Let’s be honest—driving in Maryland hasn’t exactly gotten easier. Between the endless Beltway congestion, surprise weather swings, and rising rates of distracted driving, the roads are as unpredictable as ever. And with more vehicles back on the road post-pandemic, 2025 is shaping up to be another big year for car accident litigation.

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we’re seeing a steady uptick in clients dealing with collisions—some minor, others life-changing. The good news? Maryland has clear legal remedies. The better news? You can often avoid the courtroom altogether by taking smart steps behind the wheel.

What’s New on the Roads?

The Maryland Department of Transportation has rolled out updated safe-driving campaigns this year, including targeted messaging on:

• Distracted driving (especially phone use at stoplights and in traffic)

• Speeding in residential zones

• Failure to yield in roundabouts and at four-way stops

And for good reason. According to data cited by TAD Law, Maryland saw a 6% increase in crash-related injuries in 2024—many due to driver inattention or aggressive maneuvers. The state’s new traffic safety ads aren’t just for show—they reflect the growing legal emphasis on fault in even seemingly “minor” accidents.

Common Triggers (and How to Avoid Them)

Most of the cases we take at The Lincoln Law Firm share one thing in common: the crash could’ve been prevented. Here’s where things usually go wrong:

• Intersection errors: Drivers rush yellow lights or block the box, leading to T-bones or rear-enders.

• Merging without signaling: Classic setup for sideswipes—especially on I-95 or I-695.

• Overconfidence in wet or icy conditions: This one gets us every winter.

If you want to avoid ending up in court—or worse, the hospital—here’s what we tell our own families:

• Leave more space than you think you need.

• Always use your signals (even in empty parking lots).

• Assume no one else is paying attention.

It’s not fancy advice, but it works.

What Happens If You’re in a Crash?

Let’s say you do everything right and still get hit. What then?

First off, Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means if you’re found even 1% at fault, you might not recover damages. That’s brutal, but it’s the law. So from day one, everything you do matters:

• Call the police, even for minor damage.

• Document the scene with photos and notes.

• Avoid admitting fault—even casually.

And get legal advice early. Insurance companies in Maryland know how to use contributory negligence to deny claims, especially when the facts are murky. Don’t let a technicality stop you from recovering what you’re owed.

Trends in Litigation

In 2025, we’re seeing more accident cases settle early—but also more going to trial when liability’s unclear. Dash cam footage, GPS data, and even social media posts are playing larger roles in evidence. That’s why we encourage clients to:

• Preserve phone records if texting is in dispute.

• Save maintenance logs (a worn tire can shift fault fast).

• Avoid posting about the crash online—yes, even vague updates.

We’ve also noticed more aggressive negotiation from insurers, especially on soft tissue claims and pain-and-suffering damages. If you’re going up against them alone, expect pushback.

Car accident law in Maryland isn’t just about proving fault—it’s about proving you weren’t even a little bit at fault. That’s a high bar, and one reason we spend as much time helping clients prevent accidents as we do litigating them.

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we handle these cases with the urgency and precision they demand. Whether you’ve been hit or just want to know your rights before getting behind the wheel, we’re here to make sure one wrong turn doesn’t define your year.

Riding a motorcycle is cheap, fun, and above all, it gives you this amazing feeling of freedom. But safety should always be the priority. Fortunately, there are several safety accessories and gear available to you.

Here, our car accident lawyer in Baltimore discuss what gear should every motorcyclist wear!

Gloves

Gloves play an important role when it comes to shielding your hands from road rash. Plus, they help avoid chapping, which may be caused by the constant wind blowing on your exposed knuckles. Gloves also help maintain a safe grip on your handlebars by safeguarding against slippery, sweaty hands, which can be dangerous while riding.

We recommend buying a pair of riding gloves that offer a good grip as it’s important for controlling/navigating your motorcycle – they also protect your hands from various elements. During cold weather, insulated gloves can protect your hands from getting stiff.

Eye protection

While some helmets are made with a full-face mask to protect your eyes, others don’t have this feature. If your helmet doesn’t have a full-face mask, invest in a pair of motorcycle goggles to wear for eye protection. Remember, your motorcycle goggles should fit you well even when you’re wearing a helmet.

