General FAQs

Do I need a Baltimore personal injury attorney to handle my personal injury claim?

According to studies conducted by insurance companies, individuals recover two-and-a-half times more for their auto accident case if they are represented by a Baltimore personal injury lawyer. No matter how nice insurance adjusters may sound on the phone, they are paid to have one goal in mind: to pay you as little as possible.

A good Baltimore personal injury lawyer will seek every category of damages that applies to your case, and find ways to support those damages with evidence that will be admissible in court. The insurance company knows that it’s almost impossible for an individual to take a serious injury case to trial without a Baltimore personal injury attorney.

Is there an initial cost to meet with you?

No. The initial consultation is free of charge and/or evaluation of you case. We can than determine the best way to navigate your case to the end and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.

What if I can’t afford your legal fee for an automobile accident?

The Baltimore personal injury attorney fee is an automobile accident is based on a percentage of any recovery and the majority of the time there is no requirement that any costs be paid up front, although the client may be liable for expenses in certain situation.

Will my insurance company increase my rates if I collect under the collision portion of personal injury protection of my insurance policy?

An insurance company CANNOT cancel you or raise your rates if you collect personal injury protection benefits, no matter who was at fault. But, they may cancel or increase your rates if your property damage is fixed under the collision portion of your policy (unless they are able to get their money back from the person who is at fault). It is best to consult with a Baltimore auto accident lawyer before decisions regarding any communication with your insurance company.

What do you mean by personal injury? What sorts of cases does this include?

“Personal injury” is a broad term that means any kind of accident that leads to bodily injury. Many times due to negligence on another persons behalf. Mr. Levy represents personal injury clients who have suffered a serious injury in an auto accident, truck accident, and motorcycle accident or as the result of medical malpractice.

If I was injured in an accident that was from the fault of someone else, how are my damages calculated?

Damages in a Maryland personal injury cases consist of three primary categories: medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This money is projected to restore your loss and is not taxable by either the federal or the state of Maryland.

How much is my case worth?

Predicting the trial value of any Maryland personal injury case is almost impossible. There are many factors that can affect the value of a case. Each case is different and there is no way for a Baltimore personal injury attorney to tell you the first day of the accident what your case is exactly worth. Your Baltimore auto accident attorney can only give you a very general idea of the value of your case based on similar past cases. We can generally give you a settlement range after we have reviewed the case in detail. Settling with the insurance company without seeking legal representation usually results in under compensation.

Will I have to go to court?

In most instances, the choice is yours because their is a settlement offer which you may accept or reject. Because of the many factors involved, it is impossible to predict whether your particular case is one that will be settled or one which may be taken to court and decided by a jury. Having a Baltimore personal injury lawyer on your side will ultimately prevent the insurance company trying to make you a low offer out of court.

How long will it take for me to receive a financial recovery in my case?

There is no definitive period of time in which a personal injury case will settle or go to trial. Every case is unique. In many cases we need to wait until the client has finished their medical treatment so we can accurately determine what future compensation may be needed for your pain and suffering. We can than proceed with the insurance company to try and settle, whether out of court or at trial- either way we will chose the best course of action to get the best compensation package for our clients.

How long do I have to bring a case?

According to Maryland law, you must file your case within the Statute of Limitations, a 3 year period of time prescribed by law. Statutes of limitations may be extended in certain situations in Maryland personal injury cases, such as when an injured person is a minor.

Who makes the decision regarding whether to accept a settlement or go to trial?

We will meet to discuss together what would be best for you and your family. If another driver’s insurance company agrees to pay what your Baltimore auto accident attorney believes your case is worth, and you wish to except and settle, than you will not have to go to court. Mr. Levy’s job is to help you make the best decision and get you the compensation you deserve, even if it means taking it to court.

Will I hurt the person I am suing by bringing a personal injury claim?

Almost all personal injury claims are handled by insurance company lawyers and paid by insurance, so the person will not have to pay any money out of their own pocket.

Do I still have a claim if my medical bills were paid by insurance?

You are entitled to be compensated for your medical bills regardless of whether or not they have been paid by personal injury protection of your auto insurance or by your health insurance. The same premise is true for lost wages. If you miss work, you can collect your lost wages even if your company pays you for the missed time. Usually, the larger part of your personal injury claim is compensation for your pain and suffering. This is where the role of a skilled Baltimore personal injury attorney is crucial to your compensation package.

I am feeling better but I am still hurt. Should I continue to receive medical treatment for my injuries?

This is a medical question in terms of how your injuries should be treated. That is your decision to make in consultation with your health care providers, not your Baltimore personal injury lawyers. In getting treatment for the injuries from your auto accident, you want to focus on your health, not the legal consequences arising from anything that affected it.