What Are the Parts of a Car Accident Claim?
Liability
- Speeding or driving faster than conditions warrant, such as during an ice or snow storm or heavy rain
- Distracted driving. This can include cell phone usage, eating, using dashboard controls, or even talking to other occupants of the vehicle
- Following too closely and being unable to stop
- Making an illegal turn
- Running a red light or a stop sign
- Changing lanes in an unsafe manner
- Failure to signal a lane change.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Damages
Economic
- Medical bills
- Loss of wages
Non-economic
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or anguish
- Disfigurement and/or physical disability
- Inconvenience
- Damage to a marital relationship as a result of the accident
How is Liability Determined?
- Do not admit fault or imply you are to blame. State only the facts and avoid offering your personal opinion. Let the police and investigators do their work and draw their own conclusions based on evidence.
- If you are able, write down the facts at the time of the accident. Draw a sketch of the area where the accident occurred.
- Use your phone to take plenty of pictures of the accident scene. Take photos of your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, any relevant details at the scene, such as traffic conditions, lines of vision at the intersection—anything that might impact liability.
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Ask them to write down their version of the accident; record them describing the accident using the memo function or video on your phone if they agree to be recorded.
- Don’t sign anything or verbally agree to anything from the other driver’s insurance representative until you’ve consulted your own Baltimore personal injury lawyer. Even if you decide later you don’t have a claim, it’s best not to limit your options until you fully understand your rights.
Evidence Used to Determine Fault for Car Accidents in Maryland
There are multiple forms of evidence that can be used to determine who is to blame for your car crash. The following are all common examples of evidence used to prove fault for accidents in Maryland:
Evidence from the Scene
First, evidence from the scene can be highly valuable. Photos taken immediately after the crash may be used to establish factors that contributed to your accident. For example, a photo of your severely damaged car may be used to show that the other driver was speeding when they struck you. Additionally, photos from the scene can help disprove defendants’ alternative theories of fault. If the defendant in your case suggests that your collision actually happened as the result of poor road conditions, then our Aberdeen car accident attorneys can use photos from the scene showing clear weather to discredit their argument. You should always take photos at the scene of your accident if possible.
Physical evidence from the scene of your crash can also be used. For instance, broken parts from the other driver’s vehicle may be used to identify them as the at-fault party. Additionally, drug paraphernalia found at the scene may help prove that the defendant was impaired when your crash occurred.
Statements from Eyewitnesses
Furthermore, eyewitness statements are one of the most valuable forms of evidence that can be used to establish fault for accidents. Witnesses can offer written and oral testimony that explains how or why collisions occurred. For example, a witness may state that they saw another driver commit an illegal lane change before causing an accident. You should attempt to retrieve contact information from witnesses in the aftermath of your accident if you can.
Footage from Private Security Cameras
Surveillance footage from private security cameras may also be used to determine fault for your car accident in Maryland. For instance, a business’s security camera may capture a collision that occurred in their parking lot. Furthermore, a driver’s dashboard camera may capture the events that unfolded before, during, and after a crash. Parties in control of pertinent surveillance camera footage may not want to cooperate with victims.
Testimony from Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses are professionals who have completed the necessary training, education, and experience in their fields. They are often used to explain complicated theories of fault. For instance, if an accident occurs because a car was equipped with malfunctioning parts, then an engineering expert may be called on to demonstrate how the parts were defective. Also, after a highway crash, an accident reconstruction expert may be summoned to help determine who is at fault.
Official Accident Reports
Lastly, information form accident reports can be very helpful when determining fault for your car accident. After any crash that causes injuries, a police officer should come to the scene to create such a report. These reports may provide a wide range of information that helps attorneys and insurance companies gain an understanding of how collisions occurred. For example, the police report for your accident may provide a crash diagram, statements from drivers, or the drafting officer’s personal notes regarding who is to blame.
What is Contributory Negligence?
Examples of Negligent Actions Committed by at-Fault Drivers in Maryland
There are several forms of negligent conduct that can lead to car accidents. One of the more common actions exhibited by at-fault drivers is distracted driving. Drivers can become distracted when they take their hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or attention away from the task of driving. Some common examples of activities that distract drivers are speaking with passengers, texting, picking music for the radio, and interacting GPS systems. Thankfully, distracted drivers can be held accountable for crashes they cause.
Speeding drivers are also a common cause of accidents. While speeding, motorists are prone to losing control of their vehicles and swerving out of their lanes. Furthermore, while travelling at illegal speeds, drivers may not be able to slow down in time to avoid a collision if cars in front of them begin to brake. If your car accident was caused by a speeding driver, you may be able to sue them for the injuries you sustained.
Furthermore, many car accidents in Maryland occur because drivers commit improper left turns. When drivers fail to yield the right-of-way before making left turns at intersections, catastrophic collisions can happen.
What About Liability if I Am Injured?
Partial Fault and Injury Claims
If you are partially to blame for your car accident, then you will not be able to recover monetary damages. Maryland courts follow the rules of contributory negligence when apportioning damages in car accident cases. This means that if you are found to share the slightest degree of fault for your crash, you will be prohibited from suing the other driver.
Many defendants and their insurance companies attempt to shift blame onto plaintiffs during car accident lawsuits. However, you should not let this deter you from seeking the monetary damages you deserve.