At Holzman & Dickriede, we stand by families during these heartbreaking times. We offer legal guidance, compassion, clarity, and strength as a dedicated Baltimore car accident lawyer team.
When a life is lost due to another person’s negligence or reckless behavior behind the wheel, Maryland law allows surviving family members to pursue justice. That’s where we come in. We handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing and remembrance.
Understanding Fatal Car Accidents in Baltimore
Baltimore has seen a concerning rise in deadly car accidents in recent years. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, the state recorded 563 traffic fatalities in 2022, with a significant portion occurring in the Baltimore region. Urban congestion, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving contribute heavily to the risk.
Our city’s narrow streets, frequent construction zones, and dense population create a perfect storm for serious collisions. Many fatal crashes involve high-speed impacts, commercial vehicles, or distracted drivers. In far too many cases, these accidents are preventable.
As an auto accident attorney in Baltimore, we’ve helped families affected by:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- T-bone crashes at intersections
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving accidents
- Hit-and-run fatalities
- Pedestrian and cyclist deaths
These tragedies occur in an instant, but their impact lasts a lifetime. We work tirelessly to ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable.
What Makes a Fatal Crash Different Under Maryland Law?
In Maryland, not all car accident claims are treated the same. When a person dies due to another party’s negligent or reckless actions, the case may fall under wrongful death or survival action statutes.
Wrongful death claims allow close relatives—typically spouses, children, or parents—to seek compensation for the emotional and financial impact of the death. These damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future earnings and benefits
- Loss of companionship, support, and care
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Survival actions, on the other hand, allow the deceased person’s estate to pursue compensation for the suffering the person experienced before death, as well as medical costs incurred between the time of injury and the time of passing.
Maryland law (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904) limits wrongful death claims to specific classes of relatives and sets the statute of limitations three years from the date of death. Waiting too long can forfeit your right to seek justice, so contacting an accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, is critical as soon as possible.
Baltimore Injury Lawyers Near You
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Who Can File a Claim After a Fatal Car Accident?
Maryland’s wrongful death statute prioritizes the immediate family. Those eligible to file a claim include:
- The surviving spouse
- Parents of the deceased
- Children of the deceased
If no primary beneficiaries are alive, secondary beneficiaries such as siblings, cousins, or other relatives who depended on the deceased for financial support may have a claim.
At our car wreck law firm in Baltimore, we evaluate each family’s situation with care. Our job is to determine who has legal standing, what the timeline looks like, and how to pursue the maximum compensation available under Maryland law.
How We Investigate Fatal Car Crashes
We take fatal accident cases seriously because we understand what’s at stake. Our legal team launches a comprehensive investigation immediately upon being retained. We gather and analyze:
- Police accident reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Black box data from involved vehicles
- Toxicology results
- Cell phone records (to determine distracted driving)
- Witness testimony
- Expert accident reconstruction
We often collaborate with forensic engineers and medical experts to build compelling cases. Our goal is to prove liability beyond a doubt so you can get the closure and compensation you deserve.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
After a fatal crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may quickly contact surviving family members to offer a settlement. These early offers are almost always far below the actual value of your case.
Insurance companies operate to minimize payouts, not to help grieving families. We recommend never accepting a settlement or signing paperwork without speaking to a qualified Baltimore fatal car accident lawyer.
Our firm handles all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. We negotiate fiercely to recover every dollar you’re owed, including:
- Full and fair compensation for lost income
- Emotional damages
- Coverage of all out-of-pocket expenses
- Long-term financial support for children or dependents
What Is a Fair Car Crash Settlement After a Fatal Accident?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what a fatal car crash settlement should look like. Every case depends on factors such as:
- The victim’s age, income, and earning potential
- The number of dependents left behind
- The severity and nature of the negligent behavior
- Whether punitive damages may apply (for example, in DUI crashes)
Some settlements exceed a million dollars, while others fall below that threshold. The key is ensuring your settlement reflects the emotional and financial loss suffered by your family.
We don’t believe in quick settlements if they mean sacrificing your long-term well-being. We build strong cases from the ground up and fight for what’s fair—even if it means going to court.
Common Causes of Fatal Crashes in Baltimore
Baltimore’s roads can be deadly for various reasons, many tied to poor driver behavior or unsafe conditions. Based on our experience and state crash data, the leading causes of fatal crashes include:
- Speeding (especially on I-83 and major arteries)
- Distracted driving, including texting and GPS use
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Failing to yield or obey signals at intersections
While some crashes are actual accidents, many involve apparent negligence. We work to prove how the at-fault party failed to act responsibly and how that directly led to your loved one’s death.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede After a Fatal Accident?
We know this may be the hardest chapter of your life. You need more than just a lawyer—you need someone who will protect your rights, honor your loved one’s memory, and pursue justice with resolve.
Here’s what you get when you work with us:
- Decades of legal experience focused on serious auto accidents
- Personalized attention from start to finish
- Transparent communication and zero upfront fees
- A team that truly cares about your family’s outcome
- Aggressive negotiation and trial skills when needed
We’ve built our reputation as a leading car wreck law firm in Baltimore by advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Let us do the same for you.
Steps to Take If You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Baltimore Car Accident
- Obtain a copy of the police accident report
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters
- Collect any available evidence (photos, names of witnesses, etc.)
- Keep a record of funeral costs, medical bills, and other expenses
- Reach out to an accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, as soon as possible
Time is critical. The sooner we can investigate and protect your rights, the stronger your claim will be.
What Sets Our Team Apart
We proudly offer compassionate, results-driven representation for families throughout Baltimore and beyond. We don’t treat clients like case numbers—we treat them like people who deserve answers, advocacy, and real results.
Our goal isn’t just a settlement—it’s justice. We want to ensure your voice is heard and your loved one’s life is honored through a powerful legal claim.
Get the compensation you deserve with Holzman Dickriede Attorneys at Law. Experienced personal injury lawyers dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for maximum recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call 410-539-4222
Frequently Asked Questions: Baltimore Fatal Car Accidents
What’s the difference between criminal charges and a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal crash?
The state brings criminal charges, which can result in penalties like jail time or fines for the at-fault driver. A wrongful death lawsuit, on the other hand, is a civil claim filed by the deceased person’s family to seek financial compensation. Even if a driver is not charged criminally—or is acquitted—you may still have a valid civil claim.
Can more than one family member receive compensation?
Yes. If multiple eligible family members file a wrongful death claim together, the court or jury may divide the total compensation among them based on their relationship with the deceased and how much they relied on that person for emotional or financial support.
Do I need to open an estate to pursue a claim?
In most fatal car accident cases, yes. An estate must typically be opened through the Orphans’ Court in Maryland to pursue a survival action or certain wrongful death damages. The estate’s personal representative will have legal standing to act on behalf of the deceased.
What happens if the at-fault driver also died in the crash?
You can still file a claim against that driver’s estate or their auto insurance policy. These claims can be more complex, but compensation may still be available through liability coverage, umbrella policies, or even your loved one’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Is there a cap on damages in Maryland fatal car accident cases?
Yes. Maryland imposes caps on non-economic damages like pain and suffering. As of 2024, the cap for wrongful death claims with two or more beneficiaries is approximately $1.2 million. However, economic damages (such as lost income or medical bills) are not capped.
Contact Our Baltimore Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Today
You don’t have to go through this alone. If you’re searching for a trusted Baltimore fatal car accident lawyer, contact Holzman & Dickriede today. We offer free, confidential consultations and don’t charge a fee unless we recover compensation for your family.
Let us fight for the accountability and support you deserve. Call us now or contact us online to get started.
