What's All This PIP About?

                In Maryland it is mandatory for all drivers to carry car insurance by a state recognized provider. In order to protect yourself and others, it is required that your policy covers a minimum of 15K for property damage, 30K for bodily injuries, and at least 60K for the coverage of two or more individuals. While one is forming an insurance plan, Maryland offers something called PIP, this stands for personal injury protection. Now what exactly does PIP do? Personal injury protection covers medical bills for any injuries you may have obtained during an accident. Coverage includes other expenses you’ve had to endure in wake of your injuries, and wages that have been lost. There are benefits to having PIP for such a low cost.

The policy plan has also been referred to as “no fault insurance”, meaning it does not matter who caused the accident, in order to receive compensation. Additionally, PIP holders have the potential to recover twice for their damages.  In cases where the other driver is at fault, you are able to recover wages and medical expenses from both their insurance company, along with your own insurance carrier. If you were interested in adding PIP to your plan, Maryland has a minimum requirement amount of 2.5K. Adding PIP to your plan is generally only a few extra dollars a month. However, it is wildly beneficial to invest a little extra into your PIP package; the more you invest, the more you receive.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland car, truck, or motorcycle accident and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Ocean City or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Motorcyclist Killed in Ocean City While Evading Police

            A pickup truck and a motorcycle were involved in a deadly accident this afternoon along Coastal Highway.  Before the accident occurred, police were attempting to pull over the motorcycle for a traffic violation.  The motorcyclist sped off to avoid the police around 26^th Street.  The exact details surrounding the crash are unknown at this time.  However, we do know that the motorcyclist did not survive the crash.  It is likely that in attempting to evade the police, the motorcyclist was speeding and that might have played a role in the accident.  Coastal Highway between 26^th and 28^th Streets is still closed while police investigate.

            

           As we close in on the busy summer beach season, it is important to talk about increased traffic and the higher risk of serious accidents on the way to the beach and at the beach.  This weekend is Cruisin’ Weekend in Ocean City, which will bring in over 3,000 cars to show off to the public.  This is always a popular event every year at the beach and results in higher traffic on the roads.  Next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, which is another busy time at the beach.  Drivers need to remember to remain cautious when driving to the beach so as to avoid an accident as we head into summer.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland car, truck, or motorcycle accident and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Ocean City or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Fatal Accident in Clarksburg, Maryland

            Early this morning on I-270 in Clarksburg, a fatal car accident occurred.  There was a disabled vehicle stopped in the lanes of travel on the highway.  Another car hit the disabled vehicle from behind, which resulted in the death of the disabled vehicle’s driver.  The driver of other vehicle was injured in the collision, but suffered non-life threatening injuries.  Police investigation into the exact cause of the crash continues.  At this point, alcohol does not appear to be factor in the accident.

            

            Disabled vehicles always pose a danger on the road to themselves and to other drivers.  It does not matter whether the vehicle has made it to the shoulder or is stopped in a lane of travel; it is still dangerous.  Darkness at night and inclement weather make it even more dangerous if your vehicle becomes disabled on a highway because other drivers might not see you or will not be able to stop to avoid a crash.  If your vehicle becomes disabled, you should always make sure your lights are on and your hazard lights are flashing so that other cars can see you and avoid an accident. 

            

            Remember, if you are injured in an accident, you should seek medical attention immediately to treat the injuries you sustained.  It is also important to call the police to the scene to document that the other driver was at fault and to collect information on all parties involved and any witnesses to the crash.  Finally, it is important to hire an accident injury attorney to get involved and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland car accident and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Columbia or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Maryland Auto Accident Attorney: Litigation News May 2016

This month, our attorneys were successful in two auto accident trials against Geico.  For 2016, Geico instituted a new policy for minor impact low property damage accidents to open settlement negotiations with an offer and then refuse to negotiate in good faith any further.   In both of these Montgomery County, Maryland rear-end accidents, our clients were injured and sought chiropractic treatment for their injuries.  Our attorneys were forced to file suit in both cases because of Geico’s refusal to negotiate a settlement.  In the first case, our client received a verdict of $7,395.  In the second case, our client received a verdict of $8,780.

Instead of trying to negotiate a fair settlement for both clients, Geico adjusters refused, and as a result, they were forced to pay more money in Court than if they would have been willing to negotiate both claims in good faith.  Our attorneys have certainly noticed a pattern here with Geico since they began using this new policy, and if this continues, we will not hesitate to continue filing suit.

Maryland Auto Accident Lawyers: Case Result May 2016

              Recently, Portner & Shure settled a rear-end accident case in Prince George’s County, Maryland for $100,000.  Two years ago, our client was rear-ended on I-495 near the Virginia state line.  As a result, she sustained numerous injuries, the most severe of which being her shoulder, which was torn in the accident.  Our client required two surgeries in order to repair it, as well as physical therapy.  After lengthy settlement negotiations with the insurance adjuster, Mr. Portner and our paralegal, Amy Patton, managed to settle the case for $100,000.  Our client was extremely pleased with the result in her case.  

What Clients Are Saying May 2016

“I was recommended by a friend to Portner & Shure and I will do the same. I have been very satisfied by the way Christine Airy has helped me though the process. Christine has done an excellent job communicating with me by email, text, calls to keep me informed about my case. I just want to say thank you again Christine for your professionalism and kindness.”

This case was handled by our Paralegal, Christine Airey, who works out of our Columbia, MD Office.

Prior Accidents - How Will They Affect My Maryland Car Accident Case?

• If you've been in prior accidents, it may have an effect on your case, but not always as much, or in the way that you would imagine.
• For example, if you're involved in a case where the other driver claims you are at fault - the fact that you may have caused an accident in the past has absolutely no bearing on fault in your current case.  
• However, if you have sustained injuries in prior accidents, this is likely to be relevant to your current personal injury case.
• If you've ever made a personal injury claim before, most likely, the insurance company for the other driver involved in your accident will be aware of this.
• A prior injury doesn't have to be an insurmountable challenge in your case if its handled the right way.  
• The most important thing for you to do is to be up front with your doctors about any prior injuries, even if you made a full recovery before getting injured again.
• If your doctors are aware of your medical history, their opinions about causation of your current injury will be strengthened.  
• If your doctor does not know about a prior injury, the insurance company may deny the claim, basing it on the fact that your doctor was not aware of your history.
• If you've had a prior injury and you recovered and completed treatment before your current case, it shouldn't present too much of a problem for you.
• It's somewhat more complicated when you are still suffering from an injury, and then you get in another accident.
• While these cases are a little more difficult, you can still make a claim for the exacerbation of your injury and the additional medical treatment you had to get which you would not have needed otherwise.
• Again, being forthcoming with your doctor is key.  
• If you are currently treating with a doctor and sustain a new injury, you should tell that doctor right away so it can be accurately reflected in the medical reports.
• This will be the best way to protect your case.

               If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland car accident due to the negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Rockville or throughout Maryland or visit us online athttp://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/