Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions on the Ingerman & Horwitz Law Offices FAQ page.
- Should I accept a check from the at-fault driver or the driver’s insurance company?
- How soon do I need to bring my claim?
- Do I need to see a doctor if I have been involved in an accident?
- If I can't afford an attorney, do I have any options?
- Will it be a long time before I receive my money?
- Where will my compensation come from?
- Will I be required to go to court?
- How much is my case worth?
- If I want to recover my damages, who can I sue?
- If the accident was my fault can I still recover my medical bills?
Answer:
No, accepting a check from one of these parties can be considered a settlement that may prohibit you from obtaining any additional amounts from the other driver or insurance company in the future. Don’t sign a release or accept a payment from the at-fault driver or their insurance company until after you have spoken with an attorney. Be sure to consult an attorney who is experienced with motor vehicle accident cases before signing a release, accepting a payment, or settling your claim.
Question:
How soon do I need to bring my claim?
Answer:
Maryland law requires that PIP (Personal Injury Protection) claims are filed within one year of the accident. All personal injury claims must be filed in court (if necessary) within three years of the accident.
Answer:
Yes, you should seek medical attention if you have been injured. Getting examined by a medical professional will document any injury that will help support your claim, but still keep in mind that injuries will sometimes take time to show.
Answer:
Yes, our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. Note that other expenses in personal injury matter. We front all costs and expenses for our clients. We only collect a fee if we are successful in obtaining our clients a settlement or judgment.
Answer:
A major factor that determines how long it will be before you receive your money is whether your case is settled or goes to trial. It will usually take longer to receive money if your case goes to trial. Cases where it takes a long time before you receive your money, could work in your favor. For example, if you received a serious injury, you shouldn’t settle your claim until sufficient medical care has been received.
Question:
Where will my compensation come from?
Answer:
The at-fault party's insurance typically pays for your damages. In addition, your PIP insurance may pay for some of your damages.
Question:
Will I be required to go to court?
Answer:
Filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean having to appear in court. In fact, most lawsuits are settled without an actual trial, which saves money and time and may in fact result in a greater net recovery. If the parties can’t resolve the issue, then court is an option.
Question:
How much is my case worth?
Answer:
How much your case is worth will depend on several factors. The type of injury, how permanent the injury is, medical expenses, as well as income lost and cost of daily living due to the injury are all factors that need to be scrutinized in determining how much your case is worth.
Answer:
An accident victim might be able to sue parties besides the at-fault driver in a few instances. Sometimes the driver of the car is not the owner. In this case, you could sue the owner. Or, if a fault in the roadway or a defect in the vehicle caused the accident, you could recover from the construction company responsible for working on the road or the automobile manufacturer who manufactured the car with the defect.
Answer:
In Maryland, your no-fault insurance policy (Personal Injury Protection, “PIP”) may pay for your losses. Most Maryland policies carry a standard $2500.00 in no-fault benefits. State law requires a written waiver to exclude said benefits.
