What to Do After a Construction Accident

What to Do After a Construction Accident

After a Maryland construction accident, you can take steps to protect your well-being and your right to claim money for your losses. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you could have a workers’ compensation claim, personal injury claim, or both. Follow these tips from the attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC to maximize your right to full and fair compensation.  

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Always seek prompt medical attention after a construction accident. Construction injuries often result in severe injuries that require emergency care. If you have not yet visited the doctor, make an appointment immediately. You may learn your injuries are more serious than you think. It’s best to have your condition diagnosed, treated, and documented by a professional. Also, medical records are essential to any workers’ compensation claim or personal injury case. 

 Step 2: Notify Your Employer 

If you are a construction worker in Maryland, you must notify your employer of the injury within 10 days of the accident. If you fail to give timely notice, your employer or their workers’ compensation insurer may have grounds to deny an otherwise valid workers’ comp claim. Report the injury in writing and keep a copy for your records.

You won’t qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if you suffered injuries as a bystander or visitor to a construction site. Instead, you might be able to obtain compensation in a personal injury claim. An experienced construction site accident attorney can investigate the case and demand the money you deserve.  

Step 3: Collect Important Information

You need strong evidence before collecting workers’ comp benefits or demanding compensation through a personal injury claim. This includes proof of your injuries and any medical expenses or other losses incurred. When you file a workers’ comp claim, you are not required to prove that anyone else was at fault. However, if you file a third-party personal injury claim or lawsuit, you will need evidence demonstrating that another individual or entity was at fault for your losses. In either case, the evidence needs to be substantial and convincing. A construction accident lawyer can collect and organize this information for you. 

Step 4: Contact an Attorney for Help

If you haven’t done so, contact an experienced attorney immediately. A construction accident lawyer can take over every aspect of your case, from conducting an independent investigation and filing your claim to negotiating with the insurance company or representing you during appeals. While you have the right to file a claim independently, you may experience frustrating denials and settlement delays by making errors that a legal professional can avoid.  

Step 5: File Your Injury Claim or Appeal

After compiling the evidence and completing the procedural paperwork, you can file your claim for workers’ compensation benefits or personal injury damages. Remember that securing full benefits or fair compensation is no guarantee. If your claim is unreasonably denied, delayed, or minimized, an attorney can help you file an appeal demanding the money you deserve. 

Contact Our Construction Accident and Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Maryland Today

Trollinger Law LLC is a trusted Maryland personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm. Talk to one of our experienced construction accident attorneys today to learn your legal rights and options. The first consultation is free. 

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Recent News from Trollinger Law

Our team would like to share with you some of the great things happening in and around Trollinger Law over the past several weeks.

First, Elli Schank passed the bar and will be joining Matt Trollinger as an attorney in the firm!

Our team members over the past few weeks have been given the opportunity to host our third annual First Responders’ Night hosted at the Blue Crab’s Stadium on September 3, 2022. It was a huge success thanks to all the first responders and their families who were able to come out. A special thank you goes out to our 2022 Hometown hero winners, Sean McKeever, Jason Adams, and Jennifer Johnson who were honored as our special guests of the evening for all their humble and consistent commitments they offer to our community.

In addition to our Hometown Hero event, Trollinger law has had opportunities to both sponsor and attend some local events including, the Torch Run for Special Olympics, the Lobster Fest hosted at the Charles County fairgrounds and Bounty of the County.

Lastly, this past week our team took a little bit of time to participate in a team-building activity in which we incorporated carving pumpkins! Our team works so closely together ensuring we provide the best experience for our clients and by bonding through team building it gives us the chance to get to know each other a little better and strengthens the working relationships among us.

Check out the images of the events below, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need legal assistance.

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How a Criminal DUI Conviction Affects Your Personal Injury Case

Getting hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver can change your life forever. If you weren’t to blame for the crash, you could be entitled to compensation from the person who was. But can the driver’s criminal DUI conviction affect your personal injury claim? Here, the personal injury attorneys from Trollinger Law LLC explain how criminal charges can affect a civil case.

Can a Criminal DUI Conviction Help my Personal Injury Case?

If a driver causes a crash while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be charged with DUI and other related crimes, such as reckless driving. Prosecutors bring criminal charges, and the defendant (the drunk driver) is tried in criminal court.

