People occasionally miss important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries – or deadlines for paying certain bills. However, what happens if you forgot to renew your registration? Can you still file a claim if you get into a car crash while driving with an expired tag?

Learn more about what happens if you have an expired tag when you get into a crash in Maryland. Get specific answers about your unique situation by meeting with one of our knowledgeable Silver Spring vehicle crash lawyers. We have a long history of proven results, and we are ready to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Can I File a Claim if I Was Driving With an Expired Tag?

That depends. Driving with an expired tag will likely result in certain penalties, but it does not automatically make you liable for a crash. In the eyes of the insurance company, forgetting to renew your registration also does not increase your risk as a driver. Therefore, if you did not cause the collision, an expired tag should not impact your ability to file an insurance claim. However, to be eligible, you must still prove that another party’s negligence caused the crash and resulted in your losses.

If you have a valid case, it may benefit you to seek legal help from a qualified attorney for many reasons, including:

  • Having peace of mind knowing that an experienced attorney with proven results is on your side
  • A lawyer can conduct a full crash scene investigation to ensure important details and other factors that may affect your claim are not left out
  • Not having to guess how your claim is doing, because the attorney keeps you updated about what is happening
  • An experienced lawyer knows how to accurately calculate the full value of your claim

Penalties for Driving With an Expired Tag

Allowing your registration to expire was likely just an oversight on your part. However, even under those circumstances, driving with an expired tag can land you in a lot of trouble. Drivers are expected to make sure their license, registration and auto insurance remains current.

Under the 2013 Maryland Code TRANSPORTATION § 13-401, driving without registration is against the law, even if your tag has “just” expired. The penalties for driving with an expired tag may vary. However, this violation could result in the offender being cited, charged with a misdemeanor offense and paying hundreds of dollars in fines.

When You Could Be Barred From Recovering Compensation

Some injured victims end up being barred from recovering compensation, with or without having an expired tag. For instance, if you contributed to the crash and are assessed with even one percent fault, you cannot make any recovery.

In Maryland, unlike many other states, you cannot file a claim to recover compensation after a crash if you share any fault for it. Unfortunately, under the state’s contributory negligence law, your insurer only needs to prove you are one percent liable for the crash. This law gives insurance companies a significant advantage. If you are surprised because you believe your insurer is on your side, you are not alone.

The fact is that insurance companies have a different goal, and that goal is not the same as yours. The insurer’s goal is to protect their company’s profit by paying out as little on a claim as possible.

Working with an attorney may be your best chance for seeking compensation if you had a crash while driving with an expired tag. From day one, he or she can help you to avoid making mistakes that could harm the outcome of your claim.

There are deadlines that apply. Even if your case is valid, your attorney will need time to investigate the crash, gather evidence and build a strong claim on your behalf. That is why it is vital to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Hurt in a Crash While Driving With an Expired Tag? Our Firm is Ready To Help

Did you forget to renew your registration? If another’s negligence caused you serious harm while you were driving with an expired tag, you may have legal options. Speak with one of our qualified attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan today. You may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.

An initial consultation with one of our licensed attorneys is both confidential and free. If we find that you have a claim and you want to move forward, you pay us nothing to get started. We take cases on contingency, so there are no upfront costs or fees. We only get paid if you do.