Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
Car accidents happen in all types of configurations—from fender benders to T-bone accidents, they can all be dangerous, injurious, and even fatal. Perhaps the most dangerous among different types of car accidents, however, are head-on collisions. When these accidents take place as a result of one party’s negligence or lack of care, those who are responsible can be held accountable through a Maryland personal injury lawsuit.
According to a recent news report, a local car accident killed two people. Preliminary accident reports indicate that a Hyundai was being operated negligently by its driver driving westbound in an eastbound lane. The Hyundai then collided head-on with a Toyota that was traveling eastbound. The driver of the Hyundai was ejected from her vehicle and was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Early reports also suggest that the Hyundai driver was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver of the Toyota was trapped in her vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. In addition to local troopers, fire and emergency medical services also responded to the accident, and the crash remains under investigation.
In Maryland, when an accident results in the death of another because the at-fault party conducted themselves in a negligent or reckless matter, you may have grounds to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits are typically filed for financial compensation. In this way, personal injury cases are separate from criminal cases, where a conviction results in jail time or fines owed to the state by the responsible party.
Following a tragic accident, filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind. When you lose a loved one too soon, however, a wrongful death claim may assist with the healing process and can provide financial relief—but these lawsuits must be filed quickly. In Maryland, wrongful death lawsuits have a three-year statute of limitations, where claims must be filed within this time frame from the date of the deceased’s death.
How Can You Prove a Maryland Wrongful Death Case?
To succeed in a Maryland wrongful death claim, you must prove four basic elements. First, that the other driver owed you a duty of care. Second, that they violated that duty. Third, that the other driver’s negligence was the cause of your injuries. And finally, that you suffered some type of legally recognizable harm–whether that be economic damages or non-economic damages. While this may sound straightforward in theory, in practice these cases can quickly become very complex, requiring detailed knowledge of the underlying laws. Additionally, once insurance companies get involved, almost everything becomes a battle, with the insurance company trying to settle cases for as little as possible. The assistance of an experienced Maryland injury attorney can be invaluable, not only in proving your case but in maximizing your damages.
Do You Need a Maryland Wrongful Death Attorney?
If you recently lost someone you love in a Maryland car accident, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen for assistance today. Our lawyers have represented clients in all types of personal injury claims and will fight to help you effectively pursue the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact us at 800-654-1949.