• Steps to Take After a Car Accident

    Every 14 seconds, someone is injured in an auto accident. With so many car crashes happening every day, it’s important for drivers to be prepared and to know what to do after an accident. If you are in an auto accident, remember to take the following steps and consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Anne Arundel County.

    Put Safety First

    Immediately after an accident, move the cars to the side of the road and away from traffic to prevent further accidents or injuries. If the vehicles cannot be moved, everyone should stay in their cars with their seatbelts fastened while waiting for help to arrive. If you or your passengers have been injured, seek medical assistance right away. Keep all of your medical records so that an accident attorney can help you receive full compensation for your personal injury.

    Exchange Information

    Record the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, the insurance company, and policy number of the other driver and owner of the vehicle. You will also want to write down the year, make, model, and color of all vehicles involved. If there were witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.

    Car accident lawyer in Anne Arundel County

    Document the Accident

    Take photographs of the vehicles, damage caused the location, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. You will also want to file an accident report with the police if no officers arrived on the scene. By creating a complete picture of the collision and how it happened, you can improve your insurance claim and strengthen your case with a car accident lawyer.

    Contact Your Insurance Company

    It’s important to notify your insurance company right away about any accidents so that you can file your claim properly and receive full compensation. You may also need information about what your policy does and does not cover after an accident, like costs for towing or a rental car.

    Hire a Car Accident Attorney

    An attorney with a car accident law firm can help you recover the costs of medical bills, car repairs, and missed work. If you suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence, you will want an experienced lawyer to act as your legal advocate when going up against the other party for compensation. Your accident attorney can also negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance company and will offer full support while you recover.

  • What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?

    Workers' compensation law firms serving Baltimore

    Millions of workplace injuries occur each year in the U.S. Even if you follow all safety protocols, you could be injured while on the job due to circumstances beyond your control. If you suffer a workplace injury, you may be entitled to compensation from your employer. Workers’ compensation law firms serving Baltimore have experience seeking compensation for all types of workplace injuries, including the following.

    Overexertion and Bodily Reaction Injuries

    Overexertion and bodily reaction are consistently the top causes of workplace injury. Overexertion injuries may be caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, throwing, holding, or carrying motions. Musculoskeletal injuries are often sustained and commonly affect the back, shoulders, knees, ankles, or multiple body parts at once. For example, a nurse may strain her back while lifting a patient. Bodily reaction injuries occur when a worker slips or trips but does not fall, which can cause muscle injuries and trauma.

    Slip-and-fall Injuries

    A worker may slip on a wet floor, trip over an object on the ground, or fall from a height, such as from a ladder, roof, stairway, or platform. Faulty equipment or machinery may be to blame for some falls. As a workers’ compensation attorney will attest, these types of injuries are incredibly common.

    Injuries Caused by Equipment or Objects

    Factory workers and those who operate heavy equipment are at risk of being struck by, entangled in, or otherwise harmed by machinery. Numerous workplace injuries are also caused by falling objects, such as a tool being dropped from above. Such accidents commonly result in serious head injuries, which may necessitate filing a temporary or permanent disability claim with the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer.

    Violence-related Injuries

    Police officers are often injured by violent acts while in the line of duty. Even office politics and arguments have been known to escalate into attacks that cause injury.

    Transportation Accident Injuries

    Employees who drive for business purposes, whether in company cars or their own vehicles, are often involved in auto accidents. If a behind-the-wheel injury was sustained while on the clock, a workers’ compensation attorney can help the victim receive adequate compensation to cover medical bills and days away from work.

  • Get to Know Attorney Jack Schmerling

    If you need expert legal guidance, look no further than Jack Schmerling, Attorney at Law. With more than 35 years of experience representing the rights of his clients, Mr. Schmerling understands the legal strategies that will secure a favorable outcome for your case. This personal injury attorney began his distinguished career after obtaining his Juris Doctor from California Western School

    of Law. In addition to providing exceptional legal representation for his clients, Mr. Schmerling has remained dedicated to ongoing professional development. He has frequently been asked to give lectures for the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Education Association, the Maryland Association for Justice, and other notable organizations. As an accomplished personal injury attorney, he has also been asked on numerous occasions to testify as an expert regarding workers’ compensation cases.

    Along with specializing in handling workers’ compensation cases, Mr. Schmerling takes great pride in helping those who are involved in DWI and traffic cases, in addition to personal injury claims and Social Security disability claims. As the founding member and sole attorney at his personal injury law firm located in Baltimore, Mr. Schmerling takes the time to provide personalized attention and service to each of his clients.

    Jack Schmerling Attorney At Law in Baltimore

    Below is the list of services we provide:

    • Workers’ CompensationInjuries at work may include exposure to harmful substances or other physical injuries. I can help you file your claim and receive proper compensation.
    • Auto AccidentsInsurance companies can be a hassle to deal with. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, allow me to assist you with the legal matters.
    • Social Security DisabilityIf you are unsure about the social security benefits you qualify for, I can help you. I can help determine if you qualify for social security income.
    • Personal InjuryWhether you are suffering from a sore neck, broken bone, or other injury caused by someone’s negligence, I can help you get the compensation you deserve.
    • DUI/DWIDrunk driving is not something to be dealt with lightly. I want you to be informed of your rights and receive a positive outcome for your case.

    Contact me today at (443) 354-4107 to receive a free initial consultation.

     

  • What Are the Consequences of Getting a DUI?

    Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. However, the consequences of making a mistake as severe as drunk driving can have lifelong implications. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you should contact a DUI lawyer near Baltimore promptly. Police officers and prosecutors treat DUI cases very seriously and typically seek the maximum penalties for offenders. A DUI lawyer in Glen Burnie can negotiate for a reduction of charges and lessened penalties to help you get back on your feet quickly.

    DUI Lawyer Baltimore

    Jail Time

    When you consult a DUI attorney, he or she can help you understand the potential penalties involved with a conviction. In Maryland, first-time DUI offenders may be sentenced to up to a year in jail. For a second offense, you’ll face a mandatory five-day sentence. However, that’s only the minimum jail term. You could be sentenced to up to two years. If you’re convicted of a third DUI offense, you’ll face up to three years behind bars.

    Fines

    When you consult a DUI law firm, one of your primary concerns may be the high cost of a DUI conviction. As your DUI attorney can explain to you, the court may impose certain fines on you if you’re convicted. For example, a first-time offender may be ordered to pay up to $1,000; a second-time offender up to $2,000; and a third-time offender up to $3,000. However, there are many other costs related to a DUI conviction, such as higher insurance premiums, alcohol counseling costs, and license reinstatement fees—to name just a few.

    License Revocation

    Your DUI attorney will fight against the possible revocation of your license. However, if you’re convicted, it’s entirely possible that you’ll lose your license for a period of time. First-time offenders can have their license revoked for six months and have 12 points on their license. For a second conviction, you could lose your license for a year, followed by a period of time with an ignition interlock device. A third DUI conviction in Maryland involves the revocation of your driver’s license for 18 months.