Prince George’s County, MD Car Accident Lawyer
The highways and roads throughout Prince George’s County are filled with people driving from one destination to another. Unfortunately, accidents occur. it could be a collision between two cars, a multi-vehicle pileup, or a single-car accident. Often, people involved in a car crash can walk away unharmed or with some minor bruises or cuts. However, there a few unlucky individuals who suffer severe or life-altering injuries.
Our Prince George’s County, MD car accident lawyers have been helping people hurt in car crashes for over thirty years. Catastrophic injuries sustained in accidents could have far-reaching negative impacts on your financial and physical wellbeing. Our lawyers are committed to helping people harmed through no fault of their own. Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.
Causes of Car Accidents in Prince George’s County, MD
There is no one reason why car crashes occur. Sometimes it is merely an unavoidable accident. However, it is possible that a motorist’s negligent behavior directly contributes to a collision.
The leading contributing cause of car accidents is drivers diverting their attention from the road. When a driver is distracted from the task at hand, they present a danger to themselves and other motorists. Safe driving requires concentration and focus. When a motorist is sending or reading a text, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio, their eyes and hands are not focused on driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is the second leading cause of car crashers. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s reflexes, decreasing their capacity to react to changing conditions on the roadway. Similarly, some prescription medication lessens an individual’s physical and mental capabilities.
Reckless driving also contributes to car accidents in Prince George’s County. Driving at an excessive speed not only decreases reaction time and increases the likelihood of a car accident, it also plays a significant role in the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. Some of the most horrific injuries are a direct result of a speeding vehicle. Speeding is not the only type of reckless driving, ignoring traffic signals, refusing to yield, or improper lane changes all contribute to collisions.
Sometimes an accident occurs and it is not the fault of another driver. Poor road conditions or construction debris left on the highway could cause an otherwise cautious driver to get into an accident. If you are involved in a car accident, call our Prince George’s County attorney to help determine who or what is at fault and should be responsible for your injuries.
Injuries Sustained in Prince George’s County Car Accidents
Often, a car accident victim will walk away with only minor or no injuries. However, depending on how the accident occurred, the harm suffered could be devastating. the following is a list of some of the common injuries.
- Head injuries
- Brain damage
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
- Dismemberment
- Paralysis
- Wrongful Death
What to do if You Were in a Car Accident in Prince George’s County
The first thing you should do if you are involved in a car crash is to get medical attention. Sometimes that means staying still until an ambulance arrives. However, if you are physically able, there are some steps you could take that could potentially help a personal injury claim.
Make sure you call the local or Prince George’s County police. In addition to securing the accident site, they will compile a detailed accident report. the report should contain a probable cause of the accident, the names and information of those involved, and the names of any eyewitness and their statements. While a police report does provide conclusive evidence of fault, it could help in establishing if any negligent behaviors occurred.
If you have a smartphone or other device handy, you should take photographs of the accident site. Be sure to include multiple angles of the vehicles involved and the damage they sustained. Additionally, include photos of the roadway, any skids marks, debris, and surrounding signs and painted lanes if they exist. A comprehensive overview of the site could be helpful in recreating the accident if necessary. Also, do not forget to take pictures of your injuries.
Under no circumstance sign any agreement or settlement with either your insurance company or another driver’s insurance carrier. Before you make any statement to an insurance company, call our experienced Prince George’s County car accident lawyer. An insurance company is not necessarily acting in your best interests.
Establishing Liability for Prince George’s County Car Crashes
Determining fault in some car accidents can be challenging. Because many crashes happen quickly and without a clear cause, a personal injury claim requires a skilled attorney. Our car accident lawyers have years of experience in collecting and piecing together evidence, including police reports, medical evidence, eyewitnesses accounts, and expert testimony to establish fault and liability.
The “Contributory Negligence” Doctrine in Prince George’s County, MD Personal Lawsuit Litigation
Unfortunately for people injured in car accidents, Maryland follows the “contributory negligence” doctrine. To hold another driver liable for damages incurred in a car accident, our law office must prove that your conduct did not contribute to the crash. If a jury finds that your behavior was 1% at fault, then you will be prohibited from collecting any compensation. Our attorneys are very familiar with this legal doctrine and will work to counter any arguments presented by the defense.
Call Our Prince George’s County, MD Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident, you could be facing years of medical expenses and physical trauma. Our Prince George’s County, MD car accident lawyers will tirelessly work to see you receive the compensation you deserve. Call the auto accident lawyers of Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.
