If I Don’t Live In Maryland, Which State Rules Apply After A Car Collision?
Because accidents can happen anywhere, including when you are on the road for work or are on vacation with your family, you may be involved in a Maryland accident but not live in the state of Maryland. If you reside elsewhere, you could be wondering which state rules, such as statute of limitations, applies to your case. The answer is typically in the state in which the accident occurred.
To have a Maryland law expert working on your personal injury claim, reach out and connect with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer. Laws vary from state to state, so even if you are familiar with the laws in a state other than Maryland, you may not be in a position to best advocate for your rights and interests.
Choice of Law Is a Legal Concept
When it comes to statute of limitations in cases involving individuals from different states, the legal concept of choice of law could enter into the dispute. Essentially, choice of law determines which state’s laws should govern a particular legal issue.
In personal injury cases, courts typically apply the law of the state where the accident occurred. This is known as enforcing the laws of the place of the wrong. So, if you’re in a Baltimore car accident, the Maryland statute of limitations for personal injury cases apply to your case, regardless of where you live.
It is also possible that there are overlaps in laws. For example, if you live in Virginia but crossed the state line and were involved in a car accident in the state of Maryland, the statute of limitations would clearly be three years from the date the injury was sustained. There is no room for questioning or debate as the statutes of limitations in Maryland and Virginia are the same for personal injury claims.
Importance of Acting Promptly
While it is important to know the state’s filing deadlines and follow all of the appropriate rules and regulations. To protect yourself, simply take action right away. After an accident injury, timing is important to the strength of a claim. Waiting too long to file a lawsuit can result in the expiration of your right to seek compensation, and gathering evidence can become more challenging as time passes as well.
In short, if you are involved in an accident in a state where you don’t reside, assume the state where the accident took place is the one whose personal injury laws will be used to rule your case. But instead of getting bogged down in the details of deadlines, simply remember that time is of the essence. Have a conversation with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer without delay.
Are you unsure how to pursue a Maryland personal injury claim because you do not live in the state? If you need guidance, consult with the knowledgeable Baltimore injury lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. Attorneys are available to inform you of state laws and help you navigate the legal process effectively. Contact us to book your fee-free appointment.
