Injured by a Car While Cycling? What You Need to Know

Cycling is fun, great exercise, and good for the environment, but it can also be quite dangerous. Accidents between motor vehicles and bicycles are sadly very common. In fact, just a few days ago, there was a tragic fatal accident involving a bicyclist in Towson and one of the drivers that hit him fled the scene. In the last five years, over 3,800 crashes between bikes and cars have been reported in Maryland, with over 3,000 of these crashes resulting in injuries and 30 fatalities. In a contest between a two ton motor vehicle and a cyclist protected only by a helmet, it's not surprising that these crashes overwhelmingly result in injury to the cyclist.

If you've been injured by a car while riding your bike, you need to know that you have the same rights as a driver of a motor vehicle, in terms of your use of the road and compensation for your injuries. Bicycles are treated as motor vehicles under Maryland law, giving cyclists the right to use the road, but also holding them to the same obligations to follow traffic signals. While cyclists are required to ride as close as practical to the right side of the road, motor vehicles must provide at least three feet of space when passing. If you're struck while safely riding your bike on the side of the road, the motorist most likely violated the three foot rule and you will be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including your medical expenses, time lost from work, and your pain and suffering.

IF you've been injured in a cycling accident, call the experienced attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

Construction Zones Cause a Significant Amount of Accidents--Here's Why

Construction zones are often seen throughout the Maryland area. If you have driven on I-95 or I-695 you likely have seen these construction zones. Although construction zones are a sign of good things to come, including safer roadways, wider lanes, and smooth pavement, these work areas also have negative consequences.

With construction zones come new traffic patterns and lane closures. That means that many drivers will be unfamiliar with any lane shifts or changes in speed limits. When you combine new traffic patterns, lane closures, and reduced speed limits, accidents often result. Some drivers will slam on their brakes as they approach a work zone, for fear of speed camera ticket, but this sudden stop often causes a chain reaction of sudden stops, and "BANG," someone is rear-ended. Other drivers approach work zones a bit differently, and instead, drive aggressively, weaving in and out of solid lane markings. This too causes many auto accidents. Finally, construction zones add to the already heavily congested rush hour traffic, and the stop-and-go nature of this traffic, combined with new traffic patterns, often results in rear-end accidents.

Drivers should always remember to approach work zones with caution, but also, drivers should not panic and make drastic moves. Construction zones can be a nightmare for a drivers, and that nightmare can be made worse with an accident.

If you've been injured in an accident in a construction zone in Maryland, call the experienced attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

Memorial Day Weekend Car Accidents on the Eastern Shore--Why a Local Law Firm is Important

As we approach the Memorial Day holiday weekend, drivers that are headed to the beaches on the Eastern Shore of Maryland should remember to pay extra attention on the roads as traffic congestion is sure to be a problem. Distractions in the car, such as cell phones, should never be used, especially when driving in heavy holiday weekend traffic.

Those traveling to the Eastern Shore for the holiday weekend are more likely to be driving than taking any other mode of transportation. For that reason, traffic congestion will be a problem, as it is every year. As many of us know, the drive to the beaches includes long stretches of single lane roads in rural areas. Some of the worst accidents have occurred on these roads, especially head-on collisions. When an accident occurs and the occupants are injured, you may not know what to do because you may feel like you are in the middle nowhere. You should always call the police after an accident, especially when there are injuries. The next step will involve emergency medical treatment, as well as contacting a law firm.

There are numerous law firms to choose from for an accident case in Maryland, but there are many advantages to choosing a local firm that is in the area on the Eastern Shore where the accident happened. The local knowledge of the lawyers, including information about judges, opposing counsel, and the roads can give you a big advantage when it comes to negotiating a settlement or trying your case in court. A firm that says that they can represent someone on the Eastern Shore, but yet does not have an office or any connections to that area is doing a disservice to their client. In order to maximize compensation, your attorney will need every advantage they can get.

If you suffer injuries in an Eastern Shore accident this Memorial Day Weekend, call the local Eastern Shore attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

Did the Insurance Company Rush You Into a Settlement? You May Be Able to Void it!

Did you or a loved one agree to settle a personal injury case without the advice of an attorney only to realize that the insurance company gave you a bad deal? Or did you discover that your injuries are more severe than you had originally thought and the settlement isn't enough to cover your medical bills?

Unfortunately, car accident victims are faced with these dilemmas nearly everyday. Insurance companies love to try and settle out a claim as quickly as possible and will do so by paying as little as possible to the injured accident victim. Anyone faced with these problems would most likely believe that they are out of luck and have no turning back after accepting a settlement soon after an accident. Most law firms will likely reject your case because you have already signed a release form.

