Bill > HB594

This bill modifies how negligence is assessed in civil lawsuits involving motor vehicle accidents where the plaintiff is a vulnerable individual, such as a pedestrian or cyclist. Specifically, the bill prevents a plaintiff from being completely barred from recovering damages if their negligence was not the primary cause of their injury. Under the new law, a plaintiff can still seek damages as long as their negligence is not greater than the combined negligence of all defendants. Any damages awarded will be reduced proportionally based on the plaintiff's degree of fault. The bill defines a "vulnerable individual" according to existing transportation law and explicitly applies only to future cases, not retroactively. The provisions are designed to provide more balanced legal protection for vulnerable road users who are involved in motor vehicle accidents, ensuring they have a pathway to compensation even if they bear some responsibility for the incident. The law will take effect on October 1, 2025, and does not alter existing rules about joint and several liability or the legal doctrine of last clear chance.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0594?ys=2025RS