Timonium Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Attorneys

Experienced Lawyers for Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) Car Accident Claims in Timonium, Maryland

In most car accident claims, you seek payment for your damages through the other driver's insurance. But what happens if the other driver's insurance does not pay for all of your damages? Worse, what if the other driver has no insurance at all? In situations like these, you may be able to turn to your own car insurance policy for compensation. Reach out to a Timonium, MD uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorney today.

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we routinely deal with insurance companies, and we take a strong stance in negotiations to fight for full payment. When you work with our firm, we will keep you informed of every development in your case and give you the personal attention you deserve.

When Do You Need Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Maryland?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in Maryland applies when you are hurt by a driver who has no auto insurance. Although state law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, some people let their policies lapse or drive without coverage entirely. UM coverage also comes into play in hit-and-run crashes where the at-fault driver is never identified.

Maryland requires every auto policy to include UM coverage at the same minimum limits as liability coverage. Without it, you could be left paying for medical bills and lost income out of your own pocket after a crash you did not cause.

When Do You Need Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage in Maryland?

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in Maryland applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your losses. A serious crash can easily produce medical bills that exceed the state minimum of $30,000 per person. In Maryland, underinsured coverage is part of your UM policy rather than a separate product.

How much your UIM coverage pays depends on the type of policy you have. Under standard Maryland coverage, your policy generally pays only the difference between your own UM limits and the at-fault driver's liability limits. Drivers who purchase enhanced underinsured coverage can collect their UIM benefits in addition to the other driver's policy limits, which often provides more protection after a serious crash.

What Damages Can Your UM/UIM Policy Cover in Maryland?

A UM/UIM policy in Maryland can cover many of the same damages you could seek directly from an at-fault driver. These can include medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, therapy, and future treatment. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity may also be included if your injuries affect your ability to work.

UM/UIM coverage can also pay non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Unlike personal injury protection (PIP), which is limited to specific out-of-pocket losses, UM/UIM benefits can account for the personal harm a crash causes. Your recovery is still limited by your policy's coverage limits, so reviewing your declarations page is an important early step.

Do You Need to Show the Other Driver Was at Fault in a UM/UIM Claim?

Showing the other driver was at fault is required in a UM/UIM claim, even though you are filing with your own insurer. Your insurance company essentially takes the place of the at-fault driver and can raise the same defenses that driver could. Maryland's contributory negligence rule applies, so your insurer may argue you share blame to avoid paying.

Underinsured claims also involve specific notice steps. Before accepting a settlement from the at-fault driver's insurer, you generally must notify your own UM carrier, which then has time to respond. Skipping this step can put your UIM benefits at risk.

Contact Our Timonium Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyers Today

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we press your own insurer to honor the coverage you paid for. We take UM/UIM cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call 410-252-0600 or contact our Timonium, MD uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation.