Baltimore Laws on Car Accidents

With over 100,000 car accidents every year, Maryland is an at-fault state for car accidents. That means that drivers are allowed to sue another driver for compensation after a crash. However, there are certain insurance benefits that are not based on fault, which gives drivers additional options to recover damages after a collision.

Maryland’s at-fault system for car accident claims can be daunting for people who suffer injuries in car collisions. The insurance companies may suggest you share some liability for an accident you did not cause.

They can lowball you or dismiss your claim altogether. At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, we take sympathetic approach to claims. Our legal team will give you a realistic evaluation of your case and take on the insurance companies if another party caused a collision.

Is Maryland a No-fault State for Car Accidents?

Most people who end up hurt in auto wrecks know little about how to make an insurance claim. They probably are not aware if Maryland is a no-fault state for car collisions or not. However, this is a critical question when you want to file a claim against a driver who caused you injury.

At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, out attorneys help people who are injured in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, or elsewhere in Maryland.

We field complicated queries daily. Baltimore accident attorney Larry B. Litt and his legal team considers the questions “is Maryland a no-fault state for car accidents?”

Although some nearby states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania are no-fault states, Maryland is an at-fault state. It is the opposite of a no-fault state.

What Is the Difference Between an At-fault State and a No-fault State?

No-fault auto insurance laws require every driver who was involved in a car wreck to file a claim with their own insurance company. The question of which driver caused the collision is irrelevant.

In states with no-fault laws, all drivers must buy personal injury protection (PIP) as part of their auto insurance policies. A Maryland personal injury protection attorney may be able to help if you have questions about PIP laws.

Under no-fault laws, drivers may still sue for severe injuries and pain and suffering in certain circumstances.

Some no-fault states impose minimum requirements for the days the accident victim spent off work as a result of the injury to make a claim. No-fault states restrict litigation. They reduce the costs and delays in claims. Pay-outs for auto crashes are often lower than in at-fault states.

Do You Have To Call the Police After a Minor Car Crash?

Maryland law mandates you to call the police in certain auto accidents. If the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage, you must contact the local police department. Also, if you do not stop after calling 911, the law will view it as a hit-and-run accident.

Statute of Limitations for Auto Accidents in Maryland.

There is a three-year statute of limitations in Maryland – what this means is a lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of the accident, or the claim is forever barred. However, a person injured in a car crash should not wait three years. You should contact an attorney immediately. An attorney will ensure that property damage and rental car are handled. A lawyer will also get statements from witnesses, photographs of the damage and scene, and see that the police officers are interviewed. Most importantly a lawyer can help ensure proper medical attention is obtained from quality, board-certified doctors who can testify at trial if need be. The lawyer will also know the value of a case, know all potential sources of insurance coverage, and be able and willing to file suit if the carrier’s offer is too low.

Maryland Auto Insurance Laws

Maryland Auto Insurance Laws require that you carry 30/60/15 bodily injury, as well as 30/60 uninsured coverage. You may decide to buy additional coverage and knowing how to save can get you the best rates possible. This includes:

• $30,000.00 bodily injury liability per person
• $60,000.00 bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000.00 property damage
• $2,500.00 personal injury protection
• $30,000.00 uninsured coverage per person
• $60,000.00 uninsured coverage per accident

Drivers do have the option of forgoing the personal injury protection (PIP). If you want to opt out of PIP, then you will need to submit a notification in writing to your insurance company.

These minimum requirements do not pay for your medical bills or damages if you are in an auto collision. Instead, they cover any damages you might cause to others in an auto accident. Bodily injury covers up to $30,000.00 per person and $60,000.00 per accident of other drivers and their passenger’s medical bills and lost wages. Property damages cover up to $15,000.00 total in damages that you cause to someone else due to an auto wreck. Uninsured coverage pays for your medical bills and damages if you are in an accident with a driver who is at fault, who does not have any car insurance.

Consequences of Driving Insurance in Maryland

Driving without insurance in Maryland is illegal and can lead to the following consequences:

• $150 fine for up to 30 days and $7 for each additional day, up to a maximum of $2,500.00.
• A suspended driver’s license.
• Your case can be referred to the Central Collections Unit and fines are subject to a 17 percent collection fee.

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration, the state even has the right to garnish income if you still do not pay fines. You are also required to have proof of insurance whenever driving a vehicle. Maryland does allow you to show proof of insurance on your phone so download your provider’s app ahead of time.

Conclusion

At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. It is important to talk to a lawyer before you start negotiations with insurance companies that often damage your case. We do not charge you to review your auto accident case. Our fee is based on a contingency. If we do not secure you a recovery, you do not owe us a penny.

We have a long record of being tough with the Maryland car insurance companies and standing up for your rights. Call us anytime, 24/7/365 for a free consultation.