Whether you’re riding a motorcycle on a low-traffic country road or a busy highway, you’re exposed to many elements. This means insects, flying dirt, and debris can fly into your eyes if there’s no protection. Moreover, we recommend that you wear UV-coated goggles to safeguard yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Helmet

It is probably the most crucial piece of motorcycle equipment to wear while riding your motorcycle. Our recommendation is, wear a DOT-rated helmet as it’s comfortable and fits you snugly. To find the perfect option for you specifically, try helmets instead of buying them online to ensure they fit perfectly. However, there are some online resources like helmet measuring charts, which can be used to determine the shape and size of your head.

For safety purposes, it’s advised that you replace your helmet after having an impact incident (even if it’s a minor one). However, if you’re fortunate enough to not get into an accident, it’s still required that you replace your helmet once every five years.

The Lincoln Law Group’s car accident lawyer in Baltimore knows how to assess injuries

When you entrust the Lincoln Law Group’s truck accident lawyer in Baltimore with the handling of your case, you’ll benefit from the know-how of a lawyer with years of experience from directing a chiropractic clinic.

Give us a call now for more information; we also have some of the best divorce lawyers in Baltimore County!

We’ve all pulled a prank or two at some point in our youth. It’s a trending topic on Youtube, with many influencers garnering views through pranking unsuspecting victims. However, what happens if someone gets seriously injured in the process?

Pranks can range from leaving glitter-spiked packages on someone’s door to pretending to shoot someone for a quick scare. While most funny pranks may start out with the intention of innocent fun, the act can lead people into legal trouble.

What are the grounds for lawsuits related to pranks?

It can be difficult to determine a single perpetrator who must pay for the victim’s damages in the case of injuries caused by a prank. Some people may knowingly take part in pranks before they get injured, so their injury can be considered their own fault. Victims in such cases can not sue for compensation of any sort. However, victims who are not in the know-how of the prank may have grounds to sue.

Gross negligence

A victim of a prank may sue the prankster for gross negligence in the event of wanton actions where the prankster held no regard for other people’s safety. Any prank can be considered gross negligence if a person was injured in the process of an act that no other reasonable and prudent person would have committed under the same circumstances. The victim might be awarded punitive damages along with the damages for gross negligence.

Fraud

Certain pranks can be malicious to the point of committing fraud or breaching a contract. A good example of this scenario is when a 2002 Hooters waitress won a sales contest promising a “Toyota” as the prize. Instead, she received a prank gift of a “toy Yoda” doll, later suing the company for a settlement that allowed her to pick out her Toyota of choice.

Harassment

Victims could sue the prankster for harassment if the prank made them feel threatened, frightened, or at the risk of sustaining a bodily injury. They can sue for emotional injuries in the case of pranks that cause mental or emotional trauma, even if there are no physical injuries.

Get the help of an experienced personal injury attorney in Baltimore

It’s best not to wait too long before reaching out for help. You can reach out to us at the Lincoln Law Group’s professional lawyers for free initial consultations! We believe in fair compensation for the injuries you have sustained through someone else’s negligence. We have an experienced team of personal injury and car accident lawyers, immigration lawyers, tax attorneys, family law attorneys, and criminal defense attorneys on board in Baltimore and Silver Spring.

Contact us to find out more about our services.

Almost 39 million people in the US need medical care after experiencing an injury each year. You have a right to compensation for both medical costs and other losses in the event of damage due to someone else’s negligence. Before any of this can happen, you’ll need to file a claim against that negligent party, whether you DIY your case or get legal representation.

Here are some reasons why it may be better to get a personal injury attorney on your case than doing it yourself:

Better chance for the case to go through

Personal injury laws can be complex, with each state having specific regulations. To win the case, you’d need to have a good understanding of the federal and state laws about personal injury.

Aside from understanding the law itself, you’d also need proper, practical knowledge about the inner workings of a court system. You may miss deadlines and create extra work without the experience, which would give an advantage to the defense.

A lawyer will have proper trial experience and can go up against companies’ legal teams as well.

