Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Advocating for Prince George’s County Drivers Harmed by Negligent and Uninsured Drivers

Uninsured motorist accidents can place victims in a difficult financial situation. Unlike underinsured accidents, where the at-fault driver’s policy may partially cover some expenses, uninsured motorist accidents leave victims relying entirely on their own uninsured motorist coverage for compensation. In Maryland, this type of coverage is mandatory, ensuring that victims can still seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, even when the other driver is uninsured. However, dealing with your insurance company can present its own challenges, as they may attempt to reduce payouts or dispute claims.

The Prince George’s uninsured motorist accident lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. are committed to helping victims through these difficult situations. We will carefully review your uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring that your insurance company fulfills its obligations and provides the compensation you are entitled to. In addition to working with your insurer, we will explore other avenues for additional compensation, such as investigating third-party liability or other potential sources of recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in handling these claims and securing the financial recovery you need.

What You Need to Know About Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Uninsured motorist accidents occur when the at-fault driver lacks insurance coverage. In Maryland, despite laws requiring drivers to have minimum liability insurance, many motorists still drive without coverage, putting others at financial risk if an accident occurs. These incidents can leave victims with significant medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, all while struggling to recover compensation from an uninsured driver.

Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes essential in these situations. Maryland law mandates that all drivers carry UM coverage as part of their insurance policies, which helps protect you in cases where the at-fault driver lacks insurance. While this coverage offers a layer of protection, filing a claim for UM compensation can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to reduce payouts.

Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorist Accidents

It is essential to understand the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents. While both involve situations where the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, they differ in the level of coverage:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Accidents: These occur when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. In this case, your UM coverage will step in to cover your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Accidents: These happen when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage limits are insufficient to fully compensate you for your losses. In UIM cases, your insurance policy will fill in the gap once the other driver’s insurance has been exhausted.

Both types of accidents leave victims facing financial difficulties. Still, uninsured motorist accidents tend to pose more challenges, as there is no initial coverage from the at-fault driver to tap into.

Common Causes of Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Uninsured motorist accidents can occur under various circumstances, often due to reckless or negligent driving behaviors. Some common causes of these crashes include:

• Distracted driving. Drivers who text, make phone calls, or take their attention off the road are more likely to cause accidents.
• Driving under the influence. Intoxicated drivers pose a serious threat on the road, and many drunk drivers do not carry insurance, making accidents even more challenging to recover from financially.
• Speeding. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time, leading to severe crashes that can result in catastrophic injuries.
• Hit-and-run accident. In some cases, drivers who flee the scene of an accident are uninsured. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often rely on their own UM coverage for compensation.

According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, Prince George’s County saw 3,943 injury crashes in 2023, with a significant portion of these accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. Maryland’s mandatory uninsured motorist coverage protects victims in these scenarios.

Protect Your Rights After an Uninsured Motorist Accident With a Prince George's Car Accident Lawyer

Being hit by an uninsured motorist can leave you in a difficult situation, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our experienced Prince George's car accident lawyers have successfully handled numerous uninsured motorist cases. We will guide you through your insurance claims and fight to secure the compensation you deserve, even when the at-fault driver lacks coverage. Call us today at 301-441-2022 to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer committed to protecting your rights. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.

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