$ millions
recovered For our clients
You Deserve Compensation For Someone Else’s Negligence
At Schmittinger & Rodriguez, our top priority is providing clients with strong, practical legal representation after a car accident. Serving Delaware since 1961, we are proud to offer personalized attention from experienced attorneys, reflecting our commitment to A Tradition of Legal Excellence.
Our Delaware car accident attorneys have extensive experience helping injured individuals pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We understand how difficult it can be to recover after a car accident; the injuries you have suffered, the expenses you have incurred, and the uncertainty about what comes next.
Whether you have experienced a rear-end collision, an intersection crash, or another type of motor vehicle accident, our Delaware car accident lawyers will guide you through the legal process step by step. We will evaluate your situation and help you determine the best course of action under Delaware law.
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Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Delaware?
If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim.
Under Delaware law:
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
Delaware follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you may recover compensation even if you are partially at fault, as long as your responsibility is not greater than the other party’s
Drivers must carry liability insurance and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage
In 2020, Delaware experienced 29,150 traffic crashes resulting in 7,254 injuries and 117 fatalities, highlighting how often these cases arise.
Understanding your legal rights early can make a meaningful difference in your case.
How a Delaware Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a car accident lawyer can provide important advantages during the claims process. Our attorneys can:
Investigate the accident and gather evidence
Obtain police reports, medical records, and witness statements
Handle communication with the insurance company
Evaluate settlement offers
Prepare your case for litigation if necessary
Insurance companies often respond differently when a case is handled by attorneys with courtroom experience.
What Our Clients Say
Most Common Questions
Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Schmittinger & Rodriguez, our personal injury attorneys handle a wide variety of car accident cases, including:
Rear-end collisions
Head-on collisions
Side-impact (T-bone) accidents
Rollover accidents
Multi-vehicle collisions
Single-car accidents
Hit-and-run accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Bicycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Our Delaware personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling claims involving all types of motor vehicle accidents. Our goal is to help you pursue full compensation through a settlement or, when necessary, in court.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident in Delaware
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to take the following steps:
Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries do not seem severe, some conditions may not appear immediately and can worsen without treatment.
Contact law enforcement: A police report from Delaware State Police or local authorities helps document the accident and protect your legal rights.
Document everything: Keep records of medical bills, repair estimates, photos, and any communication with the insurance company.
Notify your insurance company and begin your PIP claim: Delaware law requires drivers to carry PIP coverage, which may cover medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer: An attorney can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Negligent driver
Distracted driving (including texting)
Speeding
Drunk or impaired driving
Failure to follow traffic laws
Dangerous road or weather conditions
Poor vehicle maintenance
Aggressive driving behaviors
Identifying the cause of the accident is an important part of building a strong personal injury claim.
Common Injuries in a Car Accident
The most common injuries resulting from a car accident include:
Head injuries, including traumatic brain injury and concussions
Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs
Lacerations and soft tissue injuries
Whiplash and neck injuries
Broken bones
Internal organ damage
If you have been injured, it is important to seek medical attention and follow through with treatment to support both your recovery and your case.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover?
The amount of compensation you may recover depends on the specific facts of your case. In many car accident cases, compensation may include:
Medical bills and ongoing medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Other related losses
An experienced car accident lawyer in Delaware can evaluate your claim and help ensure that all damages are properly considered.
Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is important to understand your legal rights under Delaware law.
Delaware requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in liability insurance
PIP coverage provides a minimum of $15,000 per person for medical expenses and lost wages
You must typically file a PIP claim through your own insurance first
If the other driver was at fault, you may pursue compensation through their insurance company
Delaware also allows recovery in cases involving uninsured or underinsured drivers through your own policy, depending on your coverage.
Why Legal Representation Matters
While it is possible to handle a claim without a lawyer, studies show that individuals who work with an attorney often recover significantly more compensation.
At Schmittinger & Rodriguez, we understand how stressful a car accident can be. Our attorneys bring decades of experience handling car accident injury cases and provide direct, personalized guidance throughout the process.
Speak With a Delaware Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait to get answers. The steps you take now can affect your ability to recover compensation.
Schmittinger & Rodriguez offers free consultations to help you understand your options and next steps after a car accident.
Call (302) 674-0140 or request a free consultation online today.
We serve clients across Dover, Middletown, and Rehoboth Beach with a continued commitment to a tradition of legal excellence.