Being injured in a car accident can be one of the most frightening and confusing situations to be in. After a car accident, especially since you have suffered injuries and possibly trauma, it is easy to be so upset and distressed that you do not know what to do. Additionally, the procedures and law surrounding a Maryland car accident can prove to be very complicated. As a result, knowing some of the basic statutes (laws) about injuries that happen in a Maryland car accident is advisable and can help you greatly.
Statute of Limitations
In every state, the statute of limitations is a rule that sets a time limit on how long a person can file a lawsuit to get compensation for an injury they received in a car accident. After this time limit has expired, the person no longer has a legal right to sue whoever was at fault. In a Maryland car accident, the statute of limitations is three years. The three years usually begins from the day of the accident, with a few exceptions. When a Maryland car accident affects a minor, for example, the minor has until they are 21 or three years, whichever is longer. Another common exception is when there is an undiscoverable injury, in which case the three years will start from the time when the injury became discoverable.
Contributory Negligence Statute
The contributory negligence statute is a rule that applies to Maryland car accident personal injury cases where more than one party has been negligent. Maryland’s contributory negligence statute dictates that if a plaintiff (person suing) is negligent in an accident, their negligence cancels out the negligence of the “at fault” party. In a Maryland car accident, this means that a plaintiff who is even 1% responsible for an accident cannot receive any compensation for their injuries. Within the United States, Maryland is one of only five regions where a contributory negligence statute is used – Alabama, DC, North Carolina, Virginia being the others.
Get the Professional Help You Need
While it is helpful that you now know some of the laws yourself, it is incredibly hard to be fully prepared for the complicated legal process that a car accident can entail. A car accident lawyer can explain the laws surrounding your accident, as well as provide lawsuit representation if you need it. Consult with a Maryland car accident lawyer to help you through this process.
