Car accidents are especially distressing. In addition to physical injuries and property damage, victims are often left dealing with the emotional toll of not knowing who is responsible.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about how to recover both physically and financially. Knowing your legal rights is critical—and having a skilled Baltimore car accident lawyer in your corner can make all the difference.
To understand how the car accident lawsuit process works, you should schedule a free consultation with a local personal injury lawyer.
Contact a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer
At The Bishop Law Group, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can feel. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to helping you pursue justice.
We’ll listen to your concerns, walk you through the legal process, and work relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve. From tracking down liable parties to managing insurance claims and representing you in court, if necessary, we’re with you every step of the way.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a car crash, don’t delay seeking legal guidance. Call The Bishop Law Group today or visit bishoplawmd.com to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Maryland, including Baltimore, Ocean City, and surrounding communities.
For a free legal consultation, call (410) 390-3101
What is a Lawsuit?
A lawsuit is a legal action taken by one person or group against another in court. The person who starts the lawsuit is called the plaintiff, and the person or group being sued is called the defendant. The main purpose of a lawsuit is to seek justice and financial compensation for harm or loss.
Civil vs. Criminal Court
Car accident lawsuits go through civil court, not criminal court. Even if the crash involves criminal charges—such as drunk driving—the civil case and criminal case are separate.
The civil court case focuses on financial loss and injury, while the criminal case focuses on breaking the law.
When Can You File a Lawsuit?
To win a car accident lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove:
- The defendant was at fault for the accident.
- The plaintiff suffered a financial loss because of the accident. This usually involves collecting evidence like police reports, medical records, or witness statements.
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Who Can File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?
You may file a lawsuit in Maryland if:
- You were hurt in a car accident.
- You experienced a financial loss, such as medical bills or lost income.
Wrongful Death Cases
If a person dies in a car accident, their immediate family members—a spouse, child, or parent—can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their loss.
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What Types of Damages Can You Sue for?
Depending on the details of your situation, you may be able to sue for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
These are direct financial costs caused by the crash:
- All medical expenses (present and future)
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Lost wages if you couldn’t work during recovery
- Future income loss due to disability
Non-Economic Damages
These are losses that don’t have a fixed dollar amount:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
If the at-fault party’s behavior was reckless or dangerous, such as driving under the influence, the court may award punitive damages to punish them.
Who Can You Sue After a Car Crash?
Maryland uses an at-fault system. This means the person responsible for the accident must pay for any resulting damages.
Possible parties you may sue include:
- The driver who caused the crash
- The driver’s insurance company
Depending on the situation, other parties may also be responsible, such as:
- Employers (if the driver was on the job)
- Vehicle manufacturers (if a car part failed)
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is three years from the date of the crash, as outlined in Maryland Code §5–109.
Where to File Your Lawsuit in Maryland?
If you are seeking less than $30,000 in damages, you can file your case in the Maryland District Court. 34 District Court locations are scattered across the state, organized into 12 judicial districts. Some of the key districts include:
- 1st District – Baltimore City
- Eastside District Court: 1400 E. North Avenue
- Wabash District Court: 5800 Wabash Avenue
- Patapsco (Hargrove) District Court: 700 E. Patapsco Avenue
- Civil Division: 501 E. Fayette Street
- 3rd District – Baltimore County
- Towson District Court: 120 E. Chesapeake Avenue
- Catonsville District Court: 900 Walker Avenue
- Essex District Court: 8914 Kelso Drive
- 4th District: Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties
- 5th District: Prince George’s County
- 6th District: Montgomery County
- 10th District: Carroll and Howard Counties
Maryland Circuit Court
If you are seeking more than $30,000 in damages, your case will be filed in the Maryland Circuit Court, which handles more complex civil matters. The state is divided into eight judicial circuits. Relevant circuits include:
- 3rd Judicial Circuit – Baltimore County
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- Baltimore County Circuit Court: 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD
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- 8th Judicial Circuit – Baltimore City
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- Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse: 100 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD
- Courthouse East (Civil & Family Divisions): 111 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD
- 5th Judicial Circuit: Anne Arundel, Carroll, and Howard Counties
- 6th Judicial Circuit: Frederick and Montgomery Counties
7th Judicial Circuit: Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties
The Car Accident Lawsuit Process
Here’s what usually happens when filing a lawsuit:
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Collect documents that prove your financial loss. This may include:
- Medical bills
- Doctor reports
- Auto repair estimates
- Pay stubs showing lost income
Step 2: Send a Demand Letter
The demand letter tells the defendant:
- What happened
- How much money you are asking for
- When they must respond
Step 3: File a Complaint
If the defendant ignores or denies the demand, you can file a complaint in court. This is the official start of the lawsuit.
Step 4: Wait for Response
The defendant only has 21 days to respond. Their response could include:
- No response: You may ask the judge for a default judgment in your favor.
- Motion to dismiss: The defendant asks the judge to cancel the case, maybe for lack of evidence or the wrong court.
- Motion for more information: They may ask for more details before responding fully.
- Counterclaim: The defendant claims you were actually at fault.
Settling vs. Going to Trial
Many cases are settled out of court when both sides agree on an amount of money. But if they cannot agree, the case goes to trial.
What to Expect During a Trial
If your case reaches trial, these are the common steps:
- Trial date is set
- Jury selection (if required)
- Opening statements by both sides
- Presentation of evidence (like accident reports and expert testimony)
- Closing arguments
- Verdict is given—either for the plaintiff or the defendant
If the plaintiff wins, they are awarded damages. Either side can appeal the verdict if they disagree with the result. Appeals go to the Appellate Court of Maryland, located in Annapolis.
Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Maryland, it’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Car crash cases often involve complicated insurance matters, injury claims, and questions of fault—making prompt legal support critical to protecting your rights.
At The Bishop Law Group, our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims and their families across the state. We provide clear guidance, explain your legal options, and advocate tirelessly to recover the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Contact The Bishop Law Group or visit bishoplawmd.com to schedule your consultation. We’re here to guide you through every step of the recovery process.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
