Hagerstown Uninsured Driver Accident Attorney
Lawyer for Accidents With Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists in Hagerstown, MD
Car accidents can have a devastating impact on a person's life, leading to injuries, financial difficulties, and emotional distress. Unfortunately, the situation can become even more complicated when a driver who caused an accident was uninsured or underinsured. In Maryland, drivers are legally required to carry insurance. However, some drivers either do not have insurance or have inadequate coverage, which can leave accident victims uncertain about how they will recover compensation for their damages.
For those who have been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important to understand the options for recovering compensation. Serafini Law helps accident victims in Hagerstown with uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. We work to explore all available forms of insurance coverage, including the victim's own policies. We take a comprehensive approach to securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Challenges in Accidents With Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
When a driver is responsible for causing an accident, their auto insurance is typically used to cover the damages suffered by the other party, including property damage, medical expenses, and lost income. However, when the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have sufficient coverage to pay for these damages, the situation becomes much more complex.
An uninsured driver is someone who does not have the minimum required auto insurance coverage in Maryland. If an uninsured driver causes a car accident, the victim cannot rely on the at-fault driver's insurance to cover their damages. This often leaves an accident victim in a difficult position, especially if they are facing significant medical bills and other expenses. While some uninsured drivers may have assets that can be pursued through a lawsuit, many do not, making it challenging to recover compensation directly from the at-fault driver.
An underinsured driver may have insurance coverage, but their policy limits are not high enough to cover the full extent of the victim's damages. In these cases, the at-fault driver's insurance may pay up to the policy limits, but if the victim's medical bills, lost wages, or property damage exceed those limits, they may not receive the full compensation they need. For example, if a driver only has the minimum liability insurance coverage required by Maryland law, it may not be enough to cover serious injuries or extensive vehicle damage.
Insurance Coverage Options for Victims of Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
Maryland law requires insurers to provide uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of liability insurance policies. UM/UIM coverage can help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses when the at-fault driver's insurance is not available or inadequate.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides compensation to accident victims when the at-fault driver does not have any insurance. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your own insurance company will provide coverage for your damages, up to the limits of your policy. This can cover medical expenses, property damage, and other financial losses caused by the accident.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but the policy limits are not enough to cover the victim's damages. In these cases, UIM coverage allows the victim to file a claim with their own insurance company for the difference between the at-fault driver's policy limits and the total amount of damages they have suffered, up to the limits of their policy. For example, if the at-fault driver has $30,000 in liability coverage, but the victim's medical bills total $50,000, the victim can file a claim for the additional $20,000 under their UIM coverage.
Steps Serafini Law Can Take to Help Accident Victims Recover Compensation
Navigating the insurance claims process after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can be complicated, and you may be unsure about what steps to take to recover the compensation you need. Serafini Law can assist with the claims process, helping to ensure that you will be able to receive the full amount of compensation available under your insurance policy.
We will review your insurance policy to determine the available coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorist claims. We will then handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring that your claim is filed properly and that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to under your policy. In many cases, insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts, but Serafini Law will negotiate aggressively to protect your rights.
In some cases, it may be possible to recover compensation from other sources. For example, if the uninsured driver has personal assets, Serafini Law can explore the possibility of filing a lawsuit to recover additional damages. if the accident was caused by a vehicle defect or poor road conditions, other parties, such as the vehicle manufacturer or a government entity, may also be held liable.
Contact Our Hagerstown Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
To recover compensation that will cover your medical bills, property damage, and other expenses, representation from an experienced attorney is crucial. Serafini Law will fight to make sure you can receive the insurance coverage you are entitled to, and we can help you determine what other options may be available. Contact us at 240-744-1600 to set up a complimentary consultation and begin taking steps to address legal concerns related to insurance coverage and financial compensation.