Should I use the insurance company’s body shops after an accident?

After an accident, to get your car repaired, you may be presented with the choice to use either an insurance company recommended body shop or choose one on your own. While the choice is entirely up to the consumer, it should be noted that the advantages of using an insurance company’s selected shop may outweigh the disadvantages for several key reasons. 1. If you use the insurance company shop, it might be faster and more convenient. In many cases, you can take your vehicle and drop it off and get a rental vehicle the same day. An estimate is then written immediately, parts are ordered and then work begins. Alternatively, if you choose your own shop, you must take your vehicle to a location and have the estimate done and then take the estimate to the shop of your choice and wait for parts to be ordered before getting in a rental. You must also coordinate submission of those estimates to the insurance company for their approval. 2. Another advantage of using an insurance company preferred shop, is that they will usually guarantee the work for the lifetime of vehicle, whereas personal shops do not may place more limited timelines on their warranty of work. 3. Many vehicle owners are under the misapprehension that by using the insurance companies’ shops, their vehicle won’t be fixed the right way. However, that assumption frequently untrue. Many insurance companies’ shops are held to a higher standard because they are guaranteeing their work for life. 4. That said, body work and repair work is, at times, an art. And like in any other industry, some repair shops are more skilled than others. If you have a unique vehicle that requires special knowledge or difficult to obtain parts, you may be better off choosing a specialty repair shop. 5. The bottom line is that we generally recommend owners use insurance company shops in most cases, however, owners can and should always consult with their agents if conflicted when making the decision on whether to use an insurance company body shop or a personal body shop.

Why isn’t the other drivers insurance company covering my medical bills up front?

The Collateral Source Rule in Maryland By: Natalie Ulrich A question I get asked often is “why isn’t the other drivers insurance company covering my medical bills up front?” Typically, a bodily injury claim is considered pending until your medical treatment is complete. At that time, your attorney will compile a medical demand package to send to the liability carrier for consideration for a bodily injury settlement offer. Whether a settlement is reached, or a verdict rendered in court, any outstanding medical bills would be paid out of that settlement and your attorney’s fee. Some private doctors’ offices will agree to hold your medical billing account until such a time that the case does reach a settlement, however hospitals are less likely to agree to do this without a small payment plan in the meantime. This is where filing a Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) and/or Medical Payments (“Medpay”) claim could be beneficial in keeping those hospital accounts out of collections. Next, clients have asked “if my PIP, Medpay or health insurance carrier pays a medical bill up front does that mean that the other driver’s insurance doesn’t have to pay it?” In Maryland at least, the answer to that question is NO! Even if your PIP, Medpay, or health insurance carrier pays a bill related to the auto accident, the collateral source rule in Maryland (in short) states that you may recover the amount of your bill regardless of if that bill was paid by a first party benefit insurance carrier. In Maryland, the liability insurance company is not given a credit for, nor may they offset for paid bills, as they are able to do in some other states. While every case is a little different, 9 times out of 10 we encourage clients to utilize these benefits that they pay extra for on their own insurance policies. The collateral source rule is only one of the many positives these benefits bring to a case.

How can I find out how much insurance coverage the at-fault party has?

Many people involved in automobile accidents believe that all the bills, expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering will be reimbursed to them at the time of settlement. However, insurance policies do not have an unlimited amount of coverage. Anyone who purchases an automobile insurance policy will have a maximum amount of coverage which their insurance company can pay out for a claim. In Maryland you must request the policy limits in writing, providing the date of accident, the accident location, the name and last known address for the at fault driver, and the complaint number for the police report (if there was one). In Virginia, there is more documentation involved. In addition to the written request referencing the same information in the Maryland correspondence, you must also submit medical bills and/or lost wage documentation totaling at least $12,500. What can you expect as a response? A personal automobile insurance policy in Maryland typically is written in the following intervals: $30,000/$60,000, $50,000/$100,000, $100,000/$300,000, $250,000/$500,000, and $300,000/$300,000. The Virginia coverage intervals are similar, except while Maryland’s minimum is $30,000/$60,000, Virginia’s minimum is $25,000/$50,000. Commercial policies may carry a higher amount of insurance coverage.

