Injured as a Passenger in a Baltimore Car Accident? Know Your Rights
Being involved in a car accident in Baltimore is scary enough, but when you’re the passenger, it can feel even more overwhelming. You had no control over what happened and may have done nothing to cause it, but now you are left dealing with potentially serious personal injuries, medical bills, lost income, and confusion over who is liable to pay.
Fortunately, the state of Maryland law provides protections for injured passengers. Our Maryland car accident lawyers explain how you may be entitled to compensation, regardless of whether the driver of the car you were in or others were responsible.
How Passenger Car Accident Injuries In Baltimore Happen And Who May Be At Fault
Car accidents in Baltimore are common and can cause devastating injuries to everyone involved. While passengers have no control over the situation, they are just as vulnerable as drivers when crashes happen, particularly high-speed collisions common on I-95, I-83, and other major highways throughout our area.
Identifying fault can be complex, especially if multiple drivers share blame. According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, common causes of car accidents in which passengers can suffer harm include:
- Distracted driving, including texting, eating, or adjusting in-car systems;
- Speeding and driving too fast for road or traffic conditions;
- Driving under the influence, a major factor in nighttime and weekend crashes;
- Reckless or aggressive driving, including tailgating or unsafe lane changes;
- Failure to yield at intersections or merge lanes.
What Injured Passengers Should Do After a Baltimore Car Accident
If you were a passenger in a Baltimore car accident, compensation may be available through one or more of the at-fault driver’s insurance policies, which can help cover medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Even if insurers deny payment, you may be entitled to payment through a Maryland car accident lawsuit. To protect your rights in a claim when passenger car accident injuries happen, take these steps:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Obtain contact, vehicle, and insurance information from all parties.
- Document the crash scene, including photos of damage and injuries.
- Get medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Request a copy of the police report and verify your name is listed as a passenger.
- Avoid early contact with insurers, who will likely try to minimize your claim.
- Speak with an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer to understand your options.
Contact Our Office Today To Speak With Our Experienced Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers
If you got injured as a passenger in a Baltimore car accident, you don’t have to carry the burden alone. Maryland law is on your side, and so are we.
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, our legal team can help you understand liability, handle the insurance process, and fight for the compensation you deserve. To speak with our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/road-safety/
dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf
