If you were injured as a passenger in someone else’s car during a collision, you have rights. Under Maryland law, you can pursue compensation for your injuries, expenses, and losses through an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. This could be the driver of the vehicle you were in, another negligent driver, or another party.
A Baltimore car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights, document liability, and build a strong case to secure the money you need and deserve. Most personal injury law firms represent victims with no upfront fees or costs, and you will only pay if they recover money for you.
You Have Rights as a Passenger Injured in a Maryland Collision
Maryland law allows accident victims (whether drivers, vehicle passengers, bicyclists, or pedestrians) to hold negligent parties accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. When a driver acts negligently and causes a crash, the victims who suffer injuries and financial losses can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover their resulting losses.
Suppose your Baltimore personal injury lawyer can present substantial evidence of the liable party’s negligence and your damages to the at-fault party’s auto insurance company. In that case, you can likely reach a fair settlement agreement and recover compensation for your financial and non-financial losses.
If you cannot reach an agreement with the insurance carrier, you can choose to sue the at-fault motorist. Maryland law generally offers up to three years from the crash date to file a lawsuit, according to Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101.
While most personal injury cases conclude with a settlement, in the rare situation your case goes to trial, the jury will listen to your side of the story and determine how much compensation to award you for your damages.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
Who Is Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Identifying the at-fault party after a car accident is not always as easy as it seems. These cases produce a lot of evidence that your car accident attorney must preserve, gather, and analyze. Strong evidence is the only way to convince the insurance carrier or jury to award you the money you deserve.
Collisions generally occur because of driver negligence. One party makes a mistake behind the wheel, often violating a traffic law. This is the proximate (immediate) cause of the crash and your injuries.
The evidence available to show who is liable for your car accident injuries could include:
- The report filed by police officers who responded to the crash scene
- Your relevant medical records
- Eyewitness statements
- Damage to each vehicle
- Accident reconstruction
- Video of the collision
- Photos from the accident scene
- Expert opinions on the crash, your injuries, and future costs
- Documentation showing your recoverable damages
Determining liability in a collision case can be much easier with help from an auto accident attorney. They will know how to collect and preserve evidence and have access to experts and other resources to strengthen your car accident claim. They can identify the liable party and build your case while you focus on healing.
What Are the Recoverable Damages for a Passenger in a Car Accident?
The economic and non-economic damages you can seek in your car accident case depend on the expenses and losses you incurred because of the accident. Some examples of commonly recoverable damages in these cases include:
- Medical expenses, including treatment and support
- Future and ongoing medical care expenses
- Income losses
- Reduced ability to work and earn for long-term injuries
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and other intangible losses
Wrongful Death Damages
If your loved one lost their life as a passenger in a motor vehicle accident, we extend our deep sympathies to you. While we know nothing can truly make up for your loss or erase your grief, our Baltimore wrongful death lawyers can help you seek wrongful death damages to ease your family’s financial burdens.
Wrongful death damages generally include:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial or cremation expenses
- Lost household income and benefits
- The decedent’s medical bills
- Loss of consortium, parental guidance, and companionship
- Loss of household services
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What If I Do Not Want to File a Car Accident Lawsuit Against a Friend or Loved One?
If you were injured as a passenger in the at-fault driver’s vehicle, you may worry that filing an insurance claim or lawsuit based on your car accident injuries will strain your relationship with the at-fault driver—often a friend or loved one. You may also worry about them paying for your losses out of pocket if you file a lawsuit against them.
In most cases, your friend or family member will not have to pay for your damages directly. Instead, you will file an insurance claim with their auto liability insurance carrier and negotiate a fair settlement to pay for your medical care and other losses. This process does not generally even involve the at-fault driver—only an insurance adjuster—and any compensation you recover will come from their insurer, not out of their pocket.
If you are concerned about the potential ramifications of filing a claim with your friend or family member’s auto insurance policy, talk to your personal injury attorney. They can explain your options and help you navigate this tricky situation while ensuring you get the fair compensation you deserve to cover your losses.
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Talk to Our Legal Team About Your Auto Collision Injuries for Free
Jenner Law represents individuals hurt in collisions in Maryland. We have more than 70 years of collection experience and have obtained tens of millions of dollars for our clients via insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
If you were hurt as a passenger in someone else’s car, we can assess your rights and help you understand how our auto accident lawyers will fight for the money you deserve. Contact us today to get started with a free, confidential consultation.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form