Recent Case Results August 2018

A while back, one of our clients was injured in an accident where she was riding as a passenger on a golf cart, the driver was being reckless, flipped the cart, and caused her to fracture her femur.  After multiple surgeries, two years of physical therapy, and an accrued amount of $60,000.00 in medical expenses, it was time for her claim to be settled. Travelers insurance company was willing to offer $75,000.00 for our clients injury and medical expenses. Our attorneys did not see that figure as a fair settlement amount and continued to negotiate. By the end of our negotiations, we had doubled their offer and obtained a final recovery amount of $150,000.00. Our client was highly appreciative of the time Portner & Shure had dedicated to her case and very satisfied with her final result.

Loss of Consortium--Often a Forgotten Injury in an Auto Accident Case

Car accidents are often the worst moments in everyone's life. When you suffer serious injuries in an auto accident, you are limited and even unable to perform certain activities that you did not have trouble performing before the accident. You would expect all personal injury attorneys to calculate your damages based on your physical injuries by using the medical bills and treatment reports. However, sometimes there are additional damages that are not always so obvious and your attorney might miss them. 

When a person suffers significant injuries in an auto accident case, not only are they unable to work or do things around the house, but if they have a spouse, they usually are not able to fully participate in the marriage. When this happens, a loss of consortium claim should be raised. Thus, when an attorney is drafting a settlement demand letter to the insurance adjuster or filing a law suit in court, a loss of consortium claim should always be considered. When a person cannot fully participate in the marriage because of injuries suffered in an accident caused by another party, there are significant damages that the accident victim has suffered. It is easy to forget about loss of consortium claims when there are significant physical damages.

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

What Can I Expect if My Accident Case Does Not Settle and We Go to Court?

Although about 95% of all auto accident cases settle before litigation arises, sometimes court is necessary in order to obtain the compensation the client is entitled. There are many different reasons why a car accident case does not settle, including a liability dispute, minimal property damage, and factual disputes. When an insurance company refuses to make a settlement offer or makes a low settlement offer, a lawsuit is necessary in order to get compensation for the client. In many cases where suit is filed, a settlement is still achieved because insurance adjusters will then make a settlement offer in order to avoid litigation. These last minute offers of settlement can be made as late as the morning of trial. Sometimes, however, an insurance adjuster will hold firm and a trial is unavoidable.

If your case is one of those that does not settle and does go to trial, you have nothing to worry about. The process is not as scary as it sounds because our experienced team of attorneys will adequately prepare you well in advance of trial. Your attorney will go over how the process will work depending on which court your case will be heard. Your attorney will also run through the facts of the case with you and will discuss with you weaknesses in your case (if any). When your trial date arrives, you will feel completely prepared and will know exactly what to expect when you step into the courtroom.

If you've been injured in an auto accident in Maryland, make sure you call a law firm with experienced attorneys who are never afraid to go to court to fight for the compensation you deserve. Not all cases settle and you should hire a firm that can handle your case in settlement or in trial. Call Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000; (410) 995-1515.

Use of Dashcams in Maryland To Protect Your Rights

There is a new trend among drivers today: dashcams.  In motor vehicle accidents and in criminal cases, the facts of the event are often disputed between the parties involved.  The use of dashcams by civilians has been increasing as a means to avoid being caught in a he said/she said situation.  If you choose to protect yourself by installing a dashcam in your car you need to know some important facts about the law.

o   (1) It’s 100% legal to record video of people, including the police, in public.  If your dashcam is recording video outside of your car, on the highway for instance, it doesn’t matter if the parties being recorded are aware of it.

o   (2) If your dashcam is recording audio inside the car, this is considered a private place, so be careful of running afoul of Maryland’s wiretapping law and be sure your passengers are aware of the recording.

If you’ve been injured in an accident or were pulled over by the police, the attorneys at Portner & Shure can help you prove your version of the events, whether it was recorded or not.  Call us today for a free consultation.

What Clients Are Saying May 2016

“I was recommended by a friend to Portner & Shure and I will do the same. I have been very satisfied by the way Christine Airy has helped me though the process. Christine has done an excellent job communicating with me by email, text, calls to keep me informed about my case. I just want to say thank you again Christine for your professionalism and kindness.”

This case was handled by our Paralegal, Christine Airey, who works out of our Columbia, MD Office.