What To Do If You’re Hit By An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver In Baltimore
Baltimore car accidents are common, cause serious personal injuries, and can happen to even the safest of drivers, often due to negligence on the part of other motorists. In the aftermath, you exchange information and likely assume their insurance will cover your losses. However, in too many cases, they either have no coverage, or their policy limits fail to cover your costs.
That realization adds a whole new layer of stress to an already painful situation. If you are in a Baltimore crash with an uninsured driver, it is important to know that you still have options. Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers explain your options for getting compensation, even when the at-fault driver lacks coverage.
Uninsured Car Accidents Are a Common Problem in Baltimore
Uninsured and underinsured drivers are more common than most people realize. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), close to 20 percent of all motorists in Maryland are uninsured. Even if they have coverage, it may be minimal and not enough to cover your total losses.
While Maryland law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, uninsured-driver car accidents in Baltimore remain a serious problem. Common reasons include:
- The driver wasn’t aware that their policy had lapsed.
- They have traffic tickets or past DUIs, making coverage unaffordable.
- They can’t get coverage due to a lack of a driver’s license or vehicle registration.
- They simply refused to purchase a policy.
Fortunately, Maryland law offers an important layer of protection. Under Maryland law, all auto policies must include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. That coverage can help compensate for losses due to uninsured or underinsured car accidents in Baltimore.
Steps to Protect Your Baltimore Car Accident Claim
UM/UIM coverage exists to protect you, but insurance companies may still look for reasons to limit or dispute your claim. Taking the right steps after discovering the other driver lacks sufficient insurance can make a significant difference in your recovery.
However, you need to prove negligence just as you would in a standard liability claim. Use caution in what you say and take these steps to protect your rights:
- Report the claim to your insurer promptly.
- Request written confirmation of your UM/UIM policy limits.
- Continue medical treatment and document all related expenses.
- Preserve repair estimates and all property damage documentation.
- Avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance.
- Ask whether stacking coverage is available under your policy.
Our Maryland car accident lawyers are here to help in these cases. We can review your policy and identify every possible source of compensation.
Injured By an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Today
Being involved in a car accident in Baltimore is already stressful. It makes the situation even worse if the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
While you focus on recovery, Maryland Injury Lawyers protect your rights. Our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers can review policy language, negotiate with carriers, and fight for the maximum compensation you need to cover your losses. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gin§ion=19-509
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gin§ion=19-509.1&enactments=false
