What Clients Are Saying December 2016

“So happy to have found this firm. They helped me with all my needs in this difficult time. They guided my through the entire process. A special thanks to Amy P. for dealing with me, as I probably called her a hundred times she always had a positive attitude. I would definitely recommend this place to all of my family & friends. Thanks again for your effort”

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

Employee Spotlight December 2016

We want to congratulate Norma Guevara, a paralegal in our Spanish Department, who was just married. She has been with Portner & Shure for 9 years and we are all so happy for her and her husband. Norma already has two kids and recently adopted a third child. All three of them are happy for their mom and very excited about the marriage. Norma and her husband, Pedro, celebrated their honeymoon on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Congratulations Norma and Pedro!

Litigation News December 2016

On June 24, 2016, our client was involved in a rear-end car accident in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Just this month, Portner & Shure attorney, Kevin Ruby, and our litigation department helped settle this case prior to trial. Initially, Geico denied liability as they typically do in a low-impact rear-end accident. We filed suit to argue this matter in court. With trial just a few weeks away, Geico made an offer to settle the case. After negotiations, a settlement was reached for $7,850.00. Our client was very happy with this result. 

Words to NEVER say to a Liability Carrier

Our first advice is to never talk to a liability carrier, but if you do, here are some things to never say:

1.      Sorry—implies fault

2.      I’m fine—many injuries take time to show up. Oftentimes you feel far worse the next day

3.      Sure, record me—carriers love to obtain recorded statements.  A person making a claim lying or admitting to something will weaken their claim

4.      Whiplash—insurance industry experts say that this throws up red flags that you are exaggerating the severity of the accident  

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, talk to an attorney first. Everything you say to the insurance carrier can be used against you in your case and it can significantly limit any possible recovery. Call Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000; (410) 995-1515.

Is there a Magic Formula for Determining Settlement in a Car Accident Case?

·         We wish; But there is not. If so, all of our negotiations with the carrier would be easy, fun, and cordial, like simply dialing for dollars

·         Instead, negotiations with the carriers often first seem like a chess match. Then, if not resolved, a war.

·         Medical bills, lost wages, the types of injuries suffered, permanency, and property damage all play a role in determining the case value

·         Pain and suffering, if argued effectively, will drastically increase the case value

·         Your attorney’s reputation will impact the settlement value. Don’t choose a lawyer that does not litigate because the insurance carrier will know that and will take that into consideration when evaluating a case for settlement and during negotiations.

·         Call Portner & Shure today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a car accident, (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.