Litigation News April 2017

On March 6, 2015, our client was involved in a rear-end accident when she was stopped at a red light in Montgomery County, Maryland. She suffered injuries to her neck, back, and legs. An offer of $4,300.00 was made to settle the case, but this was less than half the total of our client’s medical bills. Our client rejected this offer and we filed suit to handle this matter in court. The District Court Judge awarded our client $14,758.40 plus all court costs. Here, the insurance company refused to make a good-faith offer of settlement, and as a result, they lost in Court and were required to compensate our client more than $10,000.00 more than their highest offer. Our client was very happy with this result in her case.

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents are Rising Dangerously

A new study has been released, which shows that the number of fatal pedestrian accidents has risen dramatically over the last two years. The numbers released in the study are very surprising considering all the advances made in vehicle safety. Since 2014, the number of fatal pedestrian accidents has risen 22%. In 2015, pedestrian fatalities numbered 5,376 and in 2016, it was projected that there were 5,997 pedestrian fatalities occurred.

What's behind this recent spike in pedestrian-involved fatal accidents? Distracted drivers are a major cause of the dramatic increase in fatal pedestrian accidents. Cars may have become safer with more and more features installed to prevent accidents, but they cannot provide much help if the driver is not even paying attention to the road ahead. Distracted driving is a major cause of countless accidents on the road. Drivers using their cell phone to text, talk to someone, get directions, or even take pictures are all resulting in accidents, especially pedestrians. These accidents are not just occurring in big cities, but also happening more in rural areas. Pedestrians cannot just assume that because they have the walking signal that a driver will automatically give them the right of way because that driver may not even be paying attention.

Next time you cross the street, look both ways and beware of distracted drivers. You may see them, but drivers may not see you because their head is buried looking down at their cell phone. Stay safe as you cross the street, and always remember to cross with the signal and stay inside the crosswalk.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, call the attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

Litigation News December 2016

On June 24, 2016, our client was involved in a rear-end car accident in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Just this month, Portner & Shure attorney, Kevin Ruby, and our litigation department helped settle this case prior to trial. Initially, Geico denied liability as they typically do in a low-impact rear-end accident. We filed suit to argue this matter in court. With trial just a few weeks away, Geico made an offer to settle the case. After negotiations, a settlement was reached for $7,850.00. Our client was very happy with this result. 

Maryland Car Accident Lawyer: Important Steps to Remember for Safe and Responsible Driving

             The last week, Maryland drivers have been battling snow and ice on the roads.  As the mounds of snow begin to melt and everyone gets back into their normal driving routines, it is important to remember to drive responsibly.

    ·         Maintain your vehicle: All vehicles require regular service to keep the vehicle on the road longer and to prevent any safety concerns.  Important parts such as tires, brakes, lights, wipers, and fluid levels are crucial for driving safely on the road.  Without proper maintenance, your chances of getting into an accident are much higher.

    ·         Stay focused and keep distractions to a minimum:  it is extremely important to pay attention to the road in front of you as well as the other vehicles surrounding you.  Distractions such as cell phones, passengers in the car, and music can lead to an accident.  Do not text or talk on the phone while driving.

   

    ·         Avoid driving recklessly: The most common reckless driving behavior and leading cause for fatal accidents is speeding.  Speed limits are in place for one reason: safety.  When drivers go well above the speed limit, they have very little control over their vehicle.  Another form of reckless driving is tailgating.  We have all been stuck behind one of those cars that drives under the speed limit and you cannot get around them.  Many of us think the best thing to do is drive very close to their bumper because we think it will make them drive faster.  That simply is not safe at all because if that car stops suddenly, it is impossible for you to stop without hitting them.  It is always important to maintain a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you, especially in wet weather.

    

    ·         Always wear your seatbelt: The one safety device in a car that saves the most lives is the seatbelt.  Countless accident victims were either seriously injured or killed because they were not wearing their seatbelt.  These devices were created in order to protect people in the event of an accident.  If you do not use your seatbelt, there is nothing stopping you from going through the windshield.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland car accident due to the negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Rockville or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/

Maryland Car Accident Lawyer: Employee Spotlight January 2016

Sharina Taveras Lopez, one of our bilingual receptionists and legal assistants, has been an integral member of the Portner & Shure family.  She and her family moved to New York from the Dominican Republic when she was 11 years old for a better education.  She later moved to Providence, Rhode Island with her parents, and became very involved in the Latino community. Part of her involvement included campaigning to help three Latino leaders get elected to the Senate, Secretary of State, and Mayor for the city of Providence. In addition, Sharina taught English to Spanish speaking people at the church in her community.

