You are entitled to receive compensation for your damages and losses. An experienced car accident lawyer can ensure that you receive the right amount of compensation for your injuries. This is the Maryland auto accident guide 2023.
What to do after an accident
First, you must take action after a Maryland car accident. This is the time to gather evidence and get medical attention. If possible, stop your vehicle and get it moving to avoid blocking traffic.
You should check your injuries. If you are able to move, make sure that the drivers and passengers are okay. If you are unable to move, call an ambulance or ask someone else to help. Talk to an operator on the telephone if you are able to move and can help others.
Sometimes, it can be more harmful than beneficial to move someone. Even if the accident is minor, call the authorities. Once the police arrive on the scene, they will secure it. However, you need to start writing down the contact information for eyewitnesses. This includes those who just arrived on the spot.
Not forgetting to note the contact information and plates numbers of the other driver. To check if surveillance cameras are present, scan the area. You might be able to use this evidence later, but recordings can often be erased so it is important that you act quickly.
Photograph the accident scene, your injuries and the damage to both cars. Let paramedics check you out when they arrive. You might not feel some injuries due to your adrenaline rush, and the medics’ report will also serve your case later.
For a consultation, contact your personal injury lawyer. The lawyer should have all details about the accident, including photographs, reports from medical professionals, witnesses and surveillance cameras if any.
Pursuing Compensation for Car Accident Claim
Your lawyer will start their investigation, gather police reports and medical reports, talk with witnesses, or collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
Your lawyer should be informed about all your hardships during your recovery, including out-of-pocket expenses and lost wages. It is important to communicate with your lawyer so that they can determine the economic and non-economic damages that you will seek.
Your injuries, medical expenses and property damage will not be compensated. You also won’t get compensation for lost wages. Your non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, PTSD and emotional anguish, will be compensated. This depends on the facts of your case and how they were framed.
To get you the best compensation, your personal injury lawyer will work with the at-fault party and/or insurance company. Your lawyer can initiate a lawsuit if negotiations fail to reach an agreement outside of court. If the other party is not insured, you can file a claim against them, their insurance company or your policy to seek compensation.
Determining Fault and Liability
Proving fault is the most important aspect of car accident claims in Maryland. Although it may seem obvious, you should remember that in certain states you could be compensated for your damages even if you are partially to blame.
Maryland is different. Maryland’s contributory negligence system can mean that you may not receive compensation, even if you were 1% responsible for the accident. It is important to work with a skilled lawyer.
You must prove that the other person owed you a duty to care. All drivers have to do this. For more information, you can contact a Maryland car accident lawyer to discuss your options and determine who to file a claim against.