Columbia Car Accident Lawyer

Columbia Car Accident Lawyers

Injury attorneys advocating for victims of Maryland car accidents

When car accidents happen, the injuries can cause chronic pain, permanent scarring, long-time or a lifetime of medical care, and other devastating consequences. Tragically, many car accidents are fatal. At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., our Columbia car accident lawyers have been fighting for personal injury victims for more than 40 years. We’re seasoned insurance negotiators and jury trial attorneys who have an impressive record of settlements and verdicts. Contact our team today to get started.

How can we help?

What damages are available to me if I was injured in a Columbia car accident?

While every accident victim’s case is unique, there are many common concerns. If you were injured in a Columbia car accident, we demand compensation from the responsible parties for your current and future damages, including:

  • Medical bills, including the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitative therapy, psychological counseling, medications, and assistive devices
  • Lost wages, income, and benefits including compensation for a permanent disability
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Property damage
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of bodily function
  • Loss of consortium (enjoyment of marital relations)
  • Other losses

Some of your medical bills may be paid by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage before your case is resolved.

Damages for fatal car accidents in Columbia

If your loved one dies, we file a wrongful death action on behalf of the family members. Wrongful death damages in Maryland include:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • The financial support your loved one would have provided
  • The value of the household services your loved one would have provided
  • The loss of attention and guidance from your loved one
  • Your mental anguish and grief

How can a Columbia car accident attorney help?

Car accident claims can be complex. There may be multiple victims. More than just another driver may be responsible. The insurance company may try to deny your claim or limit the amount of your recovery. Defense lawyers will contest everything you say.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. our Columbia personal injury lawyers will calmly and clearly guide you through these complexities. Our successful record of insurance settlements is based on all the detailed work we do to show just how your accident happened, and why your car accident was not your fault. Whether your car accident happened on US Route 29, I-95, Maryland state roads (32,100, 108, or 175), or the local Columbia roads, we’re ready to help you immediately.

We prepare formal demand letters when your medical condition stabilizes, itemizing every medical cost to date and every medical cost you can expect to have for the rest of your life. The demand letter also itemizes to the penny all your other financial damages, such as towing costs, repair costs, daily lost wages, and all your personal losses. We’re skilled at showing all the different ways your injuries are preventing you from working, sleeping, driving, walking, enjoying your family, and every other activity in your life. We understand how insurance companies evaluate pain and suffering claims.

We work with investigators, the police, traffic reconstruction experts, and car parts experts to show how your accident occurred. We conduct extensive discovery of everyone involved to show why your car accident was preventable, and who should pay for your damages. Our lawyers work with your doctors and independent doctors when necessary to verify your injuries, explain all the medical care you will need, the cost of that care, and how your injuries are affecting every aspect of your life.

We represent car accident victims on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not receive any compensation unless your case settles, or we obtain a jury verdict in your favor. We prepare each case for trial. Our strong record in the courtroom is one of the reasons insurance companies settle claims with us.

How long will it take to resolve my car accident claim?

Each case is different. Generally, we begin by having investigators help us examine the car accident site and automotive experts who examine any defective car parts. We review medical claims with experienced physicians. We submit interrogatories (written questions) and conduct depositions (oral questions) of everyone who has knowledge about your accident. We work with your doctor to fully assess your medical condition and needs.

Once the discovery phase of your case is complete, and your medical condition is clear, we prepare a demand letter that we send to the insurance company. We negotiate with the insurance companies. Many cases do settle. If your case does not settle, we submit your case for a jury trial.

What happens if the at-fault party has no insurance or too little insurance?

In Maryland, accident victims must prove another person or business was “at-fault” for their injuries. Car owners are required to have minimum amounts of liability insurance. Many drivers are uninsured or underinsured. Many accident claims are worth more than the amount of coverage the responsible driver has. If the defendant(s) are uninsured or don’t have enough insurance to pay your full claim, we file a UM/UIM claim on your behalf with your own insurance company. We also file a UM/UIM claim if the driver who struck you was a hit-and-run driver.

What are the common causes of car accidents in Columbia, Maryland?

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, we represent people who have been injured by others who were:

  • Driving while drunk or impaired by drugs
  • Driving while distracted, such as when drivers text while driving
  • Driving while tired
  • Speeding, failing to yield, driving through red lights, and other traffic violations
  • Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions

In addition to the driver and/or the employer of the driver, the owners of the vehicle and/or state agencies and other entities may also be liable for a car accident in Columbia.

