Fatal Car Accidents

Losing a loved one in a car accident is an unimaginable tragedy. Yet, it’s a reality that hundreds of Maryland families must face each year. If you've lost someone in a car accident in Maryland, you have options to pursue justice and compensation for your loss. At the Prince George’s County car accident law firm of Foran & Foran, P.A., we’ve assembled a dedicated team of experienced attorneys who not only care deeply about our clients’ cases but also about our clients as themselves. We take the time to get to know your family, understand what’s important to you, and then customize our representation accordingly. That way, you can rest assured that your case—and your family’s emotional well-being—are in good hands at every step of the way.

Fatal car accidents remain a serious issue in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, in 2022, there were 557 fatal crashes, resulting in the deaths of 561 people. Many of these accidents were caused by distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving. Prince George’s County alone sees a significant share of these fatalities each year, highlighting the importance of road safety and the devastating impact these accidents have on families.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, the legal system provides ways for you to seek compensation for their losses.

In Maryland, wrongful death claims allow certain family members to file a lawsuit if someone else’s negligence or wrongful act caused their loved one’s death. Maryland’s wrongful death law is designed to provide financial relief to surviving family members, covering losses such as funeral expenses, medical bills, and loss of financial support.

There are two categories of individuals who may file a wrongful death claim: primary beneficiaries and secondary beneficiaries. Primary beneficiaries include spouses, children, and parents of the deceased. If there are no primary beneficiaries, secondary beneficiaries, such as siblings or cousins, may file the claim. It's important to note that Maryland law has a three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, meaning that family members have a limited time to pursue legal action after the accident.

In Maryland, there are two types of claims that may arise after a fatal car accident: wrongful death claims and survivor claims. Though they may sound similar, they serve different purposes.

A wrongful death claim is filed by the family members of the deceased and focuses on the losses they’ve experienced due to their loved one’s death. This includes compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

A survivor claim, on the other hand, is filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. This type of claim seeks compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced between the time of the accident and their death. It also covers medical bills and any lost wages the person would have earned during that period. Essentially, a survivor claim focuses on the injuries and damages that the deceased endured before passing away.

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the thought of filing a fatal car accident case can add to the burden. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand the emotional and financial toll this tragedy has taken and will continue to take on your family, and we are here to help in any way we can. Our compassionate team is here to help you through this difficult time and provide you with the legal guidance you need. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Prince George’s County, don’t wait; reach out to Foran & Foran, P.A. today. You can reach us at 301-441-2022 or through our secure online contact form. We also represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.