When it comes to determining who is at fault in a car accident, some accidents are fairly straightforward, while others pose more difficulty. It may be that the parties involved were intoxicated and do not remember the events leading up to the accident, or were so severely injured that their recollection of the events is foggy.
Chain-reaction accidents or accidents involving several vehicles may also pose a difficulty in determining who caused the accident because there may be several parties involved, each slightly at fault. For example, if two cars collide on the highway, and then several others approach at a high rate of speed and collide with the wreckage already on the road, it may be difficult for investigators to determine what exactly happened and who should be held responsible.
When personal injury cases involving a chain-reaction accident are filed in court, fault must often be divided up among several parties. This is often determined by the jury that hears the case. Unfortunately for Maryland accident victims, the state applies the doctrine of contributory negligence when it comes to determining who can recover damages for an accident.
The doctrine of contributory negligence is extremely strict and allows only those who are completely free of fault to recover for their injuries. This is the case whether a driver is 75% at fault or just 5% at fault; in both cases, the driver will be prevented from recovery. However, passengers riding in an at-fault driver’s vehicle will not generally be subject to the same bar. Regardless, it is incredibly important that anyone involved in a Maryland car accident contact an attorney to discuss their case and whether they may be eligible for compensation.
Recent Maryland Chain-Reaction Car Accident Injures 14
Earlier this month, a chain-reaction accident on Interstate 95 resulted in 14 injuries, including 10 injured children. According to one local news source reporting on the accident, the collision occurred on I-95 near the intersection with Route 543. Evidently, the accident occurred at around 8 p.m. and involved a total of four vehicles.
All 14 people involved in the accident suffered minor injuries, and all are expected to recover. Police have begun their investigation, but they have not released whether any of the drivers involved will be cited for their role in the accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in any kind of Maryland car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. This may include amounts for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident. The skilled personal injury attorneys at the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have the experience and dedication necessary to help you successfully navigate the justice system in pursuit of fair compensation for your injuries. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.
More Blog Posts:
Respondeat Superior: Holding an Employer Liable for the Negligent Actions of an Employee, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published October 4, 2016.
Graduated Licensing Program Helps, but Teen Drivers Still a Major Risk on Maryland Roads, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published October 18, 2016.