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Is Maryland a No-Fault State or At-Fault State?

What is The Difference Between At-Fault and No-Fault Insurance?

Car crashes inflict far more damage than just physical pain. They can trigger emotional trauma, disrupt your entire life, and leave you with crippling debt. Imagine – a sudden halt to your income, hobbies, and even basic daily tasks. A catastrophic car accident can take those away in the blink of an eye. In the most heartbreaking cases, a loved one is lost.

That’s why car accident claims, car insurance, and fault systems exist—accidents happen, often due to negligence. When someone else’s negligence turns your world upside down, they must be held accountable. You deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost income, chronic pain, and the life you once knew before the accident.

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Car crashes inflict far more damage than just physical pain. They can trigger emotional trauma, disrupt your entire life, and leave you with crippling debt. Imagine – a sudden halt to your income, hobbies, and even basic daily tasks. A catastrophic car accident can take those away in the blink of an eye. In the most heartbreaking cases, a loved one is lost.

That’s why car accident claims, car insurance, and fault systems exist—accidents happen, often due to negligence. When someone else’s negligence turns your world upside down, they need to be held accountable. You deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost income, chronic pain, and the life you once knew before the accident.Is Maryland a No-Fault State or At-Fault State?

The Regan Zambri, Long car accident lawyers, deeply understand the devastating impact of car accidents on individuals and their families. We know the last thing on your mind is a personal injury lawsuit, but we also know medical bills and property damage costs don’t wait. That’s why our legal team works tirelessly to secure a successful settlement as quickly as possible. Call our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case and form a winning strategy to recover financial compensation and secure your future.

Is Maryland a No-Fault or At-Fault State?

Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the car crash bears the financial responsibility for compensating the injured party. This differs from a no-fault state, in which car accident victims file a claim with their insurance company, regardless of who was at fault for the car accident.

In Maryland, car accident victims will file a personal injury case against the at-fault driver and the driver’s insurance company. Once the claim is filed, the injured party will work to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the car accident and subsequent injuries that led to significant losses.

How is fault determined in a car accident in Maryland?

Like all other personal injury cases, a car accident claim depends on the legal concept of negligence. Negligence is the failure to take proper care in doing something and has four components: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

  • Duty of Care: All drivers are legally obligated to act safely and responsibly on the road. This includes following traffic laws and giving their full attention to driving.
  • Breach of Duty: When a driver engages in behaviors that violate their duty of care, they have breached their duty. Examples include:
    • Distracted driving (i.e., texting, talking on the phone, eating)
    • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • Speeding
    • Drowsy Driving
    • Tailgating
    • Reckless driving (i.e., running red lights, ignoring stop signs, etc.)
    • Aggressive driving
  • Causation: The accident and your injuries must directly result from the other driver’s breach of duty.
  • Damages: You must have suffered financial or emotional losses due to the accident. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

How do I prove fault in a car accident injury claim?

Your car accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to prove negligence in an auto accident. Your car accident lawyer will:

  • Analyze the police report, witness statements, and traffic camera footage.
  • Conduct an independent investigation of the accident scene.
  • Partner with medical professionals and pour over medical records to assess your injuries.
  • Hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash.
  • Investigate for evidence of distracted driving by examining cell phone records.
  • Pursue blood test results if DUI is suspected.

By gathering this evidence, we can build a comprehensive case that proves the other driver’s negligence and helps you recover maximum compensation for your damages.

Negligence Laws in Maryland

Is Maryland a No-Fault State or At-Fault State?Maryland is one of the five states in America that still practice contributory negligence laws. Contributory negligence states that if a victim bears any responsibility in a car accident – even just 1% – he or she is barred from recovering any compensation for their injuries.

Here’s an example: Driver A (the defendant) is intoxicated after six beers. He swerves into the lane of Driver B (the plaintiff), and runs him off the road. Driver B hits a highway divider, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury and several broken bones that require surgery. A toxicology report exposes Driver A’s blatant disregard for the law, while cell phone records reveal Driver B was texting at the moment of impact.

Despite the clear intoxication of Driver A, the defense attorney will argue that Driver B’s texting contributed to the car accident. The burden of proof falls on Driver B’s car accident attorney to demonstrate that even with texting involved, it played no role in causing the car accident.

Car Insurance Laws in Maryland

According to Maryland law, all Maryland drivers are required to carry vehicle insurance. The minimum insurance requirements in the state are:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
  • Property damage: $15,000 per accident

Maryland also offers an additional option to injury victims: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP insurance reimburses the accident victim for medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident, regardless of who caused it. This route avoids the need to prove fault, leading to quicker payouts and case closure.

Do I need to hire a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer?

Navigating Maryland car accident laws can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with major injuries and the stress of mounting medical bills. An experienced Maryland car accident attorney will be your strongest legal advocate throughout this difficult time. They understand the complexities of Maryland’s at-fault laws and can fight to ensure the other driver is held fully accountable for your injuries.

Your car accident lawyer will be a skilled negotiator. They will present evidence to prove the other driver’s fault and aggressively pursue a fair settlement that covers medical treatment, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you’ve endured. If necessary, they will represent you in court to fight for the highest compensation possible.

Why a Maryland car accident attorney is your best ally

While no specific Maryland law forces you to hire a car accident lawyer, it is in your best interest to partner with a reputable law firm soon after your accident. Maryland’s at-fault system, contributory negligence laws, and various insurance company policies can be overwhelming and difficult to understand. Traumatized car accident victims are easily taken advantage of by insurance companies who are looking out for their bottom line, not for what’s best for them.

An experienced personal injury attorney levels the playing field. They understand insurance company tactics, Maryland car accident laws, and how to maximize your claim under your insurance policy. A car accident lawyer will protect your rights and secure your financial future.

Statute of Limitations in Maryland

In Maryland, a victim has three years from the accident date to file and begin a car accident case. Missing the deadline could permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

The reality is that medical bills start rolling in one to two months after treatment. Car repairs are due upon completion. And if your injuries prevent you from working, you’re missing regular paychecks as these sudden, unexpected bills pile up.

That’s why you shouldn’t wait to start the injury claims process, even though you have three years. Consulting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible gets the ball rolling on your claim. The sooner you file, the sooner you can access compensation to offset these unexpected costs. Don’t face this financial burden alone. Maryland’s at-fault system exists to help injured parties like you recover from damages caused by someone else’s negligence.

Injured in a car accident in Maryland?  Call Regan Zambri Long

Is Maryland a No-Fault State or At-Fault State?Maryland car accidents can leave you in excruciating physical pain, extreme emotional distress, and paralyzing financial debt. Insurance adjusters, often working for the other driver’s insurance company, may prioritize the at-fault party’s interests, leaving you struggling to recover the compensation you deserve. It may seem like you can’t overcome what you’ve just been through, but we assure you – you can. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Let the car accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long help you and your family get back on track. Our Maryland car accident law firm understands the intricacies of car insurance policies and Maryland’s at-fault laws. We have won millions for our clients, including a $14 million settlement for victims of an automobile collision. We are confident we can do the same for you.

We’ll fight tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and help you seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait – the three-year statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Maryland can quickly disappear. Contact Regan Zambri Long today for a free consultation. Let our experienced legal team guide you through every step so you can focus on healing and get back on your feet.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

Call 202-960-4596

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