www.pinderplotkin.com

Laurel Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Hit by a driver who took off in or near Laurel? You may still recover. Your own uninsured motorist coverage often pays for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, even when the driver is never found. You pay nothing unless we win.

  • No at-fault driver identified? Your own coverage may still pay
  • Serving Laurel plus Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery
  • Free case review · No fee unless we win
Jason Plotkin, Managing Attorney, Pinder Plotkin Legal Team

Recognized by

Million Dollar Advocates Forum
The Reisman Awards — Legal Impact Award 2021 Winner
Pinder Plotkin Legal Team BBB Business Review
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Reviewed
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
My experience was fantastic, Charlotte was a big help and had the lawyer return my call within minutes. Jason was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I will have them represent me and my family.More
Lee HarperVerify on Google

Tell us what happened. We’ll take it from there.

A free case review with no obligation, and no fee unless we win. Someone on our team reads every message that comes in.

  • No fee unless we win
  • We deal with the insurance company, not you
  • Serving Laurel plus Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery

Would rather talk now? Call (888) 844-5373

As Seen On

WMAR-2 News, ABC Baltimore Associated Press Yahoo! Finance Apple News Benzinga

Pay nothing unless we win!

At Pinder Plotkin, the initial consultation is free, whether by phone or in person. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis — we only charge you after we recover compensation on your behalf, typically 33% of your insurance settlement. Our fee is increased if a lawsuit is filed. There won't be any charges if we don't win.

Millions recovered for clients every year Fighting for injury victims since 2002
See Results

What clients say after working with us

Pinder Plotkin Legal Team holds a 4.9-star average across 900+ verified client reviews. Here’s what injured Marylanders say about working with us.

5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I have worked with Pinder Plotkin on a car accident and they were nothing but professional. The whole team were very caring and kept me informed through the whole process. I could not think of a better firm to represent me.More
Denise C.Verify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Received support from Day 1. No question went unanswered and they worked to make sure I was comfortable and understood everything. Very patient in ensuring my needs are met. I am grateful.More
Maxine WashingtonVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I been a client since 2017 and I had a good experience with them as far as getting results and being treated like family, I had a major injury and the whole team was very supportive and stayed on top of my case, I was able to maintain my bills due to being out of work for a year and had a favorable outcome with my settlement which helped me start my business ventures, so thanks again to the team and if need be I’ll have them represent me in the future.More
CamRon AndersonVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Jason, Charlotte, and Tony were absolutely amazing! I was in a car accident 4 years ago, they made sure I was taken care of and even though we had a lot of set backs due to Covid, they never made me feel like my case (or me) were not important. Tony knew my medical history better than I did, Charlotte was always an absolute delight to talk to and was so kind, and Jason was just great! I'm really sad that I won't be talking to them anymore, they became like family! I know that is something a lot of people say, but it is 100% true with this team.More
The Rhodes We Travel “Mystika”Verify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great team took my cases when most wouldn’t did all the work fluently and worry free would not be any happier 😊. Highly recommend them for your legal servicesMore
Ivan OmwegaVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I cannot thank the team at Pinder Plotkin enough for their compassion, patience, and relentless dedication throughout my car accident case. They went above and beyond — jumping through hoops, explaining every step with care, and standing by me when I felt overwhelmed or lost. The communication was incredible, and I always knew I was in good hands. I truly appreciate everything they did to help me get through such a stressful time. Highly recommend to anyone looking for people who genuinely care about their clients.More
Stephanie HVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Mr Jason, Mr Balsamo, Nancy and the team worked on my case meticulously until I got justice. Thanks Nancy for your assurance and patience. If you need a team of injury lawyers, Pinder Plotkin team should be your first call.More
TenderCare NursingVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how this process would go since I usually let the auto insurance company handle accident. However, I would not hesitate to call upon the Pinder Plotkin legal team FIRST. They took on my case and exceeded expectations and removed any doubts I had. The folks at Pinder Plotkin fought through a long drawn out case, keeping my best interests in mind. A settlement was reached, more than what I would say, your insurance company would give. I’m extremely happy with the Pinder Plotkin team for their hard work, dedication to me as a client and as a veteran. I was treated with compassion, empathy and they communicated every step of the process. I high recommend the Pinder Plotkin legal team for your legal services. Thank you Pinder Plotkin, truely, thank you.More
Jamal BurtonVerify on Google

Results we have won for Maryland families

$625,000Truck accident
$1.1 MillionPremises & workers’ comp
$328,000Car accident
$308,000Dog bite
See all results

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is decided on its own facts.

