What Happens If You Are Injured In A Maryland Car Accident And The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?

Car accidents in Maryland happen far too frequently. Being hit by another driver is bad enough, but learning they don’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries can make recovery even more difficult and stressful.

Fortunately, Maryland drivers have protections built into their own policies that can help cover the gap. Our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys explain how underinsured motorist coverage works, and the steps to take after a crash to protect your rights.

How Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works When A Maryland Car Accident Happens

Under Maryland insurance laws, every auto insurance policy must include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage protects you if you are involved in a Maryland car accident and the driver who caused it doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to pay for your damages. Here’s how it works:

• Your UM/UIM coverage pays for your medical expenses that exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
• It covers lost wages if you can’t work due to your injuries.
• Coverage compensates for pain and suffering when you’ve endured lasting trauma.
• It protects passengers in your vehicle, depending on your policy limits.
• UM/UIM coverage applies even if the other driver flees the scene, as in a hit-and-run case.

While your coverage can help offset losses, insurers are quick to deny or downplay these claims. They may argue your injuries aren’t as severe as you say or try to get you to settle for less than your coverage allows.

When You’re Injured In A Crash, and the At-Fault Driver Is Underinsured

The Insurance Information Institute (III) advises that nearly 20 percent of all motorists in Maryland lack the required auto insurance coverage. If you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can still get compensation, but timing and documentation matter. To protect your rights, take these steps:

• Get a copy of your own and the other driver’s auto insurance policies.
• Notify your insurer right away that you plan to file an underinsured motorist claim.
• Keep all medical care and vehicle repair records to document your losses.
• Avoid accepting any settlement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Because Maryland’s insurance laws can be complex, it’s important not to assume your insurer is “on your side.” Having an experienced Maryland car accident attorney on your side helps in dealing with these companies and getting the total amount you need to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

Injured by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Attorneys Today

Car accidents in Maryland can leave you facing heavy financial losses, particularly when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. At Berman Sobin Gross, LLP, we protect your rights by handling communications with insurance companies, negotiating for full compensation, and taking your case to court if needed.

To get the total amount of compensation you need to recover, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today to discuss the options with our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers.

Sources:

insurance.maryland.gov/consumer/documents/publications/teenautoinsguide.pdf

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists