Car Accident Statistics in Maryland

Maryland is home to nearly six million people and several major cities and metropolitan areas. Such a dense population means a massive number of vehicles travel Maryland roads every day ― and unfortunately, that means an increased risk of auto accidents and serious injuries. Car accident statistics in Maryland show thousands of people are hurt in collisions every year. Many victims are left with significant financial hardships because of these crashes ― and that’s where a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help.

The Maryland car accident lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC can help you put your life back together after a crash. Our attorneys have years of experience handling car accident claims and a history of recovering substantial compensation for clients in personal injury cases. You won’t owe us any fees unless we help you win your case, so don’t hesitate to learn more about your legal options. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.

Maryland Car Crash Data

The most current car crash statistics from the state Department of Transportation show that:

• There was an average of 115,555 car accidents each year in Maryland over a five-year period.
• The highest percentage of car crashes occurred on Maryland highways (28 percent), followed by county roads (23 percent). About 10 percent of car accidents in Maryland occurred on interstate highways.
• Baltimore City and Baltimore County accounted for an average of 36.5 percent of all Maryland car accidents during the same five-year timeframe.
• October and May are the worst months for auto accidents in Maryland.
• Most accidents occur on Fridays, accounting for an average of 16 percent of all crashes.
• Drivers aged 25 to 29 accounted for an average of 11 percent of all drivers involved in car accidents in Maryland.
• By gender, an average of 47 percent of all drivers involved in Maryland car accidents are male, and 33 percent are female. In nearly 20 percent of cases, the driver’s gender is unknown.

Additional statistics show that:

Whenever a car accident results in severe injuries, it’s wise for victims to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney. The cost of immediate medical care and long-term medical expenses can be astronomical, and a car accident lawyer can determine whether you have a case against a negligent party. In some cases, more than one party may be to blame.

Car Accident Deaths in Maryland

MDOT also provides the following car accident statistics for fatal collisions. A five-year average of the most recent data shows that:

• Fatal crashes accounted for 0.4 percent of all motor vehicle accidents in Maryland.
• An average of 530 traffic deaths occurred during those five years.
• Roughly 44 percent of Maryland fatal accidents occurred on state highways. About 20 percent of all fatal accidents involved county roads.
• Prince George’s County reported the highest number of fatal crashes, with an average of 91 car accident fatalities per year.
• After Prince George’s County, Baltimore County accounted for the next-highest number of fatal accidents, with an average of 64 deaths per year and roughly 12.9 percent of all fatal crashes in the state.
• Drivers aged 25 to 29 accounted for the greatest share of drivers involved in fatal accidents, with an average of roughly 37 deaths per year.
• The majority of fatal accidents in Maryland involve male drivers. Males far outnumber female traffic deaths (77 percent for males and 22 percent for females.)

When people lose their lives in car accidents, it may be possible for surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, not all fatal accidents involve the wrongful actions of others. A skilled attorney from Trollinger Law LLC can determine whether the car crash involving your loved one could qualify for a wrongful death claim.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Maryland

Some of the most common types of car accidents in Maryland include:

What Causes Car Accidents in Maryland?

There’s no single cause of car accidents in Maryland. There are some cases where an auto accident is nobody’s fault, but most car crashes in Maryland result from someone’s negligence.

Examples of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Impaired or drunk driving – Drivers who abuse drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel will have diminished reflexes, delayed reaction times, impaired judgment, and a greater propensity for risky behavior. All of these factors make it more likely for an impaired driver to cause an accident.
• Distracted driving – Technological advances provide no shortage of distractions for drivers behind the wheel. A driver who’s talking on the phone, texting, using a navigation device, snacking, or otherwise distracted may have their eyes, hands, or focus taken away from the act of driving. Any of these actions increase the likelihood of car crashes.
• Drowsy driving – Fatigue can be nearly as dangerous for drivers as intoxication, as tired drivers often have poor reaction times and may doze or fall asleep entirely while driving. The National Safety Council says that driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving with a blood-alcohol concentration level of 0.08 percent, the legal limit in Maryland.
• Aggressive driving – Speeding, unsafe lane changes, dangerous turns, abrupt merges, tailgating, and other aggressive driving behaviors can put drivers in a precarious position where they don’t have the necessary time or space to avoid a crash.
• Mechanical defects – Tire blowouts, defective brakes, issues with a vehicle’s engine or transmission, and other mechanical problems can make it difficult or impossible for a driver to keep their car under control, leading to a motor vehicle accident.
• Poor road conditions – Deteriorated road surfaces can make a collision more likely, especially in bad weather.

Get Help from a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Today

The chances of getting in a car accident at some point in your life are considerable. If you’ve been hurt in a crash and someone else is to blame, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other damages. Get help from an experienced and dedicated Maryland car accident lawyer today.

Trollinger Law LLC represents clients in Waldorf, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and the surrounding communities. Call or contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll explain the legal process, stand up for your rights, and push for the results you need and deserve.