Aviation Accident Law Firm | Justice for Plane Crash Victims
If you have been arrested and are facing drug charges here in Calvert County, Maryland, you are going to need the help of experienced Maryland criminal defense attorneys to maximize your chances of getting an acquittal from the jury or otherwise avoiding jail time. An example is the change of drug possession, which carries various […]
Yes. In Maryland auto accident cases, injured victims must prove fault. That is, the injured party (or parties must prove that another person committed some form of wrongdoing leading to the accident. If it is proven that that person was at fault, then that person is legally responsible to pay compensation to the victims. The […]
When someone is injured in an accident, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is how long it will take to receive an insurance payout. Bills can pile up quickly, especially when injuries require medical treatment and time away from work. Insurance companies generally have a duty to process claims within a […]
Big rig 18-wheeler truck accidents are some of the most dangerous and deadly things that can happen on Maryland roads and highways. There are many reasons — unique to each case — why big rig and big truck accidents happen. A driver might have been overly fatigued from too many hours driving and not enough […]
When you’ve been in a car crash, knowing what to say to the insurance company can be just as important as seeking medical care. Whether the incident resulted in property damage or personal injury, your words can directly influence the outcome of a future claim. Many accident victims unknowingly provide statements that limit their compensation […]
Accident reconstruction experts are rarely needed for St. Mary’s County, Maryland, accident claims. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, in the vast majority of cases, it is not very difficult to determine what happened in auto accidents here in St. Mary’s County. Most car accidents are relatively straightforward. For example, many traffic […]
Divorce is the most common way to legally dissolve a marriage, but it is not always the only way. In some cases, a person may seek an annulment of their marriage. Annulment is essentially a judicial declaration that the marriage itself is prohibited or invalid as a matter of law. In this sense, annulment does […]
Most car accident claims in Charles County, Maryland, are resolved through insurance negotiations and settlements. Insurance companies settle claims because that is the purpose of providing insurance coverage, and because it is less expensive for the insurance companies to settle a claim rather than having the claim litigated. Motorist insurance policies require payment by the […]
After a car accident here in Maryland, the motorists will contact their respective insurance carriers. Any injured victim or any person with damage to their vehicle will make claims under their motorist policy. Where an injured victim can prove that the accident was the fault of the other driver, then compensation will be paid through […]
In Maryland, hit-and-run auto accidents are typically resolved through the uninsured/underinsured (“UM/UMI”) part of the victim’s motorist policy. That is, at least to begin with, hit-and-run accidents are treated as though the other driver did not have insurance. This is, of course, generally a positive since the victim will have some insurance coverage to pay […]
In most scenarios, bicycles are treated as motor vehicles in the state of Maryland. Limited exceptions exist in some instances, like occasionally being allowed to ride on a sidewalk. However, as far as rules and regulations go, a bike rider is held to the same standards as any other vehicle. Bike safety is a two-way […]
Maryland Helmet Law The answer to whether you must wear a helmet in Maryland maybe yes or no. It depends on your age, and whether you are riding a bicycle or a motorcycle. Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. These are called “universal helmet laws.” Another […]
Even if cyclists take all necessary precautions, they are at risk for being injured in a bicycle accident. Bicycle accidents often involve both the cyclist and a car or truck, and accidents involving another vehicle are especially dangerous. Most bicycle accidents, however, are avoidable and are often caused by a driver’s negligence. Causes Most bicycle accidents that […]
Last week, two-time Women’s World Cup champion Brandi Chasten announced that she plans to donate her brain to Boston University for research into the degenerative brain disease known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Initial findings have revealed that the disease may be linked to head trauma sustained in sports. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Initial research has indicated that CTE occurs […]
After being injured in a serious accident, it is not that uncommon for some people to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. There are well over five million accidents across the country each year. Of those, at least two million or more result in injuries. Some of those injured will go on to develop post-traumatic […]
If you have been involved in a car accident here in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, you may be thinking about seeking compensation for injuries and for damage to your vehicle (and other personal property in the automobile). Maryland auto accident cases are legally complicated, so maximize your chances of success by hiring top-rated Maryland car […]
Punitive damages are not generally awarded in Maryland auto accident cases. However, there are some exceptions where the at-fault party acted in a manner that was particularly egregious, so bad in fact, that the jury can conclude that the responsible party acted with malice and with an intent to do harm. Examples of such cases […]
Under Maryland law, a victim of a Charles County, Maryland, car accident can recover as much compensation as possible to “make the person whole” (or as “whole” as money can make a person who may have suffered severe injuries). Compensation is paid by the at-fault party (or parties), not as punishment, but as damages for […]
Last week, a Maryland semi-truck driver was tragically killed when his vehicle overturned. No one else was injured, but debris from the truck accident, including pieces of a concrete barrier, diesel fuel from the vehicle’s ruptured fuel tank, and spilled cargo, blocked the roadway for hours. Hazardous material clean-up crews were notified and eventually able to clear all […]
In early 2025, Maryland amended its divorce statutes. See text here. Among other changes, lawmakers listed about fifteen to sixteen considerations that divorce court judges MUST consider when making decisions about child custody. A few of the factual considerations include: Stability and the foreseeable health and welfare of the child Frequent, regular, and continuing contact […]
Maryland lawmakers passed a law in early 2025 that established 16 factual questions or factors that are to be used by Maryland divorce court judges when deciding child custody questions. See the media report here and see the text of the new statute here. The new law’s effective date is October 1, 2025. In practice, […]
The answer depends on how long the child has lived outside of Maryland and if at least one parent continues to live in Maryland. If the child has lived outside of Maryland for at least six months, then, likely, a different court will have the power and authority to make decisions about child custody. Note […]
When a Maryland couple with minor children seeks a divorce, the Maryland divorce court will award custody and also order child support payments. Generally, child support is the joint obligation of both parents. By statute, there is a formula that must be used by Maryland divorce courts to determine how much child support is required […]
In Maryland, supporting children is the obligation of both parents. If a Maryland divorce court has ordered one parent to pay child support, that parent is in serious danger if they fail to pay. A court order has the force of law for the parties involved, and the court can punish a non-paying parent up […]
Under Maryland divorce laws, child support payment obligations are determined by three factors: joint parental income, each parent’s share of that joint income, and the total number of children (not just from the marriage in question). Thus, if either parent has another child, then, in theory, the Maryland divorce court could be asked to modify […]
In Maryland, narcotics and drug crimes are governed by the various controlled substances statutes. Generally speaking, drugs are listed on “schedules” that identify the drug/medication on two main criteria: The degree to which the drug is subject to abuse/addiction and Whether there is any approved medical use for the drug Generally, any drug/medication that is […]
If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI (“driving while under the influence of alcohol”) or DWI (“driving while intoxicated”) here in Charles County, MD, as part of the arrest procedure, the arresting officer might ask you to “exit the vehicle” and take one or more field sobriety tests. These tests might be requested […]
Under the Maryland criminal code, there are two levels of assault: first and second degree. If you are arrested and charged with assault, the degree of the charge matters greatly because different potential penalties apply. If you are convicted of second-degree assault, there is a possible jail sentence of 10 years. For assault in the […]
Residents of Baltimore were recently relieved to see that a 5-foot wide, 10-foot deep hole that opened on I-95 North had been repaired in time for the morning commute. The State Highway Administration stated that the collapse of a drainage pipe led to the sinking of the hole. Fortunately, the problem was addressed before anyone sustained an […]
When a couple gets divorced in Maryland, the Maryland divorce court is tasked with separating the couple’s assets. Maryland is NOT an “equal division” State; rather, Maryland divorce laws require that the couple’s marital property be “equitably divided.” This means that one spouse can be awarded more than 50% of the couple’s assets. How does […]
If you are thinking about getting a divorce, one question that many parents ask is: who makes the medical decisions for the kids after the divorce is finalized? The answer depends on the custody arrangements ordered by the Maryland divorce court. Generally speaking, a parent with sole custody will make medical decisions and does not […]
