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

Baltimore Batman Struck and Killed on I-70

             Late Sunday night, Batman’s Batmobile started having engine troubles on Interstate 70 near Hagerstown as he was making his way back from a car show in West Virginia.  He tried to pull his car over to the shoulder, but was still partially in the fast lane when the car stopped.  Batman, also known as Lenny Robinson from Owings Mills, was working on his car’s engine, standing in front of the vehicle.  A Toyota Camry crashed into the Batmobile, which in turn ran over Mr. Robinson, tragically killing him at the scene.  He was famous for dressing up as Batman and making appearance at schools to talk about bullying and at children’s hospitals.  Maryland State Police are still investigating the accident to see if any charges need to be filed against the driver of the Toyota.

            

            It is still too early to know the exact cause of the accident.  It does appear that the fact that Mr. Robinson’s vehicle was still partly in lanes of traffic on the highway played a role in the crash.  Police will have to find out if the driver of the Toyota was texting and driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, or doing some other dangerous activity.  Any death that happens on a highway is tragic, but the death of Mr. Robinson is even more so upsetting to the Maryland community because of who he was and what he did.  This accident is just another reminder for drivers on the shoulder that just because you are pulled over does not mean you are out of harm’s way.  People are killed every day by other cars that strike them while they are on the shoulder of a highway.  Anyone on the side of a highway must take proper safety precautions to make sure other drivers can see them (i.e. hazard lights on the car, wearing bright reflective clothing, standing as far away from the lanes of travel as possible, etc.)

If you or a family member has been injured or killed by a driver as a pedestrian 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 Owings Mills or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

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.

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.

Passenger in An Automobile Accident: Who Pays for Your Damages?

Four vehicle crash kills man on Ordance Road in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. On December 9, 2010, William Gruber was travelling East on Ordance Road in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, when he slammed into the rear of a Monte Carlo causing a multi-vehicle chain reaction. Mr. Gruber's vehicle then spun out of control and across the roadway into the westbound traffic striking another vehicle. Mr. Gruber was pinned in his vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by county firefighters. Preliminary investigation indicates that Gruber may have been under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance. Gruber's passenger, Donte Edward Taylor suffered serious injuries and was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he remains in serious condition. The State Highway Administration reports that this is the second fatal crash on that stretch of road in less than two years. While traffic can be heavy through that area it depends on the time of day. Lt. John McAndrew, an officer with the county olice department's traffic division said Ordance Road isn't a particularly dangerous road.

In the event that you are a passenger in a vehicle that is at fault for a collision, it is important to understand what rights may exist. Passengers in vehicles that are involved in car accidents can generally obtain a recovery from one of the vehicles involved. At times, this places the passenger in the uncomfortable situation of suing his own friend or relative, who was driving, for personal injuries. In most personal injury cases, this means going against that persons insurance carrier, not them personally. The distinction means that the passenger's bodily injury claim does not usually affect their friends or family members assets. It is important to understand that because the passenger may have a claim against the driver of the car he was in, he needs to be represented in all instances by a different attorney. At this time the police are still investigating the above motor vehicle accident. Once their investigation is complete, the State Highway Administration will conduct their own investigation into the crash. In the meantime, the passenger should obtain his own attorney, one different from the drivers.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a car accident or you were a passenger in a motor vehicle involved in an automobile accident or would like more information on automobile accidents, please visit us on the web at www.portnerandshure.com, our Maryland car accident lawyers can provide a free legal consultation.