You’ll know the amount to claim

You can claim various damages in a personal injury case—punitive, emotional loss, and economic damages. Personal injury attorneys are well versed in all the categories and what qualifies as those types of damages, as well as what amounts you can claim. You may under or over-claim if you do it yourself, both of which have a negative outcome.

Save your time

Handling a personal injury case can be time-consuming, even more so when you have no experience. Let an official attorney handle all the work—they know all about the processes and can carry out all preparations and communications while you rest up and heal from your injuries.

It’s difficult to balance your normal everyday life and handle a case at the same time.

If you’re thinking of opening a case of personal injury, we at The Lincoln Law Group LLC are here to help you. We can substantially increase your odds of success with our seasoned lawyers who will fight your case and seek justice. We will negotiate all your medical bills, fight insurance companies, and try our hardest to get appropriate compensation for your injuries and lost wages. Our other legal services include tax litigation lawyers, immigration attorneys, child custody lawyers, car accident lawyers, and criminal lawyers in Maryland.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: Information in this blog is provided for general informational purposes. It may not reflect current laws in your region or state. It isn’t intended to substitute legal counsel.

In the US, nearly 6 million car accidents occur every year. Road accidents cause serious damage—not only to drivers but also pedestrians and passengers. The majority of such cases involve hit-and-run accidents. Many people get severely injured in these accidents but feel helpless as the at-fault drivers flee from the scene.

Hit and run accidents are indeed highly traumatic and stressful. However, there are some important things to do when such a situation arises.

Keep calm

A sudden unfortunate event can evoke intense emotions of fear, anger, and grief. You might also want to follow the fleeing driver and track them. It is, however, not a recommended practice. Try to stay calm and get a hold of your situation. Stay where you are, and don’t attempt to chase the other driver.

Seek medical help

Once you get a clear head, pay attention to your physical state and other passengers. If anybody needs medical attention, immediately call the ambulance.

Seeking medical treatment is the first thing one should do after an accident. It is not only important for overall health but can also help the person with their personal injury claim.

Visiting a doctor immediately after the accident helps with the further legal process. It allows proper documentation of injuries and makes a statement that the person handled the situation carefully.

Collect the details

Try to collect all the details regarding the location and nature of the accident. Note the license plate number or if the other driver ran immediately after the accident, ask other passengers if they remember some details like the vehicle’s model, color, or any additional description. Besides, when an accident occurs, many people gather around. Try to get their names and contact information, as they can serve as potential witnesses against the fleeing driver.

Take photos

Photos can play a crucial role in strengthening your case. Take photos of the accident location from various angles. Try to capture the close-ups of all the dents, scratches, and any other potential damage.

Get legal help

The victims of a car crash are entitled to gain compensation for their medical and property loss. However, many people do not avail it because they either don’t know their legal rights or want to avoid any unwanted complications.

A licensed and professional lawyer can walk you through the entire process and guide every step. If you want to make a personal injury claim or understand how you can receive compensation for the injuries sustained in a hit and run accident feel free to contact The Lincoln Law Group. We have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Maryland and Washington, DC.

We also provide legal services including but not limited to immigration, truck accident, tax litigation, divorce, and truck accidents in Baltimore, Silver Spring, Maryland and Washington D.C.

Personal injury cases hold a significant position in American law. Many people, however, do not know much about the legal processes involved in a personal injury case, which is why they end up making mistakes that jeopardize their possibility to get fair compensation for their injuries.

Here, we will have a look at some mistakes everyone should avoid in their personal injury claim.

File a Police Report

It is frequently observed that many people forget to call the police immediately after the accident. Legal documentation of the accident is mandatory for further case proceedings.

Therefore, if an unfortunate accident happens, make sure that you call the police first and file a police report. Earlier documentation of the claim will help the police collect sufficient information regarding the time and location of the accident. Besides, it will also help the police to track the person at fault.

Seek Medical Treatment

Often, people do not seek medical treatment immediately after the injury. This negligence is detrimental to the personal injury claim.

Whenever you get an injury, approach a medical professional immediately. Sometimes, people don’t start feeling pain until the next day. If that happens, you can consult a medical professional the same day and get your check-up done. Immediate treatment helps to prevent the pain from spreading and helps in avoiding further worsening the situation.

