Understanding Baltimore’s Dense Traffic and Its Impact on Car Accident Claims

If you live or work in Baltimore, odds are you’re well-acquainted with some serious traffic. With almost a quarter of a million motorists commuting from Maryland into D.C. every day and another 140,000 commuting into Baltimore City from the surrounding areas, our roadways are reliably bustling with vehicles, drivers, and passengers at any given moment.

Unfortunately, where traffic abounds, so do motor vehicle accidents. Thanks to a combination of traffic congestion, narrow streets, aging infrastructure, and ongoing construction, hundreds of thousands of Maryland motorists find themselves involved in traffic accidents every year. At best, these incidents are inconvenient and costly; at worst, they can be dangerous and even fatal. Let’s discuss how Baltimore’s traffic conditions can impact car accident and personal injury claims and explore how an experienced car accident attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why is Baltimore traffic so bad?

Baltimore is notorious for its high number of commuters, thanks largely to its convenient position along the I-95 corridor. With hundreds of thousands of people traveling in and out of the city each day, it is no surprise that motorists regularly encounter traffic jams and other less-than-desirable conditions while getting where they need to go.

In addition to high levels of congestion, high-traffic cities like Baltimore often find themselves in need of infrastructure updates and frequent roadway repairs. What’s more, as more businesses and individuals relocate to Baltimore, construction jobs have become increasingly common fixtures across nearly every nook and cranny of the city.

Common factors that contribute to accidents in high-traffic areas

As much as we wish it wasn’t the case, the harsh reality of life in a busy commuter city is that heavy traffic often leads to a higher number of motor vehicle accidents. In 2023, there were over 110,000 motor vehicle accidents in the State of Maryland – roughly 25% of which resulted in injury or death.

This unfortunately high incidence of serious traffic crashes may be attributable to a number different factors, such as:

• Heavy traffic volumes during peak commute times
• High-speed travel on highways and merging areas
• Aggressive driving practices like speeding and tailgating
• Sudden and unexpected slowdowns caused by congestion, construction or accidents
• Distracted driving behaviors by motorists who are multitasking in slow-moving traffic

When accidents occur under these conditions, they can have serious and life-changing consequences. The combination of limited mobility, reduced response times and unforeseen hazards can be a perfect storm for motorists who already find themselves rushed, flustered or otherwise vulnerable in a sea of grid-locked vehicles.

Downtown driving: Hazards to look out for

While it might be tempting to assume that busy, congested highways present the greatest dangers to motorists and passengers, the streets of downtown Baltimore present a unique assortment of hazards. One common complaint of residents and commuters is that Baltimore’s infrastructure was not designed to accommodate the high traffic volume the city now takes for granted.

As a result, downtown drivers may find themselves facing a variety of challenges and frustrations, including:

• Narrow streets that aren’t designed to safely accommodate large, modern vehicles
• Inadequate lighting on side streets or near pedestrian crossings
• Construction zones, detours and lane closures
• Limited parking availability that may encourage illegal practices like double-parking
• Encounters with tourists and pedestrians who may not be aware of local traffic laws

All of these challenges can prove extremely hazardous for motorists and pedestrians alike. In addition to increasing the potential risks associated with driving downtown, these factors can also complicate the process of determining liability in the event of a car accident.

Determining liability in Baltimore traffic accidents

Baltimore is a veritable crucible of potentially dangerous traffic conditions. As a result, it is important for individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents to develop a clear understanding of all the variables that may have influenced the outcome of their accident or contributed to their injuries.

If you suffer an injury as the result of a crash on one of Baltimore’s streets or highways, your insurance company and/or legal representatives may wish to file a claim against any or all of the following:

1. Another driver

When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, it is critical to determine which driver was responsible for the crash. This is particularly true in Maryland, where we rely on a contributory negligence system to determine whether or not an accident victim is entitled to collecting damages. Under this system, if it is determined that you contributed in any way, you will be barred from collecting any compensation from the other driver.

That’s why any individual injured in an accident should consult an experienced car accident attorney to assist with determining liability. These skilled professionals will conduct a thorough investigation and examine all available evidence and testimony to help you build an effective case against the other party or parties involved in your crash.

2. The city

As we’ve discussed, Baltimore’s aging infrastructure can pose many safety risks to motorists and pedestrians. If an accident occurs as the direct result of the city’s failure to adequately maintain its infrastructure, an injured party may have cause to file a claim against the city itself for compensation.

Typically, to file a successful claim, a motorist would need to prove that the city had advance knowledge of a roadway hazard and failed to adequately address it. The aforementioned doctrine of contributory negligence would still apply in these cases. This further underscores the need for seeking experienced and effective legal counsel when considering filing a personal injury claim following an accident.

3. Third-party contractors

In some cases, the city contracts out certain maintenance services and other projects to third-party contractors or construction companies. If an accident occurs as the result of a third party’s failure to perform adequate maintenance or if a construction hazard directly caused a traffic accident, an injured party may wish to seek compensation from these responsible entities.

When to call a car accident attorney

Navigating a car accident claim in a city like Baltimore can be overwhelming. With so many factors potentially influencing liability, those injured in car accidents are strongly encouraged to partner with an experienced car accident attorney to help them more easily navigate their claim.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, reliable support for a variety of personal injury claims. Our Maryland-based team has been serving the local community since 1985, and we are well-acquainted with the many ways Baltimore’s notorious traffic volume can impact car accident claims. Our car accident attorneys are prepared to take the lead on gathering evidence, dealing with insurance adjusters, and filing claims to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as the result of a traffic-related crash here in Maryland, give us a call today or fill out our contact form for a free initial consultation with a member of our team.