Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | April 18, 2025 | Car Accident
Many drivers in Maryland face a higher risk of car accidents than they might expect. Road conditions, traffic congestion, and driver behavior across the state create hazards that increase the chances of collisions. To protect yourself, you need to know how these factors affect your risk, as well as what your legal options are if you are involved in an accident.
Car Accident Statistics in Maryland
Maryland reports over 100,000 car accidents each year. Many of these accidents lead to serious injury or death. Baltimore reports the highest number of crashes, driven by dense traffic, aggressive driving, and frequent distractions.
Reports show a large share of these crashes result in injuries. Some people require emergency care, surgery, or long-term recovery. Hundreds die in traffic crashes each year across the state. Alcohol use, drug impairment, and reckless driving remain the top causes of fatal collisions.
Common Causes of Crashes Across the State
Distracted driving causes a high number of accidents in Maryland. Many drivers text behind the wheel, check apps, or glance at their phones. These behaviors reduce reaction time and lead to preventable crashes. Law enforcement reports show a strong connection between phone use and roadway collisions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also causes severe accidents. Impaired drivers struggle with reaction time and decision-making. They drift between lanes, ignore traffic signals, and take unsafe turns. Officers across Maryland continue to arrest impaired drivers in high numbers.
Counties with the Highest Number of Collisions
Prince George’s County and Montgomery County report high numbers, mostly due to heavy traffic and outdated road systems. In these areas, accidents range from fender-benders to serious highway crashes.
Some rural counties also report high crash rates. Curves, narrow roads, and poor visibility raise the risk of losing control. Drivers in these areas often fail to spot cross traffic, wildlife, or stopped vehicles. Poor lighting and lack of guardrails raise the danger even further.
Maryland’s Fault and Liability Laws
Maryland law holds the at-fault driver responsible for damages. If someone else caused your crash, you may pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. To succeed, you must show clear proof of fault.
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you bear even one percent of the fault, you may lose the right to recover any compensation. That means the other party or their insurer may try to shift blame to you, even when you did nothing wrong. This rule raises the stakes after an accident and increases the need for legal help.
How Contributory Negligence Affects Your Case
The contributory negligence rule in Maryland allows the other party to block your entire claim if they prove you share even minimal fault. The court determines who is at fault for the accident and how much each party is at fault. Victims may not be able to sue for compensation if they are also found responsible for the accident. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers use this to try to have your case thrown out if at all possible.
Compensation Options After a Collision
If another driver caused your injuries, you may recover money for medical bills, income losses, and other expenses. This includes compensation for long-term expenses like physical therapy and mental health treatments that can last for years. You may also pursue compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, or reduced quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney
Schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney to discuss the details of your crash. An attorney can review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the next steps. With professional assistance, you may be able to recover compensation to help cover your recovery expenses.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a car accident lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7