If a driver with no insurance or too little insurance injured you or someone you love, you may have legal options to avoid covering the costs out of your pocket. You may be able to sue the at-fault driver, or your insurance company could provide the coverage. A free review of your car accident claim can provide important information about your legal rights.
Your financial recovery options vary by state, so where you live plays an important role in how your case is handled. A Baltimore car accident lawyer in your area can help you understand your options if you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. They can clarify state law, assess your recoverable damages, gather evidence to prove the accident was not your fault, and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
The Benefits of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection
Many states require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist insurance. This coverage can be a life saver if you are involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence and that driver does not have any, or not enough, insurance. You could also tap into this coverage after an accident with a hit-and-run driver.
Accordingly:
- Uninsured motorist protection will cover your post-accident expenses up to policy limits.
- Underinsured motorist coverage will handle your post-accident expenses that exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage limitations.
Report your motor vehicle accident to the appropriate parties, including local police and your insurance company. Your insurer may require a police report as part of your claim documents, along with additional supporting evidence.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage Could Be an Immediate Lifeline
If you are injured in an automobile accident, you will have immediate costs, including medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage. Lack of compensation or an extended wait for compensation could create financial hardship. If you have PIP coverage, it could cover some of your costs immediately.
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, drivers in the state can purchase either full PIP or limited PIP coverage. Full coverage benefits all members of a family, while limited coverage excludes those age 16 and older. While you have the right to waive this coverage if you choose, it can provide immediate financial relief after an accident.
Your compensation does not have to stop with PIP. If your post-accident expenses and losses exceed PIP’s coverage, you can still seek the additional damages you need and deserve.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
You Could Benefit From Hiring an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Attorney
You do not have to hire a lawyer when filing a claim with your insurance company. However, choosing to hire one can benefit your claim. A local attorney can:
- Examine your insurance policy, including fine print and addendum
- Identify your insurance coverage maximums and limitations
- Outline the claims filing process per policy regulations
- Obtain, complete, and submit insurance claim forms
- Build a strong collection of supportive evidence
A personal injury lawyer can help you make a fair settlement demand. They can also help you understand how to pay your deductible (typically deducted from your compensation). If applicable, your lawyer will describe the subrogation process, which might allow you to recoup your deductible.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Clarify the Statute of Limitations in Your State
The time you have to file a car accident lawsuit varies by state. In Maryland, you generally have three years to file your personal injury lawsuit (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101) or wrongful death lawsuit (Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904).
Car accident claims rarely go to court since most are resolved with an insurance settlement. However, your car accident lawyer may file a lawsuit because failing to do so within the allotted time could mean you cannot file, or the court will dismiss your suit immediately. It could also mean the insurance company will stop negotiating.
Recover Personal Injury Damages From Uninsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage
While PIP insurance will provide fast financial relief, you can also seek additional car accident damages. Economic damages are the tangible expenses and losses that have or will come out of your pocket, including:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Treatment-related travel expenses
- Past, current, and future lost wages
- Loss of the ability to earn in the future
- Property damage, loss, or diminishment
You can also request non-economic damages. These damages compensate you for the physical and emotional toll of an auto accident. They can include:
- Physical disfigurement
- Lasting impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your lawyer can prove the value of these damages with your medical records and bills, proof of income, car repair bills, and estimates to replace your car if it is a total loss.
Wrongful Death Damages With Uninsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage
The unexpected loss of a loved one can leave you reeling and unprepared to deal with the financial recovery process. Your Baltimore wrongful death lawyer can negotiate with your insurance company to recover the following wrongful death damages:
- Funeral, burial, and cremation expenses
- Loss of your loved one’s financial support
- Loss of your loved one’s domestic support
- Loss of consortium, care, and companionship
Though nothing can fully atone for your family’s loss, you should not have to suffer through financial hardship. An insurance claim or lawsuit may help you recover favorable compensation. A car accident lawyer can manage this complex process while you focus on taking care of your family.
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Get Legal Support for an Accident With an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
If an underinsured or uninsured driver hit you or a loved one, we can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Our car accident lawyers will help you seek compensation via PIP and/or UM/UIM coverage.
Explore your compensation options if an uninsured/underinsured motorist injured you. Contact our consultation team at Jenner Law to get started today.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form