In Maryland, there is a law in place that does offer protection to injured accident victims if they are rushed into settling with an insurance company and quickly asked to sign a release. In most cases, a signed settlement with release is enforceable and cannot be voided. However, there are situations where you may be able to void a signed settlement. If you were offered a settlement and signed a release within 30 days of an accident without ever contacting an attorney, Maryland law gives you 60 days to rescind your agreement and void the settlement. This would allow you to hire representation  in order to obtain compensation that truly covers your medical bills and pain and suffering.

If you were injured in an accident in Maryland and an insurance company rushed you into a settlement that you do not believe is fair, call Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

What Happens if the Liability Insurance Company Refuses to Make a Settlement Offer?

Not all car accidents are created equal. Some accidents result in minimal property damage to your car. The important thing to remember is that injuries suffered by drivers or occupants of a vehicle do not always correspond to the vehicle damage. Some accident victims suffer serious injuries in accidents where there is very little property damage. And sometimes accident victims suffer minimal injuries when there is significant property damage.

Over the years, many insurance companies have implemented policies where they will deny liability or refuse to make an offer of settlement in cases where there is minimal property damage. In other words, insurance companies seem to believe that in accidents with very little property damage, it it impossible for someone to suffer significant injuries. This can be very frustrating to work with because property damage does not always correlate to injuries. Unfortunately, in these types of cases, it does take a bit longer to resolve the case because, ultimately, suit must be filed in order to get an offer of settlement from the insurance company. We are never afraid to file suit and battle the insurance carrier in court. If you choose us as your attorneys, it will not matter that there was minimal property damage because as long as you have documented injuries related to the accident, it is very difficult for the insurance company to make a counterargument.

If you've been injured in an accident with low property damage, contact us today for a free consultation and rest assured that we will fight for the compensation you deserve. (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

Recent Case Result January 2017

Earlier this month, our litigation team earned a big win against Allstate for an accident case in Montgomery County, Maryland. Our client was driving straight in the right lane and the defendant was driving in the left lane. The defendant quickly decided to speed up and make a right turn in front of our client’s vehicle, causing a collision. Our client suffered significant injuries and missed several weeks of work as a result of the accident. Allstate made a single offer of $10,000.00 in the case, but refused to negotiate. We filed suit and the court awarded our client nearly $30,000.00. Our client was extremely happy with this result.

Why Jurors or the Insurance Company Should Give You Damages in Your Personal Injury Case

Everyone who is hurt in an accident believes they are entitled to recover. Recoveries vary greatly from one jury to another, as well as from one insurance adjuster to another. Some attorneys believe that's just the way the system operates, by chance. Not true, a true understanding of what motivates people to give money in accident cases makes all the difference in the world.

First, the adjuster or juror must be persuaded that the money will help. For example, it will go to medical expenses, future care, or lost wages. That's the easy one. Second, and more difficult, is convincing the adjuster or juror that they need to make up for the harm that was caused by the accident. To do this effectively the lawyer must understand what will emotionally move the person paying the money based on the facts presented. For example, was the defendant not acting responsibly, and worse did the defendant take actions to evade responsibility. If so, the argument for more compensation gets easier. Additionally, was the defendant dishonest, not sorry, callus, or hostile? All of the above are motivating factors to increase your recovery. To explore these motivating factors look closely at the defendants overall conduct immediately after the accident, during the deposition or even at trial.

Jurors and adjusters are regular people. They get angry when people don't stand up and accept responsibility. The get angrier when that same person avoids responsibility at someone elses expense. For example, first, the defendant, fails to accept responsibility by following the proper rules of the road, then because he was in a rush ran the red light. Worse, the defendant further tries to avoid responsibility by never admitting any wrong doing.

Your own likability matters. Attorneys often forget that the value of the case is often judged by how the injured person comes across. It is basic human nature, if the injured person is more likable the recovery is often greater. Hence, why you are trying to find motivational reasons for not liking the defendant, you must not forget that it is important to come across as a good person. Pay careful attention to how you dress or act when meeting an adjuster, or going before a jury.

If you or a relative of yours has been injured in an accident, please contact Portner & Shure for more information.

Jurors and adjusters are regular people. They get angry when people don't stand up and accept responsibility. The get angrier when that same person avoids responsibility at someone elses expense. For example, first, the defendant, fails to accept responsibility by following the proper rules of the road, then because he was in a rush ran the red light. Worse, the defendant further tries to avoid responsibility by never admitting any wrong doing.

Your own likability matters. Attorneys often forget that the value of the case is often judged by how the injured person comes across. It is basic human nature, if the injured person is more likable the recovery is often greater. Hence, why you are trying to find motivational reasons for not liking the defendant, you must not forget that it is important to come across as a good person. Pay careful attention to how you dress or act when meeting an adjuster, or going before a jury.

If you or a relative of yours has been injured in an accident, please contact Portner & Shure for more information.