Hit-and-Run on Crain Highway in Bel Alton: What Victims Need to Know

By the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles | Published: May 2026 | Charles County, Maryland

On the night of April 28, 2026, emergency responders rushed to the area of Crain Highway and Fairground Road in Bel Alton, Charles County, after 911 callers reported a bicyclist struck by a vehicle. The driver did not stop. The 28-year-old victim was thrown approximately 50 feet and suffered serious injuries to his head and upper body.

Hit-and-run accidents are among the most infuriating situations a personal injury attorney encounters — because the person who caused the harm chose to flee rather than take responsibility. But if you or someone you love has been hurt in a hit-and-run in Southern Maryland, you need to know this: a driver fleeing the scene does not mean you are without options.

At the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, we have been fighting for Southern Maryland accident victims since 1991. Here is what you need to understand about your rights after a hit-and-run crash in Maryland.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Under Maryland Law?

Under Maryland law, any driver involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage is legally required to stop at the scene, render aid, and provide their information to the other parties and law enforcement. Leaving the scene is a criminal offense — and in cases involving serious injury, it can be charged as a felony.

In the Bel Alton incident, Maryland State Police opened an investigation into the fleeing driver. But whether the driver is ever identified or not, the victim’s ability to seek compensation does not have to depend solely on that outcome.

Can You Still Recover Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?

Yes — and this surprises many people. Maryland law provides several avenues for hit-and-run victims to recover compensation even when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured.

1. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

If you carry uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim under that policy for injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver. Maryland requires all auto insurance policies to include UM coverage, which means most Maryland residents have this protection — even if they don’t realize it.

2. Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF)

If the hit-and-run driver is identified but has no insurance, the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund may provide coverage for eligible victims. This state-backed program exists precisely for situations where the at-fault driver cannot pay.

3. Evidence-Based Investigation

Even when a driver flees, evidence does not always disappear with them. Surveillance cameras at nearby businesses, cell phone footage from witnesses, debris left at the scene, and tire tracks can all contribute to identifying the responsible party. An experienced attorney knows how to move quickly to preserve this evidence before it is lost.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Southern Maryland?

If you or a loved one is involved in a hit-and-run, the steps you take immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here is what we advise:

• Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries in the moments after a crash.
• Do not move from the scene unless you are in immediate danger. Your location, the vehicle’s direction of travel, and other scene details are important evidence.
• Try to note anything you can about the fleeing vehicle — color, make, model, partial license plate, or direction of travel.
• Ask any bystanders if they witnessed the crash and get their contact information.
• Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any debris from the vehicle if it is safe to do so.
• Contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance company. Even your own insurer has an interest in minimizing what they pay out.

Why Crain Highway Accidents Are a Pattern — Not an Anomaly

Crain Highway (Route 301) is one of the busiest and most dangerous corridors in Charles County. As Southern Maryland has grown in population, so has the traffic volume on this road — and with it, the frequency of serious accidents. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists face particularly elevated risks on roads designed primarily for high-speed vehicle traffic.

If you live, work, or travel along Crain Highway and have been hurt in an accident, you are not alone. Our firm has represented countless Southern Maryland families whose lives were changed on this very road.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Maryland?

Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. That may sound like a long time — but evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies use delay tactics to their advantage.

We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after any serious accident, especially a hit-and-run, so that critical evidence can be preserved and your rights can be protected from day one.

Hurt in a Hit-and-Run in Southern Maryland? Call The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles.

At the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, we have tried more cases in Southern Maryland than virtually any other firm. With over 35 years of experience, three offices across the region, and a reputation that insurance companies know and respect, we do not back down — and we do not let our clients settle for less than they deserve.

We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

 Give us a call at: 301-705-5006 |  www.tompyleslaw.com

Walk-ins welcome · Available 24/7 · Serving Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert Counties