Not necessarily. Maryland divorce courts use separate and distinct legal and factual tests to determine custody arrangements and alimony. So, it is possible for one spouse to be given custody of the kids and alimony or to be granted custody and no alimony. In rare cases, it is even possible for a spouse to be […]
Generally, we recommend that our clients NOT consent to take a breathalyzer test if they are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. Here are a few reasons why. Cost-benefit analysis: 180-day suspension or 270 days One reason to refuse a field breathalyzer test is that the “punishment” is not that much more […]
A recent decision from the Appellate Court of Maryland clarifies one potential defense to a Maryland DUI charge. The case is Palmer v. State, Case No. 1728, September Term, 2023 (Appellate Court of Maryland, August 28, 2025). In brief, to convict on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol (“DUI”) or driving while […]
Part of the answer depends on whether a spouse’s YouTube Channel (or other social media account) can be considered a marital asset, and whether the Channel is valuable for divorce purposes. Some YouTube Channels are more akin to a personal hobby. But others are more akin to a small business that generates significant income, has […]
Medical marijuana in Maryland is prescribed by registered providers to certified patients and registered caregivers. Maryland law defines each of these categories of people. Certifying Providers must be registered with the MMCC. They must have active and unrestricted licensees to practice as physicians, podiatrists, dentists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners or midwives, and be in good […]
It may come as a surprise to learn that Maryland has a law on the books regarding fetal homicide, meaning that an unborn child can be a murder victim. While the law has been on the books since 2005, the topic is now one of discussion after a recent segment on ABC2 Baltimore’s nightly news. Md. […]
On August 3, 2017, a Maryland County circuit court overturned a county-wide ban on lawn and garden pesticides utilized on private property. The lifting of the ban thrills the professional landscaping community as they argue that the pesticides used are approved and licensed by the state. Montgomery County enacted the ban in 2015, which was scheduled to become […]
Insurance claims are often one of the first steps people take after suffering a serious injury. Whether caused by a car crash, medical malpractice, or a slip and fall, the timeline for resolving a claim varies widely. The Law Office of Robert Castro has helped clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. understand how long insurance […]
If you have been injured in a car accident in Waldorf, Maryland, you are entitled to make an insurance claim to recover compensation for all of your injuries. The first step is to make a claim against the insurance policy of the at-fault driver. In the vast majority of cases, the case will be settled […]
With springtime just a month away, many recently engaged couples are excitedly anticipating the arrival of long-planned wedding days. According to theknot.com, almost 80% of weddings occur between May and October. There are legal requirements that cannot be overlooked at all of these events beyond the music, flowers, cake, dresses, suits, and all the other […]
In a divorce case, the division of property that the spouses acquired during the marriage can be a complicated and contentious matter. When the parties are not able to work out by themselves how to divide their marital property, the decision will be made by the courts. In Maryland, marital property is divided according to […]
When you are going through a Maryland divorce, you are likely primarily thinking about the process of property division and who will get what. If you have children, there are obviously concerns regarding custody arrangements as well. One thing people do not often consider in their divorce is what happens after everything is finalized, especially […]
Medical malpractice claims are among the most challenging types of personal injury cases. When a trusted healthcare provider causes harm due to negligence, the impact can be devastating for the patient and their family. However, proving that medical malpractice occurred requires more than pointing to a bad outcome. The law demands clear evidence of negligence, […]
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. These cases can involve surgical errors, misdiagnosis, birth injuries, or medication mistakes. Understanding the process of holding a doctor accountable is essential for protecting your rights and recovering the compensation you need. […]
Medical malpractice cases can be life-changing, leaving victims to deal with serious injuries, expensive treatments, and emotional stress. One of the most critical aspects of pursuing a claim is understanding the statute of limitations. Missing this legal deadline can completely prevent you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. If you […]
