is another form of compensation available in DUI accident cases. This compensation covers the repair or replacement of property that was damaged in the accident, such as:

• Vehicle repairs or replacement: Compensation for fixing or replacing your car if it was damaged in the collision.
• Personal property: If personal items inside the vehicle, such as electronics, clothing, or other valuables, were damaged or destroyed, you may be entitled to compensation for those as well. The compensation for property damage is typically based on the fair market value of the property at the time of the accident. If the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible, they will assess the cost of repairs or replacement, but if the insurance offer is insufficient, a lawyer can help negotiate or pursue additional compensation through legal action.

Contact A Car Accident Lawyer For Legal Help

If you have been involved in a DUI accident, it is essential to seek legal counsel to help you navigate the complexities of pursuing compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. A skilled DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. Contact Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. A lawyer can advocate on your behalf and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.

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With a legal separation, a married couple lives separately (though possibly under the same roof) with court-ordered mandates for the duties and rights of the couple. A divorce completely dissolves a marriage, leaving no duties or rights between the spouses. A family law attorney in Maryland with Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC can help you navigate the legal system during this tumultuous time in your life.

Legal Separation vs Divorce

In Maryland, legal separations and divorces must be brought through the court and approved by a judge. When spouses can agree upon the terms, a legal separation may be more beneficial than a divorce, especially regarding marital property and other marital assets. This can be a beneficial option for many families.

What is Legal Separation?

Legal separation is like putting your marriage on a temporary hold. During a legal separation, the couple typically resides in different homes in a more formal capacity than just moving out. A court must approve an agreement between the spouses to divide property, end the financial connection with their spouse, and arrange time to raise the children.

Financial Responsibility with Legal Separation

After a legal separation, any new debt incurred by a spouse is typically the responsibility of that individual. Despite the court approving the financial connection to be severed, any outstanding financial obligation or debt acquired as a married couple remains the responsibility of both spouses. In a legal separation agreement, the court can specify which spouse holds responsibility for which financial obligations so there is no confusion between spouses.

What is Divorce?

A divorce is the legal and complete dissolution of a marriage. This is the only major difference between a divorce and a legal separation, and a court must still approve any decision regarding the division of property, child custody, spousal support, and child support. Since legal separation and divorce are similar, the cost would be roughly the same, and the time to process and reach completion would be similar.

Choosing Between Legal Separation and Divorce Proceedings

Married couples must consider whether getting legally separated or divorced is best for their situation. The couple must consider various personal reasons for a separation or the ending of their marriage. Financial considerations are generally a significant deciding factor for married couples.

When to Choose Legal Separation

Spouses may consider a legal separation for the following financial and personal reasons:

• A legal separation can be reversed if the couple chooses reconciliation
• Some couples choose to legally keep the family together, especially when young children are involved
• A legal separation could mean that one spouse is still eligible for the other spouse’s health insurance coverage, whereas these health insurance benefits and coverage would end during a divorce
• If one or both spouses are not positive they want to end the marriage, a legal separation allows space and time to figure out what is troubling their marriage while protecting them financially
• Spouses can continue to file their taxes jointly, which can provide them with some tax benefits
• To receive military and Social Security benefits, spouses must be married for ten years or more. Couples can use a legal separation to stay legally married until the 10-year mark.

Reasons to Seek a Divorce Decree

In different situations, couples may choose to go through the divorce process rather than a legal separation:

• If spouses find no financial benefit from choosing a legal separation, and they are both 100% positive they want to end their marriage, it may be easier to go straight to filing for a divorce. If a legal separation is chosen, money and time will be spent on the separation only to have to go through the same process again for a divorce
• If either spouse plans to remarry at some point, a divorce is necessary because they cannot legally remarry when a previous marriage is still legally valid
• If spouses want no financial or medical decisions connected to their spouse, an uncontested divorce may be the best choice. A contested divorce will be more costly and will take longer to resolve than a legal separation.

Contact Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC Today

There are some key differences between a legal separation and a divorce. If you and your spouse are considering either, a family law attorney from our law firm can help. Contact us today using our online contact form to discuss your situation.