Sharina graduated from Juanita Sanchez High School in 2011 as a Valedictorian. Later that year, she moved to Westminster, Maryland to pursue a Communication and Spanish Literature Double Major with a Minor in Journalism. Sharina graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree and Magna Cum Laude Honors. She recently married and relocated to Ellicott City, Maryland.  

Portner & Shure Employee Spotlight: February 2015

           Bartola Flores has worked at Portner & Shure for approximately three years as a Spanish translator and legal assistant.  More than ten years ago, she came to the United States from El Salvador and did not speak any English.  She attended community college and studied business administration while learning English.  Family is something that is very important to Bartola.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 8 year-old son, Diego.  She also stays busy by playing video games with Diego and taking him to soccer and swimming.

Just recently, she began working with Portner & Shure’s Spanish social media and online marketing departments, in addition to her normal work on various personal injury claims.  She is now transitioning from a legal assistant to our Spanish Marketing Coordinator.  She maintains our auto accident, criminal, and DUI Spanish blogs.  In addition, she produces and edits YouTube videos and tweets on the firm’s Spanish Twitter account.  While you will never see Bartola in any of the videos, just know that she is involved in every video Portner & Shure posts to its YouTube channel.  She will certainly have her hands full with these new roles, but she says that she enjoys everything she takes on at Portner & Shure.  As a result of her hard work, Portner & Shure is currently on the first page of any internet search for a Spanish-speaking accident lawyer in Maryland or Virginia. 

 

New Report Lists 9 Vehicle Models with 0 Highway Deaths

         The number of deaths occurring in automobile accidents on highways has decreased significantly in the last several years.  The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) just published their report for the 2011 model-year of cars.  A “record total” of nine models sold in 2011 have had a death rate of zero, meaning nobody died in a crash while in those vehicles.  The main reasons for fewer car accident deaths are due to improved vehicle design and safety technology that prevents or minimizes the severity of accidents.  These nine vehicles include:

·         Audi A4 4WD

·         Kia Sorento 2WD

·         Honda Odyssey

·         Lexus RX350 4WD

·         Suburu Legacy 4WD

·         Mercedes Benz GL-Class 4WD

·         Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD

·         Toyota Sequioa 4WD

·         Volvo XC90 4WD

    The IIHS predicted that if automakers had not drastically improved vehicle safety over the last several years, there would have been “7,700 more fatalities in just the year 2012.”  Another reason that can be attributed to fewer highway accident deaths is the implementation of a new “small offset crash test.”  This test replicates “what happens when two cars clip one another going in opposite directions.”  Some of the new safety technology built into cars such as lane departure warnings, blind spot detection systems, and forward collision warning are working to prevent serious deadly accidents.  In fact, Volvo has said their goal is to have zero deaths in all of their vehicles by 2020.

            Some of the worst vehicles for accident deaths include the Kia Rio, with 149 deaths per million registered vehicle miles, and the Nissan Versa, with 130 deaths per million registered vehicle miles.  A majority of the vehicles with the most death are compact and subcompact cars.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on car accidents at (301) 854-9000 or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Car-Accidents/  

Winter’s Fury Arrives in Maryland

Yesterday’s 2-5 inches of snow blanketed the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia area and was the first true snow storm to hit the area this season.  While forecasted as a minor clipper system only expected to drop and inch or two, it over-performed and caught drivers and school administrators off guard.  As is the case every year, the first snow also leads to a headache for drivers as many people forget how to drive safely in inclement weather.  Snow and ice covered roads made travel treacherous and a nightmare for many during Tuesday morning’s commute.  Most schools decided to close or delay classes, while some operated on a normal schedule, prompting several complaints from parents.  In Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City, schools opened on time, forcing buses and parents to drive their children to school by braving the dangerous conditions on the roads.  Several accidents were reported across the state, including three Anne Arundel County students being injured on their way to school.

            While the snow has stopped falling, conditions outside are still somewhat hazardous with icy and snow-covered side streets and sidewalks.  Everyone needs to remember to take their time, whether driving or walking, to avoid accidents and injuries.

            Next, our area can expect dangerously cold temperatures and windy conditions to move in for the next few days.  Tonight’s low temperature is forecasted to be in the single digits with a wind chill advisory going into effect due to winds gusting over 40 mph.  Wind chills tonight and tomorrow will be 5-10 degrees below zero for the entire area.  Be safe, bundle up, and avoid spending long periods of time outside.

            If you or a family member has been in a car accident that is the fault of another driver, or would like more information on personal injuries, please call us at (410) 995-1515 for a free consultation or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/