If you suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, you could also seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Unlike criminal charges, personal injury lawsuits are litigated in civil court. Where criminal charges could result in penalties like fines and jail time, the result of a successful personal injury case is money awarded to the injured party.

If the at-fault driver is found guilty of DUI, the conviction could support your injury claim by establishing their negligence and liability for the accident. All motorists have a duty to operate their vehicles safely to prevent others from harm. A DUI conviction can clearly demonstrate the driver failed to uphold this responsibility. While you’d still have to prove that their intoxication and subsequent behavior directly led to your injury, a DUI conviction would go a long way to strengthen your drunk driving accident case.

Still, civil and criminal proceedings are independent of each other. The driver does not have to be convicted of a DUI for you to win your case.

What Happens if the Drunk Driver is Acquitted?

You can still sue for compensation if the drunk driver is acquitted of DUI charges. The burden of proof in civil cases is different from criminal ones. While prosecutors in criminal cases have to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard in civil court is a “preponderance of the evidence.” In other words, the court must agree that, based on the facts presented at trial, it is likelier than not that the drunk driver was at fault for the crash. It is possible for the motorist who hit you to be found not guilty in criminal court but found liable in civil court.

Unfortunately, in Maryland, if the at fault driver or its insurance company concedes that they breached the duty of care by breaking the rules of the road, namely, they accept that it was their fault the evidence of drunk driving is unlikely to be admissible evidence.

What Evidence Can be Used in my Civil Claim Against the Drunk Driver?

In addition to a DUI conviction, some of the common types of evidence our attorneys might use to prove liability in a drunk driving case include:

• The driver’s BAC (blood alcohol concentration), based on toxicology results
• Police accident reports
• Eyewitness testimony
• Physical evidence from the accident scene (e.g., open containers of liquor, beer bottles, etc.)
• Accident reconstruction testimony
• Photos and videos from the accident scene

At Trollinger Law LLC, we have the knowledge and resources to help you collect evidence and build a robust personal injury case on your behalf.

Contact a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Now

Were you hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Maryland? A drunk driving accident lawyer at Trollinger Law LLC can help you seek compensation from the motorist who harmed you. Call or contact us for a free consultation. There’s no fee and no obligation, just straightforward legal advice from award-winning attorneys.

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Attorney Matt Trollinger Graduates from Leadership Southern Maryland Executive Program

Trollinger Law LLC proudly announces that attorney Matt Trollinger has completed the Executive Program for Leadership Southern Maryland. The non-profit organization offers the program on community development to leaders in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.

A Maryland native, Trollinger participated in a nine-month course providing insight into the inner workings of the industries and issues that impact the region. Topics covered housing and human services, education, public safety, environment, defense, economic development, and multiculturalism. Matt Trollinger had the opportunity to attend classes with leaders across the tri-county region from a variety of backgrounds and professions, offering his own leadership as an attorney, business owner, and elected official for the Town of La Plata.

“It’s an honor to be part of the Executive Program’s Class of 2022,” says Trollinger, the founding attorney of Trollinger Law LLC. “I know that I can better serve my clients and community with an in-depth understanding of the assets we have as southern Marylanders and the problems that still need to be solved. The Leadership of Southern Maryland Executive Program is something I would recommend to any business or cultural leader in our area to get a better understanding of the strength of our region.”

About Trollinger Law LLC

Trollinger Law LLC is a respected personal injury law firm, with its southern Maryland office located in Waldorf and its northern office located in Frederick. Our attorneys represent clients in workers’ compensation and a wide range of injury matters, including car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death. Call or contact us today for more information or a free consultation.

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Hometown Heroes Awards Winners 2022

Trollinger Law is proud to announce the winners of the third annual Hometown Heroes Awards. This prestigious award recognizes first responders in Southern Maryland for their dedication, passion, and bravery.

We want to thank all of them for their dedication and courage in keeping us safe every day and are honored to hear the inspirational stories of many first responders across this great state, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and more.

Meet the winners of our 2022 Hometown Heroes Awards who will be recognized at First Responder Night on September 3rd, 2022, at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game at Regency Furniture Stadium.

Sean McKeever – Calvery County Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department / EMT

“Sean is a Calvert County local who embodies the title of “Hometown Hero.” Sean serves on active duty in the United States Air Force and is stationed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, but that’s not nearly all. He’s also enrolled in Paramedic program at the College of Southern Maryland – La Plata. Through this endeavor Sean has performed field clinicals in Calvert and St. Mary’s County on both ambulances and chase cars, as well as hospital clinicals in the emergency department, labor and delivery, operating room, intensive care unit, and respiratory departments at Calvert Health Medical Center and University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.

Despite an extensive work and school schedule, Sean finds time to volunteer with the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department and Calvert Advanced Life Support. At HVFD Sean puts in hours as a firefighter / EMT in the ambulance and fire engine, and while at CALS he serves as an EMT and emergency driver. Though this volunteer work certainly keeps Sean busy, he also finds time to fulfill his primary role as a husband and father.

The staff at Trollinger Law wish to thank Sean for his enormous effort and commitment to his community. Sean’s dedication to helping others is clearly demonstrated through his occupation, education, and volunteer record. Please join us in celebrating this Hometown Hero!”

Jason Adams – St. Mary’s County Firefighter

Jason is a St. Mary’s County firefighter who has dedicated his entire life to making our community safer through fire prevention and safety programs. He is engaged in a litany of educational and training efforts, including preparing donated structures for firefighter training and providing fire prevention instruction to our local youths. Jason supports EMS and Fire

personnel by providing supervision during vehicle accidents, which ensures that victims of these accidents are treated quickly and safely.

Besides his efforts to support his fellow first responders and emergency service providers, Jason has managed numerous events and activities at the Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association, including memorial services, a Fire and EMS parade, event security, catering, and awards for participating Fire and EMS departments. He spearheaded the effort to renovate the department’s social hall and ensured that it met county zoning and permit codes. Perhaps most excitingly for local kids, every year Jason arranges for Santa Claus himself to visit the area and wish everyone Merry Christmas from the back of a fire truck!

It’s clear to us at Trollinger Law that Jason absolutely loves helping in his community no matter the time of the day or day of the year. Please join us in thanking this hometown hero for his constant efforts to make our community a safer and more enjoyable place.

Jennifer Johnson – Charles County Police Dispatcher

Jennifer is a Police Dispatcher who has passionately served Charles County for 16 years. Jennifer demonstrates her dedication to the agency and law enforcement personnel by volunteering to raise funds for Special Olympics through Cops on Rooftops, volunteering for Law Enforcement Torch Run events, and participating in Shop with a Cop at Christmastime. Outside of her professional and charitable responsibilities, Jennifer also runs Thin Blue Line Memorial Crafts, a volunteer organization that aims to send a handmade gift to the family of every officer in the US killed in the line of duty. Jennifer’s motivation for maintaining Thin Blue Line Memorial Crafts is found on the organization’s Facebook page, where she succinctly states:

“I am a dispatcher, I come from a police family, and I will always have their back.”

Trollinger Law is thankful for Jennifer’s time, service, and compassion towards the law enforcement community both locally and nationwide. We encourage our community members to support the Thin Blue Line Memorial Crafts mission by following their Facebook page, or by checking out their website and Linktr.ee pages.

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Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages in a Car Accident

In Maryland, car accident victims can file a personal injury claim for compensation if someone else is at fault for the crash. The law allows victims to seek money for both financial and non-monetary losses. These two types of compensation are called economic and non-economic damages.    

Most people understand that car accidents have financial consequences. At the most basic level, there’s the cost of vehicle damage. Add on the astronomical cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and lost income, and you could face hundreds of thousands of dollars in bills you can’t afford to pay. That doesn’t include money for the pain and emotional stress you’ve endured — but a personal injury claim can account for that and more. 

Keep reading to learn more about economic and non-economic damages from Trollinger Law LLC. For personalized advice from an experienced car accident lawyer, call or contact us today for a free consultation. 

What is the Difference Between Economic and Non-Economic Damages?

Economic damages are the financial losses that you incur due to an accident. They are losses that can be calculated easily by looking at bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and income tax returns.

Conversely, non-economic damages compensate you for intangible, personal losses that don’t have a specific dollar value. Unlike economic damages, calculating non-economic damages involves a more subjective consideration of the impact of the collision and resulting injuries on your life.

