Fatal Car Accidents in Maryland: The Risks And Your Rights In A Wrongful Death Claim
Car accidents in Maryland are violent events that can cause devastating harm. Fatal crashes are unfortunately common and often happen due to reckless drivers. Family members or other loved ones are left grieving in the aftermath and often face significant financial losses.
If your family has suffered this type of tragedy, know that help is available. Our Maryland car accident lawyers explain more about the risks and your rights in holding those at fault liable in a wrongful death claim.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Crashes In Maryland
The Maryland State Police report that a car accident in Frederick County claimed the lives of two people in late May 2025. The victims were passengers in a box truck that got rear-ended by another vehicle. The tragic case is among a string of fatal crashes that have happened throughout the state.
According to Zero Deaths Maryland, 187 people have died in traffic crashes so far in 2025, compared to 252 during the same timeframe in 2024. These crashes don’t just happen; they are often caused by the recklessness of other drivers. Behavior that endangers everyone on the road includes:
- Speeding or going too fast for road, traffic, or weather conditions;
- Aggressive driving, such as tailgating and improper passing;
- Running red lights and stop signs, which pose significant hazards at intersections;
- Impaired driving, in which alcohol or drugs are responsible for collisions;
- Distracted driving, in which texting, phone use, and in‑car distractions account for a substantial portion of deadly crashes.
When fatal car accidents in Maryland happen, grieving families may be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim and What to Do First
Under the Maryland Code, family members of the victim, such as their spouse, child, or parent, may bring a wrongful death claim. If there are no immediate family, more distant relatives may qualify, as well as personal representatives of the victim’s estate.
Filing a wrongful death claim in Maryland after a fatal car accident helps families get the compensation they need to cover outstanding medical bills, funeral and burial costs, lost income and support, and emotional suffering. It also helps provide a sense of justice for the victim by holding those at fault accountable. To protect your rights, take these steps:
- Get copies of police reports and other documents detailing what happened during the crash.
- Preserve evidence, such as photos from the scene, traffic camera footage, or vehicle damage.
- Review statements from witnesses, who can often provide crucial testimony in a wrongful death claim.
- Avoid making statements to insurers without getting legal help first.
Contact Our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Today
Losing a loved one is heartbreaking. When that loss is due to another’s reckless behavior, you deserve accountability and justice. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we help families get justice and the compensation they are entitled to in a wrongful death claim. For caring support and trusted legal representation, contact our office and request a consultation with our Maryland car accident lawyers today.
Sources:
news.maryland.gov/msp/2025/05/25/state-police-investigate-double-fatal-crash-in-frederick-county/
zerodeathsmd.gov/
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=3-901&enactments=false
