Car Accident Some Misconceptions About Car Accident Settlements in Maryland By Law Office of Robert Castro, P.A. | August 9, 2025 Share Victims of car accidents here in Maryland are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries and for any damage to their vehicle (and other personal property). Usually, compensation is paid through settlements with the insurance companies that hold the motorists’ policies in question. In this article, the top-rated auto accident attorneys at the Law Office of Robert Castro address some common misconceptions about Maryland car accident settlements. We have assisted hundreds of our clients in obtaining just and fair settlements. We have offices in Waldorf, Maryland, and offer personal injury legal services throughout Southern Maryland. Use our contact page or call us at (301) 870-1200. Misconception: Settlements take too long For some Maryland auto accidents, settlements can be obtained very quickly. That is, a settlement can be obtained in as few as several weeks. However, some accidents take longer to settle. These are typically accidents that are more serious accidents and where injuries are more severe. For those types of cases, it is important to wait until ALL of the medical procedures are complete. Medical bills are a large component of the compensation that is due to injured victims. If a victim settles too fast, some medical bills will not be included. If there is an urgent need for money to pay bills and expenses, talk to a personal injury lawyer about options. Misconception: I don’t need to consult with a Maryland car accident attorney Any time a person is involved in a car accident, they should consult with an attorney. This helps ensure that a person is fully aware of his or her legal rights after an accident. You do not have to hire a good car accident attorney, but it is important to consult with one. Misconception: It costs too much money to hire an attorney Legal services for car accidents in Maryland are largely billed on a contingency fee basis. That means, no fees unless there is a settlement. Usually, the contingency fee is about one-third of the settlement amount. Typically, an experienced Maryland car accident attorney can obtain a settlement that “pays” for itself over what a do-it-yourselfer can obtain. Misconception: It was a small accident, and my case is not worth much Non-experts cannot really determine whether an accident is small or large, and even “small” accidents can result in large settlements depending on injuries and damages. This is one reason to consult with dedicated personal injury lawyers. They can provide input on how much your case is worth. Misconceptions: I felt fine after the accident, so I was not injured Accidents are dramatic, surprising, and often generate fear. In turn, these emotions cause the body to generate adrenaline, which, in turn, can mask pain and other evidence of injury. So, “feeling fine” after an accident does NOT mean that you were not injured. Take the ambulance and get evaluated by a medical doctor. Further, many injuries do not immediately manifest themselves, particularly injuries to muscles, bones, ligaments, internal organs, etc. Contact Waldorf, MD Personal Injury Attorney Robert Castro Today This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Personal Injury lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.