Is Maryland a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Regarding financial liability, every state is either no-fault or at-fault following a car accident. In no-fault states, each driver’s insurance would cover their expenses, despite who may have caused the accident. However, Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning it is crucial to determine who caused the crash before deciding on compensation for either driver.
At-fault states are also known as “tort” states. This means the liable or at-fault party’s insurance policy covers the financial expenses caused by an injury or accident under Maryland law. If it is unclear who caused the accident, you need the assistance of a dedicated car accident lawyer in Maryland to help you with your case.
Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, has decades of experience defending injured victims. If you have been the victim of a car accident, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and damages. Our Maryland legal team will work tirelessly to help you recover physically and financially.
How is Liability Determined Under Maryland Car Accident Laws?
As an at-fault state, each driver’s insurance company will investigate the accident case. Based on the original car accident claim. The separate insurance companies determine who is responsible for the accident. The insurance companies would then provide financial payments based on who is found to be at fault.
In Maryland, car accident victims end up in court filing a personal injury lawsuit more often than is necessary. This occurs so frequently because car insurance companies are intent on making money, not protecting you. When this occurs, it becomes important to have a car accident attorney working on your side while the court determines who is at fault.
Since the insurance adjusters and lawyers were not at the scene of the accident, they will rely heavily on evidence to determine what happened. To fight for your rights and financial compensation, the attorneys from Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, will gather the evidence and present it to the other driver’s insurance company. Generally, once this evidence is presented, most car accident claims can be settled out of court.
Our team will gather the following types of evidence:
- Medical records and bills
- Photos and video footage
- A copy of the police report
- Eyewitness statements and observations
- Employment and salary records
What is At-Fault Insurance in Maryland?
Maryland is an at-fault state and liable parties must pay for the injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage of the victim. The financial expenses of the damages incurred by the victim are covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. The victim should not be responsible for their expenses.
Generally, the at-fault driver receives a three-year rate increase on their insurance. If a second at fault claim is made in a three-year span, an insurance company may choose not to renew the at-fault driver’s policy. Many Maryland insurance companies offer accident forgiveness coverage, allowing drivers to file one at-fault claim without being penalized with an increase in insurance premiums.
Vehicle insurance is mandated in Maryland, and a driver must provide proof of car insurance before being allowed to register their vehicle. Maryland vehicle insurance must have the following coverage:
- Bodily injury- $30,000
- Bodily injury- $60,000 for two or more people
- Property damage- $15,000
What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Maryland Car Crash?
Once your car accident attorney proves the negligence of the at-fault party, you are entitled to seek compensation. There are likely a variety of damages you suffered, and your car accident lawyer will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove these losses. The Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 11-109 defines what damages a victim can seek:
- Accident-related medical expenses
- Wage loss due to the accident
- Property damage
- Mental distress
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment or disability
- Funeral and burial costs, where applicable
A Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
A car accident attorney from Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, understands that car crashes can occur at any time to anyone. Since accidents are rarely expected, many people are not in a financial position to handle the onset of lost time at work, medical bills and property damage. Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing medical treatment can cause even the wealthiest people to suffer financial distress.
You should not have to face this troubling journey alone, and our car accident lawyers can handle your financial recovery while you focus on your emotional and physical recovery. The insurance systems in Maryland are confusing and complex but our knowledgeable legal team knows the laws inside and out. Contact us to discuss your car accident case and schedule a free consultation using our secure online form.
