Summer 2003 Newsletter
Happy summer to all of you. After such a cold winter, we all welcome the warmth of the sunshine. However, no matter what the season, injuries occur due to someone else’s negligence. We at the Jaklitsch Law Group have been very busy on behalf of our valued clients.
Please take a moment to review this newsletter, and to especially pay attention to our feature on PIP coverage. A simple phone call to your insurance company to check on your PIP benefits will ensure that you and your loved ones have proper coverage should you be a victim in a motor vehicle crash.
As always, if you have questions, please contact us. Enjoy the sunshine.
A Review of PIP
Q: What does PIP stand for?
A: Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Q: How much PIP do I have?
A: Maryland law requires it to be at least $2,500, and it can be as much as $10,000.00. Check your declaration page of your insurance policy.
Q: Could I have waived my PIP coverage?
A: Yes, clients can "waive" this coverage, but we don't recommend it! PIP is an important coverage, and everyone should carry it! If you waive it, you lose at least $2,500 in coverage just to save $50 in premiums.
Q: Why is my insurance company involved? The accident was not my fault!
A: Under the law, PIP follows the car in which you were riding, regardless of how the accident occurred, or whose fault it was. So, for example, if you get in my car, and we are rear ended, you get PIP under my policy. Remember, PIP follows the car you are in. Your company cannot, by law, raise your premiums by making a PIP claim.
Q: What does PIP pay?
A: Lost wages, and medical bills.
Q: Will my insurance company just write the check for $2,500.00 and mail it?
A: No, The insurance company will only send out checks as bills and lost wage documentation is submitted to reimburse you for your losses.
Q: I have health insurance to pay for my bills, so send the PIP money to me.
A: By law, health insurance companies will not pay for initial medical treatment, until the PIP is exhausted. PIP comes before health insurance, by law.
Q: I have paid sick leave. Do I still get PIP money for the time I lost from work?
A: Yes. PIP will pay 85% of your lost wages, even if you have paid sick leave.
Q: How long will it take to get my PIP money?
A: By law, the insurance company is to send a response to a request for payment within 30 days. But, to be realistic, many insurance companies take longer. It usually depends on how efficient the PIP person is at the insurance company. Some are good, some are painfully slow!
Q: Should I increase my PIP limits?
A: You should always ask your insurance carrier how much it would be to increase this coverage to $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000. You will be surprised that it is not too expensive to increase your coverage.
Meet Jaime, Our PIP Specialist
At the Jaklitsch Law Group, we have one staff member who is dedicated to seeing your PIP claim through, from start to finish. We can't imagine a client of our firm who hasn't spoken with Jaime McGowan (unless you waived your PIP).
Jaime has been with the Jaklitsch Law Group since its inception 4 years ago and was with Rick for several years at his old firm. She is our PIP specialist. Jaime assists in all the paperwork that is required in processing PIP claims, and trying to obtain your PIP money as fast as possible.
Jaime is a big Redskins fan (to the dismay of the attorneys of the firm who are Ravens fans), and enjoys cheering on the Terps as well. Jaime is married, and has two young sons.
Firm News
It’s another baby at the Jaklitsch Law Group! Elane, Tim’s paralegal, welcomed a baby girl, Sophia, on April 17th. That completes a long stretch of pregnant women around the office, which produced 4 girls – Whitney, Madalyn, Madison, and now Sophia.
Thank You for the Referrals!!!
We at the Jaklitsch Law Group understand that no one will refer us a client or any new business unless we continue to do a great job. We strive to get the best result for each client, and to make the process of obtaining fair compensation from the insurance companies as easy as possible on the clients. We know that only a satisfied customer will send us a trusted friend or family member who has been injured. THANKS to the following people for having confidence in us and referring new business in the recent period: Terry Adgerson, Scott Blasi, Amos ChanChan, Angela Crump, Susan Gray-Cumming, Charles Hilton, Troy Humphries, Bernard John-Louis, Lorraine Johnson, The Kupfers, Barbara Marcellus, Rodney Nedd, Janice Parks, Kindavone, Phethmanh, Ruth Sesker, Anand Singh, Lejuene Stowe, and James Watkins.
The Trial Result Corner
Although we got a lot of snow in February/March, the attorneys at the Jaklitsch Law Group were busy in court! A sampling of some of our cases:
Jane Doe vs. Allstate Insured
Circuit Court for Montgomery County
Jury Trial, 1/28/03
Jury Award: $76,000.00
Pre-trial offer: $25,000.00Jane Doe vs. Montgomery County Ride-On Bus
Circuit Court for Montgomery County
Jury Trial, 1/15/03
Jury Award: $19,446.87
Pre-trial offer: $8,500.00John Doe vs. Defendant
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
Judge Trial, 2/03
Judge Award: $21,000.00
Pre-trial Offer: $0John Doe vs. Allstate Insurance
Circuit Court for Prince George's County
Judge Trial: 10/02
Judge Award: $930,000.00
Pre-trial Offer: $10,000.00John Doe vs. State Farm Insurance
Circuit Court for Prince Georges County
Judge Trial, 4/03
Judge Award: $266,000.00
Pre-trial Offer: $75,000.00