Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | January 16, 2025 | Car Accident
Maryland is not a no-fault state. Maryland follows a fault-based, or at-fault, automobile insurance system. This means that a driver who causes a car accident can be held responsible for the damages that result from the accident.
For this reason, Maryland law requires that drivers carry liability insurance coverage. This type of insurance pays for bodily injuries and property damage caused by the driver. However, accidents resulting in severe or catastrophic injuries may have damages that exceed the amount of insurance coverage available. Explore all the details you need to know about Maryland’s at-fault insurance rules below.
Maryland’s Vehicle Insurance Requirements
Maryland law requires drivers to carry minimum levels of liability coverage. According to the Maryland DMV, all vehicles must carry a minimum of $30,000 for bodily injury, $60,000 for injuries to 2 or more people, and $15,000 for property damage. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, penalties, and a suspension of your vehicle registration.
Liability insurance requires proof that the covered driver was at fault before the policy will pay a claim. For this reason, getting compensated for your injuries can sometimes be difficult after you file a claim with another driver’s liability insurance carrier. An experienced car accident attorney can help with this process, and sometimes a lawsuit may be required.
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is not required in Maryland, although insurers must offer this type of insurance. However, uninsured motorist coverage is required in Maryland. This coverage protects you in case someone without insurance causes an accident.
Damages Available After a Car Accident
Accident victims in Maryland are generally entitled to recover compensation for both their economic and non-economic damages from the responsible party. Some common examples of damages in car accident claims include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
If another driver’s negligence was responsible for your accident, you may be entitled to recover all the damages mentioned above from that driver.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Basics
No-fault states require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. PIP insurance will cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other medical expenses regardless of who is at fault. Although Maryland is an at-fault state, PIP coverage may still be purchased here. Since PIP insurance covers the policyholder without any proof of fault, it can be a great way to get quick compensation after an accident.
You will still need to seek compensation from the other driver to cover the costs of your car repairs because PIP does not cover property damage. Plus, the limit on most PIP policies is anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. So, you may still need to file a claim against the other driver for your injuries.
Since PIP insurance is not required in Maryland, many drivers choose not to purchase this type of coverage. Insurance companies are required to offer this coverage, but many people choose to opt out of it to save some money.
What Happens If You Are Being Blamed For Your Accident?
Since Maryland is an at-fault state, holding the other driver responsible for your injuries requires that you prove they were at fault. In many cases, they may try to place some of the blame on you. So, what happens if you are partially responsible for your accident?
Unfortunately, Maryland follows a rule known as contributory negligence. Under this rule, you may not be able to recover compensation for your damages if your own negligence contributed to the accident. Even if you are found to be only 1% responsible for the accident, you may be prevented from recovering any damages from the other driver.
Maryland’s rule is in contrast to the rule followed by most states, which is known as comparative negligence. Under the comparative negligence doctrine, you may still be able to recover damages even if you are partially at fault. Your portion of the fault will simply reduce your recovery.
Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident
Since Maryland is an at-fault state, never admit fault after a car accident. Even a simple apology to the other driver could be used against you by the insurance company. Remember that you could be prevented from obtaining compensation if you are found to be even 1% responsible for the accident.
Seek medical treatment for your injuries and gather as much evidence as possible, such as photos, videos, or witness testimony. If you have PIP insurance coverage, you may use it to get compensation quickly for your medical expenses. Finally, you should consider hiring an experienced car accident lawyer to help you.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a car accident lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7