Personal Injury FAQs

Learn More about Obtaining Fair Compensation for Your Losses

If you were involved in a serious accident, your first priority needs to be a full and complete recovery. Unfortunately, there are many times when obtaining fair compensation becomes difficult due to insurance companies fighting to avoid a settlement. With over 50 combined years of proven legal knowledge, Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake is the team you need on your side. Our Howard County personal injury lawyers can help you build a case to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

Dial (410) 927-5137 today to get started on your free consultation with Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake. We work on a contingency fee, so we don’t collect a fee unless you reach a settlement.

Below you will find some answers to questions we hear from many of our clients. Our firm offers free consultations, so if you want to know more, do not hesitate to call us.

• After a car accident, how is responsibility determined?

Often times, there needs to be an in-depth investigation to find out who is at fault. In some cases, such as a rear-end collision, are fairly simple and do not require witnesses. Sometimes the at-fault party will even admit their responsibility in causing the accident. However, there are times when witnesses need to be interviewed and then possibly subpoenaed for litigation purposes to determine the at-fault driver. The attorneys at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake have access to trained investigators which include former police officers and/or state troopers to help gather evidence to have support as to the identification of the at-fault driver.

• What is personal injury protection (PIP)?

PIP is often referred to as “no fault” coverage. PIP is insurance you pay on your policy to provide payment of medical bills and lost wages for anyone injured while driving or riding in your vehicle. PIP can be utilized by an individual regardless of the determination of the at-fault driver. Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake strives to notify the PIP provider immediately that payment should not come out of the PIP funds to pay medical bills until any lost wages are paid. Lost wages are generally paid at 85% and are then not taxable, but it is advisable to check with your tax adviser concerning this issue. Our firm does not take a percentage of any lost wages recovered within the PIP claim. Since PIP coverage is considered “no fault,” your insurance rate should not go up by initiating a PIP claim. PIP can provide anywhere from $2,500 to approximately $10,000 for medical bills and/or lost wages.

• What is a slip and fall claim? 

When someone slips and falls due to the negligence of another party, that person may have a premises liability claim. Most often these claims are generated in commercial establishments, such as supermarket or restaurant. To be successful, a plaintiff must usually prove that the owner of the property had notice or knowledge of the condition—such as a spilled gallon of milk—and failed to clean it up and rectify it within what is considered a reasonable amount of time. In addition, it may be considered assumption of the risk if the injured party knowingly encounters the dangerous condition. In that case, the claim may not be sustainable.