You may have heard that Maryland is a “contributory state,” but until you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be unsure exactly what the term means.
What is it? Why does it matter to you? What difference might it make in your personal injury claim?
We are one of the few states that practice what is known as “contributory” status when it comes to Maryland auto accidents. This means, quite simply, that anyone who contributes to an accident cannot get money for any injuries they sustain in that same accident.
In other words, if two drivers are in a crash and both contribute to the cause of that crash, neither will get damages. On the other hand, if only one driver is to blame for the cause of the accident, then the other person may be eligible for money to help pay his or her medical bills.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, then you will need to prove that you did not cause or contribute to the accident in order to get money for your injuries.
This is why it is important for victims of any Maryland car accident to hire an attorney to help protect their rights. An attorney can help you prove that the other driver, not you, caused the crash and therefore also caused your injuries.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our Maryland car accident attorneys, call Nickelsporn and Lundin at 1-800-875-9700 today. You can also reach us by completing our online contact form.