Car accidents can potentially permanently alter a person’s life, and if you’ve been wrongfully injured in one, you can depend on an experienced Prince George’s County car accident lawyer right here at McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P.. Our firm has handled countless car accident claims over the years, and we have what it takes to effectively handle yours, too. Contact us today to learn more about car accidents and how we can help you through the process ahead.
Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyer | Serving Clients in MD, VA, and Washington D.C.
When someone is hurt because of another person’s negligence, they should not have to fend for themselves to get the care they need to pick up the pieces. We understand this, and you can depend on an experienced Prince George’s County auto accident lawyer here at our firm to fight for your right to heal, from start to finish.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
There are several common causes of car accidents, and though they are most often caused by driver negligence, there are other times where outside factors can cause serious accidents. For example, inclement weather conditions, poor road conditions, or even negligent signage/broken traffic lights can sometimes cause accidents. However, as previously stated, the most common cause of car accidents is driver negligence. The most common types of driver negligence that our firm sees are as follows:
- Texting while driving, or otherwise driving while distracted
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic lights or signs
- Failing to safely merge or change lanes
Most often, car accidents come in the form of rear-end crashes, where one motorist crashes into the back of another motorist, typically because they were tailing too closely, driving while distracted, or speeding. That being said, these accidents, among the many others we see, including T-bone and head-on crashes, can all lead to very serious injuries, and if you were injured in any sort of car accident due to no fault of your own, there is a very good chance that you are entitled to financial compensation.
What to do After a Car Accident
When someone is hurt in a car accident, they should first call the police to the scene, as they will send emergency services who can treat their injuries promptly. However, while awaiting their arrival, the injured party should attempt to document the accident as best they can. After an accident, you should try to do the following:
- Call the police.
- Ask the other driver for his or her insurance information.
- Ask anyone who saw your accident for their name, phone number, and email address.
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any property damage and your injuries.
- Ask your doctor for a copy of all relevant medical documentation.
- Retain the services of an experienced Prince George’s County car accident lawyer.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Maryland
Personal Injury Protection, also sometimes referred to simply as “PIP,” is a form of no-fault insurance coverage. Essentially, if someone is injured in an accident, they can receive coverage for a portion of their medical bills and other immediate expenses, regardless of the at-fault party. All auto insurers in Maryland require drivers to purchase PIP insurance. That being said, you should understand that PIP often does not cover the entire cost of an injury. In this case, you can speak with an experienced Prince George’s County car accident lawyer who can determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim, through which you may recover the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Contributory Negligence for Car Accident Claims in Maryland
Not every state recognizes contributory negligence when it comes to auto accident claims–in fact, only 5 do, but Maryland is one of them. Contributory negligence means that if the other party can prove that you contributed to the accident in any way, you may be barred from suing–even if the other driver was primarily responsible for the crash. Most other states recognize a form of comparative negligence, which means that the compensation received by the injured party will be limited by the percentage he or she contributed to the accident.
Since Maryland does not recognize comparative negligence, it is critical that you hire a knowledgeable Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer who can effectively present your case and fight for your right to financial compensation.
Can a Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Recover Compensation?
As long as you can prove that the other party was the direct cause of your accident, you should receive financial compensation to help you cope with any economic or non-economic damages you’ve sustained. Non-economic damages entail compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and other non-monetary damages, while economic damages deal with lost wages, the cost of medical treatment, and other financial damages.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in MD
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is, in most cases, three years. This means that if you’ve been hurt, you are granted three years from the date of your accident to pursue compensation from the negligent party. If you wait any longer than three years, you will most likely relinquish your right to sue. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better off you will be. As time goes on, witnesses may be harder to track down and it can become more difficult to prove that the injury you sustained is the direct result of an accident you had years ago. Our firm is prepared to speak with you today. All you have to do is give us a call.
Contact a Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are traumatic and can impact an injured person for the rest of his or her life. Our firm is here to fight for the compensation you need to help make up for lost time after an injury. Contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. today to schedule your free consultation with our competent, understanding, and aggressive legal team.
