Common Causes of Maryland Car Accidents
Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, aggressive lane changes on crowded beltways, and rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic cause most Maryland crashes. Weather also plays a role, from icy mountain roads in Garrett County to fog along the Eastern Shore.
Maryland's Fault and Contributory Negligence Rules
Maryland is a fault-based, at-fault insurance state, meaning the driver who caused the crash is responsible for the damages. But Maryland also follows the harsh doctrine of pure contributory negligence: if you are found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything. Insurance companies exploit this rule aggressively, which is why skilled legal representation matters so much here.
Compensation After a Car Crash
Injured drivers and passengers may recover economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and future care, plus non-economic damages for pain and suffering (subject to Maryland's statutory cap). Property damage to your vehicle is also recoverable.
Injured in Maryland? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. The network attorneys work on contingency, so you pay no fee unless they recover compensation for you. The case review is always free.
Generally three years from the date of injury under Maryland's statute of limitations. If a government entity is involved, a written notice of claim is usually required within one year, so it is important to act quickly.
Maryland follows pure contributory negligence — being even one percent at fault can bar recovery. That makes it critical to have an attorney document fault carefully. A narrow 'last clear chance' exception may still preserve some claims, so do not assume you have no case.
It depends on your medical costs, lost income, future care, and pain and suffering. Economic damages are not capped in Maryland; noneconomic damages are capped at roughly $965,000 for 2025–2026 and rise each year. A free review can estimate the range for your situation.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Maryland attorney.