Car Accident Attorney In Catonsville, Maryland

According to statistics from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), over five years – between 2016 and 2020 – there was an average of 115,555 motor vehicle crashes each year statewide. Being involved in an auto accident can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. If you or someone you know were injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligent or careless actions, you may be eligible to seek fair financial compensation by filing an injury claim.

At BSS Law, LLC, attorney Bradley Shepherd has the experience, resources and diligence to assist, guide and represent auto accident victims in their injury claims. As an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney, he can review and investigate every detail of your case thoroughly and explore your available legal options to seek damages. Using his extensive knowledge, attorney Bradley Shepherd will fight compassionately to protect your best interests and help seek fair compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, future medical treatment, pain and suffering and other potential damages.

BSS Law, LLC, proudly represents auto accident victims throughout Catonsville, Columbia, Baltimore and across the state of Maryland.

Liability For Car Accidents In Maryland

Maryland is an at-fault state. Under the state’s at-fault system, the driver who caused the accident (at-fault party) will hold financial liability for injuries, property damages and other accident-related losses suffered by the accident victims. In order to recover damages after a car accident, you can:

• File a claim with your own insurance company.
• File a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
• File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court.

An experienced attorney can enlighten you about insurance requirements for Maryland drivers and help determine your best option to recover damages.

Maryland Insurance Requirements

Under Maryland law, motorists are obligated to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance with the following coverage limits:

• $30,000 liability coverage for bodily injuries per person
• $60,000 liability coverage for total bodily injuries per accident involving two or more people
• $15,000 liability coverage for property damage per accident

The basic liability coverage will help cover the cost of medical treatments, vehicle damages and other accident-related expenses incurred by the accident victims, up to coverage limits. Also, motorists in Maryland can add underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage to their insurance policy.

State Laws Addressing Personal Injury Claims

In the state of Maryland, some specific laws and rules address reporting motor vehicle accidents, the time limit for filing injury claims, as well as the amount of compensation that may be recovered. Here are some laws addressing personal injury claims in Maryland:

Reporting A Car Accident

According to Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-107, the driver of any motor vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person must report the incident to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days after the accident.

Statute Of Limitations

The Maryland statute of limitation for car accidents is three (3) years from the date of the accident. The law states that a claimant must file a civil lawsuit for personal injury within three years from the date the accident or injury occurred – Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code Section 5-101.

Contributory Negligence Rule

Additionally, Maryland follows the pure contributory negligence rule. Under the system, an accident victim may only recover damages for their injuries if the other party was totally (100%) responsible for the accident or injury. Hence, according to Maryland’s pure contributory negligence principle, you will be barred completely from recovering damages even if you were found to be 1% at fault for the car accident.

Filing A Wrongful Death Claim

According to Maryland law, a “wrongful death” is a death that is caused by “an act, neglect, or default including a felonious act which would have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages if death had not ensued.”

Even though no amount of financial compensation may be enough to fill the void left by the loss. However, filing a wrongful death claim can provide a much-needed financial boost for the family to cover funeral and burial expenses, lost income, loss of consortium and medical expenses incurred before the person’s death.

Who Can File?

Under Maryland law, any of the following individuals may be eligible to bring a wrongful death action:

• The decedent’s surviving spouse – wife or husband
• The decedent’s surviving parent
• The decedent’s surviving adult children
• Any person related to the decedent by marriage or blood

Also, a wrongful death claim must be filed within three (3) years from the date of the death. A skilled attorney can review all of the facts of your unique circumstances and help file your personal injury or wrongful death claims.

How Your Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Traffic crashes usually have long-lasting effects on the victims’ lives and their loved ones. Such an unfortunate incident can affect your physical, emotional, and financial health. Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer financial liability and challenges all by yourself. Therefore, when you’re involved in a negligent car accident, you need to act quickly and retain a highly-skilled personal injury attorney to protect your best interests and help pursue deserved compensation.

Attorney Bradley Shepherd has devoted his career to providing experienced legal guidance and advocating for the best interests of car accident victims. Additionally, attorney Bradley Shepherd will fight compassionately to represent your best interests and help you hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. Having him on your side can make a significant difference in your personal injury claims.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a negligent car accident, you may seek fair compensation. Contact BSS Law, LLC, today to schedule a simple case assessment. Attorney Bradley Shepherd can offer you the personalized legal counsel and compassionate representation you need in your car accident claims. The firm is proud to serve clients throughout Catonsville, Columbia, Baltimore and across the state of Maryland.