It shouldn’t have happened to you, but here you are. Your life has been turned upside down by a car crash. The medical bills are piling up, your everyday bills are piling up, and you don’t know how you will ever get caught up. You may not be able to work again, and if you can, you may not be able to earn at the same rate as before your accident.
Waldorf car accident attorney Patrick D. Troxler, Esq., a lifelong Waldorf resident and experienced trial lawyer, is here for you. He has handled over 130 cases and focuses on making the legal process as stress-free as possible for working-class clients. Personal injury attorney Teneshia M. Troxler, a former prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience, now uses her litigation skills to represent accident victims in Southern Maryland.
Please call Troxler & Troxler today to schedule your free consultation in Waldorf.
Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is at the heart of most car accidents. Maryland is one of the few states that still uses the doctrine of contributory negligence. Contributory negligence is a legal doctrine that bars you from recovering compensation in a personal injury lawsuit if you were partly to blame for your injuries, even if just by one percent. This is just one of the many reasons why it is so important to have an experienced Maryland car accident attorney on your side.
Examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or personal grooming
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield
- Failure to use turn signals
- Drunk driving
- Driving drowsy or fatigued
- Unsafe passing
When you seek compensation for a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you are almost always seeking payment from the driver’s insurance company rather than the driver. The insurance company will try to avoid paying or try to underpay your claim.
Experienced Waldorf, Maryland car accident attorney Patrick D. Troxler will fight for full compensation for you and your family.
Drunk Driving
Although drunk driving carries serious criminal penalties, victims of drunk drivers must pursue a civil case in order to get paid for their injuries.
Too many victims of drunk driving accidents assume that their cases will be an easy or automatic win because the other driver was impaired, especially if the driver was convicted of DUI. Unfortunately, Maryland law does not work that way. A drunk driver can use the contributory negligence defense against you, meaning that if the defendant can convince the court that you were even 1% responsible for your injuries, you are barred from recovery.
In many cases, a DUI conviction cannot be used as evidence in your civil trial. The only time you can use the defendant’s guilt in the criminal case as evidence of negligence in your auto accident lawsuit is if they entered a guilty plea in court.
Hit and Run
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be afraid that there is no way to recover compensation. However, there are several potential avenues of compensation for hit-and-run victims.
In some cases, we can identify and locate the driver. In cases where the driver is not found or turns out to be uninsured, we turn to your insurance company for payment under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. In Maryland, all drivers are required to carry UM coverage along with their liability insurance.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents bring unique legal challenges. Unlike typical car crashes, bias against riders, lack of reliable witnesses, and misunderstanding of motorcycle mechanics often make these cases more complicated. Injured riders may suffer severe, lifelong injuries requiring extensive compensation.
In Maryland, pursuing compensation after a motorcycle accident often means overcoming contributory negligence defenses. If the at-fault driver or their insurer can prove the rider shares even 1% of fault, the victim may be barred from recovery.
Pedestrian Accidents
Even at low speeds, pedestrian accidents can be devastating. Negligent drivers may fail to yield at crosswalks, back out of driveways without looking, or ignore school zones and parking areas where pedestrians are present. Pedestrians have no protection against impact and often suffer serious injuries requiring long-term care.
In Maryland, contributory negligence laws can be used to deny compensation if the pedestrian is blamed, even in part, for the accident. Troxler & Troxler Law Firm uses expert analysis, accident reconstruction, and strong negotiation to help injured pedestrians and their families seek compensation.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are among the most serious cases handled by personal injury attorneys. Victims of 18-wheeler or commercial truck crashes often face severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Liability may rest not only on the truck driver but also on the trucking company, freight loaders, or equipment manufacturers.
Truck accident claims often involve federal regulations, black box data, maintenance logs, and industry standards. Patrick and Teneshia prepare every case for trial, using expert testimony and extensive evidence to fight for maximum compensation.
Bus and Train Accidents
Victims of bus and train accidents may be injured in a collision, but they can also get hurt while boarding, exiting, or riding public transit (without any crash occurring). These cases may involve multiple liable parties.
Troxler & Troxler Law Firm will thoroughly investigate your case and prepare it for trial. Their experience in holding transit companies and public entities accountable allows them to fight for full compensation, covering medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs for bus and train accident victims across Maryland.
Why Choose Troxler & Troxler Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case
Founding attorney Patrick D. Troxler, a lifelong resident of Waldorf, MD, has handled over 130 personal injury cases and understands how car accidents affect local families. With a background in the United States Air Force Reserve and a law degree from Howard University School of Law, Patrick uses his disciplined approach to fight for maximum compensation while helping clients navigate their cases with confidence.
Partner Teneshia M. Troxler brings a strong litigation background from her years as a criminal prosecutor and trial attorney. A graduate of Howard University School of Law and a nationally ranked moot court competitor, Teneshia now focuses on representing injury victims throughout Southern Maryland. Known for her strategic case preparation and problem-solving skills, she handles auto accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, and premises liability cases with attention to detail and determination.
Together, Patrick and Teneshia offer resourceful representation for those facing the aftermath of a serious car accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will You Have to Go to Court?
Not every car accident case goes to court. Many are resolved through insurance settlements without a trial. However, if the insurance company disputes liability or refuses a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may become necessary. An attorney can help assess whether court action is likely in your situation.
How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?
Fault is determined by evaluating police reports, witness statements, photographs, and other physical evidence from the crash. In some cases, expert accident reconstruction may be used.
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule means you cannot recover damages if you are found even slightly at fault. This makes clear fault determination critical for your claim.
Can You Handle a Minor Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?
It’s possible to handle a minor claim alone, especially if injuries and damages are minimal. However, without legal guidance, you risk undervaluing your claim or accepting a low settlement. An attorney can help protect your rights, even in smaller cases, and ensure you understand what your claim is truly worth.
How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated?
Pain and suffering are not calculated using a set formula. Insurance companies and courts consider factors like injury severity, long-term impact, emotional distress, and medical treatment. Medical records and personal statements help support your claim. In Maryland, this part of compensation can be significant, depending on your situation.
Can Passengers Sue After a Car Accident?
Yes, passengers have the right to pursue compensation after being injured in a car accident. They can file a claim against the at-fault driver, whether it was their driver or another vehicle involved. Compensation may cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Passengers typically face fewer challenges proving liability compared to drivers.
Talk to a Waldorf Car Accident Lawyer Today
To learn more about your rights and how you can recover full compensation for your car accident injuries, please contact experienced Maryland car accident attorneys, Patrick Troxler and Teneshia Troxler. Call our office at 301-264-6072 or email us to schedule your free consultation.