Free Case Value Calculator

Get a fast, free estimate of what your case could be worth.

The calculator below is a working tool, not a contact form. Nine questions, about three minutes, and you get an estimated settlement range for a Maryland hit-and-run claim.

What the nine questions ask
  • Jurisdiction and date — which state’s rules apply, and whether you are still inside the filing deadline
  • Accident and property damage — how the collision happened and what it did to your vehicle
  • Injuries and MMI status — what you were diagnosed with, and whether you have finished treating
  • Medical bills and lost wages — your economic losses so far
  • Impact and history — how the injuries changed your daily life, and your prior treatment

Free and no obligation. Your name, email, and phone number are required on the final step before the estimate is shown. The result is an estimated settlement range for information only — it is not a written case analysis, legal advice, or a promise of any outcome.

Why it happens

Why would a driver leave the scene after an accident?

Common reasons drivers flee

Under Maryland law, drivers involved in car accidents are required to remain at the accident scene until they’ve complied with certain obligations outlined in Maryland Transportation Code § 20-104. Despite harsh penalties like fines or jail time, many motorists in Laurel still flee. Common reasons include:

  • The driver doesn't have a valid driver's license
  • The driver has a suspended license or many tickets
  • The driver has an outstanding warrant for their arrest
  • The driver is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  • The driver doesn't have insurance coverage
  • The driver may be operating a stolen car
  • The driver may be operating a company car and fears losing their job
  • The driver is an illegal immigrant fleeing to avoid deportation
  • The driver is transporting illegal items, like guns or drugs

What does Maryland law require after a crash?

Maryland law requires every driver involved in a crash to stop, share their information, and help anyone who is hurt. A driver who leaves the scene is breaking the law, and the consequences get more serious when someone is injured. That flight can also matter to your injury claim — regardless of why a driver fled, don't try to chase after them; this may end up hurting your Laurel hit and run accident claim.

Step by step

What should you do if a driver leaves the scene?

1

Avoid chasing the fleeing driver

You aren't the police. Chasing the driver may seem as though you were also fleeing the scene, and you may end up breaking speeding laws. If you notice the other driver speeding off, note their vehicle license plate, color, make, and model.

2

Contact the police

Call 911 to report the accident. The police will interview you to find out what happened — your statement may include details such as traffic conditions, the other vehicle's details, and the location of the crash.

3

Seek medical attention

Visiting your doctor after an accident is crucial. Even if you feel okay, make sure you see a physician for a checkup — some injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may take time to manifest.

4

Exchange information with witnesses

Talk to witnesses at the scene to find out what they can share. Get their names, phone numbers, and addresses, and take photos or videos of the scene, including any visible injuries, road signs, skid marks, vehicle damage, and weather conditions.

5

Contact a Laurel hit and run accident lawyer

An experienced attorney can guide you after a hit and run accident. At Pinder Plotkin, our lawyers will follow up your case with the police, handle all the paperwork, and deal with insurance companies.

Know your rights

What damages can victims get from a hit-and-run accident claim?

You have three years from the date of your accident to file both personal injury and property damage claims (Md. Courts & Jud. Proc. Code Ann. § 5-101). If you don't file within three years, you lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Economic damages

These damages are generally easier to prove since they are objective in nature, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, future medical bills, household services, and lost earning capacity.

Non-economic damages

These damages are more subjective and boil down to how a judge or jury feels about the facts of a case, including pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment, and mental anguish.

Punitive damages

Punitive damages aren't meant to help victims recover financially — they're designed to punish the defendant, and are available where the driver's actions are considered malicious.

How much will a lawyer cost?

Pinder Plotkin works on a contingency fee basis for hit-and-run claims — you don't pay anything upfront, and we only get paid a set percentage if we win your case.

How we help

Why do I need a lawyer after a hit-and-run?

Case preparation

A hit-and-run claim may involve lots of unfamiliar paperwork. Your lawyer looks into every piece of evidence to build a strong claim, including dashcam footage, CCTV footage from nearby stores, medical records, employment records, and police reports.

Settlement negotiation

We handle your settlement talks on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery. We understand how insurance companies operate, and we determine the value of your claim and push for the best compensation for your injuries.

Trial representation

If settlement talks hit a dead end, our trial lawyers are ready to represent you in court and build a compelling case to convince the judge and jury that you deserve the highest and best possible settlement.

The money question

Who pays, and what's my Laurel hit-and-run case worth?

Every car accident case is unique, and the amount you recover depends on the circumstances — as determined by the insurance company or a jury. Factors that affect your settlement's value include:

  • Extent, severity, and duration of your injuries
  • Property damage to each vehicle
  • Mechanism of injury and whether it's temporary or permanent
  • Pre-existing injuries and whether they're directly related to the crash
  • Time lost from work and the credibility of each driver

How much is my case worth?

What actually moves the number in a hit-and-run case

A hit-and-run claim turns on a question the multiplier cannot answer: who pays when nobody is caught. Most often the answer is your own uninsured motorist coverage, which Maryland requires every auto policy to carry. That changes the shape of the case — you are now making a claim against your own insurer, which owes you contractual duties but will still investigate you like an adversary.

Two things decide the outcome early. Reporting: uninsured motorist claims carry notice requirements, and a delayed police report gives the carrier an argument. And corroboration: with no other driver to depose, the case is built from physical evidence, nearby cameras and witnesses who will not be findable in a month. If the driver is later identified, their policy comes into play alongside yours.

How Maryland personal injury settlements are calculated — the multiplier and per diem methods, the damages caps, the deadlines, and our settlement calculators.

No two cases are worth the same, but insurers lean on two common methods to estimate pain and suffering. Understanding them helps you spot a lowball offer. Try our free Maryland Car Accident Settlement Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Should I speak to the insurance company?

We generally advise against it. Insurers will most likely make an immediate offer well below the true cost of your damages. If you work with us, we handle all discussions and negotiations so you're protected from being victimized in the claims process.

Should I accept their offer?

The adjuster's first offer is in most cases very low and doesn't represent what the case is actually worth. Negotiations typically go back and forth for a few months before settling — at which point we file a lawsuit based on the value of the case.

What could your claim be worth?Try the free Maryland Car Accident Settlement Calculator below for a personalized estimate.
What you're dealing with

Common injuries after a Laurel hit-and-run accident

Brain Injuries

Back Injuries

Neck Injuries

Head Injuries

Internal Injuries

Facial Disfigurement

Leg & Knee Injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries

Death

These injuries can temporarily or permanently hinder your quality of life. Anyone requiring extended medical care or dealing with a lack of mobility is also likely to be affected by job loss, expensive hospital bills, depression, lost wages, inability to perform routine tasks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Where Laurel-area hit-and-run crashes happen

The City of Laurel sits at the junction of four counties, and serious car crashes cluster on the same high-traffic corridors in each. Here is where we see the worst wrecks and where injured drivers are treated.

140Traffic deaths in 129 fatal crashes, Prince George's County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard
46Traffic deaths in 45 fatal crashes, Montgomery County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard
45Traffic deaths in 42 fatal crashes, Anne Arundel County, 2023Source: MDOT's Anne Arundel County crash summary
23Traffic deaths in 23 fatal crashes, Howard County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard

City of Laurel

  • High-risk corridors: US-1 (Washington Blvd), MD-198 (Fort Meade Rd), Main Street, and Contee Road.
  • Nearest ER: UM Laurel Medical Center on Contee Road — a freestanding 24/7 emergency department. Serious trauma goes to UM Capital Region Medical Center in Largo.
  • Where cases are filed: a Laurel injury lawsuit is filed in Prince George’s County — the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County at Upper Marlboro, or the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro if the claim exceeds $30,000.

Prince George's County

  • Where crashes cluster: US-1 (Route 1), MD-198, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), and I-95.
  • Nearest ER: UM Laurel Medical Center (freestanding 24/7 ER); serious trauma transfers to UM Capital Region in Largo (Level II).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 100 Prince George’s County cases since 2017 — 43 in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, 57 in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County at Upper Marlboro. Mostly auto accident claims.

