Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
Maryland fatal accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Drivers may be distracted, speeding, or even operating their vehicle under the influence. When a fatal accident occurs, the responsible driver hurts both victim and their surviving loved ones. After losing a loved one in a fatal Maryland accident, you may wish to hold the responsible party accountable through a wrongful death action.
For example, according to a Maryland State Police news report, two people lost their lives in a multi-vehicle accident. The fatal crash occurred in Prince George’s County on I-95 when a Dodge Charger in the right lane attempted to pass a tractor-trailer by moving to the middle lane. The vehicle then rear-ended a Hyundai Elantra traveling in the left lane, causing both vehicles to veer into opposite sides of the road. The Hyundai then caught fire. Sadly, the Hyundai driver and passenger died at the scene. The Dodge driver was transported to the hospital for his injuries.
How Can You Recover Damages After a Fatal Maryland Accident?
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Maryland accident, you can bring several actions against the responsible driver. First, you can bring a wrongful death claim, which allows a victim’s loved ones to recover damages so long as the victim, had they survived, would have a claim against the driver. Accordingly, to prevail on a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff must prove the defendant owed the deceased a duty of care, breached that duty through their negligent behavior, that their negligence caused the fatal accident, and that the victim died as a result.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Maryland Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Through wrongful death actions, you can recover economic damages resulting from the accident, such as lost future earnings of the deceased. You can also seek damages for medical expenses or funeral and burial costs. Additionally, you can recover damages that are harder to quantify, such as emotional pain and suffering. A deceased person’s spouse can further seek damages for loss of consortium. This term refers to the loss of a spouse’s companionship, comfort, or services. An experienced Maryland personal injury attorney can help you understand the different types of damages awards you can pursue in a wrongful death action.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Maryland Accident?
After losing a loved one in a fatal Maryland accident, bringing a lawsuit may be the last thing on your mind. However, a wrongful death action can help you recover from the financial and emotional toll of a fatal accident. If you are considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit, the skilled personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen are here to help. Our attorneys possess years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases throughout Prince George’s, Charles, Baltimore, and Montgomery County. Through our compassionate representation, we will work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. To learn more, and to schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 800-654-1949.