What is a nurse case manager in a workers’ compensation case

The purpose of a nurse case manager is to manage the medical care for an injured worker. Generally, a nurse case manager is provided by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier to assist with medical management and the coordination of medical treatment of the injured person. Usually, a nurse case manager is utilized by the employer’s insurer when the injury victim has serious injuries, such as broken bones, or where a surgery is warranted. A nurse case manager’s job is to not only coordinate medical treatment for the injured person; however, they also sometimes work as a liaison to the workers compensation insurance company to report back to the insurer with medical treatment recommendations, status reports. Regarding the claimant’s treatment status and assist the claimant with scheduling medical appointments. A nurse case manager is also useful with facilitating the issuance of benefits to the injured due to their continuous contact with the insurance company that employs them. Nurse case managers generally act independently as independent contractors for the employer’s insurance, however, given the fact that they are sometimes seen as an extension of the employer’s insurer, it is wise to consult with a lawyer regarding putting stipulations and agreements in place with respect to what the case manager can and cannot due on behalf of the claimant, as well as to keep claimant’s counsel informed of the same.

What is the Sudden Medical Emergency Defense?

A driver may be relieved of liability in a car accident in some situations in which a medical condition is the cause. The rationale behind the sudden medical emergency defense is that there is no negligence involved and the matter was beyond the motorists control, so he or she should not be required to pay compensation to an injured victim. Generally, a person has the burden of proof in claiming this defense, which includes three elements: 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.

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The day I walked into that office, they treated me with respect and showed concern about my situation. It made me feel very welcome. They call me and updated me about everything that was going on with my case. They make me feel like they care. They had everything under control. If I had to go there again, I would never hesitate. Cornelia P.

The office of Robert Katz and staff provided great care and service. After the first consultation, I did not have to worry about anything. They provided excellent representation not only to protect my rights but also maximize my rights on my auto accident case. I highly recommend this office to anyone for personal injury cases. Simply, excellent one stop service. Pam H.

Mr. Katz and his great team handled two cases for me. They worked hard for my best interest. My experience with them has been wonderful. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family. C.Park

I’m writing this to express how pleased I am for having had Mr. Katz and his office to represent me in my recent auto accident case. I had a pleasure dealing with his team on multiple occasions. As far as I’m concerned, Mr. Katz is the only attorney that I have dealt with who has his client’s best interests at heart in everything they do, in everything step of the way. I’ve dealt with several other attorneys including the one who claims that you have a lawyer if you have a phone. My general feeling about their way of doing business is that they treat me like a revenue generating machine in their pipeline of cases, much like a transaction. On the other hand, Mr. Katz’s team has treated me like a long time friend. I felt like we were building a lasting relationship rather than doing a business. Mr. Katz is the only attorney that I will need going forward. Dong H.

They helped my sisters case and handled my case well. I rely on their reputation and would recommend their office to people I know. (translated from Korean) Dong S.

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Why Choose Us as Your Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you have been injured in an accident in Baltimore, choosing the right personal injury lawyer is critical to your future. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right attorney who will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. That’s where we come in.

Handling Personal Injury Claims Throughout Maryland

If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence in Maryland, you need a team of experienced lawyers to help navigate your claim. At Bob Katz Law, we have proudly helped residents throughout the Mid-Atlantic region secure the fair compensation to which they’re entitled following a personal injury. Our formidable team has approximately 60 attorneys as part of our law firm and access to significant resources with even the largest insurance carriers.

Whether you’ve suffered a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall injury, animal attack, or wrongful death, a Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer from Bob Katz Law can help. Contact our team to request a consultation today!

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer at Bob Katz Law has helped litigate personal injury cases throughout Maryland for more than 40 years. Our practice area spans all types of personal injury claims and litigation, including:

We will carefully assess the details of your personal injury to determine whether you are legally entitled to compensation. Let us help recover the damages you’re owed by contacting our attorneys for a personal injury consultation today.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

You may be entitled to compensation under the law if you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to recover damages such as:

Future medical care costs
Legal expenses
Loss of earning capacity or inability to work
Lost wages
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages
Reimbursement of diminished value
Vehicular repairs

We fight aggressively for every client at Bob Katz Law, working tirelessly to achieve fair and just compensation. Each of our esteemed lawyers is equipped with the skills and experience necessary to handle various personal injury cases.