Anne Arundel County

  • Where crashes cluster: MD-32, MD-3, I-97, and MD-198.
  • Nearest ER: Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (Annapolis) and UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (Glen Burnie).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 51 Anne Arundel County cases since 2017 — 30 in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, 21 in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County.

Howard County

  • Where crashes cluster: US-1, US-29, I-95, MD-32, and MD-100.
  • Nearest ER: Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (Columbia).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 29 Howard County cases since 2017 — 13 in the Circuit Court for Howard County, 16 in the District Court of Maryland for Howard County.

Montgomery County (neighboring)

  • Where crashes cluster: I-270, US-29, the Intercounty Connector (MD-200), and MD-355.
  • Nearest ER: Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, Level II trauma) and Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 15 Montgomery County cases since 2017 — 12 in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, 3 in the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County.

Check out our ebooks

The Smart Consumer's Guide to Maximizing Auto Insurance Policy Limits

The Smart Consumer's Guide to Maximizing Auto Insurance Policy Limits

Free guide to Maryland auto insurance and how policy limits affect your recovery.

Download the guide
The Maryland Rideshare Accident Manual

The Maryland Rideshare Accident Manual

Free guide covering what to do after an Uber or Lyft accident in Maryland.

Download the guide
The Role of a Chiropractor in Treating Auto Accident Injuries

The Role of a Chiropractor in Treating Auto Accident Injuries

Free guide on how chiropractic care can support your recovery after an auto accident injury.

Download the guide
Car Crash Course: My Journey from Survival to Recovery and Beyond

Car Crash Course: My Journey from Survival to Recovery and Beyond

Jason Plotkin’s personal account of surviving a car accident and the road to recovery.

Buy on Amazon

Source & method

Counts are Maryland Judiciary Case Search records for Jason Plotkin and Anthony Balsamo as attorneys of record, filed January 1, 2017 through September 4, 2026. Court filings only — most injury claims settle before a lawsuit is filed, so these are a floor, not a total. A filing count is not a results claim, and prior filings do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter. To verify, search “Plotkin, Jason” or “Balsamo, Anthony” as Attorney at casesearch.courts.state.md.us.

Watch: Jason Plotkin on hit-and-run accidents

TV interview: What happens after a car accident
Jason Plotkin's story: surviving a major car accident
FAQ: What to do immediately after a car accident

Laurel Hit-and-Run Accident FAQs

Who pays when the driver flees?

When the driver who hit you takes off, you might think there is no one to pursue — but there often is. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is built for exactly this situation and can pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver is never found or has no insurance. Maryland requires UM coverage on auto policies, so you may have more protection than you realize. We track down every available source of recovery.

What does Maryland law require after a crash?

Maryland law requires every driver involved in a crash to stop, share their information, and help anyone who is hurt. A driver who leaves the scene is breaking the law, and the consequences get more serious when someone is injured. That flight can also matter to your injury claim — and it is one more reason to get a lawyer involved early.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us at (888) 844-5373 and ask — there is no charge and no obligation to hire us.

Visit our Laurel office

329 Prince George St, Laurel, MD 20707 · Call (888) 844-5373 to schedule a visit. · View on Google

Serving All of Laurel

We handle hit-and-run accident cases throughout the Laurel area and the surrounding counties.

City of LaurelView Area
Prince George's CountyView Area
Anne Arundel CountyView Area
Howard CountyView Area
Montgomery CountyView Area

Rooted in Laurel

Jason Plotkin does not just take Laurel cases — he shows up in the community. He serves as a Director of the Laurel Board of Trade, hosts Around Town on Laurel TV, and has moderated the Laurel Candidates Forum for the past two election cycles. When you work with our firm, you are working with people who know this city — its roads, its courts, and its neighbors.

Jason Plotkin, Managing Attorney, Pinder Plotkin Legal Team

Hit by a driver who fled in Laurel? Let's talk.

Free case review, no pressure, no fee unless we win. Reach out and one of our attorneys will walk you through your options.

Call (888) 844-5373