It is estimated that 14% of drivers, or approximately one in seven, drive without insurance. Unfortunately, just like drivers with insurance, these motorists can get involved in accidents that do permanent damage to vehicles and the people in them. If the other party in your car accident case is an uninsured driver in Maryland, what are your options? Is it still possible to receive damages? Here’s what everyone should know.
Why Are Uninsured Drivers So Dangerous?
Despite Maryland law requiring all drivers to carry auto insurance, some individuals still operate vehicles without coverage. Whether due to financial hardship, negligence, or other issues, an uninsured driver in Maryland puts others at serious risk. Additionally, uninsured drivers create more complications in the aftermath of an accident. If a driver without any insurance causes a crash that injures you, recovering compensation is more complicated because you cannot simply call their insurance provider to start the process.
Can Your Own Insurance Company Help?
Maryland law requires all auto insurance policies to include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you if you’re hurt by an uninsured driver in Maryland or a hit-and-run motorist who can’t be identified. UM coverage typically includes both bodily injury and property damage. When you file an uninsured motorist claim, you are essentially making a claim against your own insurance company for damages that would have otherwise been paid by the at-fault driver.
While you may think your own insurance company will automatically be on your side, that isn’t always the case. Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce payouts, even for their own policyholders. That’s why, if you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Maryland, it’s critical to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. Your lawyer can help you with every step of the process, including everything from filing paperwork to preparing for arbitration. Don’t make the mistake of assuming your insurer will offer a fair amount without legal intervention.
Can You File a Lawsuit Against an Uninsured Driver?
Yes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against an uninsured driver in Maryland. However, this route can lead to limited recovery. Most uninsured drivers lack financial assets or the ability to pay for your damages, which is often the reason they are uninsured in the first place. In some cases, a court may award you compensation, but actually collecting that money is another matter. Working with an attorney will help you ensure that you are pursuing options that lead to the best outcome possible, whether that is moving forward with a personal injury lawsuit or working with your own insurance company.
Why Is Working with an Attorney So Important?
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver in Maryland, don’t try to navigate the legal and insurance systems alone. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, build a strong claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ve helped countless accident victims recover damages in difficult and complex cases, including those involving uninsured drivers in Maryland.
Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs
If you were injured in an accident, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.
