A car accident creates immediate stress, which only worsens when the other driver has no insurance. Maryland law provides specific protection for this scenario. Your own auto policy includes Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage to pay for your losses.
Understanding your uninsured motorist coverage
Maryland law requires all auto insurance policies to include UM coverage. According to the Maryland Insurance Administration, this protection pays for expenses the at-fault, uninsured driver should have covered. This coverage applies to bodily injury and vehicle damage. Getting these benefits depends on the steps you take right after a crash.
Steps to take at the accident scene
Your actions at the scene build the foundation for a strong UM claim. Because Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, you must prove the other driver was solely at fault.
Take these steps to protect your rights:
- Call the police: A formal police report creates an official record and notes the driver’s lack of insurance.
- Seek medical attention: Medical evaluations document injuries immediately, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Gather evidence: Photographs of the vehicles, the scene and visible injuries establish clear facts.
- Notify the insurer: Prompt reporting alerts the insurance company without admitting fault.
These actions help preserve critical evidence for your claim.
Managing the insurance claim process
After the accident, you can file a claim directly with your own insurance company. Even though you pay them premiums, the insurer may limit your claim to protect its financial interests. The process involves tight deadlines, heavy paperwork and tracking all medical bills and lost wages. Managing these details during physical recovery can be challenging.
A lawyer who knows Maryland uninsured motorist cases can help you handle these legal requirements. An experienced attorney protects your rights. They pursue the compensation you deserve.