Maryland Car Accident Laws 2025: How New Rules Impact Baltimore Drivers

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming—especially when state laws change and impact how accident claims are handled. For Baltimore residents and drivers across the state, staying updated on Maryland auto law is essential to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

In 2025, updated traffic laws, insurance requirements, and litigation procedures are reshaping how Maryland car accident cases are handled. Whether you're a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, understanding these changes is key to preserving your legal options after a crash.

This article from SG Legal Group will break down the most important Maryland car accident laws in 2025, how they affect accident claims, and why the state's continued use of contributory negligence remains a high-stakes issue for Baltimore drivers.

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Why Maryland Car Accident Laws Matter in 2025

If you’re involved in a car crash in Baltimore, even a small mistake can significantly affect your case. Maryland is one of only a few states that still follow the harsh contributory negligence doctrine, meaning that if you're found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages.

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With that in mind, let’s explore what’s changed in 2025—and what hasn’t—so you know exactly what to expect if you’re involved in a collision.

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1. Contributory Negligence Still Governs Maryland Accident Claims

Despite continued debate, Maryland has not adopted comparative negligence in 2025. This means that Maryland contributory negligence remains a major barrier for accident victims seeking compensation.

What This Means for Baltimore Drivers:

• If you’re even slightly at fault, you cannot recover compensation.

• Insurance companies and defense attorneys aggressively investigate to assign any degree of fault to injured parties.

• Victims who admit fault, delay medical care, or fail to follow post-accident steps can jeopardize their claims.

Contributory negligence is particularly problematic for cases involving:

• Lane-change disputes

• Pedestrian or cyclist injuries

• Rear-end accidents with unexpected stops

• Multi-vehicle collisions where fault is disputed

Legal Tip: Never admit fault at the scene of an accident. Speak to an attorney before giving any statements to insurance companies.

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2. Updated Traffic Laws in 2025: What’s New

Several updated traffic laws in 2025 are designed to increase roadway safety and reduce ambiguity in accident liability. For Baltimore drivers, these changes may influence how fault is assigned and how certain violations are prosecuted.

Notable Changes to Maryland Traffic Law in 2025:

• Expanded Hands-Free Law: Maryland now prohibits drivers from holding or supporting any handheld device, not just during calls but while using apps, GPS, or texting—even while stopped at red lights.

• New U-Turn Restrictions in Baltimore City: Due to a rise in accidents, new no-U-turn zones have been implemented along congested corridors such as North Charles Street and MLK Boulevard.

• Increased Penalties for Uninsured Driving: Fines and administrative penalties for driving without insurance have increased, and vehicles may now be impounded for repeat offenders.

• Right-of-Way Clarifications for Bicyclists and Pedestrians: Maryland updated its code to better define when vehicles must yield to non-motorists in mixed-traffic urban zones.

These updates directly affect how accident claims are evaluated and who may be found liable. Violating these new laws could automatically result in citations and shift fault in your case.

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3. How Maryland Auto Law in 2025 Affects Baltimore Drivers

Whether you’re commuting on I-95 or navigating North Avenue, Maryland’s 2025 auto law changes affect every aspect of your driving life.

Here’s What Baltimore Drivers Need to Know:

• You must follow new hands-free and traffic rules to avoid liability and citations.

• You must act quickly after an accident—documenting injuries, contacting insurance, and consulting with an attorney.

The stakes are higher than ever. With the contributory negligence rule still in place, even minor violations or delayed action can lead to denied claims or dismissed lawsuits.

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How SG Legal Group Helps You Navigate Maryland Car Accident Laws

At SG Legal Group, we know Maryland auto law inside and out. Our attorneys are well-versed in the 2025 legal updates and have decades of combined experience helping Baltimore residents recover after serious accidents.

We Help You:

• Understand how contributory negligence impacts your case

• Build a strong accident claim, backed by medical documentation and expert analysis

• Negotiate with insurance companies locating and maximizing all available coverage

• Litigate if necessary, strategically using all evidence at our disposal

We take a client-first approach, meaning we focus on personalized service, constant communication, and aggressive advocacy. If your case involves unclear fault, minimal insurance, or uncooperative insurers, we’re here to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

What to Do After a Crash Under 2025 Maryland Auto Law

To protect yourself after an accident, follow these steps in light of the new Maryland car accident laws:

1. Call 911 and report the accident—always obtain a police report.

2. Avoid admitting fault—anything you say may be used against you.

3. Take photos and request traffic camera footage if available.

4. Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor symptoms.

5. Contact your insurance company and submit claim information.

6. Consult an attorney at SG Legal Group—especially if injuries are involved.

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Conclusion: Know the Law, Protect Your Rights

Maryland’s car accident laws are evolving, and 2025 brings new rules that directly affect how Baltimore drivers must operate and respond to crashes. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, don’t try to navigate these changes alone. Let SG Legal Group help you understand the law, build your case, and secure the compensation you deserve.

Free Consultation – SG Legal Group Is Here for You

Call SG Legal Group at (410) 618-1277 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve clients across Baltimore, Towson, and beyond, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Stay informed. Stay protected. And if the worst happens on Maryland’s roads in 2025, let us fight for your future.