Senate Votes to Increase the Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage

The State Senate voted 27 to 20 to increase the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage allowed by the state of Maryland. The state minimum was set at $20,000 and $40,000 and had been set without an increase since 1972. The current bill would increase this minimum to $50,000. The bill is currently on the desk of Governor Martin O'Malley to sign.

This bill faced widespread opposition by insurance carriers, the American Insurance Administration. The American Insurance Administration reported that two million car insurance policies in the state of Maryland carried only a minimum liability policy at the end of last year. The administration opposed the bill because it would cause an increase in insurance premiums of between 5 percent and 15 percent. They argued, an increase in premiums could also cause a drastic increase in uninsured motorist drivers. In other words, if people are unable to afford the insurance coverage they may be forced to not carry insurance at all.

The bill is meant to protect those involved in serious automobile accidents. Currently, if you are involved in a serious or fatal motor vehicle collision with an individual who has a minimal insurance policy, the most that you would be able to collect for your medical expenses, loss of income or pain and suffering is $20,000. With the increase of health costs, $20,000 doesn't go very far. In most of these cases, the injured party has medical expenses that exceed the amount of the policy. This bill would increase the minimal policy and assist those severely injured as the result of an automobile accident.

The bill was necessary and has been needed for sometime. Countless serious automobile accidents occur every year wherein the at fault driver has minimal insurance coverage. At least in the future more money will be available to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle or truck accident, or if you would like more information on car accidents please contact Portner & Shure and speak with our Maryland accident lawyers for a free legal consultation.

Three Car Automobile Crash Turns Fatal Near BWI Airport

Multiple car collisions are incredibly common and it is sometimes difficult to determine who is actually at fault. In order to pursue a claim for property damage or bodily injuries liability must first be determined. There are a number of factors that are considered by the insurance carriers before they will assume liability for any collision and a thorough investigation will be done on their behalf.

Yesterday there was a three vehicle collision on Aviation Boulevard between Amtrak Way and Stoney Run Road in Anne Arundel County, Maryland near BWI Marshall Airport. The driver of a Jeep Wrangler was believed to have veered into oncoming traffic striking an Izusu truck then struck an unoccupied BWI Shuttle bus. The Maryland Transportation authority responded to the scene. The driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the shuttle bus was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma where he treated and released while the driver of the truck was not injured. The accident is still under investigation. The police do not believe that alcohol was involved.

Our Maryland accident lawyers can assist with expediting the investigation process in situations such as this. Our staff has handled thousands of claims ranging from simple rear end collisions to fatal motor vehicle accidents. The insurance carriers are well versed in collecting information that will provide them reason to deny an insurance claim. Defenses such as contribulatory negligence are often used by the insurance company. In these situations if a driver is just one percent at fault the entire claim will be denied.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on car accidents please feel free to contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.