The city of Bowie, Maryland has a modest population and is located in Prince George’s County. Given the city’s close proximity to the nation’s capital, it is an ideal place for tourists to use for lodging accommodations for vacationing. Another major draw in the city is Bowie State University, a school that has more than 6,000 students which adds to the city’s already overwhelmed highways.
Getting in a car accident, no matter where it occurs, can be a traumatic experience, and you might not know your legal options. Reaching out to a Bowie car accident lawyer can help you determine the best path.
When in a car accident, injuries are bound to occur. Depending on the type of accident you experience can indicate the injury you suffer and its severity. A few of the more common car accident injuries include:
When you are involved in a car accident, not all injuries are apparent. It is essential that you have yourself evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Failure to accurately diagnose an injury could delay any treatment you might receive and could also impact any potential for a personal injury claim in the future.
Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning if you get hurt in a car accident, you have the option to file a legal claim against the at-fault driver. That driver’s insurance has the most financial burden.
When you file a claim against an at-fault driver, you might see financial and non-financial compensation for the injuries you have experienced. Those include:
After a collision, it is best to get in touch with a Bowie car accident lawyer as soon as possible, as the state of Maryland has a three-year statute of limitations which begins on the date of your accident. While this may seem like a long time, if you miss your window, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
When considering the amount of compensation you could receive in the wake of your accident, there are a few factors you should consider ahead of time. Initially, it is important to note that Maryland is one of four states that practices a contributory negligence rule. Under this strict rule, you are only eligible to collect compensation for your accident if you do not share any responsibility for the accident.
During your case, fault will be assigned to the parties. Even if you are found to bear only one percent of fault, that is enough to disqualify you from collecting any compensation.
The final amount you receive will also depend on the method you go through. If you have a trial, it will depend on how persuasive your argument is to the jury or the judge. If you do not get to a trial, your final amount will be determined by your negotiations with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance.
There are other factors that will impact your total amount of compensation:
The moments immediately following a car accident can be harrowing. However, the steps you take following the accident are important toward your overall health and the future of your legal case. After a car accident, you should do the following:
You should contact a Bowie car accident lawyer as soon as possible who will be able to manage your case and provide you with legal advice on how best to proceed. A car accident lawyer will protect your rights throughout the entire legal process.
If you were injured in a collision, one of our Bowie car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will help you explore all of your legal options. We have offices located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, and we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.