Types of Economic Damages

Examples of economic damages you could recover in a car accident claim include:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Costs for long-term care, such as home health aides, assistive medical equipment, and home modifications 
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

Types of non-economic damages that you might be compensated for after a car accident include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional trauma and distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Reduced life expectancy 
• Scarring and disfigurement

How Can I Recover Non-Economic Damages?

Most car accident claims are settled with the insurance company long before filing a lawsuit is necessary. When negotiating a settlement with an insurer, you can ask for compensation for the personal and emotional losses that you suffered in the wreck.

But let’s say your case goes to trial. If the jury finds in your favor, their verdict will include compensation for the non-economic damages you proved you sustained. Maryland has a cap on non-economic damages for personal injury cases, which increases by $15,000 annually. 

How Can I Calculate Non-Economic Damages?

Calculating non-economic damages can be more challenging than economic damages. How do you put a price on your pain? How can you quantify the impact of post-traumatic stress on your life, both now and in the future? These damages are more subjective and require an in-depth evaluation and understanding of what you’ve been through. An experienced car accident lawyer can collect evidence that demonstrates the impact of your injuries from medical experts, vocational specialists, financial planners, and your friends and family. 

How a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a car accident, an attorney can place an appropriate value on your case and negotiate for maximum compensation from the insurance company. Insurers work hard to minimize payouts, but an experienced lawyer can protect your claim so you don’t end up with a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover the extent of your injuries. 

Depending on the facts of your case, you could be entitled to economic damages, non-economic damages, or both. The best way to find out is by talking to a trusted car accident lawyer at Trollinger Law LLC. Call or contact us for a free case review. 

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What Happens After a Workers’ Comp IME?

One of the most important steps in a Maryland workers’ compensation claim is the independent medical examination (IME). During the IME, a doctor will examine you and your medical records to confirm your injuries and their cause.

Because workers’ compensation benefits are only available to those who have sustained an injury at work or while performing a job-related activity, the doctor’s report after an IME can significantly impact your claim. Read on to learn more about the IME process in Maryland.

Do IMEs Determine the Outcome of a Claim?

The findings of an IME can affect your claim, but it’s not the only factor determining your case’s outcome. When your employer’s workers’ compensation provider requests an IME, they seek proof of your injuries and how you got hurt. If the report from the doctor who conducts your IME matches up with your account of the accident, you have a good chance of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. If not, you should speak to a workers’ comp attorney about your next steps.

What Does the Doctor Do After the IME?

Once the doctor completes their exam, they will write a report with their conclusions on your injuries and what caused them. Because insurance companies usually request an IME, the doctor’s report will most likely be written as a series of responses to whatever questions or concerns the insurer raised.

When is an IME Really Over?

Here’s one crucial thing to remember about the IME: the exam is not over until you are out of sight. The doctor who performs the IME will be looking for any sign of fraud or deception on your part, and there is a good chance they will watch how you act and move even after the exam seems finished. Likewise, insurance adjusters may also be watching you. Don’t give them any reason to discredit your claims. Always watch what you say and how you act.

What Happens if the IME Report is Bad?

If the IME report does not align with your account of your injuries and how you acquired them, your workers’ compensation claim could be in jeopardy. Insurance companies and judges often view the reports from the IME doctor as more objective than the treating physician and could defer to their conclusions. Discrediting an IME report is possible, but you will need help from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

How to Obtain a Copy of the Report

Once the IME report has been filed, you can request a copy of it from the doctor who examined you or your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. The report should be available within several days or weeks of the examination. If your workers’ comp claim was denied, an attorney can review the IME and advise on what to do next.

How an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

While your attorney cannot be in the exam room with you, they can ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for an IME by telling you what to say to the doctor, what records to bring, and how to behave during the exam. Your demeanor can greatly impact a doctor’s assessment of you, so you want to make as good of an impression as possible.

If your claim is denied after an IME, a workers’ compensation attorney can review the report for possible errors or omissions the examining doctor may have made. This step is critical before contesting the results of the doctor’s report.

Have additional questions about workers’ compensation claims and independent medical exams? Contact Trollinger Law LLC today for a free consultation with a Maryland workers’ comp lawyer.

