Underinsured Motorist Claim Lawyer Garrett County, MD

If you were injured by a driver who carried insurance, but the at-fault driver’s policy limits are not enough to cover your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, you may have an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim. In Garrett County, Maryland—which includes Oakland, Deep Creek Lake, Accident, Grantsville, Mountain Lake Park, and Friendsville—UIM claims are filed under Maryland’s contributory negligence standard. Even a small percentage of fault attributed to the injured person can bar recovery entirely. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assist clients in navigating UIM claims against their own insurance carriers when the at-fault driver’s coverage falls short. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

What an Underinsured Motorist Claim Means in Garrett County

An underinsured motorist claim arises when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of your damages. In Maryland, every auto insurance policy must include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, unless the policyholder waives it in writing. The minimum required UM/UIM coverage amounts are set by Maryland law, though many drivers carry higher limits. When the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage is exhausted, your own UIM coverage steps in to provide additional compensation—up to your policy limit, less any amount already paid by the at-fault carrier.

Garrett County, Maryland’s westernmost county, presents unique considerations for personal injury claims. The county is served by the District Court of Maryland for Garrett County at 203 South Fourth Street, Suite 100, Oakland, MD 21550, and the Garrett County Circuit Court. Claims valued at or below the jurisdictional limit are filed in District Court; claims exceeding that amount proceed in Circuit Court. Maryland’s pure contributory negligence rule—one of the strictest in the nation—means that if an injured person is found even one percent at fault, they recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation, accident reconstruction, and careful insurance policy review critical from the outset. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including UIM claims, is generally three years from the date of the accident.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Underinsured Motorist Claims

UIM claims involve two negotiations: first with the at-fault driver’s insurer, and then with your own carrier. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys guide clients through each stage. After establishing that the at-fault driver’s liability limits are insufficient—often by obtaining a policy-limits disclosure or, if necessary, through litigation—the firm presents a comprehensive demand package to the UIM carrier. The demand includes medical records, wage-loss documentation, and a detailed analysis of how the injuries affect the client’s daily life.

Because Maryland’s contributory negligence standard applies, the firm works with accident reconstruction attorneys, medical professionals, and other resources to build a record that clearly establishes the other driver’s fault. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings extensive litigation experience to the evaluation of liability and damages. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who contract directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., contribute additional depth in insurance-coverage analysis, civil procedure, and trial advocacy. The firm handles UIM claims across all communities in Garrett County, from Oakland to Grantsville, and represents clients at both the District Court and Circuit Court levels.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and he is a former prosecutor and has practiced since 1997, when he founded the firm. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to personal injury matters. They contract directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and are not employees. The firm assists clients throughout Garrett County, including those in Oakland, Deep Creek Lake, Accident, and surrounding areas, and appears in both the District Court of Maryland for Garrett County and the Garrett County Circuit Court. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance; underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are too low to cover the full extent of the injured person’s damages. In Maryland, UM and UIM coverages are typically bundled together in a single policy provision. The coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, up to the policy limit, after the at-fault driver’s policy has been exhausted. The minimum required UM/UIM limits are set by statute, but higher limits are common. The firm can review your policy to determine the available coverage.

How does Maryland’s contributory negligence rule affect an underinsured motorist claim?

Maryland’s contributory negligence rule bars recovery entirely if the injured person is found even one percent at fault for the accident. This applies to UIM claims just as it does to claims against the at-fault driver. The insurance company may argue that you contributed to the accident to avoid paying the claim. The firm works with accident reconstruction attorneys and gathers witness statements, police reports, and other evidence to establish the other driver’s fault and protect your right to compensation.

How long do I have to file an underinsured motorist claim in Garrett County?

Personal injury claims in Maryland, including underinsured motorist claims, are generally subject to a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. However, insurance policy provisions may impose shorter notice deadlines. The firm evaluates the applicable deadlines and ensures that all necessary filings are completed within the required timeframe. Prompt action helps preserve evidence and witness testimony.

What damages can I recover in a Garrett County UIM claim?

You may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident, up to your UIM policy limit after subtracting the at-fault driver’s payment. Maryland does not impose a general cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. The firm works with medical providers and vocational attorneys to document the full extent of your losses. The amount of recovery depends on the facts of each case and the available insurance coverage.

Do I need a lawyer for an underinsured motorist claim in Garrett County?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but UIM claims involve complex negotiations with insurance companies and, often, litigation, where legal representation can help protect your interests. Your own insurer may dispute the value of your claim or argue that the at-fault driver’s liability limits were sufficient. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle the investigation, valuation, and presentation of UIM claims to work toward a favorable resolution. For a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do after an accident in Garrett County to protect a UIM claim?

Seek medical attention, document the scene, obtain the at-fault driver’s insurance information, and notify your own insurer promptly. Keep records of all medical treatment, photographs of injuries and vehicle damage, and any correspondence from insurance companies. Avoid discussing fault with other parties or insurers. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation and the steps to preserve your claim.

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