Being involved in a collision can have dramatic and lasting impacts, which makes the need for recovering compensation vital. Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming nature of these matters, drivers may make errors following a collision that can impact their ability to recover the compensation they deserve. If this reflects our circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn why it’s vital to prove fault in Maryland and how Baltimore County car accident attorneys can help you navigate these complicated matters so you can focus on the pursuit of justice.
Why Is It Important to Prove Fault?
In accidents where one party is to blame for negligence, it’s important to understand the necessity of gathering evidence to hold them liable for their actions. This is especially vital in Maryland, which is one of few states that adhere to the contributory negligence statute.
The contributory negligence statute means that any party who is found liable in any capacity for the accident that caused their injuries is barred from collecting compensation for the damages they sustained. This means you could be found 1% at fault and prohibited from recovering funds for the damages you’ve suffered as a result. As such, proving fault in your accident is critical in Maryland.
What Can I Do to Help My Case Following a Collision?
There are steps you can take following a collision to help prove the other party is at fault. Generally, the first thing you should do following an accident in which you are injured is to contact emergency services as soon as possible. By contacting law enforcement, you can ensure a report is filed for the collision and medical care will be dispatched to the scene. Even if you feel okay, establishing medical care immediately is imperative. The other party can claim you contributed to your damages by waiting to seek medical care.
If you are physically able to, you should also take as many photos and videos of the scene as possible during this time. This can help capture evidence of the positioning of the vehicles on the road, the damage done to each car, injuries you sustained, and any contributing factors that may be relevant to your case.
You should also talk to witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. They can provide an unbiased account of how the collision happened, which can help ensure the negligent party is held liable. In addition, speaking with local home or business owners to see if they have security footage that may have captured the incident is critical.
The most important thing you can do as the victim of a collision in Maryland is connect with an experienced attorney from the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi. We will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve if you are a victim of a negligent driver. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
