Glen Burnie, Maryland Accident Injury Lawyer: Recent Case Result October 2015

             Recently, Portner & Shure settled an auto accident case from November 2014 for $100,000 for our client who suffered devastating injuries in a head-on crash by a drunk driver in Maryland.  Our client was in the car along with other members of her family, and their vehicle was trying to make a left turn, when all of a sudden, a drunk driver crossed over the center line and plowed into them.  The drunk driver was arrested as a result.  There is no liability dispute in this case. 

            

             Our client suffered a fractured left upper arm and right ankle.  Our client also required an open reduction and internal fixation of her right ankle and her left humerus, which left her completely immobile and unable to walk.  The negotiation process in this case lasted well over one year, and was finally able to settle this month.  Christine Airey worked tirelessly negotiating with the insurance carriers to obtain a great settlement for this client.

Deadly Head-On Accident in Anne Arundel County, Maryland Attributed to Speeding

           Earlier this week, a woman was killed in a head-on accident at Burns Crossing Road and Annapolis Road in Anne Arundel County.  Police have determined that speed was the cause of the accident.  An SUV with a man and two children in it was speeding around a curve on Burns Crossing Road and crossed over the center double yellow lines.  As the SUV made its way around the curve, it struck an oncoming car head-on.  There was a woman inside that car, and she tragically lost her life in the devastating crash.  The man and the children in the SUV were flown to nearby hospitals with life-threatening injuries. 

As we often write about, head-on collisions are the most dangerous types of accidents because the resulting injuries are always life-threatening.  When high speed is a factor in a head-on collision, the outcomes almost always include fatalities because the resulting force when two cars travelling at a high speed collide into one another is so extreme.  These types of fatal car accidents happen far too often throughout Maryland.  Maryland’s Department of Transportation continues to have a goal of zero deaths on Maryland’s roadways and is working tirelessly to improve the roads and make them safer for everyone.   Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is devastating for any family.  No amount of money will ever replace losing that person.  In a wrongful death case, the law allows for surviving estates to collect a financial recovery when a negligent party is held liable for the cause of the death.  Compensation for damages can include: loss of services, loss of future income, mental anguish, medical expenses, funeral expenses, and punitive damages.  In this accident, it appears that the negligent party was also the one who did not survive the accident.

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

Deadly Head-On Accident in Glen Burnie, Maryland

           Early Wednesday evening, a Volkswagen Passat and a Toyota 4Runner crashed head on into one another.  Sadly, the driver of the 4Runner did not survive the crash after his SUV overturned on Furnace Brand Road.  The driver and three children passengers in the other vehicle only suffered minor injuries.

            

           After examining the accident scene, police believe that the SUV was driving east on Furnace Branch Road when he drifted over the center line into oncoming traffic.  Based on that information, police have announced that the official preliminary cause of the crash appears to be the SUV driver’s failure to stay within his lane of travel.  Police did not find any evidence of speeding or alcohol contributing to the accident, and everyone in the two vehicles was wearing a seatbelt. 

Fatal car accidents happen far too often throughout Maryland.  The state’s Department of Transportation continues to have a goal of zero deaths on Maryland’s roadways and is working tirelessly to improve the roads and make them safer for everyone.   Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is devastating for any family.  No amount of money will ever replace losing that person.  In a wrongful death case, the law allows for surviving estates to collect a financial recovery when a negligent party is held liable for the cause of the death.  Compensation for damages can include: loss of services, loss of future income, mental anguish, medical expenses, funeral expenses, and punitive damages.  In this accident, it appears that the negligent party was also the one who did not survive the accident.

           

            If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Glen Burnie or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Car-Accidents/Fatal-Car-Accidents.shtml

What Clients Are Saying August 2015

“This was honestly the easiest, pain free experience of my life. I was in a car accident and I was advised to get an attorney. I had the pleasure of working with Christina Ruhl. She was the best person to have on my side. She always answered any questions or concerns that I had, even if it was a smaller question, she was there for me. I received an even bigger settlement than I expected which was extra nice. They were able to work with me, and instead of having the check mailed to me which would have taken longer, they allowed me to come pick it up at the office on my lunch break. It was the smoothest process I could have ever imagined. I still can't thank her enough. They literally took care of everything. I just sat back and got updates.”