Yes, holiday custody agreements can be changed provided you take the correct measures to request the change. Before you start making any arrangements with your ex-spouse to change the terms of the holiday custody agreement, you should consult with a Maryland custody attorney to make the changes enforceable. Informally changing the holiday custody agreements without […]
The State of Maryland requires all licensed drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. This includes at least $30,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury or death to one person in an accident caused by the insured; $60,000 per accident if there are multiple victims; and $15,000 for any property damage. Since Maryland […]
A motorcycle crash can be sudden, violent, and deeply disorienting. Unlike car accidents, motorcycle collisions often result in more severe injuries, even at lower speeds. Riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame, making them vulnerable to broken bones, head trauma, and other life-altering injuries. In the moments and days that follow, it’s essential to […]
Under Maryland law, if a motorcycle rider is injured in an accident, the fact that he or she was not wearing a helmet CANNOT be used as evidence at trial OR be deemed evidence of contributory negligence. See Md. Transp. Code, Section 21-1306(e)(1). So, if you have been injured in a Calvert County, Maryland, motorcycle […]
Once warmer weather hits, you can expect to see more motorcycles on the road. That means, as a vehicle driver, you need to be even more aware of your surroundings on the road to ensure that you see any approaching motorcycles. For motorcycle riders, you have to practice more defensive driving techniques, as many cars […]
At the Law Office of Robert Castro, our personal injury lawyers in Waldorf know that motorcycle accidents happen frequently in Maryland, and while public opinion often leans towards the rider being at fault, that is rarely the case. Motorcyclists are hard to see, especially when drivers are not looking twice for them before changing lanes or turning […]
The issue of truck driver negligence, particularly drowsy driving, has become increasingly concerning for motorists in Waldorf, Maryland. The large size and weight of trucks make accidents involving them particularly dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. At the Law Office of Robert Castro, our truck accident attorneys in Waldorf, Maryland, are committed to […]
If you are injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to sue that driver for compensation. Under Maryland law, you are entitled to seek a variety of damages, including your past and future medical bills. Generally speaking, the negligent party in a personal injury claim is not absolved […]
Often when a person violates a law, someone else is harmed. In some cases, that other person may have a compensable injury that gives rise to a personal injury suit based on negligence. When that happens, Maryland law treats the legal violation as evidence that the violator was negligent. Evidence of Negligence Under Maryland law, violating […]
A “wrongful death” case is one where a person has been killed because of the negligent, reckless, or intentional acts of another. For example, a St. Mary’s County, MD., car accident that results in a death is a wrongful death case. Wrongful death can also occur in many other circumstances, like medical malpractice, premises liability, […]
Victims of car accidents here in Calvert County, Maryland, are entitled by law to seek compensation for their injuries, for expenses, and for any property damage (like damage to their car). Most cases settle through insurance claims but some must go to trial in the Maryland Circuit Courts. Whether settled through negotiations with insurance companies […]
What Happens if a Spouse Lies to Secure a Postnuptial Agreement? Although you often hear about engaged couples signing a prenuptial agreement prior to marriage, a couple that is already married can sign a similar contract known as a postnuptial agreement. As with any contract, a court may invalidate a postnuptial agreement if it is […]
Most people are familiar with a prenuptial agreement but not a postnuptial agreement. A postnuptial agreement is a contract that you create with your spouse indicating how the property will be distributed in the event of a divorce. One of the reasons you need a divorce attorney is to help you draft a prenuptial agreement […]
If you have been injured in a slip and fall or some sort of other accident at a store or someone’s property, you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. Just like drivers and others, everyone in Maryland has an obligation to be careful and not injure others. This applies just as much […]
Slip and fall are personal injury cases caused by a situation where a person trips or slips and falls. Some of the common places where slip and fall accidents happen include warehouses, malls, and grocery stores. When you have been injured because the responsible party was negligent, you can talk to a slip and fall […]
Under premises liability law in Maryland, a property owner has a legal duty to keep his or her premises safe. If there is a dangerous condition on the property, then the owner is the one responsible for correcting it or posting a warning at a minimum. When they do not honor this obligation, you as […]
