Losing a loved one in an auto accident is a devastating, traumatic reality for far too many families. At The Heavyweights — the injury practice of Innovate Injury & Accident Lawyers — we know no amount of money can make up for your loss. But our wrongful death attorneys can help your family get justice and financial security while you grieve and heal.
We take the time and care to make sure your family receives justice and the maximum compensation allowed under Maryland law. You focus on your family. We'll carry the legal weight.
Understanding wrongful death claims in Maryland
When a car accident is caused by someone else's negligence, Maryland law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim. These claims serve two purposes: to support the deceased's dependents and to hold the negligent party accountable.
Maryland law breaks fatal accident cases into two separate but related claims — the wrongful death claim and the survival action. We help you understand the difference between them and file both when they apply to your situation.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Maryland?
Maryland law follows a specific order of priority for wrongful death claims:
- Primary beneficiaries. The spouse, parents, and children of the deceased have first priority to file a claim.
- Secondary beneficiaries. If no primary beneficiaries exist, siblings, cousins, or other relatives who were substantially dependent on the deceased may file.
Because Maryland places strict limits on who can recover compensation, understanding these relationships and rights matters. We help identify every eligible family member and file the appropriate claims.
Time limits for fatal accident claims
Maryland has a three-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims, which generally starts from the date of death. There may be exceptions in some cases. We strongly recommend that families seek legal advice as soon as possible — building a strong case takes time, evidence, and careful documentation.
Compensation available in fatal auto accident cases
Maryland law recognizes both economic and non-economic damages in wrongful death cases. Our attorneys work to secure full compensation for your family.
Economic damages
We carefully calculate all financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of household services
- Estate administration expenses
Non-economic damages
These more personal losses include:
- Mental anguish and emotional pain
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of spousal support
- Loss of society and comfort
How we handle fatal accident cases
We handle fatal accident cases with compassion and attention to detail. Our approach centers on a thorough investigation and the right experts.
The investigation
We establish liability by gathering and preserving all available evidence from the scene — video footage, witness statements, and physical evidence. We often work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash happened and who is at fault.
Expert consultation
- Medical experts to determine cause of death
- Economic experts to calculate future losses
- Life care planning specialists
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Industry-specific experts as needed
Common causes of fatal auto accidents in Baltimore
Knowing the cause of a fatal accident is key to establishing liability. In Baltimore, the most common causes include:
Impaired driving
Alcohol- and drug-related crashes continue to claim lives on Baltimore's roads, especially on I-83 and I-695. We hold impaired drivers fully accountable for their reckless behavior.
Distracted driving
The rise of mobile devices has led to more distraction-related fatalities. We obtain cell phone records and other evidence to prove driver distraction.
Speeding and aggressive driving
Downtown and along major corridors, Baltimore sees many fatalities caused by speeding and aggressive driving. We get to work building your case right away.
The process for fatal accident claims
When you work with our firm, we guide you through every step of the legal process.
Initial investigation
We begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the accident, gathering evidence, and identifying all potentially liable parties. That may include other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Building the case
Our team works to establish every element needed for a successful wrongful death claim:
- The defendant's duty of care
- Breach of that duty
- Causation between the breach and the death
- Resulting damages to surviving family members
Why choose our Baltimore fatal accident lawyers
- Decades of combined experience handling wrongful death cases
- Compassionate, personalized attention to each family
- The resources to thoroughly investigate and litigate complex cases
- Clear communication throughout the process
- No fees unless we secure compensation for your family
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
We handle fatal accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure compensation for your family. That way, families can pursue justice regardless of their financial situation.
What if multiple family members want to file a claim?
Maryland law combines multiple eligible beneficiaries' claims so the compensation is distributed fairly. We help families understand their rights and work together to get justice for their loved one.
How long does it take to settle a wrongful death case?
Every case is different, but fatal accident and wrongful death cases typically take 12–24 months to settle if litigation is required. We work as fast as possible while securing full compensation for your family.
What if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance?
We explore all possible sources of compensation, including multiple insurance policies, underinsured motorist coverage, and potentially liable third parties. Our goal is to maximize your family's recovery from every available source.
Contact our Baltimore fatal accident lawyers
If your family has lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, we can help you understand your options. Contact us for a free consultation today. We'll handle all of the legal headache so you can focus on your family and healing together. We're available 24/7 to get you started — serving families throughout Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities.