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Over the course of the last decade, I've published in excess of 700 articles in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, workers' compensation and insurance disputes, generally. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact me to discuss the details of your case and learn how I can help.

Injured in Baltimore While Traveling? Here’s What You Need to Know

Sustaining a serious personal injury or being involved in a catastrophic car accident while out of town, especially in an unfamiliar area like Baltimore, is a daunting potentially frightening prospect. As a seasoned personal injury attorney in Baltimore, Maryland, I have represented numerous individuals who have faced the misfortune of being injured while visiting, traveling through, or temporarily staying in Baltimore. Issues such as medical care, vehicle repair, medical supplies, lost wages, and daily activities become even more challenging for someone injured in Baltimore when traveling from out-of-town. I developed a checklist of tips for those unfortunate individuals injured while out of town.

Key Considerations: Out-of-Town Car Accident Victims in Baltimore

Injured in Baltimore While Traveling? Here’s What You Need to Know

Police involvement for someone injured in Baltimore when traveling from out-of-town

Whenever there’s an accident involving personal injury or property damage, I advise you to calling the Baltimore City Police. There’s a balance to strike here, and it’s not a recommendation that I might lightly.  While Baltimore residents wouldn’t want Baltimore City police officers investigating minor property damage instead of serious crimes, some insurance policies require a police report if you’re hit by a disappearing driver. Documenting the accident and obtaining the identity and insurance information of the other party is essential, especially for those from out of town hurt in Baltimore or from out of state injured in Baltimore.

Helping injured in Baltimore when traveling from out-of-town obtain medical care

Baltimore is home to some of the finest hospitals, emergency rooms, shock, and trauma centers in the country. If you’re not from Baltimore, you might not be aware of the high-quality medical care available here. Seeking immediate and appropriate medical attention is crucial, particularly if you’re not from Baltimore and involved in a car accident in Baltimore.

The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland is dedicated to treating the critically sick and severely injured and employing groundbreaking research and innovative medical procedures with one goal in mind: saving lives.

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Navigating Baltimore: Involved in a car accident in Baltimore.

If in injured in Baltimore while traveling from out-of-town, understanding the details of your accident is significant, whether you’re speaking to an insurance claims adjuster, a police officer, or Baltimore  a personal injury attorney. Accurate information about where and how the accident occurred will be critical in your case, especially if the accident happened while traveling through Baltimore on Interstate 95 or traveling through Baltimore on 695. Obviously, if not from Baltimore, one may need help in determining where, in Baltimore, they need to go.

Workers’ Compensation for those injured in Baltimore when traveling from out-of-town

If you’re working in Baltimore and get injured, you likely have a personal injury claim. If If in injured in Baltimore while here from out-of-town for work, you may have a valid Workers’ Compensation claim. If you live out of state but are hurt while working in Baltimore, it’s vital to consult with an experienced personal injury or Baltimore Workers’ Compensation attorney promptly to explore your options.

Practical Tips for someone injured in Baltimore when traveling from out-of-town

Here are some practical tips for those from out of state injured in Baltimore:

  • Filing a Lawsuit: Determining the appropriate place to file a lawsuit is critical. Jurisdictional rules can be complex, especially when the injury occurs in a different state from where you reside.
  • Jurisdictional Rules: When injured in Baltimore while traveling from out of state, understanding jurisdictional rules is essential. Typically, you can file a lawsuit in the state where the accident occurred, especially if the responsible parties are based there.

Case Study. Out of town resident / Car accident in Baltimore

Joe, from Connecticut, is driving to Texas and gets involved in an accident in Baltimore on I-95. Joe’s car is hit by Sam, who is working for Bob’s Auto Parts, a Maryland-based company. Joe returns home, receives treatment in Connecticut and wants to sue for his injuries.

Legal Analysis: The lawsuit should be filed in Baltimore

Joe might assume he can sue in Connecticut, but since Sam and Bob’s Auto Parts are based in Baltimore, they have no connection to Connecticut. Absent possibly Sam, or Bob’s owner traveling to Connecticut form Baltimore, and being served with a lawsuit there, Joe would need a skilled Baltimore personal injury attorney to litigate his case in Baltimore, where the accident occurred and the defendants reside.

“To determine whether the assertion of personal jurisdiction is consistent with due process, this Court has long relied on the principles traditionally followed by American courts in marking out the territorial limits of each State’s authority. See Pennoyer v. Neff, 95 U. S. 71495 U. S. 722. The classic expression of that criterion appeared in International Shoe Co. v. Washington, 326 U. S. 310326 U. S. 316, which held that a state court’s assertion of personal jurisdiction must not violate “traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.” Pp. 495 U. S. 608-610″ Burnham v. Superior Court, 495 U.S. 604 (1990).

Filing the lawsuit in Connecticut would likely result in dismissal on jurisdictional grounds. The U.S. Constitution typically allows lawsuits against tortfeasors in the state where they live, or where they cause harm. Absent those connections, assertions of jurisdiction are routinely successfully challenged.

Conclusion

If you’re injured in Baltimore when traveling from out-of-town,  navigating the legal and medical landscape can be challenging. Consulting with a knowledgeable Baltimore personal injury attorney is crucial to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether your accident occurred while traveling through Baltimore on Interstate 95 or on 695, professional legal guidance can make a significant difference in your case.