If you have been involved in an accident with a reckless driver in Maryland, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. Of course, the first step in the process is to prove that the defendant was in fact negligent in allowing the accident to happen. There are many strategies that you may use to accomplish this goal.
The definition of reckless driving
Generally speaking, reckless driving encompasses any action that puts others at unnecessary risk of bodily injury or property damage. This might mean that the other driver involved in the wreck was traveling too fast for road conditions or was impaired by drugs or alcohol when it happened. However, it might also mean that the defendant was operating a vehicle that was not properly maintained. For example, if the brake pads were too thin or the lights were too dim, that may be considered a negligent act because vehicle owners are supposed to stick to a routine maintenance schedule.
Proving reckless or negligent behavior
It’s possible that the other driver may admit to speeding, operating while impaired or other reckless or negligent acts. A police report may indicate that the defendant was impaired by alcohol or that the defendant’s car was not safe to drive. Witness statements, cellphone records and other information might also help you prove that a crash occurred because of someone else’s poor driving.
Obtaining damages
You may be able to recover the cost of medical bills or the cost of repairing your vehicle in a personal injury case. You may also be able to recoup lost wages or lost future earnings resulting from the defendant’s actions prior to a car accident.
A motor vehicle accident may cause injuries that might take weeks or months to recover from. There is also a chance that you will have to live with back pain, headaches or other reminders of the crash for the rest of your life. You typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland.