Source: https://www.bobkatzlaw.com/faqs/
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 20:43:38+00:00

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What is the Sudden Medical Emergency Defense?
The Driver Experienced a Sudden Loss of Consciousness: The key time frame for the defense is the moments before the accident occurred, though there is no specific number of minutes. Still, the suddenness is a critical factor. The loss of consciousness must have occurred so abruptly and unexpectedly that the driver had no control over the vehicle, and could not react to mitigate the situation. In addition, this defense requires the person to prove that he or she had no indication of any symptoms before experienced sudden unconsciousness. When the driver notices a medical issue and ignores it, there is no suddenness.
The Loss of Consciousness Led to Loss of Control Over the Vehicle: For this element, a driver must establish more than simple impairment or lack of control. There must be complete unconsciousness with complete loss of the ability to operate the vehicle.
Unconsciousness and Subsequent Loss of Control Are Due to Medical Emergency: This factor of the sudden medical emergency defense often involves the use of the driver’s medical records. Typically, the medical condition requires immediate treatment, so healthcare practitioners or emergency medical technicians would include a diagnosis of why the person lost consciousness.
Other damages depending on your case.
What is the Effect of a Product Recall on a Defective Product Claim?
Strict Liability: This type of case requires the claimant to show that 1.) the manufacturer had a duty to provide consumers with a safe product, 2.) breach of this duty, and 3.) injures directly resulting from the breach.
Breach of Warranty: Under this theory, a claimant must prove that the manufacturer 1.) issued a warranty along with a product and 2.) the item did not comply with the warranty obligations. It is also necessary to show that 3.) the failure to comply with the warranty caused injuries.
Negligence: Though it is often grounds for such personal injury claims as car accidents and slip and fall incidents, negligence is not used as often as a theory of liability for defective products. Proving negligence requires you to pinpoint the act that led a dangerous product to be released into the stream of commerce, and to identify the nature of the breach of duty. This can be challenging, which is why many products liability cases proceed only as strict liability claims. Strict liability does not place at issue the level of care employed by the manufacturer.
What does it mean that my vehicle is a total loss?
When someone is in a motor vehicle accident, and it is not their fault, we typically will contact the insurance company for the at-fault driver and schedule a repair estimate. Typically, the insurance company will have its appraisers coordinate a repair inspection. We usually will try to arrange that inspection so that it is convenient for our client. In most cases, the location will be the home of our clients. The inspector will then take photographs of the damage to the car, and prepare a detailed repair estimate. In certain situations, the vehicle will be deemed a total loss. This occurs when the value of the vehicle in the condition it was in before the accident is less than the cost of repair. For example, if the vehicle cost $10,000 to repair, but was only valued at $5000 before the accident, the insurance company will offer the lesser amount. At that time, if the client wants to accept the total loss offer, we have to arrange to turn over the title to the vehicle to the insurance company and in return they will tender the check. The client, however, could choose to take the total loss check and make their own arrangements to repair the car. While this seldom occurs, it is an option. The value of the car is based on a number of factors including the miles on the vehicle before the accident; the overall condition of the vehicle before the accident; and any special equipment on the vehicle. Our law firm has access to many resources to check on various opinions with respect to the value of the vehicle. Unlike some personal injury law firms, that do not get involved in the handling of property damage claims, we regularly negotiate with the insurance company in order to get a fair offer on the total loss figure. We do not charge any legal fee to handle this aspect of personal injury cases for our clients. Rather, our legal fee is based on the recovery on behalf of the client for their bodily injury claims. It should also be noted that, while the negotiation is taking place on the vehicle repair, if the vehicle is a total loss, we will try to arrange for our clients to be put in a rental car so that they have access to transportation. Ultimately, however, we will seek reimbursement for the rental car from the insurance company for the at-fault driver.
What Are The Limits On Damages In Virginia Personal Injury Cases?
Medical Malpractice: These damages are limited to no more than $2 million in Virginia.
It is important to note that punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury claims cases. This is because the standard of proof that is required for punitive damages is so high that few claimants ever attain it. Mere negligence is not enough to obtain a punitive damages award. Rather, the claimant must prove that the defendant engaged in conduct that amounts to malice recklessness, or gross wanton negligence. For example, in a case where someone takes an action that consciously disregards the risk of harm to another human life, they may be held to have acted recklessly under the law.
What Information Will An Attorney Need From Me For My Car Accident Case?
1. Provide accurate and updated information to your attorney regarding your contact information.
Whenever there is any change of address, telephone number or any other contact information, you should always let your attorney know. It is surprising how often even very conscientious clients will forget to do this. Failure of a client to communicate this information to their attorney can lead to delays in their case. Also, if you are out of town or out of the country for an extended period of time and are unreachable, it is important to let your attorney know how to reach you.
