The Importance of Gap Insurance After a Car Accident

When a person gets a new vehicle, the majority of us want that car to run us as long as possible, the last thing we think of is the possibility of that car being totaled before it is even paid off. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and that’s where the importance of gap insurance comes into play.

If you’re in an accident where your vehicle is totaled and it is not yet paid off, you could still owe thousands of dollars to the lien holder even after the total loss check has been cashed. Insurance companies usually offer the minimum amount of your vehicles value, which is often far less than what you actually paid for the car. This means that not only do you no longer have a vehicle, but you also still have to pay off that car.

However, if you have gap insurance, it will likely pay the difference between whatever the insurance company paid to the lien holder and what you still owe, in order to pay the vehicle off. If you have been injured in an auto accident, call the top rated attorneys of Portner & Shure so we can properly guide you through all the necessary steps and help you fully utilize all coverage that is available.

Horrible Car Accident Leaves Driver in Terrible Condition While Others Sustained Minor Injuries

Injuries ranging from soft tissue injuries such as whiplash to the more serious injuries which involve broken bones, traumatic brain injuries or even fatalities can often result from a car accident. It is not uncommon for a person who leaves the scene of the accident to not experience pain or discomfort until a day or two following the accident.

An example of how different injuries can result from the same car accident is demonstrated by a May 22, 2010, automobile accident that occurred on Route 27 in Frederick County, Maryland. The driver of a Toyota Corolla was traveling on Gillis Falls Road while the driver of a Lexus LS 430 was traveling northbound on Route 27. The preliminary investigation done by the police shows the driver of the Corolla failed to yield to the right of way while trying to cross Route 27. When the two vehicles collided, the Corolla was forced into trees and the driver became trapped inside. Members of the Mount Airy Fire Department had to extricate the driver and he was transported to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore by a Maryland State Police helicopter. The driver of the Lexus and her passenger were taken to Carroll Hospital where they were treated and released with only minor injuries.

This accident is still under investigation by police and they are seeking witnesses who may have seen this collision.

It is imperative that all the rules of the road are followed in order to prevent serious automobile collisions such as this. Traffic control devices are in place to help maintain the flow of traffic in an orderly fashion. Stop signs, yield signs and traffic signals should always be given proper attention. Failure to do so can result in very serious injuries as demonstrated in this scenario.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation. Our Maryland accident lawyers are available to provide answers to any questions you may have.

Drug Suspects Cause Car Accident That Results In Fatality

A few weeks ago, two undercover Baltimore City Police officers witnessed a drug transaction between two suspects on Gwynn Oak Avenue in Northwest Baltimore, Maryland. The suspects attempted to evade the police as they sped away from the scene. They struck a civilian vehicle that was being operated by an elderly couple. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene while the other was transported to Shock Trauma in serious condition.

After searching the vehicle, the suspects were discovered to be in possession of 38 grams of uncut heroin. They are facing serious drug charges fleeing and alluding charges. They need separate defense counsel, since the driver of the vehicle may face more serious charges and the possibility of vehicular manslaughter.

Although the family of the deceased could pursue a wrongful death claim against the drivers automobile insurance carrier it is highly likely that any claim for property damage or personal injuries would be denied since the vehicle was in the commission of a crime when the accident occurred. In other words, because the suspects were evading the police, the insurance carrier may no longer be responsible for any damages caused as a result thereof. However, an Uninsured Motorist Claim may be pursued to help the injured party with medical expenses or even helped the family of the deceased with burial costs. Further, the police department could have some responsibility for the accident if the investigation revealed they did not follow proper protocol.

If you, a family, member or someone you know has been involved in an automobile accident and sustained bodily injuries or if you would like more information on automobile accidents, please contact Portner & Shure. Our Maryland accident lawyers are available to provide you with a free legal consultation.

Rollover Crash Injures 4 People: Is the Driver Responsible for the Car Accident?

In late March, a vehicle traveling on Interstate 70 in Frederick County, Maryland lost control and rolled over several times. In the vehicle were four people. All the individuals in the vehicle were transported to a local hospital for observations. Although the cause of the accident is unclear, the Maryland State Police noted that there was a steady rain falling at the time of the accident which could have attributed to the cause of the accident.

All automobile drivers need to be cautious when driving in adverse weather conditions to avoid automobile accidents. Failure to do so could be deadly or lead to serious bodily injuries. Remember that in heavy rain, a driver still maintains an obligation to drive his car at a reasonable and prudent speed with is consistent with the current weather conditions. In other words, if a driver is traveling at the posted speed limit, he or she can still be found negligent of exceeding a safe speed if the weather conditions are hazardous.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident and are not sure of your legal rights, you may contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation.

Accident Reconstructionist Called in Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Early Thursday morning a pedestrian crossing Branch Avenue in Prince George's County was struck by a vehicle and killed. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene to assist the police officers with the investigation. Branch Avenue was closed in both directions while an accident reconstructionist was summoned.

An accident reconstructionist could help the investigating officers determine what happened. Weather conditions, speed of vehicle, time of day, physical evidence such as skid marks are taken into consideration when an accident is being investigated. An accident reconstructionist should be called in fatal or serious motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured as a pedestrian or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.