Frequently Asked Questions
The following information is NOT to be considered legal advice. DO NOT rely on any of the information provided here without first consulting a personal injury lawyer about the facts of your case.
How much is my case worth?
It depends. A variety of factors are used to determine your compensation, including the amount of medical bills, economic losses (e.g. lost wages), damage to the vehicles, the severity of your injuries, whether your treatment was reasonable and necessary, as well as the extent of your pain and suffering.
No two cases are exactly alike. While medical bills and lost wages can be easily accounted for, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering will vary from case to case.
It is not uncommon for a person to recover several thousand dollars in damages for soft tissue injuries sustained in a car accident. Such injures would include whiplash and concussion. If you have been involved in a car accident or injured by someone else's negligence, then contact the Law Office of Alexander W. Raby today for a free consultation.
I was hurt in an accident. How long will it be until I get paid?
Every case is different. Some cases can be resolved in as little as six months, other cases make take several years. If your case settles out of court, then it will take less time. If we have to file suit and fight your case in the court room, then it will take longer.
That being said the amount of time it takes to get paid after an accident primarily depends on the nature of your injuries. If you have only minor injuries, then you can expect your case to be resolved more quickly. If your injuries are more severe, then you can expect your case to take longer.
Demands for payment are not typically made until you have recovered from your injuries. If it takes longer for you to recover, then it will take more time to get paid. This is because the full extent of your pain and suffering cannot accurately be determined while you are still recovering. For example, if you are in recovery for six months, you will likely deserve more compensation than if your recovery had only taken six weeks. This is why we wait until you have reached maximum improvement before making a demand for payment.
If you have a permanent injury, then the usual estimation does not apply. These cases generally take longer to resolve, because we must exhaust all of your treatment options and have various evaluations performed before we can establish whether an injury is permanent. Once we have established that your injury is permanent then we can estimate the cost of your future healthcare, and demand payment for your injuries accordingly.
Will I have to go to court to get paid for my injuries?
Not necessarily. Demands for payment are usually submitted directly to the liable party's insurance company. I then negotiate for the maximum amount of compensation on your behalf. In some cases, for various reasons, I may have to file a lawsuit in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Even then, you do not necessarily have to go to court because the case will likely settle before we get to the trial date. Regardless of whether you have to go to court or not, I will be by your side, fighting to get you the maximum compensation possible.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases gives you three years from the date of the injury to file your complaint. If you do not comply with the statute of limitations deadline your claim will likely be barred and your case disallowed.
Will a PIP claim increase my insurance costs?
Claiming against your personal injury protection (PIP) generally should not increase your insurance costs. However, it does happen. I am aware of instances where insurance companies have raised insurance premiums after a PIP claim has been made. Typically, this should not happen because PIP is a no-fault form of coverage designed to pay for medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. That being said, the insurance company may use the fact of your accident to raise your overall premium.
Clients are often advised to consult with their insurance agent to inquire if their insurance company will increase their premiums if a PIP claim is asserted.
Using your PIP coverage is an excellent way to pay for treatment while awaiting the resolution of your case. Generally speaking, the more PIP coverage you have to pay for medical expenses, the more you will be able to recover in compensation. If you have been involved in a car accident, contact my office today to discuss how claiming your PIP coverage can increase your compensation.
I have no health insurance. What can I do to pay for my medical treatment?
Even if you do not have health insurance, you still have options to pay for your treatment. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can be used to pay for your medical bills. However, if you have no health insurance, then you will likely only have the minimum amount of PIP coverage required by law. This can be exhausted quickly. Even when PIP has been exhausted there are other ways in which clients can get further treatment. The most common way is to use an Assignment of Benefits. This is an agreement in which you agree to pay your doctor from your settlement proceeds, after you are compensated.
In order to provide my clients the best service possible, I frequently make arrangements for their treatment by doctors using an Assignment of Benefits. If you are having trouble getting further treatment after a car accident or other injury, and you have no health insurance, then call my office today. I am happy to assist you in getting further medical treatment as well as compensation for your injuries.