Drivers in Baltimore need to be aware of other vehicles on the road and various hazards at all times to avoid a car accident. With any kind of auto accident, there is always the chance that serious injury will result. These types of accidents are made worse for the victims when there is a child involved in the crash. No matter the cause of the accident whether it's negligence, misfortune or drunk driving, it's imperative that those who suffered damages be aware of their rights.

A late-afternoon crash between a 2014 Dodge Ram and a 1999 Toyota Sienna sent a 9-year-old boy to the hospital in critical condition with injuries that are considered life-threatening. The accident investigation revealed that the Sienna was exiting a parking lot when the Ram crashed into its driver's side. The driver of the Ram waited for police to arrive. The Sienna's driver and two other children, ages 12 and 11, were all injured and taken for treatment. The injuries to the 12 and 11 year old were minor. The driver was treated and released.

A car accident with injuries can result in numerous expenses and alterations to one's life and schedule. Hospital expenses can be astronomical and there is the chance that an injured person will require an extended hospital stay followed by rehabilitation and long-term care. With a child, these issues can be much harder to deal with. Insurance companies are focused on keeping costs reasonable and are likely to make a settlement offer early in the process to prevent the family from filing a lawsuit seeking damages and to be compensated. While the settlement offer might sound substantial, it's rarely enough when all the costs from serious injury are accounted for. It is also important that an accident be investigated and evidence accrued soon after it has happened.

The 9-year-old child who was hurt in this crash might require significant care and treatment to return to normal if and when his life-threatening status improves. With that in mind his family needs to know that financial concerns won't stop them from getting him the best possible care. In order to ensure that he's receiving all the help he needs, they would be well-advised to consult with a qualified legal professional to consider litigation.

When Baltimore residents are involved in an auto accident, it can be confusing and emotional, making it difficult to know what steps to take after the accident. This is especially true when individuals are left with car accident injuries, and must consider the involvement of insurance companies and personal injury claims.

Typically, a car insurance policy might cover claims of bodily injury by others involved in the accident, as well as property damage claims. However, while individuals should get in touch with their insurance agents soon after the accident, the communication they have should be limited in some circumstances. For instance, individuals should not give written or recorded statements until they understand their coverage.

From the initial contact, the insurance companies' involvement in the case might vary depending on the circumstances. In cases where one driver is clearly at fault, the insurance company may not contest liability, and may seek to settle the case immediately.

For example, two cars recently collided in Maryland after one driver failed to stop at a stop sign. The vehicles proceeded to crash into an embankment. Both drivers were sent to the hospital with critical injuries, although one's injuries have been reported to be non-life-threatening.

While an accident investigation is continuing in the above case, it might be one such no fault case where the insurance company seeks to settle early on in the case. Nonetheless, drivers in these types of cases should still contact a qualified personal injury attorney to determine what claims and damages might be available. Moreover, if individuals have questions about dealing with insurance companies, the attorney can help determine what information needs to be provided, and how the case should proceed.