Jill Kolodner | September 6, 2024 | Car Accidents
There’s a relatively common view in the general public that you can safely drive a couple of miles per hour (MPH) over the speed limit – and this view persists in Baltimore, Maryland. However, strictly speaking, the police can give you a ticket if you even drive just one MPH over the posted speed limit.
Whether or not the officer will actually pull you over in that circumstance isn’t guaranteed, but you do risk financial consequences every time you drive faster than what the law says. Because speeding is a common cause of car accidents, it’s almost never a good idea to do so.
Speeding Law in Baltimore, Maryland
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) makes it clear what the speed limits are in Baltimore and throughout the state:
- 15 MPH on alleys in Baltimore County
- 30 MPH on all highways in a business district/undivided highways in a residential district
- 35 MPH on divided highways in a residential district
- 50 MPH on other undivided highways
- 55 MPH on other divided highways
- 70 MPH on interstate highways and expressways
Per state law, it is illegal to exceed these limits, as they are maximums. You can drive slower than the speed limit in some circumstances, such as if there is a danger present.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law
Maryland is one of only a few states with a harsh “contributory negligence” law. This law may apply if you get into a car accident in the state. Under this law, you could be barred from recovering compensation after a crash if you are found to be just 1% at fault.
It is not impossible that exceeding the speed limit, even just slightly, could raise your level of fault beyond 0%. As a result, in a state like Maryland, it is actually more important than ever to follow the law. If you don’t, it is much easier for it to come back and bite you than it would in almost any other state.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Baltimore?
The aftermath of a Baltimore car accident is often overwhelming. However, the truth is that what happens just after the crash takes place can significantly impact any insurance claims or lawsuits you may be entitled to file. Take note of the following:
- Call 911 so that the police are alerted of the accident. When they arrive on the scene, they’ll create a police report you can use for your claim.
- Exchange contact/insurance information with the other people involved in the crash.
- Collect evidence at the scene if it is safe to do so. This might mean taking photos and videos or getting information from nearby eyewitnesses.
- You should not apologize for the accident, nor should you accept any blame. This could prevent you from recovering any money at all under state law.
- Receive prompt medical treatment whether you have been injured or not. Not all injuries will demonstrate symptoms immediately, and you might need medical records to help prove your claim.
Next, contact a car accident lawyer in Baltimore for a free consultation. Your attorney can guide you through the process from there and can represent you from start to finish.
Contact a Trusted Car Accident Attorney of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
Posted speed limits in Baltimore, Maryland are maximums. Exceeding the speed limit by just one MPH could result in a ticket and fines. Adhering to the speed limit is usually the safest choice to best protect yourself and your legal rights.
If you were recently injured in an accident, one of the best things you can do is contact an attorney for a free case review. From there, you only have to pay compensation if you win.
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
