Should you file your Maryland car accident case in District Court or Circuit Court?

circuit district courtAt Clark and Steinhorn, LLC we often are asked in which court to file a Maryland car accident law suit. This decision can be simple in some circumstances and more difficult in others.

The most frequent decision is in which state court to file, district court or circuit court. Each has its virtue. In district court the turn around time is much quicker, typically 90 to 120 days from filing to trial date. District Court also has an evidentiary rule that can make it so you don't have to bring in an expert witness, which can save you several thousand dollars. The down side to district court is twofold.

First, it has a limitation on how much you can recover in a verdict, no more than $30,000.00. Second, no jury trial. This can also be an up side to some litigants but many injured people feel that a jury will be more sympathetic than a judge, who hears case after case.

The bottom line, in cases with limited injuries and economic damages ( Medical bills and lost income) the district court is the right choice. For larger cases a more detailed analysis is recommended. Consult an experienced trial lawyer who can help you weigh the pros and cons.

Robert V. Clark
Maryland Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer
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