Maryland Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated] - Traffic Fatalities

 Posted on March 16, 2024 in Truck Accidents

Car accidents happen in many different ways throughout the state each year, and it is vital for every driver to know the risks they face on the road and how they can avoid causing accidents with others. Maryland car accident statistics provide valuable insights into recent trends, and the Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT) regularly publishes reports as part of its Zero Deaths Maryland initiative.

Important Statistics for Car Accidents

Zero Deaths Maryland recently published its latest accident report, covering up to 2022. It takes time for the state DOT and other government agencies to collate accident data throughout the state, but early projections for the 2023 report indicate that accident rates and traffic fatalities are likely to be higher than they were in 2022. Some of the most important statistics regarding the five-year average between 2018 and 2022 include:

• 109,413 total crashes each year on average.
• 79,215 average yearly accidents resulting in property damage.
• 29,680 average crashes resulting in injuries, with a total of 43,412 average yearly injuries.
• 517 fatal crashes per year on average, with a total of 550 fatalities on average.

According to available data, the most common causes of fatal accidents throughout the state over the past several years have included driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, distraction behind the wheel, speeding, and aggressive driving.

Over a five-year period, drunk driving caused an average of 160 fatalities and 2,683 injuries each year. Aggressive driving caused an average of 40 deaths and 1,966 injuries during this period, and speeding accounted for an average of 94 deaths and 3,633 injuries. Accidents can happen unexpectedly in many different ways, and if you have been injured in an accident, it will be crucial to have legal counsel on your side as you seek accountability.

Resolving Your Car Accident Claim

While Maryland car accident statistics can provide some important insights into the risks you face on the road, it is vital that you do what you can to avoid causing an accident yourself. Driving cautiously, attentively, and defensively can help you avoid speeding, moving violations, and distraction behind the wheel that could otherwise leave you liable for an accident. If another driver causes an accident with you, an experienced Maryland car accident lawyer can help recover your losses.

Recovering from a car accident begins by establishing fault for the accident. You will need to prove who caused your accident and prove exactly how they caused it before you can claim compensation for the damages you suffered. Once fault is established, you can file a claim against their auto insurance policy. State law requires all drivers to have personal auto insurance coverage, but insurance alone may not fully compensate you.

A personal injury claim can help you recover more fully from an accident. Whitlock Law, LLC,  regularly helps injured car accident victims throughout the state with their recovery efforts. We can represent you before large insurance companies and verify that they handle your claim in good faith, and you can also rely on our team to build a comprehensive personal injury claim for you if necessary to ensure the fullest possible recovery.

Maryland Car Accident Statistics FAQs

Q: How Many Car Accidents Occur Each Year?

A: The number of car accidents that occur each year in the state has been about 110,000 for the past several years. It’s important to remember that not all crashes result in injuries or deaths while it is also possible for a crash to result in multiple injuries or fatalities. The state DOT records accident data and regularly publishes reports. Drivers should understand that Maryland car accident statistics should not be used to estimate their chance of experiencing an accident.

Q: Is Maryland a Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: Yes, it is a fault state for car accidents, meaning the driver at fault for causing an accident absorbs liability for the resulting damages. If you were hurt in an accident that someone else caused, you would need to prove fault before you will be able to recover compensation for your losses. Additionally, you will need to prove you are not at fault; otherwise, the state’s contributory negligence law will prevent you from claiming compensation.

Q: What Is the Most Common Type of Distracted Driving in Maryland?

A: The most common type of distracted driving is cell phone use behind the wheel. Using a cell phone while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions because it requires the use of the driver’s hands, vision, and attention when they should be focused on operating their vehicle safely and attentively. If your accident happened because of a distracted driver, your attorney is likely to seek their cell phone records to help you prove fault for the accident.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident in Maryland largely depends on the extent and severity of your damages. You will need to prove that your damages resulted solely from another party’s actions and then prove the full extent of those damages. You might be able to recover your losses through an auto insurance claim; otherwise, you will need to file a personal injury suit to recover your losses.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

A: You should hire a Maryland car accident attorney because, with their help, you will be significantly more likely to succeed with your recovery efforts after an accident than you would be on your own. They can help gather evidence to prove fault, file your auto insurance claim, resolve any disputes the insurance company raises against your claim, and build a comprehensive personal injury suit for you to maximize your recovery.

Whitlock Law, LLC, can help you recover from your recent accident quickly and efficiently. Maryland car accident statistics may provide you with some valuable insights about the risks you could face on the road, but it is crucial that you know what to do if an accident happens. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help you recover from your recent car accident.