An insurance company can refuse payments if their insured is not cooperative in the defense of a case. There are numerous cases on this subject but the basis for the proposition can be found in The Maryland Code, Insurance Article, 19-110. The cases suggest that the right to refuse payment derives from the fact that the insurance company has been prejudiced in their ability to properly defend the case. Prejudice, therefore, becomes the real issue in these cases. If, for example, the accident is a simple rear end accident where liability is virtually not in question, the suggestion of non cooperation might not apply because liability is often stipulated anyway. Moreover, if the defendant/insured really cannot offer any testimony regarding the injuries of a party at the scene of the accident, there can hardly be any prejudice under those circumstances either. Thus, the insurance company cannot just arbitrarily deny coverage of a claim because the insured failed to cooperate if the failure is inconsequential anyway. In order to invoke this defense, the insurance company must prove that the failure of cooperation has, in a significant way, precluded or hampered it from presenting a legitimate jury issue. Maryland Auto Accident Lawyer.

This is a very common question that we are asked. The story starts out the same way. "Someone hit me, I wasn't at fault - now the insurance company for the at fault party is calling me. Should I accept their offer?" The answer is to speak to Maryland auto accident lawyer that is experienced and has a record of winning in trial for their clients. An experienced accident lawyer can look into the details and specifics and give you an answer based on your unique case. Insurance companies will typically make a low offer and use many techniques to try and get you to accept their low offer and waiving any future rights to the claim. We understand their tactics and know how to best fight against them. It simply isn't fair to you as a victim to accept a low offer. Insurance companies will typically contact you quickly after the accident and try to gain your trust. This friendly tactic is used so you will accept their offer. 

Know your rights before you accept any offer from the insurance companies. We offer free case evaluations so there is no risk involved. Learn more about auto accidents and Maryland law in our auto accidents help page. To receive a free consultation please click here.