One Town, Two States: Delmar Injury Claims and Which Law Applies

We don't have an office in Delmar. Delmar clients meet with our team at our Seaford office on North Porter Street, 608 N Porter St #A, Seaford, DE 19973, about 13 miles north. Delmar meetings are set up through (302) 248-1458, and (302) 781-3077 is the always-on helpline.

One town, two states

Delmar, Delaware and Delmar, Maryland sit side by side on the Transpeninsular Line, the state border. The towns call themselves "The Little Town Too Big for One State." US-13 runs through Delmar and crosses from one state into the other. For an injury claim, the first question is simple and important: on which side of the line did it happen?

Why the side of the line matters

Delaware law generally controls a crash on the Delaware side, including personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under 21 Del. C. § 2118 and Delaware's filing deadlines. A crash a block south, in Maryland, falls under Maryland law, which handles fault and insurance differently. Aman Sharma, Esq. holds a Delaware license (Bar ID No. 5706). For a Maryland-side injury, we can discuss your options, and the claim may call for Maryland counsel. A Delaware-side crash with a Maryland driver is explained on our out-of-state driver page.

A police department that covers both states

Delmar has a bi-state municipal police department, and its officers are certified in both Delaware and Maryland. The crash report should still show exactly where the collision happened. If the location is unclear, photos of street signs and landmarks can settle it.

Trauma care and court

Just south of Delmar, Salisbury's TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is the closest trauma center, at Level III. On the Delaware side, the nearest hospital is TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford. A Delaware-side injury case that goes to court would be heard in Sussex County, in Georgetown.

For a car, truck or pedestrian crash on US-13 through town, see car accident claims and truck accident claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

My crash happened in Delmar. How do I know which state's law applies?

It depends on which side of the state line the crash happened. The police report location, street names and photos usually answer it. Delaware-side crashes generally follow Delaware law.

Can you handle a crash on the Maryland side of Delmar?

Our attorney, Aman Sharma, Esq., practices under a Delaware license. We can talk a Maryland-side crash through with you, though that claim may need Maryland counsel.

Does the Delmar Police Department handle crashes in both states?

Yes. Delmar's police department serves both towns, and its officers are certified in Delaware and Maryland.

Is there an office closer to Delmar than Seaford?

No. Seaford, about 13 miles north, is the nearest office, and meetings there are by appointment.