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What Not to Say to Your Workers’ Comp Doctor

Maryland workers’ compensation law allows injured employees to choose their doctor for treatment after a job injury. The employer’s insurance company must honor the worker’s choice and pay the cost of covered medical expenses stemming from the accidental injury. 

But getting paid is not always that simple. 

While the insurer must accept the worker’s choice of provider, it can also ask its own doctor to examine the employee and advise on whether the recommended treatment plan is reasonable and necessary. The results of these independent medical examinations (IMEs) could lead to challenges if the workers’ comp doctor disagrees with the employee’s provider.

You should always be honest with your treating physicians. However, you can also protect your claim by learning what not to say to the workers’ comp doctor. An experienced lawyer from Trollinger Law LLC can provide guidance before you submit to an IME in Maryland.

What Is an IME for Workers’ Comp?

An independent medical examination (IME) is a formal exam that may be performed at some point during a workers’ comp claim or while the injured worker is receiving workers’ comp benefits. The exam involves getting a third-party physician’s opinion on the extent of a claimed work injury, illness, or resulting disability. 

Typically, an employer or its workers’ compensation insurer will request an employee undergo an IME. This usually happens when the insurer disagrees with the treating provider’s medical opinion or if the doctor deems the employee permanently disabled. Although an employer or insurer “requests” an IME, an employee’s refusal to submit to the exam can result in the denial of workers’ comp benefits. 

What to Expect During an IME

In an IME, you will be examined by a medical doctor with expertise in work injuries and occupational illnesses. During the exam, the physician will take your medical history and may perform various physical and/or lab tests to evaluate your medical condition. After the exam, they will provide a medical opinion to your employer’s workers’ comp insurer. 

Keep in mind that the physician will also be looking for signs or indications that you are intentionally exaggerating your symptoms. Workers’ compensation fraud happens, and you don’t want to be accused of it. 

Workers’ Comp Doctors Work for the Insurance Company

Remember that while your provider is there to help you, the workers’ comp doctor works for the insurance company. For that reason, the doctor will be looking for ways to limit the insurer’s responsibility to pay you full and fair workers’ compensation benefits. Watching what you say can protect your claim. If you’re worried about the IME, a workers’ comp lawyer can coach you on what you should and shouldn’t say.  

Mistakes to Avoid with Your Workers’ Comp Doctor

You can avoid the common pitfalls that complicate many workers’ compensation claims. Do not: 

• Delay seeking medical treatment for a work injury or occupational illness
• Exaggerate your symptoms, pain, or limitations 
• Minimize your symptoms
• Falsely state or omit facts about the circumstances that led to your injury or illness
• Lie to cover up prior accidents, injuries, or preexisting conditions
• Stop treatment before your treating physician declares you reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)

Dishonesty could have several consequences. First, it could lead to a denial of workers’ comp benefits. The doctor might decide you’re ready for work when you still need time to recover. And if you are caught submitting a fraudulent claim, you could be fined and forced to repay past benefits. 

Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney First

If you have been asked to undergo an independent medical examination as part of your workers’ comp claim, talk to a Maryland workers’ compensation attorney from Trollinger Law LLC right away. We’ve got the answers you need when times are tough. 

Call or contact us today for a free consultation. 

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What to Do If You Get Injured at Work

Most Maryland employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer a job injury. However, applying for benefits is a multi-step process that can be difficult to navigate alone. Even a small error could cause your workers’ compensation claim to be delayed or denied, placing you in a precarious financial position when you need money most. Here are some tips on what to do if you get hurt on the job in Waldorf.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured at Work?

Report your injury to your supervisor or employer within 10 days of the accident. Verbal notification is OK, but always follow up with written notice.

If you didn’t require emergency treatment, take photos of the accident scene and identify coworkers or other bystanders who witnessed the event. Finally, seek medical attention right away. Be sure to tell the doctor that you were involved in a workplace accident.

If I’m Hurt or Get Sick at Work, Can I See My Own Doctor?

Yes. Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws allow you to choose your own doctor for your treatment. This rule contrasts with many other states, where employers or their workers’ compensation insurers may require injured workers to choose a treating provider off a pre-approved list.

Do I Get Paid If I Get Injured at Work?

If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to recover wage replacement benefits that are generally equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. If you’re able to work in a limited capacity at a reduced wage, you may be entitled to the 50 percent of the difference between your previous average weekly wage and what you make while working during your recovery. You only receive compensation for the first three days of work you miss if your injury lasts longer than 14 days. You may be eligible for extended or lifelong benefits for a permanent work-related injury.

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Waldorf?

A claim may be filed with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission online or by mailing in a typed or handwritten form. The claim form must include a signed authorization for disclosure of health information. Once the commission processes your claim form, it will send a notice of claim to you, your employer, the workers’ compensation insurer, and your employer’s legal counsel (if applicable).

Before filling out the forms, consider getting legal advice from an attorney. Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer to apply for benefits is not mandatory. However, getting an attorney involved from the beginning of your case can protect your claim and ensure that all documentation is submitted properly.

Can an Employer Fire You for Being Injured?

Yes and no. An employer cannot fire you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim. That is considered unlawful retaliation.

In addition, an employer cannot fire a worker who is disabled without first trying to come up with a reasonable accommodation for the worker’s disability, if requested. However, an employer normally can fire an at-will employee whose injuries prevent them from performing the essential functions of their job, even with reasonable accommodations.

Mistakes People Make After Suffering a Work Injury

Common mistakes employees make after being injured at work include:

• Missing notification deadlines
• Failing to disclose previous work injuries to their own doctor
• Failing to report all injuries and symptoms
• Refusing to return to work, including modified work, when your treating provider clears you
• Not consulting with a Waldorf workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights and obligations

What If My Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

With few exceptions, Maryland employers with more than one worker must carry workers’ comp insurance. If they don’t, reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer immediately to learn your legal options.

Trollinger Law LLC is an accomplished Waldorf law firm that focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury law. Call or contact us for a free consultation with one of our work injury lawyers now.

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Red-Light Running Deaths at Record Highs

Running a red light is one of the most reckless actions drivers can do. Unfortunately, recent research shows it’s a growing problem across the U.S. and in Maryland. A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 23 percent of U.S. drivers admitted to running a red light in the past 30 days. Keep reading to learn more about how red-light accidents are a growing safety concern in Maryland.

How Serious Are Red-Light Car Accidents in Maryland?

Recent news reports indicate that the number of deaths from red-light accidents nationwide is at record highs. Additional reporting shows 147 people in Maryland died in red-light accidents over a recent 10-year period. More than half of those fatalities were occupants of the other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Data from AAA also indicates that Maryland ranks 18th in the nation in the number of red-light accident deaths per capita.

Who is at the Greatest Risk from Red-Light Runners in Maryland?

There are a few different groups that are most at risk from red-light running crashes in Maryland, including:

• Pedestrians – Pedestrians are supposed to cross at crosswalks or traffic lights to help keep them safe. However, if a driver plows through a red light, they might hit a pedestrian who’s lawfully crossing the street.
• Cyclists – Like pedestrians, bicycle riders should cross the street at traffic lights or crosswalks. If a driver runs a red light, they could easily hit a cyclist as they cross through an intersection.
• Traffic turning in front of a red-light runner – Drivers who are turning at an intersection, especially if they’re turning left, are highly vulnerable to red-light runners. If someone runs a red light in front of a turning driver, they could hit the other driver head-on or from the side.
• Traffic crossing perpendicular at an intersection – If a driver runs a red light at an intersection while other traffic moves left or right in front of them, they could cause a T-bone accident by hitting another car.

Does Distracted Driving Cause Red-Light Accidents in Maryland?

Distracted driving accidents are one of the most common causes of red-light accidents. There are three different types of driving distractions that can increase the likelihood of a red-light accident. They include:

• Manual distractions – These are actions that take one or both of a driver’s hands off the wheel. Without both hands on the wheel, drivers cannot fully control their vehicles as they approach or cross an intersection, making it more difficult for them to react to changing conditions or a pedestrian stepping into the crosswalk.
• Visual distractions – These are things that take a driver’s eyes off the road. A driver who isn’t watching where they’re going could run a red light and not even know.
• Cognitive distractions – These are things that take a driver’s focus off the act of driving. Drivers who aren’t concentrating on what they’re doing might not notice that an intersection is approaching or that the light has turned red, leading to a crash.

Talk to a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been hurt in a red-light crash, a car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries from the negligent driver. Contact Trollinger Law LLC today for a free initial consultation with a Maryland car accident attorney.

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What to Do After a Car Accident

Nothing ever can prepare you for the shock of a car accident. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a crash can be difficult, especially if you’re disoriented and injured. But taking the right actions after a collision can protect your legal rights and any future injury claims you may need to file. Follow these tips from the car accident lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC.

Remain at the Scene

Under § 50–2201.05c of the District of Columbia’s legal code, you must stop and remain at the scene of a car accident to render reasonable aid and exchange information as necessary. If you can, pull your vehicle over to a secure location on the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights immediately after any collision.

Check for Injuries

Check everyone involved in the crash for injuries. If anyone seems seriously injured or incapacitated, call 911 for emergency assistance.

Call 911

If anyone was injured or killed as a result of the accident, you must call 911 and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. However, be careful about what you say to the emergency operator and the police. Anything you say could be used against you later, so keep your statements truthful and brief.

Collect Information

If you can, identify the other driver(s) involved in the crash and exchange information with them, including:

• Names
• Addresses
• Contact details
• Vehicle makes and models
• License plate numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Insurance company names
• Insurance policy numbers

Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you just feel discomfort or “off” from normal. Not only will this ensure you get the care you need, but it will also establish a report of your condition in your medical records. This component will be an important part of your car accident claim.

Follow Your Doctor’s Care Plan

Attend all follow-up medical appointments and follow all treatment plans exactly. This is the best way to maximize your physical recovery and demonstrate to insurance companies and other investigators that you take your health seriously.

Keep Track of Your Expenses

Keep a record of your medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, and other accident-related receipts or invoices. Providing formal documentation can help you demonstrate precisely how much the accident cost you and support your claim for maximum compensation.

Contact a D.C. Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t count on the insurance company to give you a fair settlement offer from the beginning. Adjusters always make initial offers that are far lower than the true value of a claim. An experienced Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer can provide dependable advice and take over all negotiations with the insurance company for you.

How Trollinger Law LLC Can Help You

At Trollinger Law LLC, our trusted attorneys can determine whether you are entitled to compensation in a free consultation. Call or contact us today to speak with a proven Washington, D.C. car accident attorney.

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Using Your Vehicle for Deliveries? Check Your Auto Insurance First

Food delivery services are now available in almost every town and city in the United States. While these services offer enormous benefits to consumers, the increased number of delivery drivers on the roads also means a greater risk of car accidents. For this reason, these drivers need to secure proper auto insurance before starting work.

What Is Food Delivery Insurance?

If you’re a driver, you know about car insurance. Not only does it protect you from substantial financial losses if a crash occurs, but it’s also legally required in most states.

But what if you’re a delivery driver? If you use your car for business, delivery services, or rideshare services, you will typically not be covered by your personal insurance policy. That exposes you to significant liability if you cause a car accident and cause injury to others.

Types of Food Delivery Insurance Coverage

To have your car insured as a food delivery vehicle, you may be able to add coverage for minimal business use to your personal auto insurance policy, though not all insurance companies offer this option. Another possibility is to obtain a commercial car insurance policy to cover your losses if a crash occurs while you’re making deliveries.

Can You Use Personal Car Insurance Coverage to Deliver Food?

You will have to refer to your insurance policy to determine your coverage options. Still, most personal auto insurance policies will not cover accidents that occur when the driver is delivering food or involved in a similar commercial activity.

If you can use your personal car insurance to deliver food, your insurance company will likely require you to add business-use coverage in the event of an accident while delivering food.

If your personal car insurance will not cover you when you’re making food deliveries, you need to get commercial car insurance. Without proper insurance coverage, you may be on the hook for paying for any injuries and other damages you (or others) sustain in an accident.

What If I Get Hit by a Delivery Driver with No Commercial Insurance?

If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident caused by a delivery driver who doesn’t have proper commercial insurance, you still have options to pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other losses.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the delivery service company, many of which cover their drivers under specific circumstances, such as when they have food in their car to deliver or when they’re logged in to the service app. If the driver is not on duty at the time of the accident, you may still be able to pursue compensation through their private auto insurance policy.

If the delivery driver was uninsured, you may be able to turn to your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which all drivers are required to carry in Maryland. In this case, your insurance company can reimburse you for your losses up to your policy limits.

It is in your best interest to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine your best options for seeking fair financial recovery after a crash with a delivery driver.

How a Lawyer Can Help

The car accident attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC have experience helping car accident victims pursue the compensation they need for their medical costs, missed wages, and other losses after being harmed by a negligent driver. Call us or contact us online for a free case evaluation today.

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Can I File for Workers’ Compensation for Work Stress?

Stress is an unfortunate but common problem among Maryland workers. Long hours, overwork, intense pressure from management, and other factors can take a significant psychological and physical toll on employees. But can you file a workers’ compensation claim for stress? Keep reading to learn more from the Maryland workers’ compensation lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC.

Can I Receive Workers’ Comp for Stress and Anxiety?

The short answer is yes ― you can file a claim for mental health injuries at work. The longer answer is that while you can file a workers’ comp stress claim, obtaining benefits can be much more challenging than a claim for a physical injury.

To qualify for workers’ compensation after developing stress, you must have worked for your employer for at least six months, and you must show that your stress is work-related.

There are three broad categories of workers’ compensation claims related to mental health. They are:

• Physical-mental — You’d file this type of claim if you’ve developed a psychological injury after sustaining a physical injury or being diagnosed with an occupational illness. For example, if you lost a hand in a workplace accident and later developed depression due to the injury, you could have a valid physical/mental claim.
• Mental-physical — A mental-physical claim would be appropriate if you sustained an emotional injury that causes a physical injury or illness. This claim might apply if an employee witnessed a traumatic event at a worksite and suffered a heart attack.
• Mental/mental — These claims apply if you develop a mental health disorder after a psychological injury at work. For example, if you witnessed a coworker killed on the job and later developed PTSD, you could file a mental-mental workers’ comp claim.

Anxiety and Stress Claims for First Responders

First responders such as firefighters, police officers, paramedics, or EMTs are at particularly high risk for occupational stress injuries. Mental health issues such as cumulative stress, traumatic stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are concerns for emergency responders due to the high degree of trauma they witness and experience. According to one NIOSH-funded RAND report, “The traumatic nature of major disasters can have significant effects on individual responders and on response organizations as a whole.”

Common Questions About Stress and Workers’ Compensation

• Do you need to sustain a physical injury to receive benefits for stress? Not necessarily. In certain cases, you can still qualify for workers’ comp after developing stress without an accompanying physical injury. An experienced workers’ comp attorney in Maryland can give you a more precise answer specific to your case.
• What does workers’ compensation cover? If your claim is approved, workers’ compensation benefits cover all medical costs related to your injury and a portion of your missed wages. Payments do not cover property damage or pain and suffering.
• Are all employers required to carry workers’ comp? According to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, most employers with one or more workers must have workers’ compensation insurance. A handful of workers are exempt from workers’ compensation, including federal government employees, some agricultural workers, some independent contractors, and some sole proprietorships.

How Do You Prove Work-Related Stress?

Proving that your stress is work-related can be difficult. However, there are a few things you can do to help your case, such as:

• Document specific incidents, people, or activities at your job that cause your stress.
• Speak to your manager or Human Resources department about the stress you’re suffering, and document the interaction.
• Seek treatment from a mental health professional and include information on your treatment as part of your claim.
• Get help from a workers’ compensation attorney.

What is Covered for Mental Health and Workers’ Compensation?

Similar to physical injuries, workers’ compensation could cover mental illness or other similar conditions caused by a singular event or conditions that arise over time. If it can be demonstrated that work-related factors caused the illness, you could potentially seek compensation for:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

For a successful workers’ comp stress claim, employees must show the illness was caused by work-related factors and not personal ones.

Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Help You File for Benefits

All workers’ compensation claims in Maryland are tricky. But if you need to know how to file a claim for stress at work, it’s critical to speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Emotional injuries are real, but it’s not always easy to get an insurance company to agree.

At Trollinger Law LLC, our Waldorf workers’ compensation lawyers believe the last thing you need while you’re filing a stress claim is the added pressure of filling out all the paperwork. We can collect the necessary documentation and file it for you to minimize the chances of clerical errors that could jeopardize your claim.

Let’s get started now. Call or contact us for a free consultation.

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