Hurt In A Baltimore Motorcycle Accident? Watch For These Insurance Traps
After a motorcycle crash in Baltimore, medical expenses, lost wages, and repair bills can pile up fast. Most riders assume that insurance will cover those costs, but that’s not always the case. Liability limits, coverage disputes, and other issues are common.
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we help injured riders address these and other issues and push back when insurance companies try to minimize payouts. Our experienced Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers explain common insurance traps and how to protect your rights in a claim.
Common Insurance Traps After Baltimore Motorcycle Accidents
Maryland’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports that over 1,000 people are injured due to motorcycle accidents throughout the state each year. Considering major roads running through the city and heavy traffic, motorcyclists in Baltimore are at high risk.
When a Baltimore motorcycle crash happens, the injuries suffered have the potential to be severe. Insurance can help cover losses but filing a motorcycle accident claim often proves challenging. Common issues when seeking compensation through insurers include:
- Uninsured or underinsured motorists: Baltimore drivers often carry minimal coverage or none at all, making it hard to collect compensation.
- Low liability limits: Maryland’s minimum coverage often doesn’t come close to covering serious crash injuries.
- No Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Unlike auto policies, PIP is optional for motorcycles, so seeking payment for medical bills through your own coverage may not be an option.
- Disputed liability: Insurers may try to blame you for causing the crash.
Maryland follows the legal theory of contributory negligence. If your own actions contributed even somewhat to the accident, you can be denied compensation.
How to Protect Yourself After a Baltimore Motorcycle Crash
Insurance companies move fast after Baltimore motorcycle accidents. By pressuring you during this difficult time and before you get legal help, there’s a greater chance you’ll accept a low-ball settlement or make statements they can later use against you.
You have one chance to get compensation for the losses you suffer. After a Baltimore motorcycle crash, take these steps to protect yourself and your rights to compensation:
- Report the accident immediately to law enforcement and your insurer.
- Get medical care right away, even for mild symptoms.
- Request a full copy of your policy to confirm coverage limits and exclusions.
- Save all receipts and medical records for treatment and repairs.
- Avoid recorded statements until you speak with a lawyer.
- Review your policy, including UM/UIM and MedPay options.
To prevent out-of-pocket costs, get professional legal help from an experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer.
Contact Our Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyers and Request a Consultation Today
If you were hurt in a Baltimore motorcycle accident, getting the compensation you need to recover through insurers is likely to prove challenging. To protect your rights, contact Maryland Injury Lawyers.
We have extensive experience helping motorcyclists throughout the city and can review your policy, handle claim disputes, and fight for the maximum amount needed to cover all losses. Contact our office today to request a consultation with our Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/FFY22_Motorcycle_ProgramAreaBrief-Data_Final.pdf
dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf
