A hit-and-run accident is one of the worst things that can happen to you on the road. It is equal parts frightening and frustrating, and drivers are often unsure how to proceed. Who should you contact about the accident? Can you still collect insurance if the other driver fled the scene? Talking to an experienced attorney can put your mind at ease. In this article, we have compiled answers to some of your most pressing questions about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Maryland.
What Is A Hit-And-Run?
The phrase “hit and run” refers to a situation where one driver leaves the scene of the car accident. In some cases, the victim of the accident is able to glimpse the type of car and the license plate number, which can be used to identify the fleeing driver. At other times, the at-fault driver might leave the scene of the accident before they can be identified.
Sometimes it is difficult to determine who pays for the medical bills in a car accident like these. An attorney will determine how to proceed in a case like this by examining the circumstances of the accident, evaluating how much information is available, and taking stock of the insurance policies involved.
What Are My Options?
In certain car accident cases, you will need to file a claim against your own insurance company. These cases occur when one of the motorists involved has uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Maryland.
An uninsured motorist case occurs when the person who injured you in the car accident either does not have insurance or fled the scene of the accident before you could determine their identity. An underinsured case occurs when the at-fault driver’s insurance policy does not carry a sufficient amount to compensate you fairly for your injuries or the damage to your vehicle.
In both of these cases, you would make a claim against your own insurance company to make up the amount necessary for full compensation. But don’t wait for too long to file this claim! The statute of limitations in these cases is 3 years, starting from the time that you knew that you had a claim against your own insurance company. File as soon as you are able in order to receive adequate compensation for your damages. Read our in-depth article for more information on car accident deadlines in Maryland.
If you feel like you need some legal help, contact our Auto Accident Law attorney to schedule a free case evaluation today.
FREE CASE EVALUATIONCan I Sue For Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage In Maryland?
In cases of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Maryland, you will need to file against the Uninsured Division of the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF), the insurer of last resort in the state of Maryland. Auto accident worth can differ significantly in these cases.
When filing against a governmental agency, you will need to send a separate “notice” to the MAIF. It is critical that you not miss this deadline. A claim against the uninsured division of MAIF occurs when the victim of a hit-and-run accident does not have their own automobile insurance and the driver of the “hit and run vehicle” cannot be located or identified.
Please note that the MAIF is often more difficult to deal with than other insurance companies. Even when a case has been settled against the MAIF, getting your settlement can be a challenging process. Failure to follow MAIF’s rules can lead to a claim denial, so it is critical to understand the specific guidelines for dealing with these car accidents.
Learn More
If this process sounds confusing or difficult, don’t worry! A knowledgeable attorney can explain all of your options in detail and guide you toward the best result. The Law Firm of Zirkin and Schmerling has spent many years advocating for hit-and-run accident victims in court. Our attorneys know how to navigate the laws regulating uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Maryland.