Car accidents occur often and they can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. The leading cause of car accidents in the U.S. is texting and driving. In fact, the Federal Communication Commission has stated that texting and driving is six times more likely to cause a car accident than drunk driving. Read on to learn more about texting and driving accidents in Maryland.
What Do I Do if I am Involved in an Accident?
If you are injured in an accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. But, in order to do so, there are some important steps you will have to take:
- Call 911: The police can call you an ambulance, file an incident report, conduct chemical tests, and more.
- Document the scene: One of the most important things you can do after an accident is take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. Make sure to document the damage done to your car, as well as the other party’s car, and any property involved.
- Obtain witness contacts: If someone saw your accident occur, they may be able to corroborate your version of events. If possible, ask for their contact information.
- Seek medical attention: It is important that you go to the hospital after an accident occurs, even if you do not feel like you have been seriously injured. It is possible to sustain an injury without realizing it. Additionally, this allows you to document the origin and extent of your injuries. Before leaving, ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents.
- Contact a skilled personal injury attorney. An attorney may be able to gather further proof of negligence, including police reports, security footage, cell phone records, and other evidence you yourself may not have access to.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
If you wish to pursue legal action, you will have to do so within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally three years. This means that if you fail to file within three years from the date of the accident, you will most likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation. It is important that you do not let this happen. To avoid missing any important deadlines, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Contact our Firm
If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
