It’s very unlikely you’ll consider someone’s insurance coverage before getting into a vehicle with them. Friends, family, and co-workers drive together all of the time and rarely does anyone ever raise the issue of vehicle insurance until the unthinkable occurs.
The truth is, insurance coverage plays a significant role in the distribution of compensation for injured passengers. In most cases, if the person with whom you are driving is at fault for an accident their insurance will cover the cost of your medical expenses. Of course, it’s not that simple if the driver doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance coverage.
In Maryland, drivers legally must carry a certain amount of coverage. You can learn more about Maryland’s insurance coverage laws here.
Unfortunately, like most laws, not everyone adheres to vehicle state laws related to insurance coverage.
Your insurance coverage becomes a factor when you’re involved in an accident involving someone without sufficient coverage. A car accident attorney in Maryland helps you figure out how to navigate the complexities of personal injury law. They’ll ensure you receive the compensations needed for your medical bills.
Ideally, placing a claim with your insurance provider is the last resort. Determining fault in an accident is one of the most important aspects of avoiding a claim with your insurance provider. Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver is the best way to get the compensation you need to deal with the cost of your medical care.
The last thing you need after being injured in a car accident as a passenger is having to worry about medical expenses. Your focus needs to be on healing and recovery. A personal injury attorney relieves a lot of your stress and handles the most frustrating aspects of the aftermath of an accident.
This is one of the reasons why car accidents involving passenger injuries are complex. In some cases, the negligent party is a family member and shares the same insurance policy as the injured passenger. Sharing an insurance policy with an at-fault driver complicates the situation. An experienced car accident attorney in Maryland can help you.
Another concern injured passengers have after a car accident is having to sue a friend or family member. This is one of the most common scenarios that arise in passenger-involved accidents. Nobody wants to take legal action against someone they care about, but for many, having to do so is part of the process.
Your health is your priority after you’re injured in an accident. You shouldn’t forego care or neglect something beneficial to your recovery because of money. Being able to focus on your healing without concern for finances is essential to enjoying as complete a recovery as possible.
Filing a lawsuit against a friend or family member after an accident might be unavoidable. But it’s important to keep in mind that the lawsuit is more against their insurance provider than it is against them, as long as they have insurance coverage. And if they do not have coverage, they were breaking the law.
You deserve compensation for your injuries no matter who caused them.
The sooner you speak to an attorney about your situation the better. Insurance companies move fast after a vehicle accident and you’ll likely receive a call from them offering a settlement. The offer might even seem enticing. Especially if medical bills are piling up and you’re unable to work because of your injuries.
But accepting this settlement offer could be the biggest mistake you ever make.
Without the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney in Maryland, you could end up getting less than you deserve and wind up paying out-of-pocket for your medical care.
As a passenger injured in a vehicle accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries. As experienced personal injury attorneys, we’ll help you during this difficult time. For more information or to discuss your case, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.
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