What happens when the unexpected occurs and you find yourself in an auto accident with an uninsured motorist? Navigating the aftermath of an uninsured auto motorist collision in Baltimore can be a daunting and complex journey.
At Saller Law, our auto accident attorneys have found that having a clear understanding of Maryland uninsured motorist laws can be a critical advantage to receiving all compensation you’re entitled to to cover damages, injuries, and other costs.
We break down the process of claiming your compensation after an uninsured motorist accident, including gathering evidence, citing the law, assembling documentation, and fighting for your rights with the help of an experienced legal team. Don’t go it alone and leave money on the table – learn how to fight for your rights and get your costs covered.
What is Defined as an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Maryland
An uninsured motorist accident in Maryland is defined as an accident where the negligent driver has no auto insurance. There are also underinsured motorist accidents, where the negligent driver has insufficient liability insurance limits. In either circumstance, the victim of the car accident may be seeking compensation from the driver for their injuries, repairs, replacements, and more.
Uninsured motorist accidents in Maryland may also include phantom vehicles (vehicles that caused an accident and then fled the scene); hit and run accidents; insolvent insurance companies; at-fault drivers whose insurance company disclaims coverage due to non-permissive use of the vehicle or a driver disappearance.
Your Rights as a Victim of an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Maryland
If you are the victim of an uninsured motorist accident, you may be facing a lot of insurance battles, deductible discrepancies, fights for proper injury compensation, vehicle repairs or replacements, and protected low rates and a clean driver history. Understanding your rights with the help of experienced auto accident lawyers in Baltimore can expedite the process and provide you with the proper coverage and protection.
Remember, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other losses. Forming the right claim and case for these costs is critical to make sure you are not paying for the accident out of pocket.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Maryland’s Requirement for Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Per Maryland law, all drivers must have uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This coverage protects you in the case of an auto accident at the hands of an uninsured motorist. You will receive compensation from your insurance company per your policy’s guidelines to help cover repairs, vehicle replacements, and injury coverage.
Note! Obtaining uninsured motorist auto accident compensation from your insurance company may not always be straightforward. Baltimore auto accident lawyers don’t just help with obtaining proper compensation from the at-fault driver, but many times auto accident injury attorneys are hired to negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your proper reimbursement.
Maryland law can get complex when dealing with insurance companies in the case of uninsured auto accidents, because there are different deductibles, coverage, compensation, and documentation. Your insurance company may not assist with additional coverages, may raise your rates, and may not uphold proper deductible requirements per law. You will often need to fight to prove you are entitled to the compensation you need. Having an experienced auto accident legal team in Maryland to assist can expedite the claim, reduce stress, and ensure your insurance company follows all legalities without the use of loopholes or other excuses to reduce payment and coverage.
Suing the At-Fault Driver in an Uninsured Motorist Auto Accident
If you are looking to sue the at-fault driver in an uninsured motorist auto accident, you will need the assistance of an auto accident attorney. Settling with an uninsured motorist out of court or without proper documentation can dramatically reduce your rights to coverage from other entities or protect you from injuries you may experience down the line.
Professional legal attorneys will help you build your case, understand what you can and can’t ask, what your insurance company will cover, and what you are legally entitled to from the uninsured motorist.
What to Do After an Auto Accident with an Uninsured Driver in Baltimore
Following the proper steps after an auto accident can mean a tighter, more defensible case later. While you may not have taken all of these steps at the time of the accident, it is critical to begin securing evidence and proper documentation ASAP.
These quick steps will help your Baltimore auto accident attorneys defend you to insurance companies and in court so you don’t end up paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence.
- Ensure everyone is safe at the scene and call 911 immediately for documentation and emergency rescue if needed
- Take photos of the accident and of the driver(s)’ licenses, license plates, and vehicle information
- Visit a doctor ASAP to obtain documentation about any possible injuries, chronic pain, misalignments, loss of function, and more
- Contact a Baltimore auto accident attorney to consult on insurance coverage, policy submission, and evidence support
- File a claim with your insurance company for the accident after confirming the at-fault driver was uninsured
- Calculate all damages and losses due to the accident
- Assemble evidence of all police reports, driver information, accident proof, insurance coverages, and medical assessments
- Have your auto accident attorney work directly with insurance adjustors and handle all negotiations, documentation, and conversations
- Discuss the possibility of suing the at-fault party and going to trial vs. settlement
Conclusion Hiring a Baltimore Auto Accident injury Attorney to Defend Your Case
Hiring a Baltimore auto accident attorney to assist with your case is often the best option when in an auto accident with an uninsured driver in Maryland. To ensure you hire the best Baltimore auto accident attorney, you will want to consider their experience, ask about their reputation, and set up a free legal consult to see how they would handle your case.
While it may be tempting to file a claim with your insurance company or settle with an uninsured motorist out of court, these courses of action may leave important compensation on the table that you won’t be able to fight for later.
Remember – you have a right to proper medical coverage, vehicle compensation, and lost wages recovery. If you don’t fight for these coverages, you may be shorted by your insurance company or receive improper funds from the at-fault driver. Don’t settle today for something that could cost you more down the line.
Contact Saller, Lord, Ernstberger & Insley when you need assistance today.
FAQs About Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Maryland
After ensuring your safety, call the police to report the accident. Exchange information with the other driver and gather as much evidence as possible, including photos and witness statements. Contact a auto accident injury attorney for legal guidance.
Report hit-and-run accidents immediately to the police. Even if the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be eligible for compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. Auto accident attorneys can help you build a case for complete compensation reimbursement.
Yes, you can file a lawsuit against the uninsured motorist, but it may be challenging to recover compensation if they lack insurance. It’s often more effective to pursue other avenues, such as your own uninsured motorist coverage or a personal injury claim with the help of an attorney.
Auto accident attorneys have the expertise to navigate complex legal processes. They can help you negotiate with your insurance company, gather evidence, assess the value of your claim, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit against the uninsured motorist.
You may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Your attorney will evaluate your case to determine the appropriate compensation.
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those against uninsured motorists, is generally three years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe.
Filing an uninsured motorist claim should not typically result in increased insurance rates. These claims are generally not considered at-fault accidents. However, it’s advisable to discuss potential rate changes with your insurance provider to clarify your specific policy terms.
Yes, you can still seek compensation for minor injuries resulting from an accident with an uninsured motorist. Consult with an attorney to assess your case and determine the appropriate course of action.
