Car Accidents in Upper Marlboro

Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is a unique location in Prince George’s County that was once home to farmland. However, the county has started to grow as the area welcomes new developments, housing, and residents. As the roads get busier, the chances that a car accident can occur will continue to rise. This is important to understand because many drivers coming through the Upper Marlboro area expect to see nothing but rural roads, or they overuse the rural roads because they believe it is a safe place to drive fast.

Drivers in the area could encounter problems on several busy highways in the area. These congested roads should be driven with an extra level of care, and drivers need to know what to do if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident. The Upper Marlboro car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King are here to help any time a crash occurs, and injuries are sustained.

Tips for Driving in Upper Marlboro

As drivers come through the Upper Marlboro area, they need to be aware of a few things to remain safe. Drivers should do the following:

Observe the speed limit. Because much of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia have become congested, it is difficult to predict traffic conditions at any given time. Drivers need to observe the speed limit and slow down as much as possible. Observing the speed limit saves more lives than drivers realize. Those who travel more slowly on the highway should move to the right so that they can get out of the way of faster vehicles. This is a common courtesy that makes it easier for everyone to proceed on the highway.

Look out for aggressive drivers. Aggressive drivers can cause accidents, injuries, and even deaths. It is best to pull over or let aggressive drivers pass. Motorists should contact local authorities to report an aggressive driver.

Maintain a safe stopping distance. No matter the location, drivers should maintain a safe stopping distance. It is important to leave extra room in case of an emergency stop and ensure that there is a place to turn off if an emergency stop is not enough to prevent a crash.

How Should Drivers Deal with Motorcycles?

Upper Marlboro drivers should be aware of motorcyclists on the road. Dealing with motorcycles can be difficult because these vehicles maneuver differently. Drivers may be unaware of motorcycles that are on the road because they are small and move quickly. When dealing with motorcycles on the road, drivers should follow these guidelines:

• Allow motorcycles to pass
• Look out for motorcycles that could be using the shoulder or center line to pass
• Be alert for motorcycles that are passing between cars
• Allow more stopping distance
• Do not cut off motorcycles or act aggressively toward them

Motorcycles can be extremely dangerous because riders do not have standard safety equipment, and they could be thrown from their vehicle. Drivers should also listen for the sound of an approaching motorcycle.

Dealing with Large Trucks

Large trucks present different problems for drivers. A large truck is much heavier than a car and handles differently than a passenger vehicle. Drivers of large trucks only have so much control over their rigs; therefore, motorists should use the following tips to avoid large truck accidents:

• Drivers must not cut off large trucks because they cannot make emergency stops like a normal car.
• Large trucks need to be allowed to change lanes or pass when they have clearly signaled. Drivers should not stay in front of a large truck or force the driver to ride their brakes.
• Drivers should slow down when large trucks need to change lanes. Trying to pass a large truck can be dangerous if the truck driver does not see the passing vehicle as they slide into the next lane.

Car drivers can easily avoid crashes, but they also need to report any problems they notice with large trucks, such as:

• Damaged tires
• Loads or trailers that seem unstable
• Drivers that are going too fast or swaying between lanes

A car accident lawyer can represent drivers injured by motorcyclists or large trucks. At the same time, we can represent a motorcyclist or large truck driver who was involved in a crash that they did not cause.

Drivers are Required to Carry Insurance

Every driver in Maryland is required by law to carry auto insurance. Drivers cannot leave a car dealer until they prove that they have insurance for the vehicle, and insurance will be checked during every traffic stop. However, there are drivers who fail to carry insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage is a part of most policies, but that does not mean that insurance companies will honor it.

We are happy to review any policy to look for uninsured motorist coverage. An injured driver or passenger simply does not have the power to force an uninsured driver to pay for injuries or damage. However, a car accident lawyer will obtain compensation from the insurance company or uninsured motorist. We will help our clients understand their insurance policy or the uninsured driver can be held responsible for damages and injuries.

How can I Prevent an Accident in Upper Marlboro?

Our car accident lawyers want to do all they can to prevent car accidents in the area. Preventing car accidents requires a good understanding of the most common causes of accidents. Drivers should try to avoid the following:

Aggressive or reckless driving. Aggressive driving is a factor in 66 percent of all fatal accidents; 37 percent of those incidents involved a firearm. Therefore, our legal team recommends slowing down, allowing aggressive drivers to pass, and reporting those drivers to local authorities. Motorists should not attempt to confront an aggressive or reckless driver.

Distracted driving. Driving while distracted is a major problem. To avoid distracted driving, drivers should set their phone to Do Not Disturb, use hands-free technology, or ask a passenger to handle communications for them.

Drowsy driving. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as other hazards. It is difficult for a tired driver to focus on the road. Even designated drivers can fall asleep at the wheel if it is late. In those instances, it is best to stay the night. Truck drivers also fall victim to drowsy driving if they are on a deadline or have been pressured to complete their routes as quickly as possible.

Drunk driving. Drunk or impaired driving is easy to avoid because there are ridesharing services and taxis available. Drivers must take responsibility for their own actions.

What Happens After an Accident?

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be traumatic. We recommend that all our clients get off the road for their own safety. The following steps should be taken only when the driver or passengers can proceed safely:

• Call 911. An ambulance and police officer will be sent to the scene.
• Take pictures of the scene. Pictures help us prove our case after seeking compensation.
• Call the insurance company. Drivers should report the incident but not give any identifying information about the accident.
• Be careful what is said. Drivers should exchange information with other drivers without saying anything that could be incriminating.
• Seek medical attention. Everyone involved in the crash should seek medical attention as soon as possible. There is no way to know how hurt someone is unless they go to the hospital or see their family doctor.

We also hope that our clients can find an eyewitness at the scene of the crash. If there is even one person who can corroborate the victim’s story, it is much easier to petition for damages.

How can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Insurance companies, other drivers, and their lawyers will appear in the aftermath of a crash. These individuals want to settle for little to no money, want victims to sign legally binding documents, and hope to force victims to admit they somehow caused the crash. Our lawyers will ensure that all communications are sent through our offices. We will speak with stakeholders in the case, and consult medical experts, insurance companies, and even accident investigators. Our clients should defer to us in all matters related to the crash, and we will litigate the case to the fullest extent allowed by Maryland law.

What If Someone Dies in the Crash?

Although car accidents can be frightening, they often result in injuries and property damage that can be addressed with proper insurance coverage or an injury settlement. We understand, however, that someone could be killed in a car accident. Our lawyers will request traditional damages when injuries have been sustained, including the following:

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

These damages would have applied to someone who was injured during the crash, but they are no longer able to enjoy the benefits of this compensation. We can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate to request:

• Final expenses and burial costs
• Lost earning potential
• Lost companionship
• Punitive damages

It is important to remember there is a statute of limitations in the state of Maryland. Individuals have three years from the date of the injury or death to file a lawsuit; therefore, we ask that our clients contact us as soon as possible for assistance.

Upper Marlboro Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Victims Injured in All Types of Car Accidents

The Upper Marlboro car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King investigate and determine liability in car crashes every day. We are committed to providing individualized attention to every client that we represent. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with car accident victims 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, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.