This case was handled by our Associate Attorney, Christina Ruhl.

Deadly Accident on I-70 Caused by Car Driving Wrong Way

            Overnight, a tractor trailer and a car travelling the wrong way collided on Interstate 70 just past Frederick, Maryland.  The truck driver did not survive the crash after it hit a bridge abutment.  One of the passengers in the car also did not survive.  The other person in the car suffered serious injuries and is being treated at the hospital.  Police are still investigating this accident to figure out why the car was driving the wrong way on the highway.  With the collision occurring at 2:30am, alcohol being a factor certainly comes into question as well as drowsiness on the part of the tractor trailer driver and the car driver.

            

             Accidents involving tractor trailers always produce much more severe damage and injuries due to the power and large size of the trucks.  The most common cause of accidents involving tractor trailers is driver fatigue.  Oftentimes, truck drivers are forced to drive long shifts to meet a deadline and will not take a break to rest because they want to get to the destination on time. 

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

Maryland Live! Casino Faces Lawsuit: Man Alleges Roulette Ball Struck Eye

            A lawsuit has been filed by a Washington, D.C. man based on allegations that he was injured after a roulette ball hit his eye.  In December 2013, a Maryland Live! Employee was operating the roulette wheel and according to the man, the employee “negligently” caused the roulette ball to go airborne and hit the man’s left eye.  After injuring his eye, the man also alleges that another casino employee squeezed eye drops into his eye without his permission.  The drops then allegedly caused him to become “disoriented” and made him hit his head and become unconscious.  The Washington, D.C. man is suing the casino as well as the developer, the Cordish Companies, for $150,000.  Last week, Cordish Companies attorneys tried to get the lawsuit dismissed, but a judge denied their motion.

            

            This is certainly an interesting case because we would never expect a lawsuit arising out of a game of roulette in a casino.  Due to the alleged negligent operation of the roulette wheel, the ball went airborne and struck the plaintiff, immediately causing “sharp and severe pain” and disorientation.  A casino security guard then escorted the plaintiff to a private room to lay down, however, the guard proceeded to administer eye drops without the plaintiff’s consent.  Because of a contusion in the injured eye, the drops exacerbated the problem, causing blurriness and more pain.  The lawsuit claims, the “unwanted and willful act of placing unidentified liquid directly into Plaintiff’s eye amounted to a battery to his person done in wanton and reckless disregard for plaintiff's rights to be free of unsolicited medical treatment and/or other batteries to his person and rise therefore to the level of malice.” 

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another person or a failure to maintain safe premises please call us today at (301) 854-9000 to set up an appointment at one of our office locations located in Glen Burnie or throughout the rest of Maryland for a free case evaluation or visit us online: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/Premises-Liability.shtml

Giant Water Slide Coming to Baltimore this Weekend

          With this stretch of beautiful sunny weather expected to continue through most of the weekend, the Urban Slide is coming to Baltimore.  A 1,000 foot long water slide will arrive tomorrow along N. Eutaw Street near Dolphin Street.  The length of the water slide is about three football fields long.  The event organizers claim that there is as special water mist and soap mixture to make the slide wet and slippery. 

            

          Anyone planning to attend can do so on Saturday from 12-6:30pm and 7-9pm, or on Sunday from 10am-5pm.  Tickets cost $16 for a single trip, $30 for three trips, $38 for unlimited trips during the day, and $32 for unlimited trips at night.  Inner tubes are not included in the price, but can be purchased at the event if you do not bring one with you.  This will be a very fun event for people of all ages to enjoy this weekend in the city.  If you are not sure about what this slide will look like, here is a link to a video posted by the event organizers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWxVJMfFjnA

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another person or a failure to maintain safe premises please call us today at (301) 854-9000 to set up an appointment at one of our office locations located in Baltimore or throughout the rest of Maryland for a free case evaluation or visit us online: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/Premises-Liability.shtml

Travel Safely Over the Bay Bridge This Holiday Weekend

            Many people will be driving to the beaches for 4^th of July this weekend and Portner & Shure wants to give drivers some tips on how to avoid an accident on the Bay Bridge.  More than 27 million vehicles cross the Bay Bridge every year.  The bridge receives heavy traffic volumes during the summer, and because of its 4 mile span and its height above the water, it is considered one of the scariest bridges in the world.