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Every case is unique, but in general, lawsuits can take 6 to 18 months to resolve after the client has retained legal counsel. This can depend on the complexity of the legal issues and the length of necessary medical treatments. A dedicated personal injury attorney at Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC can help you understand the legal process, be a shield between you and the insurance company, investigate your case, and handle legal and bureaucratic issues.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

When someone is injured due to another party’s negligence, a personal injury claim or lawsuit can be filed to hold the responsible party liable for the injuries and damages. The personal injury attorney must be able to prove the liable party caused damages as a result of negligence or intentional behavior. The following elements are involved in a personal injury case:

Negligence

Negligence is defined as “the failure to use reasonable care, resulting in serious injury or damage to another person.” Negligence also means a reasonable person would have acted differently under similar circumstances. Depending on the case’s specifics, negligence for certain injuries may be different from one case to another.

Negligence may be defined by the common law (court case laws) or by other regulations. For instance, if a homeowner leaves garden tools in the open and someone steps on them, the homeowner is not deliberately trying to injure them. However, if a commercial property owner refuses to fix a hazardous condition, such as unstable railings, they may be liable for a more severe personal injury claim and face municipal ordinances violations.

Causation

The injured party and their experienced personal injury lawyer must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused their injuries. In most personal injury cases, causation is obvious, such as in cases of sudden or acute trauma. The insurance company is not likely to argue that a broken leg from a car accident was a pre-existing condition.

In other situations, causation is harder to prove and is contested. If you have experienced dizziness, backaches, or migraines after being rear-ended, the insurance company does not have to admit you are injured even if they admit fault. Insurance companies might claim that the symptoms you are experiencing are caused by other factors such as your job, age, or pre-existing conditions.

Serious Injuries and Damages

Personal injury law focuses on injuries that occur from negligence. Your experienced personal injury attorney must prove the severity of your injuries, including pain and suffering. Oftentimes, personal injury claims can be proven through medical records, showing the treatment needed and the extent of the injuries.

In many situations, injury victims do not notice pain for several hours or days following the accident. Our personal injury lawyers encourage clients to seek proper medical treatment as soon as possible to better prove that the injuries they are suffering from are directly related to the accident. Waiting too long after an accident to seek medical care gives the insurance company the ability to argue reasonable doubt.

Personal Injury Lawsuit Timeline

Despite each personal injury case being different, there are phases that each case will go through. The duration of these phases can vary. Your lawyer can give you a more accurate timeframe with consideration of the details in your injury claim:

• Immediate aftermath. The steps you take following a severe injury can significantly impact the validity of your claim. Document the seriousness of your injuries by seeking immediate medical attention.

• Attorney and investigation. A dedicated personal injury attorney with PPS&R can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf, help you navigate the confusing legal system, investigate the evidence, and seek the highest financial compensation available.
• Claim and discovery. Once your claim is filed, discovery can take several months.
• Negation or personal injury trial. Parties generally attempt negotiation to avoid trial. If a personal injury settlement cannot be reached, you may have to take the case to court for a verdict.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys at Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC Today

You deserve full compensation and justice if you have been injured due to another person’s negligence. Contact Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC for a free consultation using our secure online form.

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At-fault states are also known as “tort” states. This means the liable or at-fault party’s insurance policy covers the financial expenses caused by an injury or accident under Maryland law. If it is unclear who caused the accident, you need the assistance of a dedicated car accident lawyer in Maryland to help you with your case.

Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, has decades of experience defending injured victims. If you have been the victim of a car accident, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and damages. Our Maryland legal team will work tirelessly to help you recover physically and financially.

How is Liability Determined Under Maryland Car Accident Laws?

As an at-fault state, each driver’s insurance company will investigate the accident case. Based on the original car accident claim. The separate insurance companies determine who is responsible for the accident. The insurance companies would then provide financial payments based on who is found to be at fault.

In Maryland, car accident victims end up in court filing a personal injury lawsuit more often than is necessary. This occurs so frequently because car insurance companies are intent on making money, not protecting you. When this occurs, it becomes important to have a car accident attorney working on your side while the court determines who is at fault.

