Maryland Motor Vehicle Accident Rules & Laws

Insurance Systems & Requirements

System type:
Maryland operates under a fault-based insurance system, meaning that the driver determined to be at fault for an accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. Victims can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, their own insurance (if applicable), or through a lawsuit.

Liability insurance requirements:
Maryland law mandates that all drivers carry the following minimum liability insurance:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 for property damage per accident

These minimum limits provide basic financial protection, but drivers are encouraged to purchase higher coverage amounts to avoid personal liability in the event of a severe accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage:
Maryland requires drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage to protect themselves against accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. This ensures that you are financially protected even if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
Maryland drivers must also carry a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage, which provides no-fault benefits for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. Drivers can choose to waive PIP coverage, but doing so limits their ability to recover certain expenses after an accident.

Non-compliance penalties:
Failing to maintain the required insurance in Maryland can result in:

• Fines of up to $2,500 per year for each uninsured vehicle
• Suspension of registration and license plates
• A reinstatement fee of $150 for the first offense, plus $7 for each additional day without insurance

Additionally, uninsured drivers may be held personally responsible for all damages and injuries caused in an accident.

Fault & Negligence Laws

Fault-based system:
In Maryland’s fault-based system, the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for covering the damages. Victims can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, but they must provide evidence of the other driver’s negligence to recover compensation.

Contributory negligence rule:
Maryland follows the strict contributory negligence rule, which is one of the most stringent in the country. Under this rule, if a victim is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any compensation. This highlights the importance of presenting strong evidence to establish the at-fault driver’s complete responsibility.

Passenger rights:
Passengers injured in a car accident have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or the insurance policy of the vehicle they were traveling in. Passengers can also utilize their own PIP or UM/UIM coverage if additional compensation is needed.

Statute of Limitations

Maryland law establishes strict time limits for filing claims related to car accidents:

• Three years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims
• Three years for property damage claims
• Three years for wrongful death claims, starting from the date of the victim’s death

Failure to file a claim within these deadlines typically results in the loss of your right to seek compensation, emphasizing the importance of acting promptly after an accident.

Procedures for Handling MVAs

When to report an accident:
Maryland law requires drivers to report a car accident to law enforcement if:

• The crash results in injury or death
• Property damage prevents a vehicle from being safely driven

Filing a report:
Drivers involved in reportable accidents must notify the police immediately and file a report with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) if the incident is not investigated by law enforcement. Even for minor accidents that don’t require official reporting, filing a report with your insurer and documenting the incident is highly recommended to protect your rights.

How to access accident reports:
Accident reports can be obtained online through the Maryland State Police or by contacting the local law enforcement agency that investigated the crash. Fees typically apply for report copies.

Unique Local Considerations

Maryland’s geography and driving conditions present distinct challenges for motorists.

Urban congestion: Areas like Baltimore and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region experience significant traffic congestion. Rush hour traffic increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups.

Weather conditions: Maryland’s diverse climate includes snowy winters, rain-soaked springs, and foggy mornings, all of which can create hazardous driving conditions. Black ice and reduced visibility during inclement weather are common causes of accidents.

Rural roads: In less populated areas, narrow, winding roads and limited lighting can lead to accidents, particularly at night. Wildlife crossings are also more frequent in rural regions, posing additional risks.

Bridge and tunnel traffic: Maryland is home to several major bridges and tunnels, such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. These structures can become accident hotspots due to high traffic volumes, adverse weather, and sudden slowdowns.

Understanding these factors can help drivers stay alert and minimize the risk of accidents on Maryland’s roads.

Types of Compensation Available

In Maryland, accident victims can pursue several types of compensation, including:

1. Economic damages: Cover measurable financial losses, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages
2. Non-economic damages: Compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
3. Punitive damages: Rarely awarded, these damages are intended to punish egregious negligence or intentional misconduct

The contributory negligence rule makes it particularly important to build a strong case for compensation in Maryland.

Conclusion

Driving in Maryland requires an understanding of the state’s motor vehicle accident laws to ensure safety and preparedness. From its fault-based insurance system to its strict contributory negligence rule, Maryland has unique legal considerations that drivers must navigate carefully. Whether dealing with insurance claims, reporting accidents, or pursuing compensation, knowing the rules can help you protect your rights and recover damages effectively.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, consulting an experienced attorney can provide the guidance you need to handle Maryland’s legal complexities and achieve the best possible outcome. Stay vigilant, drive responsibly, and be prepared to handle the challenges of Maryland’s roads.