Underinsured Motorist Claim Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
An underinsured motorist claim in Anne Arundel County arises when an at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages. Maryland is a contributory negligence state, meaning even 1% fault can bar your recovery. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Law
Under Maryland law, specifically Md. Code, Insurance Art. § 19-509, your own auto insurance policy provides underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage if the at-fault driver’s liability limits are too low to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This coverage is mandatory unless you formally reject it in writing. A UIM claim is essentially a lawsuit against your own insurance company, requiring you to prove the other driver was at fault and that their policy limits were exhausted.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s insurance statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website for Insurance Article § 19-509. Court procedures and forms for Anne Arundel County can be found at the District Court of Maryland’s Anne Arundel County directory.
Handling a UIM Claim in Anne Arundel County
Filing a UIM claim in Anne Arundel County involves specific steps. First, you must settle with the at-fault driver’s insurer up to their policy limits, often requiring a formal release. Then, you must formally demand UIM benefits from your own insurer under Md. Code, Insurance Art. § 19-511. If the claim is denied or undervalued, you may need to file a lawsuit in the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County (for claims under $30,000) or the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
- Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company of the accident immediately, but do not provide a detailed recorded statement about injuries until you consult an attorney.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Obtain a full medical evaluation and follow all treatment plans. Your medical records are the primary evidence for your UIM claim’s value.
- Gather Evidence: Collect the police report, witness statements, photos of the scene and vehicles, and the at-fault driver’s insurance information.
- Demand UIM Benefits: After settling with the at-fault driver’s insurer, your attorney will send a formal UIM demand package to your insurance company, outlining your damages.
- Negotiate or Litigate: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit against your insurer in the appropriate Anne Arundel County court.
Potential Challenges in UIM Claims
In Anne Arundel County, a successful underinsured motorist claim requires proving the other driver’s fault and the full extent of your damages, all while handling Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule: This is the single biggest hurdle. If the insurance company can argue you were even 1% responsible for the accident, you may recover nothing from the at-fault driver and be barred from your own UIM coverage.
Policy Stacking and Setoffs: Maryland law allows “stacking” of UIM coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy, which can significantly increase available funds. However, insurers will apply “setoffs” for any payments received from the at-fault driver or your own medical payments coverage.
Bad Faith Claims: If your insurance company unreasonably denies or delays your UIM claim, you may have a separate cause of action for bad faith, which can include punitive damages.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your UIM Claim
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex insurance disputes. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize UIM payouts in Anne Arundel County and are prepared to advocate aggressively for the full compensation you are owed under your policy.
Case Results in Anne Arundel County
While specific UIM results are confidential, our firm actively handles underinsured motorist claims in Anne Arundel County. Our approach is built on a foundation of successful outcomes across Maryland. For instance, our team has secured dismissals and favorable reductions in complex litigation, demonstrating our ability to handle challenging legal landscapes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Underinsured Motorist Claim Lawyer Near Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland location serves clients at the Anne Arundel County courts in Annapolis. We represent individuals in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Anne Arundel County Underinsured Motorist Claim FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for a UIM claim in Anne Arundel County?
3 years from the date of the accident under Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Art. § 5-101. This deadline applies to filing a lawsuit against your own insurer for UIM benefits.
Is Maryland a contributory negligence state for UIM claims?
Yes. Maryland follows contributory negligence — even 1% plaintiff fault bars ALL recovery, including from your own UIM coverage. This makes evidence preservation from day one critical.
What is the difference between an underinsured (UIM) and uninsured (UM) motorist claim?
An uninsured motorist (UM) claim applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance. An underinsured motorist (UIM) claim applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your total damages. Both are coverages provided by your own auto insurance policy in Maryland.
Do I need a lawyer for an underinsured motorist claim?
It depends. While you can file a claim yourself, insurance companies have legal teams focused on minimizing payouts. An experienced underinsured motorist claim lawyer Anne Arundel County can handle negotiations, preserve your rights against contributory negligence arguments, and litigate if necessary to secure the full value of your claim.
Can I “stack” my UIM coverage in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland law generally allows you to stack the UIM coverage limits from multiple vehicles on your policy. This can substantially increase the total amount available to compensate you for your injuries after an accident with an underinsured driver.
What if my insurance company denies my UIM claim?
If your UIM claim is wrongfully denied, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against your insurer for breach of contract and potentially for acting in “bad faith.” An underinsured driver accident lawyer Anne Arundel County can evaluate the denial and advise on the best course of legal action.
For representation from a skilled UIM claim lawyer Anne Arundel County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We also assist with related matters such as personal injury claims in Anne Arundel County and criminal defense in Anne Arundel County. For a broader view of our state-wide practice, visit our Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance on your underinsured motorist claim.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.