Since the insurance adjusters and lawyers were not at the scene of the accident, they will rely heavily on evidence to determine what happened. To fight for your rights and financial compensation, the attorneys from Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, will gather the evidence and present it to the other driver’s insurance company. Generally, once this evidence is presented, most car accident claims can be settled out of court.

Our team will gather the following types of evidence:

• Medical records and bills
• Photos and video footage
• A copy of the police report
• Eyewitness statements and observations
• Employment and salary records

What is At-Fault Insurance in Maryland?

Maryland is an at-fault state and liable parties must pay for the injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage of the victim. The financial expenses of the damages incurred by the victim are covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. The victim should not be responsible for their expenses.

Generally, the at-fault driver receives a three-year rate increase on their insurance. If a second at fault claim is made in a three-year span, an insurance company may choose not to renew the at-fault driver’s policy. Many Maryland insurance companies offer accident forgiveness coverage, allowing drivers to file one at-fault claim without being penalized with an increase in insurance premiums.

Vehicle insurance is mandated in Maryland, and a driver must provide proof of car insurance before being allowed to register their vehicle. Maryland vehicle insurance must have the following coverage:

• Bodily injury- $30,000
• Bodily injury- $60,000 for two or more people
• Property damage- $15,000

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Maryland Car Crash?

Once your car accident attorney proves the negligence of the at-fault party, you are entitled to seek compensation. There are likely a variety of damages you suffered, and your car accident lawyer will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove these losses. The Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 11-109 defines what damages a victim can seek:

• Accident-related medical expenses
• Wage loss due to the accident
• Property damage
• Mental distress
• Pain and suffering
• Physical impairment or disability
• Funeral and burial costs, where applicable

A Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Can Help You

A car accident attorney from Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, understands that car crashes can occur at any time to anyone. Since accidents are rarely expected, many people are not in a financial position to handle the onset of lost time at work, medical bills and property damage. Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing medical treatment can cause even the wealthiest people to suffer financial distress.

You should not have to face this troubling journey alone, and our car accident lawyers can handle your financial recovery while you focus on your emotional and physical recovery. The insurance systems in Maryland are confusing and complex but our knowledgeable legal team knows the laws inside and out. Contact us to discuss your car accident case and schedule a free consultation using our secure online form.

The post Is Maryland a No-Fault State for Car Accidents? appeared first on Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC.

Contrary to popular belief, creating a will is not something only the wealthy or those in their golden years should do. Read on to learn how planning your legacy can benefit you and your loved ones.

Keep Your Financial Interests Safe

You have worked hard all your life to accumulate your house, savings, investments, bank accounts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and maybe a cherished family heirloom or two. Without an asset protection plan, all of this — essentially your life’s work — could end up in the wrong hands or get tied up in family conflicts or lawsuits after you are gone.

If you do not specify who your estate should go to, some distant relatives or even the state could claim most of your possessions. By clearly outlining your beneficiaries in a legal document, you can ensure that only those you choose receive your money.

This is especially important if you have children who are still young. An estate plan will allow you to set up a trust to manage any inheritance they receive until they are adults. This way, you are not just leaving them your wealth but also making certain that those assets will be responsibly managed in your absence.

Notably, if you die without a will (known as dying intestate), your spouse might not automatically inherit everything. In Maryland, your significant other only receives half of your intestate property, and your children receive the other half. If you want to provide for your surviving family members or distribute your belongings as per your wishes, don’t delay working with an experienced estate planning lawyer. 

Reduce Estate Taxes and Avoid Probate

When you pass away, there are estate taxes, inheritance tax, legal fees, and other costs associated with transferring assets — all of which can significantly reduce what your loved ones inherit. Lowering the tax burden is one of the most important purposes of protecting assets with a legally binding wealth transfer plan. It allows more of your estate to go directly where you want, rather than to taxes and court costs.

The federal government and some states like Maryland, Washington, Connecticut, and New York impose taxes on the transfer of an estate upon death. A thoughtfully created estate plan uses tools like trusts to legally minimize this taxable amount. If you have a high-value estate, without planning, a portion exceeding the exemption limits would be taxed when your property passes to a close family member. Thankfully, you can create trusts to take full advantage of all kinds of tax benefits. 

For married couples, strategies like AB trusts (a credit shelter trust or bypass trust) can maximize both spouses’ exemptions, effectively doubling the amount that can be passed on tax-free. You can also place your property and investments in an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) to remove them from your taxable estate.

Moreover, think about probate. It’s a legal mechanism that ensures a deceased person’s debts are paid and their assets are distributed according to their will (or state law if there is no will). It’s a fairly lengthy and costly process, where survivors have to pay probate court fees, legal fees, and sometimes executor fees. These costs can diminish the value of the estate that is passed on to the heirs.

Establishing a trust can help you bypass the probate process. Assets held in a trust, for example, are transferred directly to the beneficiaries without going through probate. Not to mention probate is a public process, so your estate details will become part of the public record. Preparing your will or trust will keep your financial affairs private and out of the public eye.

Wish to Know What are the Two Most Important Purposes of Estate Planning? Call Us Today

Estate planning is fundamentally about control over how your hard-earned wealth is distributed and efficiency in limiting the financial impact on your heirs. If you are not sure what kind of will, trust, durable power of attorney, health care directive, life support, or financial plan you need to set up, let us help. Our knowledgeable attorneys at Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC pay close attention to what you want to make a thoughtful, organized transfer of their legacy. For a free consultation, call us at (410) LAW-YERS or complete this online contact form.

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Whiplash Injuries

If another vehicle hits your car from behind, your head can suddenly jerk back and forth — this rapid snapping is known as whiplash. As it strains the muscles and ligaments in your neck, you might feel pain and stiffness immediately or a few days after the car accident.

Headaches, starting at the base of the skull, dizziness, and sometimes blurred vision or tiredness are also common symptoms of whiplash. While it might seem like a simple neck strain, whiplash can give you chronic neck injuries, a reduced range of motion, or persistent migraines.

Head and Brain Injuries

When your head is hit or shaken violently due to direct impact on parts of the car — like the steering wheel or window — or because of the rapid deceleration during a crash, you could sustain serious head injuries.

A head injury could be a concussion, a contusion, or something more serious, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) — which can result in long-term damage or death. About 50,000 people in the U.S. die annually from TBI-related cases, and 80,000 to 90,000 people suffer long-term disability due to TBI each year.

Depending on how mild or severe the car crash injury is, symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, problems with memory, concentration, or mood swings.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

There is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back and connects your brain to the rest of your body. This sensitive spot can be easily injured in car crashes because of the powerful impact, sudden and violent jerks, or penetration injuries (like being pierced by debris).

Herniated discs are common car accident injuries among victims. They happen when the cushion-like discs between your spinal bones (vertebrae) are damaged and pushed out. Additionally, the bones of the spine can crack or break, or your spinal cord can get damaged, resulting in partial or total loss of function in parts of your body.

Fractures and Broken Bones

In car or truck accidents, the following types of fractures are common:

• Simple fractures: The bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
• Compound fractures: The broken bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
• Hairline fractures: Small cracks in the bone, which can be hard to detect and still cause significant pain.
• Compression fractures: These are serious and mainly damage the spine, where the bone is crushed.

You can get broken ribs from the force of seat belts or the steering wheel; your arms and legs can get crushed if you are bracing against impact; your facial bones can break upon hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows. Hips and pelvis fractures are common in side-impact collisions or for older adults.

Soft Tissue Injuries (Internal and External)

Although less obvious than broken bones, internal injuries, and facial injuries, soft tissue injuries are no less serious. Since they damage your body’s tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons), you must get immediate medical attention. Otherwise, it can compromise your range of motion for good.

These are several ways you may sustain this common car accident injury:

• Bruises (contusions): Caused by blunt force trauma, like chest injuries from hitting part of the car interior during a crash.
• Strains: Injuries to muscles or tendons, from overstretching or overexertion during the accident.
• Sprains: Injuries to ligaments, which are the tissues connecting bones, usually due to sudden twists or turns.

If you are experiencing any pain, swelling, or bruising anywhere, it could be a muscle injury or internal bleeding.

