As national personal injury law firms pour money into advertising across Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia, one Baltimore-based attorney is betting that injured people would rather be represented by a firm down the street than a call center three states away. Richard R. Klein, who leads Attorney Big Al - The Law Office of Richard Klein, says the difference is simple: "The Attorney Big Al name means something in the communities we serve, because we're actually here. We're a real local firm, and we treat you like family."
That contrast is deliberate. As national firms flood the region's airwaves, Klein argues that local representation matters. "When you call one of those national operations, you're a number on their bottom line," Klein said. "When you call us, you're a neighbor." The firm's clients often come from underserved communities—people Klein says have been ignored, talked down to, and left without a voice. "I'm committed to fighting for their rights," he said. "Everyone deserves a lawyer who picks up the phone."
The firm's accomplishments include an AV Preeminent® peer-review rating achieved this year, a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 honor, and BBB accreditation. Attorney Big Al represents people hurt in car, truck, motorcycle, rideshare, bus, pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Klein said his vision for the next chapter comes down to three commitments: be easy to reach, keep clients in the loop, and tell people the truth about Maryland law.
That last point matters more in Maryland than almost anywhere else. The state is one of the few places in the country that still follows contributory negligence. Under that rule, an injured person who is found even slightly at fault for a crash can be barred from recovering anything at all. Maryland also generally gives people three years from the date of a crash to file a lawsuit. "Insurance companies know Maryland's rules better than anybody," Klein said. "If they can pin even a sliver of blame on you, they'll try. That's why I tell people to get help early, before they've given a statement or signed anything."
There is some good news on Maryland roads. The state recorded 480 traffic deaths in 2025, down from 582 in 2024, according to preliminary data released by the Office of Gov. Wes Moore. It was the first time the total fell below 500 since 2014. Deaths among pedestrians and bicyclists dropped to 116 from 173. "That's real progress, and the people working on road safety deserve credit for it," Klein said. "But 480 is still 480 families. Behind every one of those numbers is somebody's kid, parent or neighbor."
For anyone involved in a crash, the firm recommends staying calm, taking photos, exchanging information, getting medical care right away, and talking to a lawyer before speaking with the other driver's insurance company. Klein said the firm's future also runs through the neighborhoods it serves. The firm has sponsored back-to-school supply giveaways for local students, and he plans to keep showing up in the community. "We're a real local firm," Klein said. "Baltimore is home. I chose this city, and the people who call us are our neighbors. We treat you like family - not like a number." People with questions after a crash can learn more at Richard R. Klein.
