Aviation Accident Law Firm | Justice for Plane Crash Victims
Over 90% of the car accidents in southern Maryland are caused by driver error, usually operator impairment and/or aggressive driving. The high percentage of driver error-caused accidents invokes simple “you break it, you buy it” responsibility. If Laura drops a coffee mug at a china shop, she must compensate the owner (replace the mug). Likewise, […]
No. It is true that subrogation is important in some Maryland auto accident cases. But, generally, subrogation does not directly involve accident victims. Subrogation typically involves insurance companies disputing and attempting to recover payments made either to or on behalf of the victims. Subrogation is legally complicated, so call us at (301) 870-1200 or contact […]
When a Maryland divorce court makes decisions about child custody in Maryland, the legal standard used is what is in the best interests of the child. Generally, Maryland divorce courts consider involvement by both parents to be in the best interests of any child. This assumes, of course, that both parents want some involvement in […]
Few details were available after a February 2026 vehicle collision that involved a passenger car and a tanker truck. Authorities said the incident occurred on Crain Highway near the Old Central Avenue intersection. Officials said one teenager was ejected from the vehicle. Emergency responders rushed this victim to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The […]
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 […]
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 victims of car accidents here in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, do NOT have to go to court as part of resolving their claim for compensation. To begin, most Maryland auto accident cases are resolved through the process of insurance claims. After an accident, victims notify their own motorist insurance carrier and then make claims […]
If you have been injured in a reckless driving car crash here in Maryland, you are probably entitled to compensation for your injuries and for any damage to your vehicle and other property. Where the other driver has been driving recklessly, that almost always means he or she is legally liable to pay compensation for […]
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 […]
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 […]
A “deposition” is a legal evidence-gathering tool that is allowed if a personal injury or car accident lawsuit has been filed in the Maryland State courts. In other words, a deposition is provided by a party or witness in a legal case. A deposition is done in person and orally through a question-and-answer format somewhat […]
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 […]
All child custody matters, whether original determinations or subsequent modifications, must be in the best interests of the children. Most good parents readily agree that timesharing plans should be child-focused and uphold their best interests. But most good parents disagree as to the specifics. For this reason, Maryland law sets out a number of factors […]
Parents have an absolute right to appeal any adverse custody Order issued by a Maryland divorce court. However, filing an appeal is not the same as winning the appeal. For questions about Maryland child custody and appeals, call the Law Office of Robert Castro. Our number is (301) 870-1200. You can also use our contact […]
When parents get divorced in Maryland, the divorce court must make decisions with respect to custody arrangements. This is true for all minor children under the age of 18. However, matters have an extra layer of complication when a Maryland divorce court is dealing with older children, those who are 15 to 17 years old. […]
Under Maryland divorce statutes, both parents are responsible for the upbringing of their children. Thus, when spouses get divorced in Calvert County, Maryland, the Maryland divorce courts will order both parents to support their children. The parent awarded physical custody of the children will “pay” their child support in the form of housing, food, clothing, […]
The Maryland Supreme Court gave a rousing and definitive answer to the question of whether parents can waive child support payments. The answer given was NO. The answer was provided in the case of The Matter of the Marriage of Houser, 338 A.3d 521 (Supreme Court of Maryland, June 27, 2025). The Maryland Supreme Court […]
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 […]
Especially in terms of gun-free zones, Maryland has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country. These restrictions apply whether or not the defendant had a permit. In many cases, prosecutors file two cases in these situations: one for illegal weapons possession and one for having a gun in a gun-free zone. This […]
The answer to this question largely depends on the type of traffic citation and the desired outcome. A few other factors sometimes come into play as well. Many people ask this question because Southern Maryland police officers aggressively enforce traffic regulations. Most people cannot drive more than two or three miles at a time without […]
Reasonable bail in criminal cases is guaranteed by the Eighth Amendment. “Reasonable” is a lawyer word that means different things in different contexts. However, given the high percentage of unsentenced inmates in Charles County jails, “reasonable” now favors defendants. Whether or not it is true, the public perception is that many Charles County inmates languish […]