Let our team fight for the just compensation you deserve by contacting us for a consultation today!

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For more than 40 years, Bob Katz Law’s team of nationally recognized lawyers has gone above and beyond to secure the fair compensation our clients deserve. Our multi-lingual personal injury team approaches each client’s problem personally. Our personalized approach ensures all situations are quickly yet carefully assessed, critical needs are efficiently provided, and interests are professionally represented to achieve the best possible outcome.

Bob Katz Law Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer help victims inside Maryland and our firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office in Baltimore at 1001 Fleet St Suite 525, Baltimore, MD 21202. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 39.2841097472434, -76.59946847149862.

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Why Hire Us

Team of Lawyers with Decades of combined Legal Experience

We’ve collected Over $500 Million delivering justice to our clients

Respected by insurance companies

We have over 30 dedicated staff members working non-stop for you

More than 180 Five-star reviews from Prior clients

Our staff is available to you 24/7 to help

We serve clients from Baltimore to Northern Virginia

Multilingual Support Spanish, Korean, or Chinese

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my personal injury case worth?

One of the most frequent questions that I receive from clients is with regard to the value of their case: "How much is my car accident injury case worth"? Judges will look to a variety of factors in determining the value of your case in court, such as: (1) the amount of medical bills, (2) additional economic loss, such as lost wages, (3) the damage to the vehicles, (4) the causal connection between your injuries and the accident, (5) the severity of your injuries, (6) the reasonableness and necessity of the medical treatment that you received and (6) the non-economic damages sustained which includes your pain, suffering and inconvenience. The insurance companies will look at similar factors when evaluating your case.

All cases are different! No two cases are exactly alike. While medical bills and lost wages are generally straightforward to tally, the non-economic portion of claims (i.e. pain and suffering) will vary from case to case. Additionally, there is no standard chart that a judge uses while he is listening to your case to determine how much you should receive for your pain and suffering. This is why it is so important to contact an experienced attorney, who is familiar with the court system and is frequently in a courtroom trying cases just like yours, to provide advice on an appropriate and realistic value for your case.

Be wary of online calculators and websites that provide you an instant estimated value of your case, or, relying on the settlement value that your friends mother received on her case—every case is different! Verdicts can also vary drastically just from one county to the next in Maryland. So, if youre thinking that the insurance company has made you too low of an offer on your case and you deserve more, you need to reach out to an attorney for an evaluation of your case.

What Compensation Can I Receive in a Personal Injury Case?

If you're injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering remuneration. The exact amount you might receive will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life, and the overall extent of the damage. We work closely with you to fully understand your situation and advocate for the maximum reimbursement you deserve. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support throughout the legal process and achieve the justice you're seeking.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Personal Injury Case?

While it is possible to handle a personal injury claim on your own, having a lawyer who has significant experience in personal injury cases can significantly enhance the outcome. Personal injury cases often involve intricate negotiations with insurance companies and navigating complex legal jargon. An attorney can assist you in managing these challenges, safeguarding your rights, and working to maximize your benefits. Effective legal representation can lead to much better results compared to handling the claim independently. We're here to guide you through every step of the process, offering the expertise and support you need, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery while we handle all the legal details of your case.

What Evidence Is Important in a Personal Injury Case?

Gathering strong and compelling evidence is crucial for proving your personal injury claim. Important types of evidence include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and photographs of the scene or your injuries. Additionally, documentation of lost wages and any communications with insurance companies can be vital. Our team will assist you in compiling, organizing, and presenting this evidence effectively to strengthen your case. As we meticulously prepare and diligently work on your case, we thoroughly address all aspects of your claim.

How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A common concern is the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't have to pay any upfront fees. We only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for you. This approach allows you to pursue your case without financial stress and ensures you have access to high-quality legal representation. According to the Maryland State Bar Association, many personal injury lawyers use this method to alleviate the financial burden of legal action. We are committed to advocating for your rights without imposing any financial strain during this challenging period. This approach allows you to concentrate on your recovery while we manage the legal complexities on your behalf.

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