Maryland Uninsured Motorist Lawyer

Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver? We Can Help.

About 15.4% of U.S. drivers had no car insurance in 2023, according to the Insurance Research Council. When one of them hits you, the bills don’t stop. Medical care, lost wages, and car repairs add up fast.

Castro Law Group has handled car crash claims in Waldorf, Southern Maryland, and Washington DC since 1993. If an uninsured or underinsured driver caused your wreck, we can help you file the right claim and pursue full compensation.

Call (301) 870-1200 for a free case review.

What Counts as an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claim in Maryland?

Your claim falls under uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM) coverage when:

• The at-fault driver had no auto insurance
• The at-fault driver fled the scene in a hit-and-run
• The at-fault driver had insurance, but the limits were too low to cover your damages

Maryland law makes every auto policy carry UM and UIM coverage. The state minimum is $30,000 per person, $60,000 per crash, and $15,000 for property damage (Md. Code Ann., Insurance §19-509). You can buy higher limits, and most drivers should.

Maryland’s Enhanced Underinsured Motorist (EUIM) Coverage

Maryland law changed on July 1, 2024. Every new and renewed auto policy now includes Enhanced Underinsured Motorist (EUIM) coverage by default. You only lose it if you waive it in writing.

Here is what makes EUIM different from standard UIM:

• Standard UIM: Your insurer subtracts what the at-fault driver paid from your policy limit. You only collect the gap.
• Enhanced UIM: Your EUIM coverage pays on top of what the at-fault driver paid, up to your full limit.

That gap can mean tens of thousands of dollars in a serious injury case. The law that created EUIM is Maryland’s Enhanced Underinsured Motorist Coverage statute (Md. Code Ann., Insurance §19-509.1).

Not sure which type you have? Pull out your policy declarations page or call us. We’ll review it during your free case review.

Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule — Why Small Mistakes Matter

Maryland is one of only a few states that still follows pure contributory negligence. If a jury finds you even 1% at fault for the crash, you may be barred from any recovery. This rule applies in UM and UIM claims, too. Your own insurance company can use it to deny your claim.

Common things insurers point to:

• A burned-out brake light or taillight
• Driving a few miles over the speed limit
• Failing to use a turn signal
• Looking at the radio for a moment before impact

Even when the other driver clearly caused the crash, an adjuster will look for any reason to blame you. That is why hiring a Maryland uninsured motorist lawyer early matters. What you say to your own insurer can be used against you later.

What to Do After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver

Take these steps to protect your health and your claim:

1. Call 911. Get police on the scene and ask for a written report.
2. Get medical care. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours.
3. Photograph everything. Both cars, the scene, your injuries, and any debris.
4. Get witness contact info. Full names and phone numbers, not just first names.
5. Report the crash to your insurer. Stick to the facts. Do not give a recorded statement or admit blame.
6. Save your records. Bills, receipts, missed work, pharmacy printouts.
7. Call a Maryland car accident attorney before the insurer calls you back.

You have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland (Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101). Notice deadlines in your own policy can be much shorter. Waiting too long can end your case before it begins.

How Our Maryland Uninsured Motorist Attorneys Help

When you hire Castro Law Group, our team will:

• Review your policy and find every layer of coverage you can claim under
• Handle calls with the insurer so you do not say something that hurts your case
• Investigate the crash, pull police reports, and lock down witness statements
• Document your injuries with your treating doctors
• Push the adjuster for a full and fair settlement
• File suit and try your case if the insurer will not pay a fair amount

We have served clients across Charles County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, Calvert County, and Washington DC since 1993. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file an uninsured motorist claim in Maryland?

You have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101. Notice deadlines in your own policy can be much shorter — sometimes 30 days or less. Call (301) 870-1200 right away to protect your rights.

Does Maryland require uninsured motorist coverage?

Yes. Every auto policy sold in Maryland must include UM and UIM coverage. The state minimum is $30,000 per person, $60,000 per crash, and $15,000 for property damage (Md. Code Ann., Insurance §19-509). New and renewed policies also include Enhanced UIM by default unless waived in writing.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

A hit-and-run is treated as a UM claim under Maryland law, so your own UM coverage applies. Call 911 right away, file a police report, and tell your insurer. Witness statements and video from nearby businesses can be key.

Will my rates go up if I file a UM or UIM claim?

Maryland law bars insurers from raising your premium or canceling your policy just because you filed a UM or UIM claim when you were not at fault. If you think your insurer broke that rule, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments for car crash victims?

Yes. We offer evening and weekend appointments and can meet you at your home or hospital room if your injuries make it hard to travel. Free case reviews are available by phone at (301) 870-1200 or through our contact form.

Talk to a Maryland Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Today

If an uninsured or underinsured driver hurt you or someone in your family, do not face the insurance company alone. Castro Law Group has more than 30 years of experience handling Maryland car crash claims, and we are ready to put that work in for you.

Call (301) 870-1200 for a free case review. Evening and weekend appointments available.