WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | September 8, 2025 | Car Accidents
Safeco Insurance car accident claims in Maryland, including Baltimore, operate under the state’s at-fault system. That means the injured party must demonstrate that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident to recover damages.
Proving fault is required before Safeco Insurance will pay a claim or a jury will rule in favor of an injured party. For anyone involved in a car accident in Baltimore with Safeco Insurance, understanding the claim and settlement process under Maryland law is vital.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash and need to submit an insurance claim to Safeco Insurance, keep the following information in mind:
Filing the Claim
After a collision, call 911 to report the crash and seek immediate medical attention for injuries. Promptly notify Safeco Insurance of the accident. You will need information about the accident, including the date, time, and location of the crash. This information is available by referring to the police report.
Do not admit fault for the crash without consulting an attorney regarding your claim. We’ll discuss more about fault in the following sections.
Maryland’s At-Fault Insurance System for Car Accidents
Generally, an accident victim must prove the following elements of a negligence claim to establish fault and liability:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
In short, the evidence must show that the other driver’s conduct caused the accident and the accident caused your injuries. If the other driver caused the crash, their liability insurance company is responsible for damages up to the policy limits. Maryland requires all drivers to purchase minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage.
Safeco Insurance can deny claims that it believes have insufficient proof of fault. However, accident victims can pursue a civil lawsuit for personal injury against the driver who caused the crash.
Maryland’s Pure Contributory Negligence System
Maryland follows a pure contributory negligence rule for car accident claims. If an accident victim contributes to the cause of a crash in any way, they are barred from recovering damages. Therefore, Safeco Insurance can deny a claim if the accident victim is even 1% to blame for causing the accident.
Insurance companies often use contributory fault as a basis to deny claims. It is not in a victim’s best interest to agree to recorded statements or written statements. Their statements could be intentionally misconstrued to imply fault.
The Insurance Adjuster’s Role in a Car Accident Claim
Typically, Safeco Insurance assigns an insurance adjuster to investigate the claim. The claims adjuster may interview the drivers, accident victims, and witnesses. They gather evidence and review the police report. An adjuster also assesses property damage to your vehicle and reviews your damages.
Be cautious when communicating with Safeco Insurance or any insurance provider. Do not provide detailed medical information or sign a blanket medical release. Insurance adjusters are skilled professionals trained to obtain statements and information that can be used against accident victims.
Insurance Settlement Offers for a Baltimore Car Accident Claim
Safeco Insurance may make a settlement offer to resolve your accident claim. Generally, insurance companies settle property damage claims quickly. Under Maryland law, a vehicle is totaled when the repair costs exceed 75% of the vehicle’s value. Otherwise, the insurance company should pay the repair costs.
An insurance settlement may also include compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Impairments and disabilities
- Pain and suffering
You are not required to accept an insurance settlement offer. You can make a counteroffer for a higher amount. Many insurance companies undervalue damages to avoid paying large car accident settlements.
If you accept a settlement offer, Safeco Insurance will give you a settlement agreement and release to sign before you receive a check. Consider talking with a Baltimore car accident lawyer before signing the agreement.
Legal Assistance With Car Insurance Claims in Baltimore, MD
Car accident claims can be complex, especially when they involve insurance disputes with companies like Safeco Insurance. Timely filing, proper documentation, and legal knowledge are essential for obtaining rightful compensation for injuries and vehicle damage.An attorney gathers evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert witness testimony. They negotiate fair settlements or litigate if necessary.
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
