Gaithersburg, MD asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Maryland

Q: How long I have to get a lawyer after car accident in MD

A woman run a red light a total my vehicle causing me to to hit someone else vehicle on my 60 birthday

5 Lawyer Answers
Thomas Neary
Thomas Neary
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Catonsville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: Sorry about your accident and rough birthday!

The Statute of Limitations for filing most claims related to the accident is 3 years from the date of the accident. This is for negligence claims.

There are also some issues dealing with insurance that need to be dealt with earlier. It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you don't miss anything.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Uzoma Obi
Uzoma Obi
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Hyattsville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: There is no hard and fast rule but the earlier the better to protect your legal interests. Also, keep in mind that consultations for personal injury auto accidents are free given lawyers work on a contingent fee basis (no recovery, no fee).

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Nathaniel Byron Smith
Nathaniel Byron Smith
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Altoona, PA

A: One could answer with three years since that is the statute of limitations in Maryland for personal injury claims/ negligence claims. However, the longer you go without an attorney from the date of the collision on, the more that your claim remains in the control of the insurance company without you most likely not knowing exactly how to deal with everything. It's similar to flying a plane without a pilot. I highly recommend that you contact an experienced local personal injury attorney for help and guidance.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: As already stated here, it makes sense to move well before the statute of limitations. The accident appears to involve three vehicles and it is important to gather testimony when everyone's recollections are fresh. It involves a traffic light, and in the event that video footage exists, it is important to move quickly to preserve that footage. If you were injured, there will be paperwork involving medical bills. An attorney could help with these and other issues.

Tim Akpinar

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: The only legal deadline is the date by which a lawsuit must be filed in order to avoid your suit being barred by the statute of limitations: 3 years in MD. The practical answer, however, is that the sooner you retain counsel, the better, as lawyers generally want to gather all the necessary evidence (photographs of vehicle damage, video tapes from available surveillance cameras, witness statements before memories fade, vehicle black box data recordings, etc.) before its lost or compromised. The lawyer will also manage the payment of medical bills, and manage th claims process before you screw it up.

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