Car accidents are stressful enough, but what happens when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages? In Maryland, this is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage comes into play.
At Psoras and Psoras Law firm, we regularly help injured clients navigate UM claims and make sure they meet the strict deadlines set by Maryland law. Here’s what every driver in Maryland should know about uninsured motorist coverage and the statute of limitations that apply to these claims.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a part of your auto insurance policy that protects you if you’re injured in a crash caused by a driver who:
- Has no insurance
- Has insufficient coverage (underinsured)
- Is unknown or flees the scene (hit-and-run)
In these cases, your own insurance company essentially steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver and provides compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Maryland law requires all auto policies to include uninsured motorist coverage (unless waived), and it’s typically equal to the liability limits on your policy.
How Do UM Claims Work?
If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance provider under your UM coverage.
Here’s what that process generally involves:
- Notify your insurer as soon as possible
- Provide documentation of the accident, your injuries, and damages
- Negotiate a settlement, or file a lawsuit if necessary
But here’s the catch: you have a limited time to act.
Statute of Limitations for UM Claims in Maryland
The statute of limitations sets the legal deadline by which you must file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to recover damages may be lost forever.
In Maryland:
- The statute of limitations for most UM claims is 3 years from the date of the accident.
However, there are important exceptions and nuances, especially if:
- The at-fault driver is unknown (hit-and-run)
- You’re pursuing a claim through arbitration instead of a lawsuit
- You first sued the other driver and later need to open a UM claim
To protect your rights, it’s critical to consult an attorney early—even if you’re dealing with your own insurer. Insurance companies don’t always act in your best interest.
Why You Need an Attorney for UM Claims
Uninsured motorist claims might sound straightforward, but they can quickly become complex. At Psoras and Psoras Law Firm, we help clients:
- Investigate the accident and identify all sources of coverage
- File timely claims and lawsuits
- Negotiate with your insurance company for a full and fair settlement
- Pursue litigation if the insurer denies or undervalues your claim
Our job is to make sure you’re not left holding the financial burden for someone else’s negligence.
Don’t Miss the Deadline—Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t wait. Time is not on your side. The earlier you involve a qualified Maryland personal injury attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. We have handled uninsured motorist claims across Maryland for decades and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.