Recovering Damages as Passenger After a Maryland Car Accident

Maryland car accident injury lawsuits are often complex. The state’s strict contributory negligence laws prohibit recovery if the plaintiff is at all responsible for the accident. Insurance companies often use the state’s laws to their advantage and unnecessarily impute liability on a claimant. Fortunately, in most cases, injured passengers fare better during an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Maryland car accidents can cause serious injuries, especially those involving head-on collisions or where both drivers were speeding. For instance, national news reports recently highlighted the tragic accident involving NFL player Deshazor Everett and a reputable occupational therapist. According to reports, the victim, a lifelong Maryland resident, was a passenger in the football player’s car when the car clammed into several trees and flipped over. Emergency responders transported the woman to a hospital, where she later succumbed to injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Maryland law requires drivers to have third-party insurance. This system allows passengers to recover from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. Typically, the passenger may collect from any responsible party; issues may arise in the rare case that the passenger was responsible for the accident. However, insurance companies may try to deny, delay, or under-compensate claimants unlawfully. In these cases, victims have options such as a bad-faith lawsuit against the insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Many passenger injury cases involve friends or family of the victim. These cases can be emotionally daunting and complex. However, an attorney can navigate these cases and help victims carve out the best path to relief. Additionally, a lawyer can aid passengers in the myriad of issues that these cases present. For example, lawyers can help determine the liable parties, apportion fault, present compelling defenses to contributory negligence claims, and deal with uninsured drivers.

After an accident, the victim may suffer serious injuries that require long-term medical and psychological treatment. Effective treatment often requires individuals to take time off work to focus on their recovery. Moreover, some treatment is not covered by insurance or requires hefty co-pays. It is crucial that victims recover appropriate and complete damages in these situations. A dedicated and experienced Maryland accident attorney can help those who have suffered injuries in an accident.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Maryland Car Accident Lawsuits?

The statute of limitations for Maryland car accident lawsuits is three years. However, in certain circumstances, an accident victim may have more time to file a case. Additionally, if the claim is against a government entity, a victim may need to provide notice of their claim before the three-year statute of limitations. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help accident victims understand how long they have to file a claim.

Have You Suffered Injuries in a Maryland Accident?

If you or someone you love has been hurt or died in a Maryland car accident, contact the dedicated and skilled injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen. The attorneys at our office have extensive experience successfully representing clients in an array of Maryland accident cases. The firm has recovered over $65 million for our clients. We handle Maryland cases stemming from auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, drugstore negligence, pharmacy errors, birth injuries, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and wrongful death. Compensation in these cases often includes payments for medical expenses, ongoing rehab, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. Contact our team at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our office.

 

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