In Maryland, the determination of fault for a car accident plays an important role in your ability to recover compensation. If you have been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer who can help protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. Please continue reading to learn why it’s important to prove fault after a car accident in Maryland.
Why is It Important to Prove Fault in a Car Accident?
To recover compensation for the damages you have wrongfully endured after a car accident, you must fulfill the burden of proof. This is done by proving that the other party acted negligently. Essentially, you must prove they failed to exercise reasonable care, which directly caused your injuries. This is typically achieved by demonstrating the other party breached their duty of care by engaging in certain actions such as distracted driving or driving under the influence.
It’s important to prove fault in a car accident as it determines who is financially responsible for the damages caused by the crash. While insurance will likely cover some of the costs, you may be held civilly liable for any remaining costs out-of-pocket if you are at fault for the accident. As such, most people will dispute liability, claiming the other party is solely responsible. It’s crucial to note that Maryland is a contributory negligence state. This means even if you are slightly at fault for the accident, you cannot recover compensation from the defendant. To protect your rights, it’s in your best interest to connect with a seasoned attorney who can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
What Evidence Should I Collect?
To satisfy the burden of proof, you will need substantial evidence. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, you should contact emergency services by dialing 911. Law enforcement will arrive at the scene and conduct a preliminary investigation. If you are injured you will be assessed at the scene and depending on the severity of your condition, you may be transported to a hospital. Even if you feel fine, you should still visit a doctor as some injuries don’t show up right away. Obtain the police report as it will document the details about the crash and potential contributing factors that can help establish fault.
If circumstances permit, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene, including damaged vehicles, injuries sustained, and any other relevant environmental factors that could have contributed to the collision. This will provide a visual of the accident, making it easier to establish how the accident happened and its results. From here, you should gather contact information from any bystanders who witnessed the accident and obtain written statements detailing what they observed. This is particularly important, as they may be able to validate your account of the accident.
At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we are prepared to advise you on what you can do to improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome for your case. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can fight for you.