2. Keep your attorney updated about your treatment status.
If you’re currently receiving medical treatment, you want to make sure that you let your attorney know if you are unable to keep your appointments with the doctor/medical provider. Also, if you have completed your treatment or if your pain has gotten worse, you should let your attorney know right away so that they are aware of your treatment progress. If you don’t, the adverse insurance company will frequently scrutinize gaps in treatment, missed appointments etc. when evaluating the value of your auto accident claim. It will only help you to communicate as much information as possible to your attorney.
3. Keep detailed notes and receipts regarding any out of pocket expenses or lost income.
-For example, if you have to travel 20 miles back and forth to the medical provider, and you have to go for treatment three times a week, you should keep track of the mileage for reimbursement. -Make sure you let your doctor know that you have missed time from work so that the doctor can document that properly in your medical record. -If you have to pay co-pays for any treatment or medication that you received, or paid for any medical treatment, please keep receipts. -If you are unable to work, you should make detailed notes of the days and hours you missed. If you are self-employed, it is very important to keep track of the time lost to document the lost income. -If you have to hire someone to work for you because you are unable to work, make sure that this is also documented as well. You may have to provide copies of paychecks that you paid the employee as well as the bank statement confirming that the check was cashed. You will need to document the days the employee worked, the number of hours they worked and their wage amount.
4. Disclose everything to you attorney regarding any prior or subsequent accidents, claims or injuries.
What Is PIP (Personal Injury Protection Coverage) And How Does It Work In Maryland?
Q. What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
A. Personal Injury Protection is a type of coverage under one’s automobile insurance coverage that pays for the medical bills, loss of income and other expenses, like copays and deductibles that is incurred as a result of injuries suffered from an auto accident. It is coverage that one pays for as part of the premium for auto insurance in Maryland.
Q. Who gets covered under the Personal Injury Protection coverage?
A. First of all, it is also called “no fault” insurance because the PIP insurance covers the medical bills and other expenses of the person covered regardless of whether they caused the accident or not. There are several different types of people that can benefit from the PIP coverage: The person who is named as the insured under the insurance policy, passengers in the insured’s vehicle, family members who live in the household of the insured, persons with permission to use the vehicle involved in the accident and pedestrians who are injured by the insured’s vehicle.
Q. Is everyone required to purchase PIP coverage on auto insurance policies?
A. Although Maryland accident law does not require PIP coverage on automobile policies, insurance companies have to offer PIP coverage when you buy auto insurance and you have to reject it or waive it by signing a document saying that you are rejecting it.
Q. How much of my medical bills and expenses are covered under PIP?
A. The amount of expenses that will be covered will be dependent on the coverage you purchase in Maryland. Basic PIP coverage in Maryland is $2500.00, but one can elect to purchase a higher amount of coverage.
Q. How does PIP coverage benefit one involved in an auto accident if the other side is already going to pay for the injuries?
A. Under the collateral source rule, the law in Maryland allows for one to recover not only from the other insurance company but your insurance company as well. For example, if you have $5,000 total in medical bills and lost wages, and you have $5,000 in PIP benefits, your own insurance company will cover the medical bills. You can then collect from the other insurance company for the same medical bills and lost wages in addition to money for your pain and suffering.
Q. Is there a time limitation to filing for the PIP benefits?
A. In Maryland, one has to file a PIP claim within a year of the date of the accident or one may not be able to get those benefits. If our office handles the case, we will not charge an additional fee to file the PIP application on behalf of the client and help ensure that the claims are processed by the insurance company.
I Was Injured In A Bus Accident. What Should I Do?
Because bus accidents often result in substantial injuries and substantial liability for the bus company, the bus company, typically, is well prepared to respond to the accident scene and perform its own accident investigation to determine the cause of the crash. As plaintiff’s attorneys, it is our view that the bus company’s investigation will often be skewed towards the interests of the bus company in order to limit their own liability. Indeed, we have found that it is very rare that the bus company will attribute the cause of the accident to their own driver's negligence. Therefore, if you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a bus accident, you should obtain an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to aggressively conduct an independent investigation into the facts and to rapidly secure the evidence necessary to prove how the accident happened.
A different set of laws will apply to the regulation and operation of buses. These are not the same laws that are applicable to regular motor vehicles. For example, unlike cars, most buses are not required to have seat belts. This fact alone is quite disturbing when considering that a majority of injuries and deaths resulting from bus related accidents, result from passengers inside the bus being thrown from their seat. Nevertheless, bus operators and the companies or entities they work for, (which are sometimes referred to as 'common carriers') are typically held to a higher standard of care than regular drivers. Therefore, what may be a reasonable action for a driver to take on the roadway may be entirely unreasonable, when the driver of a children’s school bus takes that same action. Attorneys with experience handling these complicated matters will be well prepared to deal with the specific laws and statutes that apply to bus related accidents.
Bus Accident lawyers can help you navigate the pitfalls and complications that lie in wait. Most people do not realize that public transportation systems usually have limited immunity. That is; local government entities have, over the years carved out some form of limited immunity, which usually consists of a. Immunity from lawsuits pursuant to local government tort claims acts or statewide grants of immunity - There are limited time periods in which suits must be filed in claims against most local governments. b. Immunity and/or damage caps may apply c. Limited statute of limitations periods for suits against these entities d. Strict Notice Requirements for bringing a claim against the entity - failure to comply with these requirements to the letter may result in a complete bar of the claim entirely.
