{"id":373810,"date":"2016-09-29T16:31:43","date_gmt":"2016-09-29T21:31:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-car-accident-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-05T14:38:03","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T19:38:03","slug":"maryland-car-accident-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-car-accident-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Car Accident Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maryland Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Maryland car accident laws are a mixture of simple and complicated. Drivers can file car accident claims against other drivers, but if they are even slightly at fault, they may not recover any damages. Maryland gives accident victims three years to file personal injury cases.<\/p>\r\n

Because of these confusing laws, filing a personal injury lawsuit in the state of Maryland requires legal representation and an understanding of the car accident compensation laws.<\/p>\r\n

Maryland Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Maryland uses an at-fault system for insurance claims. The at-fault driver’s insurance company pays all claims filed in an auto accident. For a successful claim, the claimant must show the other driver was at fault or negligent<\/a> in causing the accident.<\/p>\r\n

Proving fault in Maryland car accident cases is essential because Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule<\/a>. This common law rule says that if a driver is partially responsible for their injuries, they can’t recover in a personal injury claim. Maryland is one of five other states and jurisdictions (Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia are the others) that follow this harsh rule.<\/p>\r\n

Drivers can file a claim with their own auto insurance. All Maryland drivers must carry minimum liability insurance coverage<\/a> to protect against legal action. Insurance companies must also offer personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage pays out immediately without waiting for proof of the other driver’s fault.<\/p>\r\n

PIP coverage<\/a> is generally less than liability coverage and may have tighter time restrictions. You may get benefits sooner. Car insurance requirements for the at-fault party in Maryland include:<\/p>\r\n