Maryland car accident claims

Maryland is not a no-fault state. You generally look to the at-fault driver. That is not the same thing as the shared-blame rule below.

A crash is a negligence claim: duty, breach, cause, harm. The numbers below are the published Maryland rules, not a ruling on your facts.

Last checked Sep 3, 2026 · LawyerUnc editorial. Educational only, not legal advice.

How long you have to file

Ordinary injury claims in Maryland often run 3 years (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101). Tolling and discovery rules can change a date. Confirm the current statute.

If you share blame

If you are even slightly at fault, you may recover nothing. This is the harshest rule still on the books.

No-fault vs the other driver

Maryland requires PIP on many auto policies, but it is not a no-fault lawsuit state. PIP can pay some of your medical bills. You can still sue the at-fault driver. Contributory negligence can still zero that lawsuit. (Md. Code, Ins. § 19-505 (PIP required; no lawsuit bar))

What usually matters

• · Maryland ordinary injury clock: 3 years (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101).
• · If you are even slightly at fault, you may recover nothing. This is the harshest rule still on the books.

What to save

Photos of the scene and the cars, the police report number, dashcam or store video, the other driver's insurance card, and your own medical visits in order. Do not post a joke about the crash. Use the preservation letter if a truck or a tape is about to disappear.