Residents in the state of Maryland need a license in order to drive. If they do not have one, they sometimes rely on others to drive them to where they need to be. This may be through the assistance of a trusted friend, family member, or a taxi. Often times, people hop in another person’s vehicle without thought or concern of being involved in an accident. However, it is crucial to be cautious of any driver before getting into their car, even if you know them well. This is because dangerous accidents can happen if a driver acts negligently behind the wheel.
Accidents due to negligence can lead to serious injuries. When this happens, injured passengers often want to hold the driver responsible for their behavior. This can be done with a personal injury claim. It is important to retain the services of an experienced attorney for assistance.
What to Do After an Accident
If you are injured, medical attention should be sought immediately after being involved in an accident of any kind. In addition to this, law enforcement should be contacted to ensure the safety of the scene, and to file an official police report. Before leaving the scene, it is important to take pictures of the property damage to the vehicles and obtain contact information from witnesses. All this documentation can be used in the future to build a case for your claim against the negligent party.
While negligence is not the cause of every accident, it is a common one in Maryland. If the accident was due to negligence, the injured party must prove that this behavior directly caused their injuries. There are many different forms of negligence that can lead to an accident. This may include but is not limited to:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving or speeding
- Drowsy driving
- Texting and driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
Recovering Damages
If successful in proving negligence, the injured party may be eligible to receive compensation. This exists to provide coverage for any damages that stem from the accident. As injured passengers can suffer both physically and emotionally in the wake of an accident, they may be able to receive both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover any financial burdens such as medical expenses, lost wages, lost future wages, medical equipment, and any home assistance. Non-economic cover any non-financial burdens. This can include emotional distress, loss of independence, pain and suffering, inconvenience, and more. If the accident resulted in the death of the passenger, the family may recover compensation for wrongful death.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Maryland who have been injured due to the negligence of another party. To learn more about whether you may be eligible for compensation after being injured, contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today and discuss your case.
