The Uninsured Division (UD) handles claims in which someone is injured in an accident caused by another person who has no insurance to cover those injuries. The UD is a division of the State of Maryland administered by Maryland Auto Insurance.
The UD recently received a claim involving an uninsured driver who collided with and assaulted a cyclist.
On a cool autumn day, the claimant was riding in a designated bike lane when a vehicle entered the street and collided with her bicycle. As the driver attempted to flee the scene, the claimant observed that the vehicle’s license plate had become attached to her bicycle. The driver realized this too and returned to retrieve the plate.
At that point, the driver became aggressive, physically assaulted the claimant, and tried to take her phone. He stated that it was his birthday, and he did not want to be involved. Although there were no witnesses to the physical assault, the verbal assault was observed by bystanders. The claimant sought refuge at a nearby women’s shelter and contacted the police.
Law enforcement arrived and assisted the claimant in identifying the vehicle and its driver. It was later discovered that the vehicle was uninsured, and the driver was charged with driving a motor vehicle without the required license and authorization as well as failure to immediately stop at the scene of an accident involving injury. With the at-fault party identified, legal action was pursued, and a suit was filed through the Uninsured Division. The defendant failed to appear, and a judgment was entered against them.
On behalf of the state, Maryland Auto’s Uninsured Division was able to step in and cover over $18,000 of the victim’s medical costs and lost wages. The uninsured driver is now responsible for repaying the UD.
This case highlights the vital role the Uninsured Division plays in compensating victims of uninsured motorists. Thanks to Maryland Auto’s UD, the injured cyclist did not have to bear the full financial burden of her injuries and lost work time.
