Riverside, MD Car Accident Lawyer
From fender-benders to massive head-on collisions, auto accidents are a common occurrence on the roads and highways around Riverside. When insurance does not pan out the way we want, a personal injury lawsuit might be the best way to get the fair compensation you are entitled to. Starting a case can be challenging, and you should speak to an experienced lawyer right away.
Your lawyer can help you begin your case by evaluating your claims, finding evidence, assessing damages, and preparing legal paperwork and documents. They may also help you determine exactly how your accident occurred. Knowing this information might make it easier to understand why the defendant is responsible for the accident and how to prove it in court. The faster you get started working with a lawyer, the better your odds of success in court.
Receive a private case evaluation for free from our Belcamp car accident attorneys when you call (410) 694-7291 and speak to our team at Rice, Murtha & Psoras.
Why You Should Hire an Experienced Attorney for Your Car Accident Case in Riverside, MD
While no law or statute requires a plaintiff to hire a lawyer for a civil lawsuit, doing so may be in your best interest. If the legal system is known for anything, it is its complexity and difficulty to navigate. Even experienced attorneys have trouble keeping up with the ever-evolving body of personal injury law.
Your attorney can evaluate your claims and determine if you have a valid cause of action. Not every accident or injury gives rise to a valid legal claim. In some cases, plaintiffs are responsible for their own injuries but do not realize it. In others, the plaintiff might have a valid cause of action, but they are mistaken in who they believe is responsible. Your lawyer can clear all this up.
Next, your lawyer may assist you in gathering evidence to support your claims. In a civil lawsuit, plaintiffs must prove their claims by a preponderance of the evidence. This means that we must show it is more likely than not that the defendant is liable for your damages. To accomplish this, our car accident attorneys need as much evidence as possible. Evidence is unique to each case, and your lawyer can offer guidance on where evidence for your case might be found.
Your lawyer should also work with you to assess your damages. Damages represent the things you lost, money you have spent, injuries you have experienced, and psychological and emotional trauma. They can be complicated to keep track of and even more challenging to evaluate. Your attorney can help you make sure your damages are accurately calculated so that your compensation is fair and just.
How Vehicle Collisions Might Happen Around Riverside, MD
Car accidents are very common, but there are as many different ways to cause a car accident as there are actual accidents. Even so, you and your attorney should consider some rather common causes. Depending on how your accident occurred, we might need to adjust who we hold responsible and where we look for evidence.
Speeding is a very common cause of car accidents, both big and small. Even driving just a few miles per hour over the speed limit might be enough for a driver to lose control of the car, especially if road conditions are less than ideal. In some cases, negligent drivers drive dangerously fast, and the resulting accidents are catastrophic or even fatal.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents across the country, including Riverside, MD. With cell phones, GPS devices, and tablets now a normal part of our lives, drivers are more distracted than ever. Many newer cars can now sync with these devices, and drivers must make extra effort to avoid distractions. It only takes a few seconds of lost focus on the road to cause a dangerous collision.
Some accidents are not directly caused by drivers but are instead caused by damaged vehicle parts. If drivers fail to maintain their cars, their brakes might wear out, tires might become bald, and the vehicle might be unsafe to drive. The driver should be held responsible because their negligent maintenance caused the accident.
When to Start Preparing a Riverside, MD Car Accident Case
It is never too soon to begin preparing a civil claim for a car crash. However, starting a case with a lawyer immediately is not always possible. Many plaintiffs need time to recover from their injuries while mulling over their legal options. You should take your time to decide what to do next, but the statute of limitations is already limiting your time.
Under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101, you have 3 years to file your case, and this limitation period begins on the date of the car accident. The clock is already ticking, and precious time may be slipping away.
Starting the case as soon as possible is important for several reasons. First, you do not want to run afoul of the statute of limitations. If the limitation period expires, you might be barred from bringing your case of action, meaning you cannot sue for the accident.
Second, you want to maximize the time you have with your lawyer. The more time your attorney has to investigate for evidence, assess damages, and develop legal strategies, the better your odds of success in the courtroom.
People start late for many reasons, and contacting an attorney now might help you avoid them. People often fear beginning a lawsuit because it can be time-consuming and frustrating. Success is not guaranteed, and people tend to be wary of legal fees. Talk to a lawyer about your concerns. There is a good chance they can put some of these fears to rest and work out an agreeable fee arrangement with you.
Our Riverside, MD Car Accident Lawyer Are Here to Assist You
Receive a private case evaluation for free from our car accident lawyers when you call (410) 694-7291 and speak to our team at Rice, Murtha & Psoras.