Maryland is not a no-fault state for car accidents. In a no-fault state, drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers their own medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for the accident. In Maryland, however, drivers can only recover their medical expenses and lost wages from the other driver's insurance company if they can prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
There are a few reasons why Maryland is not a no-fault state. One reason is that the state's insurance industry is opposed to no-fault insurance. Another reason is that some lawmakers believe that no-fault insurance would lead to higher insurance premiums for everyone.
Despite not being a no-fault state, Maryland does have some features that are similar to no-fault insurance. For example, all drivers in Maryland are required to be offered PIP insurance from their insurance company. PIP insurance covers up to $2,500 for medical expenses and lost wages. This means that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still receive some financial help to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
In addition to PIP insurance, Maryland also has a contributory negligence rule. This rule means that if you are even 1% at fault for an accident, you cannot recover any damages from the other driver. This rule is partially designed to discourage people from filing frivolous lawsuits.
So, what does all of this mean for you if you are injured in a car accident in Maryland? If you can prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any damages from the other driver. Thus, it is usually a bad idea to waive PIP coverage.
If you are injured in a car accident in Maryland, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. A lawyer can help you determine if you have a valid claim and can represent you in negotiations with the insurance companies.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about car accidents in Maryland:
· Maryland is an at fault state, so you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident in order to recover damages.
· Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any damages from the other driver.
· All drivers in Maryland are required to be offered PIP insurance, which covers up to $2,500 in medical expenses and lost wages.
· If you are injured in a car accident in Maryland, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
I hope this blog post has answered your question about whether or not Maryland is a no-fault state for car accidents. If you have any questions please contact our Maryland car accident attorney at (301)234-HELP.
Commentaires