As a personal injury lawyer serving Annapolis knows all too well, there are many causes of car accidents . When a car accident results in significant property damage or personal injury, you should speak to an accident lawyer. Law firms that specialize in this complex area of law can review the facts of your case to determine if you have a personal injury claim. Read on to find out more about what causes of car accidents can lead to successful personal injury claims.

Distracted Driving

In personal injury law, distracted driving is a general term for drivers who are not completely focused on the road. This lack of focus is because they are dedicating their attention to another activity, like using a cell phone, changing the radio station, talking to passengers in the car, or eating and drinking. Sadly, personal injury law firms often take cases from victims who have been hurt by distracted drivers. Many states have now banned texting or talking on the phone while driving in an attempt to cut down on these types of personal injury claims.

Dangerous Speeding

Cars that speed are often stopped for traffic violations. When they are not stopped for traffic violations, car accidents can result. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenage drivers are most likely to speed, and young men are especially prone to this reckless behavior. Speeding drivers are often inexperienced and unable to react in time to a sudden change in road conditions. For that reason, speeding can result in serious collisions and serious injuries. If a speeding driver caused an accident where you were injured, you may have a personal injury claim against that driver.

Severe Fatigue

Most people know that driver exhaustion is a major problem in commercial truck accidents, as truck drivers may be forced to drive overnight without breaks. Unfortunately, fatigue is just as much of a problem in passenger car accidents. When people drive without enough sleep, their reaction time and ability to pay attention both decrease substantially. Drivers who are unfocused can cause accidents that have serious consequences, potentially leading to personal injury claims among other legal actions.

Most people mistakenly believe that being charged with possession of drug paraphernalia is a minor crime. But as any criminal lawyer knows, this is a serious criminal charge, and you need an experienced drug lawyer in Annapolis to avoid a lifelong criminal record and help to protect your rights.

If you are charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, never plead guilty before talking to a criminal lawyer. Reputable criminal defense firms are familiar with state drug laws and can work with prosecutors to get charges dismissed or reduced. Without a criminal defense attorney, a conviction for possession of paraphernalia can earn you a fine up $500, and worse, a permanent criminal record. If you are a subsequent offender or have been previously convicted of certain similar crimes, you face up to a $2,000 fine and two years in prison. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you may be able argue that the evidence against you is inadmissible because police did not have a legitimate right to search you, your home, or your car. Talk to an experienced criminal lawyer to find out more about how you can defend against drug paraphernalia charges.

Law firms in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County often field calls from people who have been arrested and are unsure of their rights. If you or a loved one has been arrested, it is important to contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal lawyer will ensure that your rights are not violated and will make note of any instances of police aggression or an improper arrest. Continue reading to learn more about what will happen immediately after an arrest.

Initial Booking

After you are arrested, you have the right to call a criminal defense attorney and call a friend or family member to arrange for bail. You are then booked into jail, where you must provide the police with basic information about yourself, including your address and birthdate. At this point you are fingerprinted and photographed. The police will also take any personal property or money you have on you, which you will be able to collect after you post bail.

Filing Charges

After you are booked, a police officer will deliver the facts about your arrest to a prosecutor. The prosecutor will decide whether or not to press criminal charges, which usually must be filed within 72 hours of an arrest. A prosecutor is not bound by the initial charging decision and can change the charge or add on additional charges once more evidence becomes available. It is essential to speak to a criminal attorney at this point so your lawyer can help you decide how to plead.

Posting Bail

Whether you plead not guilty or guilty, after getting advice from your criminal lawyer, the next step is to post bail. Bail may be denied in the case of very serious criminal charges, but a good criminal defense attorney can generally negotiate the lowest bail possible. Bail secures your release from jail until your trial date. A judge will set a dollar amount or release you on your own recognizance, which means that you do not have to pay but are obligated by law to appear at your next hearing. Once you are released pending your next court date your attorney will begin the process of preparing your case with you.

As a criminal lawyer near Annapolis will explain, Miranda rights must be read to any criminal suspect in custody. If a police officer fails to advise you of your rights when you are arrested or placed in custody, your criminal lawyer may be able to have the case against you completely dismissed.

Miranda rights include the right to remain silent and to know that anything you say can and will be held against you in court. A police officer must also advise a criminal suspect of his right to speak to a criminal defense attorney. Finally, a police officer must inform a suspect that if he cannot afford a criminal attorney, one will be provided to him at no cost. The Miranda rights, named after the 1964 Supreme Court case that gave rise to them, are required because they provide vital information to suspects about their constitutional rights, so that they can make an informed decision about what to do when they are arrested. Courts take the rights very seriously and if you are arrested or placed in custody you must be made aware of these rights, or the State risks not being able to use evidence that they have collected against you, including your own statements.