Recent Case Results April 2018

Back in March of 2016, one of our clients was involved in a horrific rear-end accident. The van that struck him had an impact so great that Jaws of Life were required to free him from the vehicle. The accident left him with a back that was broken in two places, internal bleeding, and a collapsed lung. Needless to say, our client needed extensive medical attention. After a significant amount of treatment, our client was starting to feel considerably normal. It was then that our Senior Claims Paralegal, Amy Greenwood, was able to settle this claim by obtaining the defendants policy limit. Our client was more than appreciative for the work and time that Amy and Portner & Shure had put into his case.

Employee Spotlight April 2018

Maria Lizarzaburu, works in the Frederick office. She has been with Portner & Shure since October 2016. Born in Peru where she lived for 10 years then moved to Maryland. Her family means everything to her, has a 10 year old son and recently married her childhood friend from Peru.

She loves helping people which makes her great with our clients. She is a paralegal assistant to Mrs. Jennifer Sauer. She enjoys the simple things in life and seeing other people happy. It’s been a pleasure having her as a part of our team.

What Happens When You’re the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?

You are always told to get the information from the driver that hit us in an accident, which includes their name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license information. But in a hit-and-run, you are left with no information and no one to call.

Actually, in situations where you are injured in an accident and have no information for the driver responsible, you do have another option to recover compensation

Your own car insurance policy includes something called uninsured motorist coverage. First, the accident should be reported to the police so it can be verified that there was an accident and the other driver had no insurance.

Second, when the responsible party’s information is unknown, you have the recourse available to set up an uninsured motorist claim, or UM claim to recover compensation for your injuries.

Complicated accidents like hit-and-runs require you to have an experienced attorney like those at Portner & Shure, to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Recent Case Results December 2017

On July 6^th, our client was riding as a passenger in a vehicle that was rear ended by a Taxi. The impact was so great it left her with excruciating pain to her neck, back, and chest. Once our client was through with treatment, we submitted her demand to the liable party’s insurance company as we always do. However, after several months of haggling with the insurance company and no offers yet on the table, our litigation team decided to put this case into suit. After the case was tried, we went from having no offers, to having a court award of $17,230.00 plus costs. Although it was a long process, our client was very pleased she had Portner & Shure to be her advocate. 

What Clients are Saying October 2017

Jonathan Portner and his co-worker Grace were extremely professional and helpful with my case.
I am very pleased with the services that I have received. I highly recommend!!!

This case was handled by our paralegal, Grace Chung, who works out of our Columbia, MD office. 

Maryland Governor Announces Decrease in Tolls on Bay Bridge and ICC Among Others

Early Thursday morning, a meeting took place where it was decided that multiple tolls across the state would be reduced.  This move was in large part done by Governor Hogan to show Marylanders he really meant it when he promised lower fees across the state after seeing them increase under former Governor O’Malley.  The $6 toll to travel on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge will now be $4.  For those with an EZ-Pass, the toll changes from $5.40 to $2.50, a 37.5 percent discount round trip. 

            Other changes that will happen include: eliminating the EZ-Pass Maryland monthly $1.50 account fee, increasing the EZ-Pass Maryland discount from 10% to 25% for the Baltimore Harbor and Fort McHenry Tunnels, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge, and the JFK Memorial Highway (I-95), establishing a 30% discount at the Hatem Bridge for 3- and 4-axle vehicles with a Maryland EZ-Pass (3-axle drops from $16 to $11.20 and 4-axle drops from $24 to $16.80).

            One final major change to take effect involves the ICC and I-95 express lanes.  Two-axle toll rates on the ICC and I-95 Express Toll Lanes for all pricing periods will be reduced by $0.03 per mile.  On the ICC, that translates to a peak period change from $4.40 to $3.86.  On the I-95 Express Lanes, that translates to a peak period change from $1.75 to $1.54.

            All of these changes take effect starting July 1, 2015.  This will certainly be welcome news for all Marylanders who have seen toll rates steadily increase over the last several years.  With lower tolls on many Maryland roads, bridges, and tunnels, more drivers could be tempted to try express lanes to avoid traffic congestion.  If this occurs, traffic-related accidents could decrease and fewer people will be injured in these types of accidents.

            However, 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 personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/

Maryland Auto Accident Lawyer

Visit us at:  www.portnerandshure.com

or call to speak with one of our experienced Maryland auto accident attorneys at (301) 854-9000 for a free consultation.

Insure.com conducted a survey of 2,000 drivers in which Washington, D.C. recently placed second for rudest drivers in the United States.  In addition, Maryland was named as the state that hates Washington, D.C. drivers the most.

Furthermore, the DriverSide study ranked Washington, D.C. as number one in speeding tickets per capita.  Several D.C. residents claim that many drivers fail to signal when changing lanes and there is always someone driving behind you wanting to run you off the road.

These recent poll results raise concerns about Maryland drivers because there is a higher risk of becoming an accident victim.  Due to Maryland's close proximity to Washington, D.C., Maryland drivers have an increased risk of being a victim of reckless driving.  It is important for Maryland drivers to know what to do if they are a victim of an automobile accident.

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 (301) 854-9000 or visit us on the web at www.portnerandshure.com