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Maryland car accident lawyers are the best sources of help and guidance if you’ve just gotten involved in a car accident in Maryland. There are special laws governing car accidents that occur in Maryland, and even as a Maryland resident, it would be nearly impossible for you to tackle the problem without encountering difficulties.
So to avoid possible problems, get help from Maryland car accident lawyers.
What the Numbers Show
Maryland has recently experienced a fortunate decline in the number of car accidents in the state. Nonetheless, the number is still considerable, so it is good to take necessary precautions to prevent road accidents from happening.Past records released by National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration or NHTSA shows that 614 people died in Maryland in 2007 due to car crashes. However, the Administration expects this number to decrease in 2008.
The state of Maryland is one of the 16 states that achieved a 90% rate of seatbelt usage, which is helping reduce the number of fatal car accidents that occur in Maryland.
It was also in Maryland that the most significant decline in fatal car crash rate was recorded.
Another disturbing statistics is the number of pedestrians who get involved and die in car accidents in Maryland. Records show that about 100 Maryland pedestrians die in Maryland auto accidents every year. The 2007 figures showed that 70 out of a total of 110 pedestrian fatalities occurred on the state’s highways.
What Maryland’s Car Accident Laws Say
Getting into an accident on Maryland’s roads is not the exact same thing as getting into one on another state’s roads. This is because Maryland and other states have different legal statutes with regards to car accidents.This is why Maryland car accident lawyers are extremely important to anyone who gets into a car accident within Maryland bounds. These lawyers can acquaint you with all the special laws and considerations important in a Maryland car accident case.
Maryland’s car accident laws give anybody who gets into an accident a maximum of three years to make a car accident claim for negligence cases. This also means that your case should reach a conclusion within three years; otherwise you lose any chance to receive a claim.
However, minors are special cases. For accidents involving minors, the three years will begin after the minor’s eighteenth birthday.
Keep in mind that Maryland law requires all drivers to have a PIP or Personal Injury Protection as part of every automobile insurance policy released by any insurance company within Maryland.
Since it is mandatory, PIP is fairly affordable. You can choose your desired coverage, with the minimum being worth $2,500.
This ensures that you get coverage regardless of who is at fault in a car accident in Maryland. But what does PIP cover?
PIP covers all medical bills in cases of personal injuries. Beyond that, PIP will also shoulder any profits lost due to the injury. The benefits you get from your PIP will be separate from the claim you may be able to make from the other party who is at fault.
In addition, all drivers in Maryland are strictly required to have a minimum bodily injury coverage of at least $20,000 for each individual and at least $40,000 for each accident. Aside from that, each driver should have a property damage insurance coverage worth $15,000 for a single accident.
Maryland is known as a pure contributory negligence state. It follows the concept of joint and several liability.
If you find it difficult to understand how these specific car accident laws in Maryland will affect you in making a claim, immediately seek the help of Maryland car accident lawyer in the event you are involved in an accident.
Finding a Good Car Accident Lawyer in Maryland
To find a good Maryland car accident lawyers, you have to know where to look and what you're looking for.Your first stop is the official lawyer search website of Maryland, followed by the newspaper and the phone directories, which provide listings of Maryland car accident attorney offices in your area.
I always think it's a good idea to ask for referrals from family members and friends so you can get firsthand feedback and actual testimonies that you know aren't made up.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, check the records and experiences of the Maryland car accident attorney you are considering. What types of accidents and claims have they been successful with in the past?
It is important you pick a lawyer that offers the best chances of winning you those claims most closely related to yours. For example, for personal injury claims, look for a Maryland car accident lawyer with personal injury specialization.
And finally, since you are going to be working closely with the lawyer, make sure you are comfortable with the attorney you choose. At this point, it is alright to factor in some personal opinions.
The lawyer should also be able to make you understand the case properly. Lastly, make sure that the lawyer also agrees with a clear payment plan between client and lawyer, so you won’t encounter any problems along the way or unexpected expenses.
Do’s: Look for a Maryland car accident lawyer if you get into car accidents in Maryland. Abide by state requirements regarding minimum insurance coverage for drivers.
Don’ts: Don’t hire a car accident lawyer without checking background and case history or asking for referrals.
The Verdict
Maryland is not an accident-prone state compared to some, but several accidents nonetheless occur on its roads yearly. If you get into an unfortunate road accident in Maryland, make sure you know where to turn for help.Return to Car Accident Lawyer Home
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