Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Maryland: The Protection People Forget

A serious car accident is bad enough. But it gets worse when you learn the at-fault driver:

• has no insurance, or

• has minimum limits that won’t come close to covering your medical bills and lost wages.
  

That’s where UM/UIM coverage may come in.

UM/UIM stands for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. It’s coverage on your own policy that may help pay for injuries when the at-fault driver can’t.

This post explains how UM/UIM works in Maryland, when it applies, and common mistakes that can cost you.

Important: This is general information, not legal advice.

What Is UM Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage may apply when the at-fault driver:

• has no insurance

• fled the scene (hit-and-run)

• has coverage that doesn’t apply (some scenarios)
  

UM is designed to put you in a similar position as if the at-fault driver had valid insurance, subject to your policy terms.

What Is UIM Coverage?

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage may apply when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover the full value of your claim.

Example:Your damages are significant, but the at-fault driver’s policy limits are low.

UIM may fill the gap up to your UM/UIM limits, depending on how the policy is structured.

Why UM/UIM Claims Feel Different

Even though UM/UIM is your own insurance, these claims can still be adversarial because:

• the carrier is evaluating how much money it must pay

• it may dispute injury severity or causation

• it may raise liability issues (including Maryland’s contributory negligence arguments)
  

So the case still needs to be built with strong evidence and consistent medical documentation.

Common UM/UIM Pitfalls

1) Not identifying all available policies

UM/UIM can sometimes exist on multiple policies (household, vehicle, employer, etc.). This is extremely fact-specific, but it’s one reason early investigation matters.

2) Settling the at-fault claim without protecting UM/UIM rights

Some policies require certain procedures before you settle with the at-fault driver’s insurer. If you skip steps, you can create avoidable coverage disputes.

3) Delaying treatment or having gaps in care

Insurance companies - yes, even your own often use gaps to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.

4) Posting on social media

UM/UIM carriers can still review public content and litigation discovery can expand access. Keep your claim clean.

What Should You Do If You Suspect the At-Fault Driver Has No (or Not Enough) Coverage?

1. Get the policy limits from the at-fault insurer

2. Notify your own insurer that you may have a UM/UIM claim (without speculating about fault).

3. Preserve evidence early (photos, witness info, BWC/911, surveillance when possible).

4. Document your medical timeline carefully and treat consistently.

5. Talk to counsel before signing releases or accepting a limits tender.
   

Falodun Law Can Help You Identify Coverage and Protect Your Claim

UM/UIM cases are often winnable, but they require disciplined documentation and careful handling of releases, notice, and negotiation strategy.

Call: (301) 289-7737 Visit: www.falodunlaw.com