Car accidents happen every day, and while some can be just minor fender-benders with little to no injury, many wrecks cause devastating damage. Bowie may be considered a smaller city, with a population just above 56,000, but accidents can still happen here, just like anywhere else. Data pulled from the Vision Zero Maryland Fatal Crash Dashboard for 2023 shows that our state had 28,565 injury crashes and 577 fatal accidents that year. Additional Maryland Department of Transportation data shows that at least 3,129 of those car accident injuries and 129 of those fatalities occurred in Prince George’s County.
You never anticipate a car accident in Bowie, but when you’re involved in one, even if it’s a minor wreck, it’s important to know the law and what you should do in the immediate aftermath. It can be reassuring to know that a qualified Bowie car accident lawyer is available to answer any questions you may have about your Maryland motor vehicle collision. At GDH Law, we can help you pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver who struck and injured you. Contact us for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal matter now.
Top Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions in Maryland
That same Vision Zero Maryland resource cited above suggests that the following factors are the top causes of devastating car accidents occurring in Bowie:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Impaired driving (under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescriptions)
These contributing factors to car accidents aren’t limited to Bowie or the state of Maryland. In fact, 2022 data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that 29% (12,151) of fatal crashes nationwide were caused by speeding, and 3,126 fatal crashes were due to driver distraction.
Common Injuries Associated With Auto Accidents
Even a small fender-bender can cause long-term injury, which is why seeking medical attention is always a good idea, even if you think your accident wasn’t that bad.
Common injuries from car accidents are:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Bruises and cuts
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Paralysis
- Death
Although exact compensation amounts vary from case to case, your car accident lawyer in Bowie should be motivated to fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for these injuries or any others not listed.
What To Remember After a Car Wreck in Bowie
In the event that you were just in a car accident, we know you may be disoriented and traumatized, but it’s a good idea to do the following as best you can:
- Get to safety
- Call 911
- Exchange information with the other driver(s)
- Take down any eyewitness information
- Seek medical attention
- Contact a Bowie car accident lawyer
While it may not be possible to do everything on that list, any driver involved in an auto accident should, at the very least, call 911 and request that law enforcement come to the scene to facilitate the exchange of information with the other driver(s).
As part of their MOVE IT vehicle collision policy, Maryland created a Collision Information Exchange Form that drivers can fill out to expedite the exchange of information in the aftermath of an accident. The form also has a list of situations when you’re required to call the police, such as if the vehicles are immobile, as well as other important safety tips.
Important Maryland Auto Accident Laws
It’s imperative for all area residents who have a valid driver’s license to know Maryland driver laws, preferably before an accident occurs so that proper safety is followed.
State law requires that a car accident in Bowie be reported to police if there are any injuries (no matter how minor), fatalities, or property damage, or if the damaged vehicles are impeding the roadway and cannot be moved.
The law also requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage.
Additionally, Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning that the driver responsible for the accident is usually held liable for any damages that occur due to their negligence. However, our state also holds to a contributory negligence doctrine, which means that any involved drivers who’re proven to have some degree of fault for the accident may not be able to recover damages from the other drivers who caused the crash, no matter who has the majority percentage of fault.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations Applicable in Bowie Car Crash Cases
The statute of limitations, or the amount of time you have to file a claim, for car accidents in Maryland is usually three years from the date of your accident.
Auto accident cases in Maryland can be complex and time-consuming, which is why it is vital to your own success that you contact a car crash attorney in Bowie who has the experience to handle it. Your Maryland car wreck lawyer will make the entire process much easier for you by gathering evidence, filing the necessary documentation, contacting the other driver’s insurance and/or lawyer, and ensuring your case is filed on time to ensure a favorable resolution.
Recoverable Compensation in Car Crash Cases in Maryland
Whether you have one of the injuries discussed above or something else, you’re likely to have significant losses. You may be entitled to recover compensation for the following after your Bowie car accident:
- All medical bills connected to the accident
- Property damage
- Emotional or mental trauma (such as post-traumatic stress)
- Loss of income
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral or burial costs
Why Contacting a Bowie Car Accident Lawyer Is Important After a Collision
After a car crash, you may not know where to run for your next step. The legal process is very confusing. And with the insurance company trying to force you into a quick settlement, you may feel the pressure of handling a claim on your own.
This is why you need a Bowie car accident lawyer to help with your case. They can offer you the legal guidance you need so that you understand your options and rights. These professionals will explain the steps in pursuing a claim, the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive, and your legal obligations.
Along with that, they will work with you to gather evidence for the claim, such as:
- Accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records
Additionally, a skilled accident lawyer will assess your lost income, medical expenses, and other costs related to the accident to calculate the total amount of your losses.
When you hire an attorney, you will have a skilled negotiator on your side. They will handle all communication with insurance companies, at-fault parties, and their legal representatives so that you can obtain a fair settlement on your behalf. You need someone who can maximize your deserved compensation.
After a car accident, you need to contact a car crash lawyer immediately. By acting quickly, you maximize your chances of getting a more favorable outcome in your case. If you are searching for a legal team that can provide you with qualified representation for your car accident case, reach out to GDH Law.
Why Choose GDH Law To Handle Your Crash Case in Maryland?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may know that you have legal recourse available, but pursuing a claim can be overwhelming, especially if you’re still healing from your injuries.
This is where our lawyers come in. We can handle your case and all the details of the legal process for you so that you can continue to recover without added stress. Our attorneys at GDH Law represent those involved in car accidents in Bowie or anywhere in the Old-Line State, and we pride ourselves on looking at every case that comes to us with compassion and a sense of justice.
Reach out to our office today and get the compensation you deserve. Consultations are free.
