When you sue for damages in a car accident case, the topic of liability is going to come up. You need to show how someone else was to blame for your injuries and damages. A Prince George’s County car accident lawyer from our firm can help you do that while dealing with some of the other local laws that might affect your case.
How Does Liability Work in Car Accidents in Maryland?
Maryland is an at-fault state. This means that drivers have to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage and they can sue each other over an accident that causes injuries and property damages. You have to prove a few things in a case like this.
First, you must show that the other driver owed you a duty of care because you were sharing the highway. Then you have to show how that duty of care was violated, usually by bad behavior like speeding or reckless driving. Then you show how this negligence caused your injuries and damages. Proving liability can take a bit of work, but our lawyers can help you gather the necessary evidence.
Do Nearby States Use the Same Liability Rules?
Some do. If you get into an accident in Virginia, for example, the same at-fault rules apply. However, it’s important to note that Washington, D.C. has a no-fault system. You’ll be playing by different rules if you travel into the nation’s capital and get into a fender bender. This is why it’s important to consult a lawyer after a crash.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Sue For?
You can be reimbursed for all sorts of expenses stemming from a car accident if you can show liability. Damages can help make up for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental health and psychological issues
- Loss of earning potential
- Any other pain and suffering associated with the accident
What Happens If I’m Partly to Blame for an Accident?
A big issue to be aware of is how negligence works in Maryland and some surrounding areas. If you get into an accident and it’s found that you contributed to it in any way, you cannot recover damages. Even if you are one percent to blame and the other driver is 99% to blame, you don’t have a case!
This is part of the reason why we recommend having a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney from our firm can defend you from any accusations of wrongdoing. Then we can help you build a compelling case against the other driver and show how they shoulder all of the liability here.
Contact Our Law Firm
When you’re ready to hold a negligent driver accountable, we want to help. Contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. to schedule a consultation with our team. We can tell you more about your legal options and the potential value of your case.