Part of obtaining a divorce here in St. Mary’s County and in other parts of Southern Maryland is having the Maryland divorce court divide the couple’s marital property. Maryland divorce courts are instructed to divide marital property “equitably.” This does not mean “equally,” and this fact causes a great deal of confusion for those contemplating […]
At the Law Office of Robert Castro, our personal injury lawyers in Waldorf know that yielding the right of way while driving is about more than obeying traffic laws. It is an obligation that can help keep you and your family safe. One of the most common causes of car accidents in Maryland is one driver failing to yield […]
No, not typically. Most rear-end accidents in Waldorf, Maryland, or other parts of Southern Maryland are caused by the driver who was following. Typically, the cause is either the lack of due attention being paid by the driver in the rear or the fact that the driver in the rear was following too closely for […]
This article focuses on the sexual abuse of a child under Maryland’s criminal Code. See Md. Crim. Code, § 3-602. There are separate statutory sections that criminalize non-sexual child abuse. As the names of the crimes imply, sexual child abuse includes some sexual elements like rape, genital touching or penetration, other sexual acts, etc. Non-sexual […]
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores and restaurants to sidewalks and apartment buildings. These incidents may seem straightforward, but securing compensation often involves a legal process that is far more complex than many expect. Property owners and their insurers rarely admit fault, and Maryland law sets a high bar for victims […]
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury. While some falls result in minor bruises, others can lead to serious harm, such as broken bones, head trauma, or long-term mobility issues. When an injury occurs on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, the question of whether to involve legal […]
Slip and fall accidents in Waldorf, MD, are common and occur almost anywhere, like a store, a gas station, on a sidewalk outside a building, etc. Injuries can be quite severe, depending on the circumstances. A victim can suffer broken bones, damage to knees, elbows, ankles, and tendons, bruises, cuts, head and spinal injuries, and […]
Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant and often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries. Whether the fall occurs in a grocery store, at work, or on someone else’s property, knowing what to do immediately afterward can protect your health and your legal rights. The Law Office […]
If you have been injured in a stairway slip and fall accident, you have a legal right to seek compensation for your injuries (and any other damage). In Charles County, Maryland, property owners have an obligation to keep their property in a reasonably safe and hazard-free condition. If they fail to do so and a […]
Thousands of Maryland and D.C. residents rely on Metro every day to get around the region for work and other purposes. Metro itself is run by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), an interstate compact between Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. As such, Metro enjoys a certain degree of “sovereign immunity” from lawsuits. But sovereign […]
Truck accidents are among the most devastating incidents on Maryland roads. Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles, these crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries, long-term disabilities, and costly legal complications. If you were injured in a collision with a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, knowing when to contact a lawyer can be critical to […]
In St. Mary’s County, Maryland, if a person is injured in an auto accident, they have a legal right to bring a claim for compensation. Almost all claims begin as insurance claims, and the vast majority of Maryland car accident cases settle before a lawsuit is filed in Maryland State Courts. If the accident involves […]
Yes, under certain circumstances, a St. Mary’s County, MD divorce court CAN deny visitation rights to a parent during a divorce proceeding. However, such a decision is rare. Such typically only occurs if severe abuse or neglect is proven. The more common method of handling situations of abuse or neglect is to allow visitation only […]
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s actions is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. When that loss is caused by negligence or misconduct, the law allows surviving family members to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. However, proving wrongful death requires more than showing that a death occurred. […]
If a loved family member has been wrongfully killed, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed. There are actually two types of claims: a “survival claim” and a “wrongful death claim.” The first is permitted by Maryland Estates & Trusts Code, §7-401, and the second is governed by Maryland Courts & Jud. Proc. Code, §§ […]
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