Get Legal Guidance for Your Personal Injury Case Today 

If you or your loved one have been injured in a car accident in Maryland, you may have the right to receive financial compensation for your physical injuries, pain and suffering, and income loss arising from the accident. At Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, our team of car accident attorneys can hold the negligent parties liable for maximum damages to get you the financial compensation you deserve. Call us at (410) LAW-YERS or reach out to us online — all initial consultations for car accident victims are free.

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A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can impact your quality of life for years. Severe head injuries can lead to life-threatening symptoms and even death. Severe TBI is one of the leading causes of death in motor vehicle accidents according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

There are many types of brain injuries from car accidents you may have suffered in a Maryland car crash. If your head injury was caused because someone else was careless, you may have permanent brain damage, which can impact your quality of life. Reach out to an attorney to learn more about your opportunities to protect your future.

What Are Three Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury?

If you have been involved in a car accident, and you have suffered any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from traumatic brain injuries caused by the crash. Reach out to an attorney if you suffer any of the following symptoms:

1. Memory loss
2. Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision
3. Severe headache

Remember that this is just a sample of possible signs of traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of injury, as a mild TBI after a car crash may have different symptoms than more severe head injuries. In these cases, consider visiting an emergency room for potential surgical intervention and treatment of other injuries.

Types of Brain Injuries

When any brain injury happens, it should be treated as a severe injury. These injuries can lead to brain damage, where brain tissue is damaged and brain cells die. While your skull protects your brain from many things, TBIs are still common injuries and can lead to devastating symptoms.

Below is just a sample of the damage to your brain caused by car accidents you may have suffered. If you have needed medical attention for any of the following, do not hesitate to reach out about your injuries to a lawyer for help with coverage for your medical bills and lost wages.

Concussions

Concussions are a potentially severe head injury that occurs because of the bouncing of the brain inside your skull due to the violent shaking and blunt trauma of a car accident. Your brain may strike the opposite side of the skull.

While these injuries are relatively common, they can be life-altering, and even a moderate TBI can come with devastating symptoms such as a loss of motor function. If you lose consciousness in an accident and suffer any cognitive symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical care.

Diffuse Axonal Injuries and Coup-Contrecoup

A diffuse axonal injury happens when the brain is subject to rotational forces. This may happen during a car accident and involve damage to the connections between the neurons and brain cells.

A coup-contrecoup happens when your brain suffers contusions, or bruises on the brain, on opposite sides of the brain. Those who suffer collisions that bounce them back and forth, such as rear-end or head-on collisions, are more likely to suffer from these injuries.

Brain Penetration

Penetrating injuries happen when the skull is broken and an object or bone fragments enter the brain. This can impact blood flow, damage tissue, and lead to permanent damage. They can also lead to a secondary brain injury, due to the force applied on the brain and the following swelling. This may require emergency surgical removal of the penetrating object.

This is known as an open head injury. This is a serious emergency and can be life-threatening, so if you or a loved one has suffered this kind of injury, do not hesitate to seek emergency aid.

Skull Fracture

Skull fractures occur when your skull is damaged by the force of the impact. This can also lead to a closed brain injury, where internal damage is caused by the external forces that fractured your skull. Treatment for a skull fracture will depend on the severity of the fracture and whether it is causing damage to your brain.

Hematoma

When you are involved in a car accident, it can cause damage to the brain’s blood vessels which leads to blood clots on the brain. When a blood clot forms, it can lead to different types of hematoma, from an epidural hematoma to a subdural hematoma.

Other types of injuries that involve bleeding of the brain include subarachnoid hemorrhage, and many of these may require surgical intervention to avoid brain swelling.

Call a Brain Injury Attorney for Help

If a temporary or permanent brain injury occurs because someone was careless on the road and caused a car accident, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. These devastating injuries can last a lifetime, and you deserve to be compensated for that loss. A car accident attorney can guide you through the process of legal and financial recovery.

As Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we strive to help our clients get compensated fairly when they have suffered from the devastating effects of a car accident and brain injury. To learn more about your options, seek out a free consultation with our team by calling or completing our online contact form.

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