You can drive safely but still get into a car accident in Maryland. If your accident is the result of someone else’s negligence, you can hold the at-fault party accountable. To do so, it pays to know how to navigate the ins and outs of a car accident insurance claim.
At The Snyder Law Group, LLC, we take pride in being more than just your legal representative in auto accident cases. If you have been involved in a car accident in Maryland, please reach out to us. Our Maryland car accident lawyer can help you submit an insurance claim and seek damages from the party responsible for the incident.
Car Insurance Is a Must-Have in Maryland
There are several insurance requirements for Maryland vehicles. These requirements include:
- All vehicles must be insured at all times, with no exceptions.
- Vehicle insurance must include minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury, $60,000 for two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- If you plan to cancel your car insurance, you must return your vehicle’s license plates to a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office before doing so.
- If you relocate out of Maryland but did not return your car’s license plates to MVA, you must notify the agency.
- If you move to Maryland and have car insurance from another state, you need to contact your insurance company to update your address and coverage.
You can be fined up to $2,500 if you drive a car without insurance in Maryland. There is also a risk that your registration will be suspended. You must be able to provide your insurance information if you are ever involved in a crash, too.
Auto Insurance Gives You Financial Protection If You Get into an Accident
There are many benefits of car insurance, such as:
- You can avoid having to pay various auto crash costs out of your own pocket.
- The cost of an auto crash can be significantly less if you have insurance versus not having it.
- Your coverage can protect against the devaluation of your vehicle.
- You are protected against a lawsuit if you are responsible for a crash.
Insurance can make a difference if you are involved in an auto crash in Maryland that occurs through no fault of your own. Of course, even if the at-fault motorist in your crash has insurance coverage, there is no guarantee that you will get compensation for any damages you have incurred right away. With a clear understanding of how to respond to an auto collision, you can put yourself in the best position to get the compensation you deserve.
What to Do If You Get into a Car Accident in Maryland
Following an auto crash, you need to know how to respond to the car accident. At this point, you should:
- Call the police. Notify the police about your collision, and police officers and medical personnel will arrive on the scene to assist you and anyone else involved.
- Get information. Collect car insurance information and other relevant information from anyone involved in the crash.
- Capture photos and videos. Take photos and videos of any damage to your vehicle, injuries you incurred, and other damages you suffered during the accident.
- Go to a doctor. Consult with a doctor immediately following your auto accident so you can treat any accident injuries.
- Contact your insurance company. Let your insurance provider know about your crash, but do not sign a release or settlement agreement if you are asked to do so.
- Talk to a lawyer. Get in touch with a Maryland car accident attorney who can review your case and help you determine if now is the right time to file a lawsuit.
The Snyder Law Group, LLC offers legal help to auto accident victims. For more information, please contact us. Our Maryland car accident lawyer can take a look at your case and help you secure a settlement that lines up with your expectations.
You Will Need to Prove Fault If Someone Else Caused Your Car Accident
Maryland is considered an “at-fault state,” which means you seek compensation from a negligent driver after an auto accident. You can submit a claim with your insurance company or against the negligent motorist’s insurer. Or, you can file a lawsuit against this driver.
To determine the best course of action, it pays to partner with an experienced car accident lawyer in Maryland. When you meet with a lawyer, you can discuss your accident, explain what happened, and answer any questions from the attorney. Next, the lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit against the at-fault motorist.
In Maryland, there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You have a maximum of three years from the date of your car crash and injury to ask for compensation from anyone responsible for it. Fortunately, your lawyer can help you submit your claim in accordance with Maryland’s statute of limitations — and avoid a lowball settlement.
Expect an At-Fault Motorist’s Insurance Company to Offer a Settlement
In the days after a car accident, you may receive a settlement offer from the at-fault motorist’s insurance company. If you get a settlement proposal, do not accept it. Instead, consult with a car accident attorney in Maryland to go over the offer.
A car insurance company works diligently on behalf of its customers. If a motorist is responsible for an accident, their insurer will do everything they can to avoid paying any damages. Thus, an insurance company may propose a settlement just days after a car crash in the hopes that anyone harmed will accept it and move on from the incident.
Your attorney can discuss a settlement proposal and all that it entails. If your lawyer believes the settlement is well short of what you can get if you file a lawsuit, they will let you know. Your lawyer can help you submit a lawsuit and build a compelling argument as well.
Filing a Lawsuit May Result in a Large Car Accident Settlement
In auto accident lawsuits, the verdicts and settlements given to plaintiffs vary. If you suffer a severe injury in your car accident, you may be able to get tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation. With help from your attorney, you can ask for the most damages possible.
After you submit a claim for damages, you and the defendant in your case have the option to negotiate a settlement. If the defendant in your case proposes a settlement, it is in your best interests to evaluate it with your attorney. If a settlement gives you a sufficient amount of money, you can accept the proposal and close your case.
If your case requires a trial, you can present your argument to a judge or jury. When you do, your attorney will advocate for you and explain why you deserve to receive compensation. If your attorney is successful, you should expect a large settlement.
Do Not Wait Any Longer to Hire a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer
The Snyder Law Group, LLC takes the guesswork of car insurance claims in Maryland. To learn more or request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.