How To Get Compensation For A Maryland Car Accident Involving An Uninsured Driver
Even if you have a clean driving record and obey all traffic rules and regulations, car accidents in Maryland can happen due to the reckless behavior of other motorists involved. They can be held liable for your losses, but what happens if they are uninsured?
Fortunately, victims still have options for recovering damages when a crash involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist happens. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our Maryland car accident attorneys help clients navigate these complex claims and explain how to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
How Your Insurance Protects You In Maryland Car Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers
Car accidents in Maryland can cause extensive property damage and potentially devastating personal injuries. Finding out that the driver who hit you doesn’t carry insurance makes a difficult situation that much worse. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that roughly one out of every seven drivers is uninsured.
Fortunately, your auto insurance policy can help in this situation. Under Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) guidelines, all drivers must carry a mandatory amount of personal injury protection (this coverage can be waived) and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Ways it can help protect you in an uninsured driver car accident in Maryland:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical bills and some lost income, regardless of who was at fault
- Collision Coverage: Provides payment for repairs if the at-fault driver can’t.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Covers the cost of your injuries and lost income if the other driver has no insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Helps cover the difference when the other driver’s insurance fails to fully compensate you.
Keep in mind that while this coverage can help compensate you for losses, your insurer may try to deny or downplay the amount you deserve.
Your Rights To Compensation In A Maryland Car Accident Lawsuit
If you were injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver and your insurance fails to cover your losses, you may be entitled to compensation in a Maryland car accident lawsuit. To protect your rights in filing this type of claim, take these steps:
- Notify your insurance provider of the crash.
- Gather photos from the scene, contact information for witnesses, copies of the car accident report, and other evidence showing the uninsured driver is at fault.
- Document your injuries, property damages, and other losses.
- Avoid accepting any cash payments from the at-fault driver.
Under the Maryland Statutes, filing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver can result in payment for your economic damages, pain, and suffering.
Injured By An Uninsured Driver? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Attorneys.
Car accidents involving uninsured drivers are common in Maryland. To get the compensation you need to recover, contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP. We provide trusted, local legal representation and take the actions necessary to get you the maximum settlement, either through an insurance settlement or by taking the at-fault driver to court. Consult our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys today.
Sources:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/insurance-requirements.aspx
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=11-109&enactments=false
