Even in relatively small towns, people commute and drive for various reasons throughout the day. While many traffic incidents are minor and unavoidable, some accidents are much more severe, resulting in serious injuries and property damage.
These crashes can lead to expensive medical bills and lost income from having to miss work. If you were in a crash caused by someone else’s recklessness, they should be held financially accountable. Seek the services of a compassionate Upper Marlboro car accident lawyer to pursue fair compensation for your losses. A personal injury attorney could help you file a claim and guide you through the legal process.
Common Causes of Car Collisions
Car collisions often result from driver negligence. Common causes of car accidents include:
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Failing to obey local traffic laws
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections
- Hazardous maneuvers, including unsafe turns or lane changes
- Driving errors made by inexperienced drivers, especially teens
- Reckless or aggressive driving, like tailgating or cutting other drivers off
- Driver distractions, such as using cell phones, eating, or adjusting the radio
- Speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases the risk of losing control
To receive compensation after a car crash, an injured individual must prove liability through the at-fault driver’s insurance provider or in civil court, if necessary.
During a consultation, an Upper Marlboro car wreck attorney could answer questions about the legal process to recover compensation. They could handle communications with the driver’s insurance company and fight for the injured party’s rights in court if needed.
Auto Insurance Coverage
The state follows an at-fault driver insurance rule. Therefore, the driver who caused the crash must cover all damages with their auto insurance coverage. Per the MDOT MVA, the minimum car insurance coverage all drivers must carry is at least $15,000 for property damage, $30,000 for bodily injuries per person, and $60,000 for damages per crash.
Penalties for Inadequate Insurance
Failing to carry proper insurance could result in severe penalties, including fines and losing the right to register a vehicle, which could lead to impoundment. Drivers may be required to pay a $200 fine for the first day without coverage, and $7 for every day after that, with a maximum penalty of $3,500. If a driver does not respond to the notice and pay the fine promptly, the debt may be transferred to a collection agency, resulting in additional fees.
An Upper Marlboro auto accident attorney could assess if someone has sufficient auto insurance coverage and protect their right to pursue compensation.
Reporting a Crash
Motorists must report car crashes to the MDOT MVA within 15 days of the accident. They must provide the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Policy number
- Insurance provider
- Contact information
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in penalties. A car crash lawyer in Upper Marlboro could answer questions about reporting requirements and explain applicable traffic accident laws.
Work With a Knowledgeable Upper Marlboro Car Accident Attorney
If a driver is at fault for a car crash, personal injury laws allow injured individuals to seek damages to hold them accountable. Without legal representation, securing a fair settlement may be difficult because your claim must effectively demonstrate that the other driver directly caused the accident, resulting in your damages and losses.
A hard-working Upper Marlboro car accident lawyer could answer your specific questions and help you pursue maximum compensation. Our owner, Eddie Langford, was a graduate of Howard Law School, so you can rest assured that your case will be effectively managed. Call Langford Law today to schedule a free consultation and review your options.
