Let’s be honest—driving in Maryland hasn’t exactly gotten easier. Between the endless Beltway congestion, surprise weather swings, and rising rates of distracted driving, the roads are as unpredictable as ever. And with more vehicles back on the road post-pandemic, 2025 is shaping up to be another big year for car accident litigation.
At The Lincoln Law Firm, we’re seeing a steady uptick in clients dealing with collisions—some minor, others life-changing. The good news? Maryland has clear legal remedies. The better news? You can often avoid the courtroom altogether by taking smart steps behind the wheel.
What’s New on the Roads?
The Maryland Department of Transportation has rolled out updated safe-driving campaigns this year, including targeted messaging on:
- Distracted driving (especially phone use at stoplights and in traffic)
- Speeding in residential zones
- Failure to yield in roundabouts and at four-way stops
And for good reason. According to data cited by TAD Law, Maryland saw a 6% increase in crash-related injuries in 2024—many due to driver inattention or aggressive maneuvers. The state’s new traffic safety ads aren’t just for show—they reflect the growing legal emphasis on fault in even seemingly “minor” accidents.
Common Triggers (and How to Avoid Them)
Most of the cases we take at The Lincoln Law Firm share one thing in common: the crash could’ve been prevented. Here’s where things usually go wrong:
- Intersection errors: Drivers rush yellow lights or block the box, leading to T-bones or rear-enders.
- Merging without signaling: Classic setup for sideswipes—especially on I-95 or I-695.
- Overconfidence in wet or icy conditions: This one gets us every winter.
If you want to avoid ending up in court—or worse, the hospital—here’s what we tell our own families:
- Leave more space than you think you need.
- Always use your signals (even in empty parking lots).
- Assume no one else is paying attention.
It’s not fancy advice, but it works.
What Happens If You’re in a Crash?
Let’s say you do everything right and still get hit. What then?
First off, Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means if you’re found even 1% at fault, you might not recover damages. That’s brutal, but it’s the law. So from day one, everything you do matters:
- Call the police, even for minor damage.
- Document the scene with photos and notes.
- Avoid admitting fault—even casually.
And get legal advice early. Insurance companies in Maryland know how to use contributory negligence to deny claims, especially when the facts are murky. Don’t let a technicality stop you from recovering what you’re owed.
Trends in Litigation
In 2025, we’re seeing more accident cases settle early—but also more going to trial when liability’s unclear. Dash cam footage, GPS data, and even social media posts are playing larger roles in evidence. That’s why we encourage clients to:
- Preserve phone records if texting is in dispute.
- Save maintenance logs (a worn tire can shift fault fast).
- Avoid posting about the crash online—yes, even vague updates.
We’ve also noticed more aggressive negotiation from insurers, especially on soft tissue claims and pain-and-suffering damages. If you’re going up against them alone, expect pushback.
Car accident law in Maryland isn’t just about proving fault—it’s about proving you weren’t even a little bit at fault. That’s a high bar, and one reason we spend as much time helping clients prevent accidents as we do litigating them.
At The Lincoln Law Firm, we handle these cases with the urgency and precision they demand. Whether you’ve been hit or just want to know your rights before getting behind the wheel, we’re here to make sure one wrong turn doesn’t define your year.
