Average Car Accident Settlement in Maryland [2024 Updated]

If you have recently been involved in a car accident in Maryland, it is understandable to wonder about the average car accident settlement in Maryland and how much compensation you could potentially obtain if another driver caused your recent accident. The right attorney can assist you with your recovery, but it is important to understand the fundamentals of a car accident claim and what you can expect in terms of compensation under Maryland law.

Potential Damages in a Maryland Car Accident Case

Maryland is an at-fault state when it comes to vehicle accidents, meaning the driver at fault for an accident absorbs liability for all the damages they caused in the incident. Proving fault will be essential to your recovery if you believe any other party is directly responsible for causing the accident you recently experienced. You will need to prove fault before you can recover compensation for your damages through insurance and/or a personal injury suit in Maryland.

Damages in a car accident case are likely to be economic and non-economic in nature. Economic damages are more straightforward and include any direct financial losses resulting from the accident. For most drivers, economic damages are likely to include vehicle repair or replacement costs, medical bills for treatment of their injuries, and lost income if their injuries prevent them from working.

Non-economic damages include physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma resulting from an accident. These are more difficult to assign a monetary value, and Maryland law limits pain and suffering compensation in most civil claims. Additionally, pain and suffering compensation is not awarded by auto insurance claim payouts, so if you intend to claim pain and suffering compensation from an at-fault driver, you will need to do so with a personal injury claim.

Auto Insurance in Maryland

State law requires all drivers to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements. These requirements include at least $30,000 for bodily injury to a single person, at least $60,000 for bodily injuries to more than one person in the same accident, and at least $15,000 to cover property damage. After proving fault for your accident, you can file a claim against the driver at fault’s auto insurance policy to seek compensation for your damages.

An experienced attorney can be an invaluable asset when filing your claim, as almost all insurance companies will try to push back against claims for coverage and attempt to settle for as little as possible. Some even engage in bad-faith tactics in their attempts to do so. With an attorney representing you, you are far less likely to encounter such issues and will be more likely to receive a fair settlement offer in a reasonable amount of time.

While you can look up the average car accident settlement in Maryland, you should not assume that your case will reflect any claimed averages you can find. The reality is that every case is different, and every injured driver will face different challenges in their recovery efforts. They could also face unique opportunities to recover more than they initially expected. Working with a seasoned attorney is the optimal way to increase the total value of your car accident claim.

Maryland Car Accident Settlement FAQs

Q: How Do I Calculate the Value of a Car Accident Claim?

A: You can calculate the value of a car accident claim by assessing the total economic damages you incurred from the accident and adding this amount to whatever you intend to seek compensation for pain and suffering compensation. Note that Maryland limits compensation for pain and suffering in most civil claims. If you are unsure how to assess the value of your claim, consult your attorney.

Q: What Is the Contributory Negligence Law?

A: The contributory negligence law in Maryland applies to any civil case in which the plaintiff is partially at fault for the damages cited in the claim. Under this rule, if the plaintiff is even 1% at fault, they cannot seek compensation from any other liable party. It is common for at-fault drivers to assert comparative fault in their efforts to avoid liability for the harm they cause, and a good attorney can help their client disprove such allegations.

Q: How Do I Prove Fault for a Car Accident?

A: You can prove fault for a car accident by leveraging all available evidence to prove that the other driver directly caused the accident. Your attorney can help you gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage and vehicle computer data, to hopefully assist you in your efforts to prove fault. Witness testimony could also be invaluable to your case if anyone saw the accident happen.

Q: What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents in the State?

A: The most common causes of accidents in Maryland are various forms of driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations, such as running red lights or failure to yield the right-of-way. Accidents also commonly happen because of illegal misconduct, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Proving fault will be necessary to recover your damages if someone else caused your recent accident.

Q: Will I Win More Compensation if I Hire an Attorney?

A: Hiring an attorney is one of the most effective ways you can increase your potential case award after a car accident. They will know how to prove fault for the accident and uncover all the various damages you can claim. You can rely on your attorney to efficiently guide you through the insurance claim filing process and help you secure a fair settlement, and if you must file a personal injury suit, you are more likely to succeed with their help.

The team at Whitlock Law, LLC, can provide the comprehensive legal support you need for your impending car accident case. While it is natural to wonder about the average car accident settlement in Maryland, it’s important to remember that every case is unique, and many variables could influence your case award. Contact us today to learn more about the legal services we provide and how we can help you recover from your recent accident in Maryland.