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 […]
Many temporary things become permanent. The Eiffel Tower, which was built for the 1889 World’s Fair, is a good example. At the time of its construction, its builders planned to dismantle it by 1909. Only a last-ditch effort saved the structure that became an icon of Paris. Divorce temporary orders technically expire when the judge […]
Like most other states, Maryland is an equitable distribution state. Upon divorce, the court must divide marital property (debts and assets) equitably, so the marriage dissolution is not an unfair financial burden on either party. Equitably usually, but certainly does not always, mean equally. We break down some common property division factors in Maryland below. […]
If at least one future spouse has been married before, the couple should at least consider a premarital agreement. The second marriage divorce rate is about 50% higher than the first marriage divorce rate. These marriage dissolutions often create a host of unanswered emotional and financial questions. Prenups determine these matters in advance and memorialize […]
Absolutely not. Granted, if you fail a breath test, the odds shift in favor of the state. The conviction rate in breath test cases is over 80%. In contrast, the conviction rate in refusal cases is about 40%. Additionally, modern Breathalyzers are very sophisticated and reliable devices. But as we all know, no gadget is […]
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (“DUI”) in Maryland, it is very likely that you will face several charges in addition to those associated with driving under the influence. Maryland prosecuting attorneys will charge as many crimes as possible for at least two reasons. First, by charging as many crimes as […]
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 […]
Mothers are more likely to form secure attachments by comforting their children when they are distressed, and fathers are more likely to provide security in the context of the controlled excitement of play or discipline. In other words, children consistently need active fathers in their lives. But that’s not the only reason men should file […]
Mostly because so many adoption alternatives are available, especially in Florida, American families of various shapes and sizes adopt tens of thousands of newborns, infants, toddlers, and children every year. Adoptive families have different motives when they start the process. But this process almost always ends the same way, with a joyful creation of a […]
We live in a mobile society. Most people relocate about a dozen times during their lives. Most of these relocations occur before age 45, when many divorced adults have young children at home. If either parent’s relocation significantly affects the current timesharing arrangement, a judge must determine if the proposed relocation is in the child’s […]
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 […]
In January 2026, the Senate Finance Committee began considering S.B. 90, which changes the rules for emergency responders seeking workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland. The proposal includes a presumption that certain occupational diseases, such as cancer and hypertension, are work-related if the victim is a qualified emergency responder. S.B. 90 also includes a presumption that […]
Lost wage replacement benefits for job injury victims are usually based on the average weekly wage (AWW), which in Maryland is a maximum of $1,388 per week. As outlined below, most job-related injury or illness victims receive two-thirds of their AWW for the duration of their temporary or permanent disabilities. Also, as outlined below, the […]
Although the birth injury rate has leveled off in recent years, roughly three babies per hour are born with serious, and usually lifelong, injuries. As outlined below, a birth injury could occur due to a medical mistake before, during, or after the birth itself. Maryland law holds doctors to a very high standard of care. […]
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 […]
At a minimum, a slip-and-fall settlement usually covers medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses. These economic losses often exceed $40,000. Additionally, slip-and-fall victims are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. In most cases, two or three times the economic losses is a reasonable amount of non-economic damages. In some extreme cases, additional punitive damages […]
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 […]
Usually, if truck driver negligence causes a vehicle collision, the shipping or transportation company that owned the truck pays for the crash, under the respondeat superior doctrine. Employers can stop truck crashes before they happen. When they fail to do so, they are financially responsible for damages. Respondeat superior gives truck crash victims access to […]
Big rig and 18-wheeler truck accidents are some of the worst traffic accidents that can happen here in Charles County, Maryland, and in other parts of Southern Maryland. Such accidents often cause severe and life-threatening injuries, and many big rig and 18-wheeler accidents result in fatalities. Fatigue is one reason that these types of accidents […]
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 […]
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, […]
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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