Maryland requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits for bodily injury and property damage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and personal injury protection (PIP). These minimums are often far too low to cover the cost of a serious injury.
Maryland's Minimum Coverage
When the at-fault driver's coverage is not enough, your own UM/UIM and PIP coverage can become critical to your recovery.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP is no-fault coverage that pays for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the crash, up to your policy limit. In Maryland, PIP can be waived in writing, so not every driver carries it. Where available, PIP provides quick benefits while your injury claim is pending.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little to cover your damages, UM/UIM coverage under your own policy may pay the difference. Maryland has specific procedures for making these claims, and disputes with your own insurer are common.
Because your insurer may resist paying a UM/UIM claim, having an attorney can help ensure you receive the coverage you paid for.
Stacking Coverage and Maximizing Recovery
In serious crashes, multiple coverages and policies may apply. Identifying every available source of compensation — the at-fault driver's liability policy, your UM/UIM, PIP, and sometimes other policies — is essential to a full recovery.
An attorney can map out all the insurance in play and pursue each source on your behalf.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Maryland attorney.