1. Miller & Zois, LLC

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, wrongful death, nursing home abuse, pedestrian accidents

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, commercial truck accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, catastrophic injury cases

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering compensation, wrongful death claims, investigation services

Background: Miller & Zois is a Maryland law firm that handles only serious accident and death claims. The firm has obtained over $100 million for clients in verdicts and settlements over the past 16 years, including over $60 million from 2016-2022. Known for being willing to go to trial to deliver justice. Experienced in handling commercial truck accident claims against sophisticated defendants. The firm only takes cases where they believe the client is entitled to compensation. Legal team available 24/7 by phone and video conferencing.

Location: One South Street, Suite 2450, Baltimore, MD 21202

Contact: (800) 553-8082 | https://www.millerandzois.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement


2. Rice Law Firm

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, medical malpractice

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death representation

Background: The firm has over 120 years of combined experience representing clients injured in Maryland. Has recovered millions of dollars for clients. With seven offices across Maryland, the firm provides accessible representation throughout the state. Experienced in handling cases involving Maryland’s contributory negligence rule. Known for anticipating defense arguments and developing strategies to overcome contributory negligence defenses.

Location: 200 E. Pratt Street, Suite 5101, Baltimore, MD 21202

Contact: (410) 998-3600 | https://ricelawmd.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis


3. WGK Personal Injury Lawyers

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, product liability, premises liability

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, catastrophic injury cases

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, future medical treatment valuation, wrongful death representation

Background: The firm has obtained life-changing settlements and verdicts for clients, including $2,600,000 in an automobile and defective product case. Known for accurately valuing damages including future medical treatment costs. Experienced in protecting clients from unfair allegations under Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law. Focuses on recovering full compensation for injured clients.

Location: 100 N. Charles Street, Suite 1200, Baltimore, MD 21201

Contact: (410) 837-0800 | https://wgk-law.com/

Consultation: Free case review, contingency fee arrangement


4. Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. (SBWD Law)

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, sexual abuse, wrongful death, premises liability

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, catastrophic injury cases

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death representation

Background: The firm traces its roots to Sidney Schlachman’s legacy of integrity and advocacy since 1972. Over 40 years practicing in Maryland with growth from a single office to 3 offices throughout the state. Team of 14 lawyers with sizable support staff. Has secured over $200 million in verdicts and settlements. Experienced in courts throughout Maryland with decades of trial experience.

Location: 100 N. Charles Street, Suite 630, Baltimore, MD 21201

Contact: (410) 234-1000 | https://www.sbwlaw.com/

Consultation: Free confidential consultation, contingency fee basis


5. Bob Katz Law

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, slip and fall accidents, workers compensation

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft), drunk driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents, catastrophic injury cases

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death representation, workers compensation claims

Background: The Bob Katz Law team operates as a dedicated group within a large law firm that includes over 60 attorneys. Provides personalized attention while benefiting from significant resources and support of a major firm. Recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and The Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Capable of taking on large insurance carriers with confidence.

Location: 1001 Fleet Street, Suite 525, Baltimore, MD 21202

Contact: (410) 234-2220 | https://www.bobkatzlaw.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement


Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Maryland

Statute of Limitations:
Maryland provides three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code Section 5-101). Wrongful death claims must also be filed within three years. For claims against government entities, specific notice requirements apply with shorter deadlines. Missing these deadlines bars the claim from proceeding.

Fault System:
Maryland is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver responsible for causing an accident is liable for resulting damages. Injured parties must prove the other driver was negligent to recover compensation from that driver’s insurance.

Contributory Negligence:
Maryland follows a pure contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest in the United States. If an injured party is found to have contributed to the accident in any way, even by 1%, they are completely barred from recovering any damages. This rule makes Maryland one of only four states (plus the District of Columbia) to follow this harsh standard. Insurance adjusters aggressively look for any evidence of shared fault to deny claims entirely.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements:
Maryland requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage:

  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
Maryland requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which drivers may reject in writing. Underinsured motorist coverage is also available. These coverages protect you if injured by a driver without adequate insurance.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
Maryland requires insurers to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $2,500, though drivers may waive this coverage in writing. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.

Damage Caps:
Maryland caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. The cap is adjusted annually for inflation. For injuries occurring in 2024, the cap is approximately $920,000. There is no cap on economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. Punitive damages are generally capped at the amount necessary to punish the defendant.

Reporting Requirements:
Maryland law requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries, death, or property damage exceeding certain thresholds. Accident reports must be filed with the Motor Vehicle Administration within specified timeframes.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Maryland?

In Maryland, you have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to claims for personal injury and wrongful death. Missing this deadline means the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. While three years may seem like ample time, evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories fade, and building a strong case takes time. Given Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule, preserving evidence and consulting with an attorney promptly after an accident is particularly important.

How does contributory negligence affect my car accident claim in Maryland?

Maryland follows the pure contributory negligence rule, one of the harshest fault standards in the United States. Under this rule, if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any manner, even by 1%, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other party. Insurance companies aggressively investigate claims to find any evidence that the injured party shares some blame. Even minor actions like hesitating at an intersection or traveling slightly over the speed limit could be used against you. An experienced attorney can anticipate these defenses and develop strategies to protect your claim.

What insurance coverage is required in Maryland?

Maryland requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Insurers must offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $2,500, though you may waive it in writing. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Insurers must also offer uninsured motorist coverage, which you may reject in writing. Higher coverage limits are recommended given the state’s contributory negligence rule, which can bar recovery from other drivers.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Baltimore?

After a car accident in Baltimore, prioritize safety first and call 911 to report the accident. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved. Document the scene thoroughly by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene, as these statements could be used against you. Report the accident to your insurance company but avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance. Consult with a personal injury attorney before engaging in detailed discussions with any insurance company.

Can I still recover compensation if the at-fault driver was uninsured in Maryland?

If you are injured by an uninsured driver in Maryland, you may still have options for compensation. Check whether your auto insurance policy includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which would pay for your injuries and damages up to your policy limits. Maryland insurers are required to offer UM coverage, though you may have waived it. You may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver, though collecting a judgment may be difficult if they lack assets. An attorney can help you identify all potential sources of recovery and maximize your compensation.