We also file claims when a defective car part causes a crash or fails to protect you (or a loved one) when a crash occurs. Common parts of cars that may be defective include brakes, tires, electrical systems, computer components, ignition switches, seatbelts, and airbags. Manufacturers may also be liable for the parts they didn’t include and for failing to make the car crash-worthy.

Columbia Car Accident Resources

After a car crash in Columbia or elsewhere in Howard County, you may need a police report, a hospital, a court, or a county or state agency. These official contacts can help. Howard County's courts and police headquarters are in Ellicott City. If anyone is hurt, call 911 first.

Local Crash Data

In 2023, Howard County had 4,178 reported crashes, which injured 1,204 people and killed 23, according to the MDOT MVA Highway Safety Office's Howard County crash summary (2023 data are subject to change).

Police and Crash Reports

The crash report comes from the police agency that responded to your crash.

  • Howard County Police Department. Crash reports are requested online through CrashDocs, which is linked from the department's online resources page. Records Section: 3410 Court House Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043, 410-313-2250. Non-emergency: 410-313-2200. District stations: Northern District, 3410 Court House Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043, and Southern District, 11226 Scaggsville Rd., Laurel, MD 20723.
  • Maryland State Police (if a state trooper handled your crash). Wait at least 10 days after the crash, then request the report from the barrack that took it or from the Central Records Division, 410-281-2700. There is a $4.00 non-refundable search fee. See how to request an MSP crash report.

Hospitals and Trauma Centers

Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center is at 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044, 410-740-7890. It is not on the MIEMSS list of designated trauma centers. MIEMSS designates these Baltimore hospitals as trauma centers (see the MIEMSS list):

  • R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center (Primary Adult Resource Center): 22 S. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201
  • The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Level I adult trauma center): 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287
  • The Johns Hopkins Children's Center (Level I pediatric trauma center)
  • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (Level II adult trauma center): 4940 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21224
  • Sinai Hospital of Baltimore (Level II adult trauma center): 2401 W. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215

Courts

  • Circuit Court for Howard County: 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043, 410-313-2111. See the court's page.
  • District Court of Maryland, Howard County: 3451 Courthouse Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043, 410-480-7700. See the court directory.

In civil cases, the District Court of Maryland has exclusive jurisdiction over claims of $5,000 or less and shares jurisdiction with the circuit courts over claims above $5,000 up to $30,000 (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-401 and § 4-402(d)). The District Court does not hold jury trials (Maryland Judiciary). You can look up a case on Maryland Judiciary Case Search.

State and Local Agencies

  • Howard County State's Attorney's Office, Victim/Witness Assistance Unit (if the crash leads to criminal charges): 9250 Judicial Way, Suite 2200, Ellicott City, MD 21043, 410-313-3153. See victim and witness information.
  • Maryland Insurance Administration (complaints about how an auto insurer handled your claim): 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202. Consumer hotline for auto and other property and casualty insurance: 410-468-2340. File a complaint.
  • Maryland Auto Insurance, Uninsured Division (if you have no insurance available to you). It helps eligible Maryland residents hurt in Maryland who have no available insurance, were not at fault, and do not own a vehicle or live with someone who does, and had a valid driver's license if they were driving. Claims must be filed within 180 days of the accident, or 30 days from an insurer's disclaimer. 800-492-7120, ext. 5301. See Uninsured Division claims.
  • Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (help for crime victims). Maryland law lets the Board consider injuries from certain driving crimes, including impaired driving and leaving the scene of a crash that injured someone (Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 11-801). 6776 Reisterstown Rd., Suite 209, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-697-9338. See CICB.
  • NHTSA recall lookup: check your vehicle, tires and equipment for open safety recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Disclaimer: We list these agencies, hospitals, courts and offices for general information only. Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is not affiliated with any of them. Listing them is not an endorsement, recommendation or referral, and none of them endorse our firm. We last verified the contact details in October 2026. They can change, so please confirm with the agency or facility before you visit. In an emergency, call 911.

Do you have a car accident lawyer near me?

Our legal team can meet with car accident victims and families at our Columbia office located at 10211 Wincopin Cir, Suite 620, just steps away from both Merriweather Post Pavilion and The Mall in Columbia. If you are unable to travel, we can schedule a phone or video conference instead.

We’re ready for all the arguments insurance companies and defense lawyers make. We’ll fight to protect your future and honor a loved one who died.

Speak with an experienced Columbia MD car accident lawyer today

If you were struck by a negligent driver, or were the passenger in a car driven by a negligent driver, rest assured that Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. can help you from day one. We also represent families when a loved one dies in a car accident. We’ll assert all your rights, explain each step of the claims process, and fight for all the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or complete our contact form today. In addition to Columbia, we also have offices in Baltimore, Towson, and throughout Maryland.