Unfortunately, car accidents are quite common and injuries can be devastating. Please continue reading to learn how car accident liability works in Maryland and how a determined Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Does Car Accident Liability Work in MD?
In Maryland, car accident liability operates on an “at-fault” system. This means that the motorist responsible for the collision is liable for the damages incurred, and their insurance company is typically responsible for compensating victims.
Unlike in other states, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is optional in Maryland. This means that the driver at fault is responsible for the other party’s losses. If you are involved in a car accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your losses. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you can file a claim under your own insurance policy.
Maryland requires all motorists to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. The minimum coverage in Maryland is $30,000 in bodily injury per person, $60,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 in property damage per accident.
In Maryland, car accident liability operates on an “at-fault” system. This means that the motorist responsible for the collision is liable for the damages incurred, and their insurance company is typically responsible for compensating victims. If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, you can take legal action directly against them for the remaining amount. However, before you can recover compensation, you must prove the following elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. This means you must demonstrate that the other motorist had a duty to operate their vehicle safely, breached that duty through their careless or reckless actions, and that this breach directly caused your injuries and losses.
Is Maryland a Contributory Negligence State?
It’s important to note that when it comes to car accident liability Maryland also uses a strict contributory negligence rule. Under this legal doctrine, if you are even slightly at fault in an accident, you will face the absolute bar of recovery. This means that even if the other driver is mostly to blame for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation for your damages.
Given the complexities associated with contributory negligence, it’s in your best interest to consult a determined lawyer from Timian & Fawcett, LLC who can help you understand your rights and options moving forward. Connect with our firm today to learn more about what we can do for you during this difficult time.