Besides, immediate correspondence with the doctor helps document injuries at the time when you sustain them.

Hire an Attorney

Many people do not have adequate knowledge about the legal procedures involved in making a personal injury claim, and therefore, insurance companies take advantage.

Hiring a lawyer will help you preserve your rights and win the claim.

However, you have to be careful when selecting a lawyer for your personal injury case. Only professional lawyers can provide proper guidance in this regard.

At The Lincoln Law, we have experienced personal injury lawyers on board in Maryland and Washington D.C. If you ever sustain a personal injury or want to help a loved one with their injury claim, feel free to reach out to us at 443-542-5889 or contact us here.

That’s not all we do! At The Lincoln Law Group, we offer our legal services as criminal lawyers, family lawyers, tax lawyers, immigration attorneys, and child custody lawyers in Baltimore, Silver Springs, Towson, and D.C.

Disclaimer: Information in this blog is provided for general informational purposes. It may not reflect current laws in your region or state. It isn’t intended to substitute legal counsel.

A vast number of civil cases filed and executed in the US are related to personal injuries. According to statistics, more than 125,000 road accidents occur every year, making them the most common cause of personal injuries.

However, personal injuries are not limited to road accidents. They also include slip and falls, medical malpractice, product liability instances, and more. But what many injured victims don’t realize is that majority of the personal injury cases are winnable.

Not filing a personal injury claim to obtain the rightful compensation for the damages is a mistake. Injured victims fear the high cost of legal services, prolonged court trials, and extensive paperwork and documentation. Filing a personal injury claim is your first step in getting what you deserve: fair and just compensation!

Therefore, if you’ve been a victim of a personal injury accident, here’s how to navigate your claim to ensure maximum chances of success.

1. Look for a Reputable Personal Injury Attorney

The first step to maximize the chances of personal injury claim success is to hire a personal injury attorney. While doing so, you must look for a reputed, reliable, and an experienced professional such as Mitterand D. Jean-Francois.

He is the founder and managing partner at the Lincoln Law Group in Maryland and offers various personal injury law services. Be transparent with your lawyer, don’t hide any details, and be as precise as possible when describing the accident scene. Doing so will help your legal team create the best plan of action for your personal injury case.

2. Do Not Talk to Insurance Providers

Giving details of the accident to an insurance provider before hiring a personal injury lawyer in Silver Spring is a common mistake many claimants make. This will in turn give the insurance company the leverage to convince you to settle early.

Insurance companies are here to make money on their clients’ vulnerabilities. And many of them don’t hesitate to manipulate already frustrated victims into settling early for less than what they deserve. Always rely on a formidable personal injury lawyer to handle your case if you want to maximize the compensation amount.

3. Don’t Skip Medical Examinations

An injured victim’s medical reports, lab tests, and treatment details play a pivotal role in ensuring positive results of a personal injury case. Therefore, if you fall victim to a personal injury accident, don’t delay seeking medical assistance right away.

Having a professional medical team on your side can help solidify your claim and help you seek compensation for more than just physical injuries.

Hire a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer in Baltimore

Personal injuries can take a toll on a victim’s physical as well as emotional wellbeing. This is why hiring a personal injury lawyer in Baltimore can help you focus on your recovery while they take care of the legalities.

At The Lincoln Law Group, Mr. Mitterand can handle your personal injury case in Maryland with high expertise. He has a notable success ratio in getting his clients rightful compensation for their damages. Contact us today for more details or a free consultation.

When you take your car out on the road, you should do so knowing that anything can happen. You should be careful, licensed, and above all else, insured. If you do get into an accident, make sure you know what comes next in filing a claim.

Here’s what you need to know about the process and how filing a claim in D.C. works.

The Information You Need To File a Claim

First off, you need certain kinds of information to file a claim. This includes your personal information, your car’s registration details, and the incident report. In case you’re too injured to collect this information yourself, your lawyer or a relative can do it for you.

If you’re able to, make sure you get the insurance company, the name, and the license plate number of the other driver. Take pictures of the scene and make sure the police are called. However, if you’re too injured to stick around, call your next of kin and/or car accident lawyer to let them know what has happened.

