Most clients want to know, "what is my case worth?" http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents There are many factors affecting the value of your case. The settlement value is simply a prediction of what a judge or jury would decide your case is worth. There is no specific formula to assess case value because every Plaintiff is different. The overall health of one Plaintiff over another can affect the value of a case. Pre-existing injuries and illnesses in one Plaintiff may reduce the value of their case over a Plaintiff with perfect health even in identical accidents.
When negotiating cases, there are several factors to consider that may add or detract value. These factors are the type of injury sustained in the accident; the economic damages suffered (medical expenses, lost wages); the amount of available insurance coverage (liability limits); how strong is the liability in your case and how clear is the causal connection between the accident and your injuries. Having witnesses is not enough, you must consider the credibility of the witnesses. And finally, jury perception. Believe it or not, while "justice is blind," the expected jury perceptions of the Plaintiff have to be considered when attempting to value a claim. Different juries can award different verdicts for the same accident. Plaintiffs do well in more liberal venues such as Baltimore City and Prince George's County. But Plaintiff in conservative venues such as Anne Arundel County and Howard County may not do as well.
Attorneys have to consider all of these factors and determine a "fair and reasonable" value for a case. Don't be discouraged, statistical data shows that Maryland Plaintiffs are successful about 85% of the time in automobile accident cases. The average jury award is between $10,000.00 and $12,000.00 based on the above factors. When compared to other types of personal injury cases, such as medical malpractice, Maryland is getting pretty good results even if a lawyer cannot give you a number when you ask "How much is my case worth?"
What is the real motivation behind the mobile speed cameras and red light cameras? Is it safety? Does it decrease accidents caused by drinking and driving. Money? I think that there would be less accidents and congestion at the Liberty Road exit if the mobile speed camera was removed. The speed camera's flashing lights surprise people. I would not be surprised at all if the flashing lights from a speed camera caused apprehension in drivers and resulted in accidents. Ironically, that is exactly what one would expect to happen with young drivers. Percentage wise, younger drivers are involved in more serious accidents than experienced drivers. Red light cameras can have the same effect. Imagine if a driver was traveling on a road with a 35mph speed limit at an intersection he or she knows has a red light camera. What happens if, as this driver approaches the intersection, the light suddenly turns yellow? In most instances the driver would proceed through the yellow light and doing so would be both safe and lawful. However, the apprehension associated with getting a red light ticket may cause the driver to come to a sudden stop. This reaction is unsafe to other drivers and could lead to an automobile accident. I am not the only one with this opinion. Many people are opponents of speed cameras and red light cameras. Unfortunately, the State of Maryland needs revenue and the cameras provide it.
Road workers throughout the United States are often struck during the course of their jobs. Additionally, they often cause other cars to strike each other because the work area is not properly designated or marked. Many of these automobile accidents often lead to tragedies. However, they can be avoided if the road workers are more familiar with, and follow safety procedures. In addition to State highway workers, companies that contract for road work are given copies of the safety rules.
A contractor was killed on Eastbound Rt. 50 when he was either deploying or retrieving traffic counting equipment. The employee was wearing reflective clothing. Safety rules require a spotter to assist the worker in these situations. No spotter was used. Further, State highway needs to be notified ahead of time before contractors begin work. They can often lend support. In this instance, they were not called. In addition, to aid drivers, and workers, the rules state the shoulder should be marked off with a tapered line of orange cones blocking off the crew's vehicle, along with a sign warning of shoulder work. Neither was done in this case.
In appears that the State Highway Administration rules for traffic work are routinely broken. As a result, serious accidents occur. If you are involved in any accident and believe it occurred due to the negligence of a highway worker call a Maryland accident attorney at Portner & Shure for a free consultation.
