Accidents
If you were injured in a crash, understanding Maryland car accident claims in 2026–2027 is critical. I am already seeing shifts in insurance tactics, more uninsured drivers on the road, and increasingly aggressive defense strategies. At SG Legal Group, my team and I guide clients through these evolving challenges every day.
In this article, I will explain:
If you were recently injured, this will help you understand what to expect.
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According to preliminary data from the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Highway Safety Office, Maryland continues to see tens of thousands of reported crashes annually, with thousands of injury-producing collisions each year. While final 2025 numbers are still being compiled, several trends are clear:
One of the biggest practical issues I am seeing in 2025 is an increase in uninsured drivers. This directly impacts how Maryland car accident claims must be handled in 2026–2027, particularly when uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is involved.
Maryland remains a contributory negligence state. Even 1 percent fault can bar recovery. That makes investigation and early strategy more important than ever.
In Maryland car accident claims, injured victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These include:
One area I commonly see undervalued by insurance carriers is future lost earning capacity. Adjusters often attempt to limit compensation to time missed from work, ignoring long-term limitations that reduce earning potential. In cases involving permanent impairment, that discounting can significantly undervalue a claim.
When appropriate, I work with medical providers and vocational experts to properly document future losses.
Non-Economic Damages
These include:
Maryland places a statutory cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. The cap increases annually, and the exact cap depends on the year of injury. That makes timing important in 2026–2027 claims.
In fatal crash cases, additional claims may exist for wrongful death and survival actions. I litigated a case in 2025 where the defense initially postured that they would assert a sudden medical emergency defense. The defendant later passed away as a result of the collision, making that defense especially complicated. Ultimately, the defense abandoned that position and the case settled before trial.
That case is a reminder that insurance strategies evolve during litigation. Early threats do not always hold up when scrutinized.
The 2026 Maryland Car Accident Claim Process
Understanding the 2026 Maryland car accident claim process helps set realistic expectations.
Step 1: Immediate Investigation
I begin by gathering:
Because Maryland follows contributory negligence, early liability analysis is critical.
Step 2: Medical Treatment
In 99 percent of cases, medical treatment must be completed before settlement discussions can realistically begin.
Until treatment concludes:
It is also important to understand something many people miss: additional legitimate medical treatment often increases case value. If an injury requires extended physical therapy, injections, or specialist care, that typically reflects greater harm. Treatment must be medically necessary and properly documented.
Step 3: Demand Package
Once treatment concludes and the full scope of damages is known, I prepare a comprehensive demand package that includes:
Step 4: Negotiation
Insurance carriers often respond with a low initial offer. Speaking to insurers without counsel can severely damage a case. I routinely see adjusters use recorded statements to limit claims.
I also advise clients to avoid posting about their injuries or activities on social media. I once represented a client who posted frequent yoga content before and immediately after the accident. While we ultimately resolved the case for full value, the defense attempted to use those posts to undermine the injury claim. It created an unnecessary hurdle.
Assume that anything posted online may later appear as an exhibit at trial.
Step 5: Filing Suit If Necessary
I evaluate several factors when determining whether to file suit:
If liability is disputed, suit must be filed. Otherwise, the decision is often valuation-driven. Venue and available policy limits always factor into the strategy.
Maryland’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years from the date of the collision. Missing that deadline bars recovery.
Several trends are shaping Maryland car accident claims in 2026–2027:
Because of the increase in uninsured drivers, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is more important than ever. Many clients discover after a serious crash that the at-fault driver has minimal coverage.
Coverage analysis must occur early in the claim process and although the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in existence at the time of the accident is controlling, I always advise my clients on how they could better insure themselves for the future.
I frequently see clients make the following mistakes:
These errors can reduce settlement value or even jeopardize recovery under Maryland’s contributory negligence doctrine.
If trends continue, Maryland car accident claims in 2026–2027 will require:
Most cases resolve without trial. However, being prepared to file suit often improves negotiation leverage.
Every case is different. Outcomes depend on liability, injury severity, insurance coverage, venue, and credibility. No attorney can guarantee a result. What I can promise is thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.
Maryland car accident claims are becoming more complex. With more uninsured drivers and increasingly aggressive insurance tactics, preparation and strategy matter more than ever.
If you or a loved one was injured, contact me at SG Legal Group. My team and I will help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 410-618-1277 or visit our Contact page to schedule a consultation.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, please contact me directly.
Joshua C. Sussex, Esq.
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