When You Should File a Claim

File a claim as soon as possible! Even though there’s a lot of chaos that happens after an accident, make sure you get the documentation in order and start the process so that you can get compensated ASAP.

The longer you wait, the more financial uncertainty you may have to deal with as the claim takes time to process. A personal injury lawyer like ours can take over the process instead, so you can rest and recuperate without having to worry about it.

Understanding the Technicalities of Fault-Based Claims in D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a no-fault state, which is why you’re required to have Personal Injury Policies or PIP coverage. This type of coverage insures you against accidents caused by someone else, especially if they’re uninsured. So, if the damages are minor, you don’t need to file a claim with the other at-fault party’s insurance.

However, PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering and has limited coverage, which is why if the damage was severe, you could bring a claim. If you suffer the loss of income, permanent disability, or impairment of any kind, or serious damages, make a claim with the help of an attorney.

What The Process Looks Like

If your attorney is doing this for you, first, a letter of representation may be sent to the insurance company to designate that your lawyer has the power of attorney. This is important if you’re making a claim with the other party’s insurance agency because it’s best to let your lawyer deal with any communication from their end.

Then, your attorney will communicate with the insurance agency as needed, and once you’ve recovered, the complete claim will be submitted as an itemized demand. This can include pain and suffering as well as the loss of income, depending on your case. Once the insurance company reviews the claim and responds, negotiations may have to be held.

If your claim is accepted and resolved, you just have to wait for the money to come in. If not, you may pursue the case in court against the party at fault. However, each case is different, and the action you take should be based on your attorney’s assessment of the finer details.

Our car accident lawyer in Baltimore and Silver Spring, MD, and Washington D.C. is here to help. Call us at 443-542-5889 or contact us here for a free consultation on your accident claim.

That’s not all we do! At The Lincoln Law Group, we offer our legal services as criminal lawyers, family lawyers, tax lawyers, immigration attorneys, and child custody lawyers in Baltimore, Silver Springs, Towson, and D.C.

Did you know that a third-party may claim a portion of your personal injury compensation in some cases? This can come as a surprise and shock to many plaintiffs, but this is relatively common in the world of personal injury.

When you think of liens in terms of the real estate sense, this may feel like a huge deal. However, with personal injury settlement liens, don’t think of it as someone trying to take control of what is rightfully yours.

Allow us to change your perspective a little on this. However, if you still feel confused, feel free to contact our personal injury lawyers for more information!

Understanding Settlement Liens

A lien, simply put, is interest exerted on an individual’s assets or property to fulfill a debt owed to a third party. In usual terms, this means land or other assets. With a settlement lien, a portion of the final settlement awarded to the individual will be given to the lienholder.

Don’t panic — this doesn’t mean your bank can swoop in and demand loan payments taken out of your injury settlement. Instead, this means that if a third-party paid your bills or compensated you for an accident and its effects, they may claim that amount of money from your settlement.

Who Could Lien Holders Be in Personal Injury Cases?

Third-party lien holders could be a range of organizations or parties, which includes the following:

Healthcare and Rehab Providers

If you haven’t paid your medical or rehab bills in full yet because your insurance has run out or you don’t have the means to, these service providers may impose a settlement lien to recover that amount.

However, usually, you won’t have to pay more than what your bills were, which is generally accounted for in your settlement amount.

Insurance Agencies

Your insurance policies might allow the insurance carrier to claim a part of personal injury settlements if you used your coverage during your recovery. This is true especially for health insurance policies provided by a workplace.

Worker’s Compensation Fund Carrier

A worker’s comp fund is usually set up to ensure that any injuries an employee suffers at work are taken care of by the company’s insurance. However, the insurance carrier may file a worker’s comp lien on your injury settlement for the same incident.

How to Address a Lien

Let your lawyer handle it. Your attorney will communicate with these organizations and ensure that the lien is a fair demand before complying with it. However, this process can include negotiation and conflict, which is why our personal injury lawyer in Silver Spring and Baltimore is your best bet.

At The Lincoln Law Group, we offer compassionate and ethical legal services of all kinds. From criminal defense lawyers to family lawyers and child custody lawyers in Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Washington D.C. we’re your go-to legal firm in the area. Call us at 443-542-5889 to schedule an appointment.