1. How much time do you have to file your claim?
2. What government or state entity is potentially involved?
3. What are the statutory requirements for putting the government entity on notice?
4. What damage caps may apply?
5. Does the government entity enjoy any kind of limited immunity?
Additionally, you may want to ask yourself the following questions to ensure the lawyer is competent to handle a more complex accident case.
1. How did I come upon this lawyer? Did a family member or friend in the community who has used the lawyer recommend the lawyer?
What do online reviews say about the lawyer?
2. What is the lawyer's reputation in the community?
3. What are the lawyer's credentials?
4. What are the lawyer's case results?
6. Is the lawyer not afraid to take cases to trial?
Bob Katz has represented injury victims for over 35 years. His personal injury attorneys in Maryland and Virginia are well aware that you and your family are counting on us. Let us help you focus on your physical recovery by working hard to ensure that you are taken care of legally and financially. Call us 1-888-540-2599.
Why Won’t The Insurance Company Total My Car?
§11-152. (a) “Salvage” means any vehicle that: (1) Has been damaged by collision, fire, flood, accident, trespass, or other occurrence to the extent that the cost to repair the vehicle for legal operation on a highway exceeds 75% of the fair market value of the vehicle prior to sustaining the damage, as determined under § 13-506(c)(4) of this article; (2) Has been acquired by an insurance company as a result of a claim settlement; or (3) Has been acquired by an automotive dismantler and recycler: (i) As an abandoned vehicle, as defined under § 25-201 of this article; or (ii) For rebuilding or for use as parts only. (b) For purposes of this section, a vehicle has not been acquired by an insurance company if an owner retains possession of the vehicle upon settlement of a claim concerning the vehicle by the insurance company.
§ 46.2-1602.1. Duties of insurance companies upon acquiring certain vehicles.
Every insurance company which acquires, as a result of the claims process, any late model vehicle titled in the Commonwealth or any recovered stolen vehicle whose estimated cost of repair exceeds seventy-five percent of its actual cash value shall apply to and obtain from the Department either (i) a salvage certificate or certificate of title as provided in § 46.2-1603 or (ii) a nonrepairable certificate as provided in § 46.2-1603.2 for each such vehicle. An insurance company may apply to and obtain from the Department either a salvage certificate as provided in § 46.2-1603 or a non-repairable certificate as provided in § 46.2-1603.2 for any other vehicle which is determined to be either a salvage vehicle or a nonrepairable vehicle.1992, c. 148; 1993, c. 376; 2000, cc. 235, 257.
Can I Use A Cell Phone While Driving In Maryland?
2. Certain emergency and law enforcement personal are excluded from the reach of these laws in Maryland.
Emergency Use ALL MARYLAND DRIVERS may use handheld telephones for "emergency use." This presumably includes calling 9-11 to request police, hospital, fire department, or other emergency assistance, even while the vehicle is moving. Please note: the following is not legal advice. Do not assume the facts herein are applicable to your case without talking to a lawyer. Each case is unique and results depend on a variety of factors. For more information see the full disclaimer below the article.
What Is A Diminished Value Claim For Property Damage And How Do I Make One?
This topic was previously discussed in one of our Diminished Value Library Articles. You can access the whole article here.
What Are The Various Kinds Of Motor Vehicle Insurance Types In Maryland?
In Maryland every vehicle is supposed to carry at least minimum insurance coverage. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and penalties. But is the minimum insurance really enough? Before you can determine whether or not you have ample coverage, you need to understand the various types of coverage. Limited liability law requires minimum coverage of at $30,000 for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 bodily injury for each accident and $15,000 for property damage. These coverages are designed to protect you in the event you hurt someone else and need to compensate the person you injured. Uninsured motorists coverage insurance compensates you for personal injury and property damage you suffered in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. Where another driver strikes you and does not have sufficient coverage to make you whole, you would need to make a claim against this coverage. Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance reimburses you for medical expenses and lost wages caused by the accident, regardless of who was at fault. Physical damage coverage insurance pays for all types of vehicle damage such as theft, vandalism, flood or other criminal or weather related incident. Collision coverage insurance pays for car repairs or worth of totaled vehicle regardless of who caused the accident. Bodily injury liability insurance pays expenses and damages arising out of an auto accident lawsuit filed against you for personal injury. Property damage liability insurance pays expenses and damages arising out of an auto accident lawsuit filed against you for property damage. This list is not all exhaustive. In fact, the Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance can provide additional information and tips to purchasing adequate insurance. Failure to have the enough insurance could result in expensive repercussions. Not having adequate insurance could result in out-of-pocket expenses or even the cost of having to replace a vehicle that was damaged in an accident. It's is always a good idea to understand what your insurance options are and make sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance coverage.

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