Maryland Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Maryland law requires drivers to carry a minimum level of car insurance, but not every driver on the road meets this obligation. If you are involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover the damages, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes critical. According to a Parkville, MD car accident lawyer, this type of insurance protects drivers from financial losses caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists. Understanding what UM coverage is and how it works can help protect us in the event of an accident.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage when the at-fault driver does not have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage. In Maryland, UM coverage is required as part of every car insurance policy. The purpose is to protect drivers from bearing the financial burden when the other party cannot pay for the damages they caused.
In addition to uninsured drivers, UM coverage can also apply in hit-and-run cases, where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Parkville car accident lawyers explain how this protection ensures we are not left without recourse after being injured or suffering property damage in an accident.
How Does It Work?
When an accident happens and the other driver either lacks insurance or has inadequate coverage, UM insurance steps in. The process begins by filing a claim with our own insurance provider. This claim is treated similarly to a regular insurance claim, but instead of dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance, we’re working directly with our insurer. The claim covers expenses like medical treatment, repairs to our vehicle, and other related losses.
UM coverage also includes underinsured motorist (UIM) protection, which applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not sufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. In such cases, UIM coverage makes up the difference between the amount of the other driver’s coverage and our actual expenses. By purchasing adequate UM coverage, we’re better prepared to handle a serious accident and avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses.
How To File A UM Claim
Filing a UM claim is similar to filing any other insurance claim, but there are a few differences to keep in mind. After an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, we need to contact our insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. It’s important to provide them with all the necessary details, including any documentation related to the accident, such as a police report and medical records.
Our Parkville car accident lawyers will investigate the claim and determine the extent of coverage based on the policy limits. We may also need to provide proof that the other driver was uninsured or underinsured to receive compensation.
If you have questions about your uninsured motorist coverage or want to make sure your policy is providing enough protection, reach out to us at Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC today for your 100% free consultation. With more than forty-five years of experience, we’re here to help you review your coverage and guide you toward the right decisions for your situation.
