When a car accident leads to a lawsuit, determining who is at fault can quickly become a complex legal matter. In Edwards v. Labbe, a recent Maryland car accident case, the court sheds light on how negligence and contributory negligence are evaluated when both sides tell different stories about what happened. This case offers important lessons for anyone hurt in an accident, especially in Maryland, where strict rules on fault can make recovering damages challenging.
The Facts of the Accident
The accident happened at a busy intersection and involved two vehicles. The person bringing the case (the plaintiff) claimed they were driving cautiously and had the right-of-way when the defendant, allegedly speeding and failing to yield, caused the collision. On the other hand, the defendant admitted that they were negligent, but also argued that the plaintiff had entered the intersection unsafely, making them at least partially responsible for what happened.
Some of the most important details considered by the court included:
- Witness Statements: Witnesses also provided conflicting testimony, with some supporting the plaintiff’s account and others siding with the defendant. These differing accounts highlighted the challenge of determining what really happened.
- Traffic Signals: Evidence about whether the plaintiff or the defendant obeyed the traffic signals became a central issue.
- Vehicle Damage: The extent and location of damage on both vehicles offered clues about how the collision occurred.
Any evidence that the plaintiff might have been at fault must be taken very seriously, because in Maryland, even a small amount of fault on the plaintiff’s part can prevent them from recovering any damages.
The Legal Rule Applied by the Court
Maryland is one of the few states that still follows the rule of contributory negligence. Under this law, if the person bringing the claim is found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, they are completely barred from recovering damages.
In addition to contributory negligence, the court also considered the general principles of negligence. To win a case, a plaintiff must prove four elements:
- The defendant owed a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty.
- The breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result.
This strict standard for fault means that plaintiffs in Maryland need strong evidence to support their case and avoid being found partially to blame.
How the Court Reached Its Decision
The court’s decision revolved around the contributory negligence doctrine. Both sides presented evidence, including eyewitness testimony and vehicle damage analysis. The court found enough conflicting evidence to create a genuine dispute over whether the plaintiff acted negligently by failing to use caution when entering the intersection.
Because contributory negligence is an all-or-nothing rule, this dispute had significant consequences. If a jury found that the plaintiff was even 1% at fault, they would lose their ability to recover damages. As a result, the court determined that these issues needed to be decided by a jury. Thus the appellate court reversed the lower court, finding that the defendant was not entitled to summary judgment (a ruling without a full trial).
This decision illustrates how Maryland courts handle disputed car accident claims, particularly when there are questions about the plaintiff’s actions.
What This Case Means for People Injured in Car Accidents
For those hurt in Maryland car accidents, this case is a reminder of how strict the rules on fault can be. Even if another driver is mostly responsible for an accident, the doctrine of contributory negligence could prevent you from recovering compensation.
If you’ve been injured, it’s essential to act quickly and work with an experienced Prince George’s County car accident lawyer. Building a strong case involves gathering clear evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, and expert testimony, to counter claims that you contributed to the accident.
At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate Maryland’s legal system after an accident. We are committed to helping our clients present their strongest case and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Speak with a Prince George’s County Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to face the legal system on your own. The knowledgeable and compassionate personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen are here to help. Call us today at 800-654-1949 or reach out through our online contact form for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, Baltimore, and across Maryland.