Injured in an Auto Accident? Why Communication with you Attorney is Vital!

At Portner & Shure, we know that communication is the key to a successful attorney-client relationship and to the success of your case. It is our policy that all client phone calls and emails will be returned the same day in addition to providing a separate monthly update on your case.

Constant communication means that we understand everything you are going through in the case. As a result, we can properly convey all your pain and suffering and inconvenience to the adjuster. Further, our communication practice ensures that your case is running smoothly, no deadlines are missed, and offers come timely. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, call Portner & Shure today. We’ll give your case the attention it deserves.

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.

Recent Case Result August 2017

Recently, Portner & Shure settled a rear-end accident case for $80,000.00. Our client was stopped waiting to make a left turn, when all of a sudden, she was hit from behind by a dump truck. As a result of the force of the collision, our client slammed her head against her steering wheel and suffered serious head injuries. Our client’s vehicle sustained significant property damage. Our client sustained a concussion and had total medical bills over $20,000.00. After extensive negotiations with the liability insurance company, an offer of settlement of $80,000.00 was extended. Our client accepted and was extremely happy with the result in her case.

Litigation News August 2017

This month in litigation news at Portner & Shure, we have an accident case where our client was rear-ended in a line of three cars in Montgomery County, Maryland. Liability was not an issue in this case, but the liability insurance carrier would not make a fair offer of settlement considering our client’s injuries and pain and suffering. Our client suffered injuries to her neck, shoulders, back, numbness in her leg, and a concussion. With nearly $10,000.00 in medical expenses, our client endured over 3 months of medical treatment for her injuries. Due to the insurance company’s failure to make a fair offer of settlement, our litigation team filed suit to battle this out in court. The trial Judge in the General District Court for Montgomery County awarded our client $14,949.79 plus court costs. This trial award was more than $3,000 higher than the top offer from the insurance company. Our client was extremely satisfied with this result, especially considering that the insurance company tried to settle the case for much less. 

Record Number of Marylanders Travelling for July 4th

            Just like we saw for Memorial Day Weekend, there will also be a record number of Marylanders hitting the roads for the July 4^th holiday.  Over 870,000 Maryland residents will travel next weekend, and an overwhelming majority will travel by car thanks to lower gas prices compared to last year.  The travel forecast for this July 4^th is projected to be a 2.3% increase compared to last year, which makes it the highest number for the state since data started being tracked by AAA in 2001.  Maryland’s travel numbers are projected to be higher than the national projection.  Nationwide, 42 million Americans are expected to travel for the summer’s busiest travel holiday.  Of the 42 million, 85% of Americans plan to travel by car as the national average price of gas per gallon is almost $1 lower than last year.

            

          Starting July 1^st, Marylanders will see the decreases in tolls statewide take effect for bridges, tunnels, and toll roads.  With record travel numbers in Maryland, a majority of people will be flocking to the beach, which means significant Bay Bridge traffic.  With traffic comes an increased risk of accidents due to distractions such as texting while driving or talking on a cell phone.  Another thing drivers must be aware of is increased police patrols along the traditional beach routes.  Police will be looking for speeders, texters, drivers without a seatbelt, and drunk drivers.  Remember over Memorial Day Weekend, police issued over 10,000 citations to drivers for a wide range of offenses.  With even more Marylanders hitting the roads for July 4^th next weekend, expect an even higher number of tickets handed out by police.

            

          Please refer to our YouTube video where Attorney Jonathan Portner talks about tips on how to avoid a deadly accident on your way to Ocean City this summer.

            

          Remember to abide by the posted speed limits, especially along the Bay Bridge, and wear your seatbelt at all times when driving in the car.  Some of the worst accidents have occurred along the Bridge, so be cautious of other drivers and get to your final destination safely.  The best way to lower the risk of an accident while driving to the beach is to drive during non-peak hours because traffic will be much lighter than during peak hours.

            

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

Two Pedestrians Struck by Car at Maryland Bus Stop

          Over the weekend, two people who were waiting at a “Ride On” bus stop in Kensington, Montgomery County, Maryland, were struck by a Toyota Prius that drove directly into the bus stop.  The accident occurred Saturday morning on Connecticut Avenue near Howard Avenue.  A witness at a nearby gas station said he saw three people at the bus stop, and two of them managed to get out of harm’s way, but the third pedestrian was hit and pinned under the car.  That person who was stuck under the car was an 18-year-old woman who fire fighters were able to rescue.  Witnesses described the whole scene as “pretty graphic.”  The 18-year-old woman suffered two broken legs, and doctors say she is expected to survive.  The other pedestrian that was struck refused treatment at the scene.

           

            The driver of the Prius was a 61-year-old man from Silver Spring.  Police originally thought this accident was the result of a DUI, but later determined that was not the case.  Instead, officials believe some medical emergency, such as a seizure, likely caused the crash.  The driver was taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.  Police officers have since said that the driver will be ticketed for the crash.

            Sadly, this is the second accident in Montgomery County in a two-week period involving pedestrians being hit by cars at a bus stop.  On February 18, “an out-of-control car” struck and killed Vanessa Dixon in Silver Spring as she was waiting at the Montgomery County “Ride On” bus stop.  The driver in this accident, a 22-year-old man, was arrested for suspicion of DUI.

            Although the accident this past weekend was not alcohol related, the fact that two accidents have occurred at bus stops in Montgomery County in a two-week period raises concerns about pedestrian safety.  Bus stops are set up very close to the road without any protection for pedestrians waiting for buses if a car does drive off the road and onto the sidewalk.  New safety procedures might need to be considered in order to better protect pedestrians waiting at bus stops.

            If you or a family member have been injured or killed in an accident at a bus stop or similar situation and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/