If you were hurt in an intersection crash in Maryland like a left-turn collision, a red-light T-bone, or a head-on at a stop sign you need to know how much time you have to file a claim. The Maryland statute of limitations for intersection injury claims is not just a legal deadline it’s the hard cutoff that determines whether you can seek compensation at all. Miss it, and your case is almost always dismissed, no matter how clear the other driver’s fault was or how serious your injuries are.

What does the Maryland statute of limitations mean for intersection crashes?

In Maryland, the general time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. That applies to most intersection injury claims whether you were hit while crossing on foot, riding a bike, or driving through an uncontrolled intersection. It’s not three years from when you hire a lawyer or finish medical treatment. It’s three years from the day the crash happened. This deadline comes from Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 5-101.

When does the clock start and are there exceptions?

For most intersection injury claims, the clock starts on the date of the crash. But there are narrow exceptions. If the injured person was under 18 at the time, the three-year period usually doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday. If someone is legally incapacitated (for example, due to a traumatic brain injury that prevents them from managing their own affairs), the deadline may be paused but only if a court formally declares the incapacity. These exceptions are rare and require documentation. They don’t apply just because you didn’t realize the full extent of your injuries right away or because you’re still negotiating with an insurance company.

Why do people miss this deadline?

Common mistakes include waiting to “see how things go” with recovery, assuming the insurance company will handle everything, or delaying hiring a lawyer until after physical therapy ends. One real example: a cyclist struck by a driver running a yellow light at a busy Baltimore intersection waited 11 months to consult an attorney. By then, key surveillance footage had been overwritten, and two witnesses had moved out of state. Even though the injury qualified as a serious intersection injury under Maryland law, the delay made proving fault much harder and nearly cost them the chance to file at all.

Does filing a claim with insurance extend the deadline?

No. Reporting the crash to your insurer or the other driver’s insurer does not pause or reset the three-year window. Neither does sending demand letters, getting estimates, or even settling part of the claim (like property damage). Only filing a formal lawsuit in Maryland circuit court stops the clock. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for an exception or whether your claim falls within the window it’s worth speaking with someone who regularly handles intersection head-on collisions in Maryland.

What should you do right now?

First, write down the exact date of the crash. Then, count forward three years. If that date is less than six months away, act quickly even if you feel fine or think your injuries aren’t serious yet. Some intersection-related injuries, like whiplash or internal soft-tissue damage, take weeks or months to show up clearly. You’ll also need time to gather evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports. If fault is disputed, you may need help proving fault in a Maryland intersection crash. And if you’re worried about costs, most experienced attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on contingency meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you. You can learn more about typical fees in our overview of the cost to hire a Maryland intersection accident attorney.

Next step: If your intersection crash happened more than two years ago, call a Maryland attorney who handles these cases ideally within the next 30 days. Don’t wait until the final months. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and small procedural missteps can derail even strong claims.

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