Insurance coverage issues for multiple vehicle accidents

The importance of having adequate car insurance is making headlines again.  This time in Carroll County, Maryland.

Yesterday, a six-vehicle crash occurred on Md. 140 in Carroll County, Maryland.  Police suspect one of the drivers involved was impaired by alcohol.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of a 2005 Ford pickup truck was traveling westbound on Md. 140 in lane one. The pickup truck crossed the double yellow line and struck a dump truck head on, causing a collision with four other vehicles traveling behind the dump truck.

Multiple injuries were reported at the scene.

Insurance coverage issues for multiple vehicle accidents

If the pickup driver is entirely at fault, then this car crash could turn into an insurance nightmare for those injured in the wreckage.

How much car insurance the pickup driver carried will need to be immediately determined.  Remember, car insurance pays up to a certain limit for each occurrence, or accident.

Lets assume that the pickup driver carries the minimum amount of insurance in Maryland, $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident.

This would mean that each injured party is entitled to recover up to $30,000 for their injuries.  However, the insurance policy will only pay a total of $60,000 for the entire accident.

So, if two of the injured parties receive $30,000 each, then the policy limits have been reached and the at fault driver’s policy won’t pay anymore money.

What will the other injured parties do?  They will need to submit claims under their own insurance policies for something called underinsured motorist coverage.

Remember, protect yourself and your family by carrying adequate UIM insurance.  Don’t leave the decision to carry adequate insurance to other drivers on the road.

Contact Albers & Associates for a free consultation

If you’ve recently been involved in an accident in Maryland the legal team at Albers & Associates is here for you. We handle automobile related accidents and have years of experience. Working with us can give you the peace of mind you need following an accident. If you are in need of a lawyer following an accident or injury, give Albers & Associates a call today!