Bowie, MD Car Accident Lawyer

Whether you are stopping in Bowie, Maryland, for a shopping trip at the town center or just passing through on your way to the nearby Six Flags America, there is a chance you could be involved in a car accident.

This experience can be very difficult for all involved; not only are there probably some injuries and damage to a critically important possession – your car – but the added stress of dealing with law enforcement and insurance companies can quickly take its toll.

At a time like this, your best option is to turn to a qualified legal representative.

The team of professionals at Rice, Murtha & Psoras has more than a decade of experience practicing law; Randolph Rice himself is a former assistant state’s attorney who has argued cases in courtrooms across Maryland.

He and his staff are more than prepared to guide you through this tough time in your life. To schedule your free consultation, visit us online or call us at (410) 694-7291 today.

Causes of Car Accidents in Bowie, MD

Many small, idyllic towns across the country – like Bowie, for example – see car accidents that are caused by similar factors. Habits shared by more than a few drivers are to blame for these events, and while some manage to practice unsafe habits without causing a collision, others experience life-altering accidents that can injure, maim, or kill.

Here are a few of the most common causes of car accidents in Bowie and across Maryland.

Distracted Driving

Any number of distractions can affect a person’s driving ability, though some certainly have a stronger impact than others. With the advent of smartphones, especially, came a host of new distractions, all of which fit in the palm of your hand.

Add in a radio that sometimes requires adjustment, a GPS device that needs to be monitored, or any other devices that can be found in almost any car around the world and you begin to see how an accident can easily occur.

Driving Under the Influence

Although it is widely understood that operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have dire consequences for motorists and passengers, some drivers still continue to place themselves and those around them at risk.

Bowie is no stranger to this, sadly; a drunk driver was responsible for a February 2019 crash that killed six people, five of whom were children. Even in less severe cases, however, drunk driving can prove disastrous.

Roadway Conditions

While many car accidents are caused by driver error, some are not the fault of those behind the wheel. The conditions of the road surface, the placement of signs, and the proper functioning of traffic lights – all of these things can contribute to a car accident.

Although these factors may not be the fault of the drivers involved in the accident, it is likely that one or more parties are responsible for the conditions that led to the crash.

Regardless of the exact circumstances surrounding your incident, the best tool to have on your side is a keen legal mind with experience identifying the causes of car accidents and taking the appropriate actions against the responsible parties.

Finding Fault After a Car Accident in Bowie

After determining the factors that led to your accident, the next step is to figure out who was responsible for those conditions. While the most common party responsible for an accident is one or both of the drivers, it is possible for an individual or organization to share responsibility, even if they were not present during the accident.

Ultimately, sorting out who was at fault will shape both the legal and financial outcomes of everyone involved.

Maryland is an “at-fault” insurance state, meaning that the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for the resulting harm. The related damages are generally paid by that driver’s insurance carrier up to the limits of their policy.

However, insurance policies are often not sufficient, especially since Maryland has low standards for minimum coverage – you may only end up with a payout of $30,000, even in the event of a death or life-changing injury. If this happens to you, a lawsuit may be your only route to recovering your losses.

At times, however, the driver may not even be the primary contributor to the accident. If, for instance, a car experiences brake failure because of a malfunctioning or defective part, it is possible that the manufacturer of that part is liable for the resulting accident.

If a problem with the road itself was a factor, the local government responsible for maintaining the asphalt surface could be responsible.

A knowledgeable attorney can help you determine who may be at fault in your accident and whether you have a cause of action against anyone.

Skilled Lawyers Fighting for Car Accident Victims in Bowie, MD

Recovering from the results of a car accident can be an incredibly challenging task, but the aid of an experienced legal representative can make this time a little easier.

The team at Rice, Murtha & Psoras is eminently qualified to look out for your interests in the face of intractable insurance carriers, drivers, or anyone else who may owe you compensation. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (410) 694-7291 today or contact us online.