Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
A car accident in Prince George’s County can leave you dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and an insurance company that is already working to limit what it pays. Maryland law gives injured drivers and passengers the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering — but the steps you take in the hours and days after the crash directly affect the strength of your case. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered over $90 million for clients injured in collisions across Maryland, including crashes along the Capital Beltway, Route 301, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Prince George’s County.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Prince George’s County?
The actions you take at the scene and in the days that follow create the foundation of your injury claim. Missing even one step can give the insurance company room to dispute your damages.
- Call 911 and request a police report. Prince George’s County Police or Maryland State Police will respond to accidents on county roads and state highways. A police report documents the scene, identifies witnesses, and often includes the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault.
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine at the scene, injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage may not produce symptoms for hours or days. Emergency rooms at UM Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton treat crash victims regularly.
- Document everything. Photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to reduce or deny your claim. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Contact a car accident attorney. Maryland’s contributory negligence rule and three-year statute of limitations make early legal guidance critical.
How Does Contributory Negligence Affect Car Accident Claims in Maryland?
Contributory negligence is a legal defense that bars an injured person from recovering any compensation if they were even partially at fault for the accident. Maryland is one of only four states and the District of Columbia that still follows this rule. Under Maryland common law, if the defendant’s insurance company can prove you were 1% responsible for the collision — by exceeding the speed limit, failing to signal, or looking at your phone — your entire claim can be dismissed.
Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has spent nearly three decades building car accident cases that overcome contributory negligence defenses in Prince George’s County Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro and courts across Maryland. The firm’s attorneys gather surveillance footage, accident reconstruction data, and witness testimony to establish that the other driver bears full responsibility for the crash.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Crash in Prince George’s County?
Maryland law allows car accident victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses caused by the collision, while non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Emergency treatment, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medication |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Future medical costs | Ongoing rehabilitation, future surgeries, assistive devices |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Property damage | Vehicle repair or replacement, personal belongings |
Maryland caps non-economic damages in personal injury cases. The cap adjusts annually and applies per case, not per defendant. An experienced attorney can calculate the full value of your claim, including damages that may not be immediately obvious after the accident.
If your car accident resulted in serious injuries, an attorney familiar with Prince George’s County courts can evaluate whether your claim justifies filing a lawsuit rather than accepting an insurance settlement. Contact Lebowitz & Mzhen to discuss the specific facts of your collision at no cost.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a car accident is three years from the date of the crash, under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101. Missing this deadline almost always bars the claim permanently. Property damage claims also carry a three-year filing deadline.
Three years may sound like plenty of time, but evidence disappears, witnesses move, and memories fade. Surveillance camera footage from businesses near the crash site on Route 301 or along MD-295 is typically overwritten within 30 to 90 days. Starting the claims process early preserves the evidence that makes a strong case.
Where Are Car Accidents Most Common in Prince George’s County?
Prince George’s County consistently reports some of the highest crash totals in Maryland. According to data from the Maryland State Police, high-volume corridors include the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95), the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), Route 301 through Upper Marlboro and Bowie, Route 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue), and Central Avenue (MD-214). Intersections near commercial areas in Hyattsville, Largo, and College Park also see frequent collisions, especially during rush hour when commuters are traveling to and from Washington, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in Prince George’s County?
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule makes legal representation especially important. Insurance companies routinely argue shared fault to deny claims entirely. An attorney experienced with Prince George’s County car accident cases can counter these defenses and handle negotiations with the insurer while you focus on recovery.
How long does a car accident case take in Maryland?
Straightforward insurance claims may resolve in a few months. Cases that go to litigation in Prince George’s County Circuit Court can take a year or longer, depending on the severity of injuries and the complexity of fault disputes.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
Maryland requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless they specifically reject it in writing. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, your own UM policy may cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limits.
Talk to a Prince George’s County Car Accident Attorney
Dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance adjusters after a car accident is stressful enough without trying to handle the legal side on your own. The Prince George’s County car accident attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers bring nearly 30 years of plaintiff-only experience to every case. Both founding partners — Jack Lebowitz and Vadim Mzhen — hold National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and NADC Top One Percent designations, credentials shared by fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide. Call (800) 654-1949 or contact the firm online for a free consultation. No fees unless you win.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is evaluated on its own facts and applicable law.