If you were involved in a car accident today in Baltimore, Maryland, would you know what to do? Most of us would know to obtain medical care and call the police, but how much do you understand about your legal rights?
The laws in Maryland regarding car accidents can be confusing, and many drivers misunderstand key facts and regulations. Before you get behind the wheel in Baltimore, learn which commonly held beliefs about car accidents are fact and which are fiction.
1. Fact or Fiction: Drunk drivers cause most accidents. Since I don't drink and I'm rarely on the road after "happy hour," I have nothing to worry about.
Fiction: According to the Maryland State Highway Administration, car accidents caused by inattentive or distracted drivers outnumbered those caused by drunk or impaired drivers -- by almost five-to-one. So don't assume that because you drive responsibly and don't drink, it can't happen to you; driver distraction occurs at all hours of the day and in all kinds of driving conditions.
2. Fact or Fiction: If another driver hits my car, their insurance company will pay for my damages and injuries.
Fiction: Auto insurance is mandatory -- but the reality is that not everyone on the road is covered. In fact, auto insurance within Baltimore is typically much more expensive than other cities in Maryland. As a result, low income drivers who rely on their cars to get to work may skimp on insurance to save costs. The bottom line -- just because you obey the law and have insurance for your vehicle does not mean the other driver does.
3. Fact or Fiction: I don't need to pay for Maryland Personal Injury Protection because I already have health insurance that will help cover my costs if I am injured.
Fiction: Maryland Personal Injury Protection or PIP is a type of coverage you can purchase with your auto insurance policy that pays medical bills and lost wages caused by car accident injuries. While coverage only extends to the amount your policy covers, it is worth purchasing. The benefits included in PIP are available regardless of what other benefits you may receive from other sources (including the other driver, if he or she is at fault), and your health insurance won't pay for lost wages. PIP also covers medical costs for your passengers in addition to you.
4. Fact or Fiction: Responsibility in a car accident is pretty cut and dry; anyone can tell who was to blame.
Fiction: Determine responsibility in a car accident can actually be quite complex. Police reports, witnesses and detailed accident scene investigations can all play an important role in evaluating the cause of an accident and who was at fault.
5. Fact or Fiction: If I'm injured in a car accident, I need an attorney.
Fact: An experienced attorney can help protect your rights following a traumatic injury. You can concentrate on your recovery while your legal counsel investigates your claim, determines who was at fault and prepares a case with your best interests in mind.
Article written by Deirdre Reedy
Abelson Law Firm
The Abelson Law Firm
The Abelson Law Firm of Baltimore, Maryland has over 30 years of experience representing victims of medical car and truck accidents, defective products and medical malpractice.
For more information, contact http://www.attorneysfortheinjured.com
Source: www.isnare.com