            

           Tragically, numerous fatal accidents involving people and cars being knocked off the bridge into the water.  The Bay Bridge lacks shoulders for disabled vehicles to stop in, which increases the risk of a serious accident when other drivers are not paying attention.  In the decade spanning from 2002 to 2012, there were about 62 accidents on the bridge each year.  The two spots on the bridge with the most accidents were on the eastbound side between the toll plaza and the curve and where the bridge curves left.  Some drivers and AAA officials want to see speed cameras installed to really deter drivers from speeding across the bridge since it is extremely difficult for police to patrol the bridge.  Unfortunately, Maryland law limits these types of cameras to school zones and work zones.

            

          Driving tips that are always offered no matter where you are driving also apply for the Bay Bridge.  For example, drivers should abide by the speed limit, avoid distractions in the car, wear your seatbelt, and do not tailgate.  Another way to help avoid a serious accident on the bridge is to travel during non-peak times.  The Maryland Transportation Authority says the best times to cross the bridge this holiday weekend is Thursday before 10am and after 10pm, Friday before 7am and after 8pm, Saturday before 10am and after 5pm, and Sunday before 10am and after 10pm.  The most popular travel days will be Thursday and Friday because most people want to get to the beach before the 4^th.

            

          If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident along the Bay Bridge that is caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us 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/

Employee Spotlight April 2015

Amy Patton, our newest Senior Claims Paralegal, boasts nearly a decade of experience handling personal injury claims for one of the ten largest firms in Baltimore.  During that time, Amy handled and settled automobile accident claims, slip and fall cases, products' liability and truck accident claims.  She has helped recover countless favorable settlements for many victims of catastrophic injuries. Last year alone, her recoveries exceeded one-half million dollars. In the process, Amy has displayed empathy to each of her clients, regardless of the extent of their injuries. Her countless referrals reiterate that all of her clients appreciated the high level of attention given to each of her claims.

In addition to the job training, Amy obtained a degree in Paralegal Studies, graduating with honors.  Amy is also one of the founding campus members of Lambda Epsilon Chi, which is the National Academic Honor Society for Paralegal Students.  Periodically, she still attends events for The National Honor Society to help students eager to become Paralegals.  After completing her Associates of Arts Degree, she continued her education at the University of Baltimore and will be graduating soon with a four year degree.

In her spare time, Amy plays beach and indoor volleyball.  She also currently trains at Cross Fit with other members of the law firm.

Annapolis, Maryland Auto Accident Attorney

Visit us at:  www.portnerandshure.com

or call to speak with one of our experienced Annapolis, Maryland auto accident attorneys at (410) 995-1515 for a free consultation.

3 Things You Need to Know After an Accident

When you are involved in an auto accident, the steps you take after that accident can be essential to the outcome of your case. In order to protect your claim, follow these three tips:

1)     Don't Speak: It is important to understand that when then insurance company calls to speak with you, they are working against your claim. This means that the information that you give them is information that can be used against you. As a layman, you may not realize what kind of information is harmful or helpful to your case. Because of this, it is essential that you find the help of an experienced Annapolis, Maryland auto accident attorney who can advise you. Furthermore, a car accident lawyer can speak to the insurance company for you so that you will not make the mistake of revealing too much information. Not speaking to the insurance company is especially important for those who do not speak English fluently or speak English as a second language. The insurance company may take advantage of the language barrier to obtain information they can use against you.

2)     Focus on Treatment: When you are treating for your injuries, you must listen to the advice of your doctor. Do not attempt self-diagnosis or stop treatment before your doctor advises you that you no longer need further treatment. Some clients make the mistake of ending their treatment process early and later discover that they are not fully recovered. By this time, it may be too late for those clients to make a claim for the treatment they subsequently receive. Don't make this mistake and risk your claim - listen to the advice of your doctor.

3)     Don't Rush: The settlement process takes time. Our experienced Annapolis, Maryland car accident attorneys are skilled in the delicate art of negotiation. Oftentimes, this includes waiting out the insurance company to make them nervous. Because of this, it is important for clients to be patient and allow the attorney to obtain the most for your claim. 

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, truck, bus or motorcycle accident, and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on car accidents please feel free to contact our office at (410) 995-1515 or visit us on the web at www.portnerandshure.com