General FAQs
How do motorcycle anti-lock brake systems work?
It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle is dangerous. Even the best riding equipment in the world can’t fully prevent a rider from experiencing severe injuries if he is involved in a serious collision.
Bikers often install anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on their motorcycles to increase their chances of staying safe. The systems decrease stopping times and often prevent them from being thrown from or falling off their bikes.
How Anti-Lock Brakes Work
Knowing how this safety system works may help you get the most out of them. Here, we take a look at the specifics of ABS for motorcycles.
- Measuring wheel speed. Anti-lock braking systems constantly measure wheel speed, typically with one of two ways. One common way is with the use of a small grooved ring near the brake disc called the tone wheel. A sensor sends the tone wheel’s findings to the ABS, which will then determine if the wheel is about to stop. If it is, the pressure from the brake cylinder is adjusted on the brake caliper multiple times per second.
- Light systems won’t negatively affect your ride. Some motorcyclists are hesitant to install the safety system for fear the weight of it will drag them down. Fortunately, a majority of the systems weigh under one pound and are not likely to slow down their performances.
- Multiple ABS options are available. Anti-lock braking systems are typically available for both conventional and combined braking systems, which link one or both controls to both wheels.
We Can Help You
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you’re likely facing costly medical bills and bike repairs. If you don’t think you should be held responsible for the fees, you’re not alone because neither do we. Call the attorneys of Nicklesporn and Lundin today at 800.875.9700 to learn how we may be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
What’s the difference between a mediator and a family attorney?
Typically, for a divorcing couple, a mediator is someone who simply helps facilitate the discussion of divorce proceedings in Maryland. He or she is a third party, with no particular attachment to either side. A mediator will:
- Listen to both sides
- Ask questions
- Try to help you and your spouse find common ground
- Offer possible solutions for you and your spouse to consider
A mediator will not take sides or offer you legal advice. He or she cannot legally require either spouse to agree to any particular term. For example, if your spouse flat out refuses to compromise on child custody issues, there is little a mediator can do to help you.
If you’re looking to settle matters congenially, a mediator can help keep the meetings running smoothly. However, if you’re worried that you are not getting a fair deal, you may want to consult with an attorney. A Maryland divorce lawyer will:
- Offer legal advice that protects your interests
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Keep your best interests in mind, not necessarily your spouse’s interests
- Take the case to court if you feel your needs are not being adequately met
Be wary of your spouse suggesting that his or her lawyer be the mediator for your conversations. A lawyer will naturally care more about the interests of the person paying the lawyer’s fees.
Depending on the circumstances of your relationship, you and your spouse may be able to get the job done solely with the help of a mediator. Or solely with attorneys. In other situations, your lawyer may suggest that you enlist the aid of a mediator to help facilitate discussions between you, your spouse, and your respective lawyers.
For more information on how mediation works or how to find a mediator, contact us or call Nickelsporn & Lundin, P.C. toll-free at 800-875-9700.
Should I get a Maryland marriage annulment instead of a divorce?
An annulment differs from a divorce in that it signifies that a true marriage never actually took place. This can be a particularly freeing idea for someone who feels betrayed by a spouse who seemingly never cared about the marriage vows.
You might want to seek an annulment if any of the following are true:
You place a high value on marriage. Whenever two people say, “I do,” they expect those vows to last for life. It can be devastating for one spouse to discover that the other spouse misled the other and never actually intended to fulfill his or her obligations in the marriage. This sense of betrayal may lead the first spouse to request an annulment.
You do not believe the marriage was valid. A marriage is a relationship unlike any other. The special bond between a husband and wife cannot be recreated in any other relationship. When you’ve been part of a marriage that never fully reached that unique bond, you may choose to request an annulment. An annulment acknowledges the fact that the true bond typically experienced in marriage never happened.
You are a part of the Catholic Church. Divorce has consequences in the Catholic Church. If you are part of the Catholic Church and believe you have a legitimate case for annulment, you may choose to go this route rather than deal with the stigma associated with a divorce.
If you are seeking an annulment in Maryland, you should discuss your situation with an experienced Maryland divorce attorney who can explain the nuances of this often-complicated process. For more information, call Nickelsporn & Lundin at 800-875-9700 today.
How do I know when I need a Maryland divorce lawyer?
That depends in part on where you are in the process of getting a divorce. Are you simply thinking about a divorce and want to know what your options are? Are you already separated? Are you ready to file for divorce and need to know how to get started? Are you already in the midst of messy divorce proceedings and want a little help negotiating the details?
Simply the fact that you are asking that question suggests that you may want to set up an appointment to further discuss your family situation and options. This does not obligate you to hiring an attorney or even pursuing the divorce.
If you or your spouse has expressed an interest in ending the marriage, then it’s a good idea to consult with a Maryland divorce attorney to determine whether you want to continue with the divorce proceedings and if you need help with the details of finalizing a divorce.
You may need a lawyer if you are determined to go through with a divorce and:
- You have children
- You or your spouse has a sizable inheritance
- You or your spouse makes a considerable amount of money (especially if the other doesn’t)
- You or your spouse is contesting the divorce itself or the terms of the divorce
In particular, a Maryland divorce and custody battle that involves children or a considerable amount of money can get very heated and complicated. Your emotions can easily cloud your ability to make logical, sound decisions, which could hurt your final outcome.
It’s usually best to avoid handling such emotional decisions on your own. Instead, rely on an experienced Maryland family lawyer who can help you see through your emotions to negotiate the best decision for you and your family.
For a free consultation or information regarding our services, call Nickelsporn & Lundin at 800-875-9700.
What rights does a father have regarding his children when it comes to Maryland child custody and divorce law?
Legally, a father has the same rights as a mother in child custody battles.
It’s a common misconception that when a couple divorces, the wife automatically gets full custody of any children the two might have had together. In reality, judges take numerous factors into consideration when determining child custody and visitation in Maryland.
One important factor that may hurt a father is a term known as “abandonment.” If the mother can show that the father voluntarily moved out of the house while the two were separated and left the children in the mother’s care, that fact can be used to argue that the father abandoned the children and gave up his rights to custody.
While this action can hurt a father’s rights, an experienced Maryland family lawyer can help you fight those charges and regain control of your rights as the children’s father.
Recent laws on these issues were intended to make it easier for fathers to gain joint—or even full—custody of their children. In fact, the number of divorced fathers who have primary physical custody of their children has grown to roughly half in the last few years.
With that said, this is not a battle you should fight on your own. Many judges still naturally favor a mother’s care of the children and it is to your benefit to have a skilled professional fighting on your behalf.
If you are the father in a divorce case, you should enlist the aid of an experienced Maryland family lawyer who will protect your rights as a parent and legitimate guardian of your children. To set up a free appointment, call Nickelsporn & Lundin at 800-875-9700, or fill out our online form.
What can I do when my spouse chooses to be vindictive in the midst of our Maryland divorce proceedings?
Wouldn’t it be nice if all divorces could be congenial? Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. As you well know, divorces can get downright nasty. When one or both spouses choose to play the blame game instead of focusing on the work at hand, what could be a simple process becomes even more painful and complicated.
A spouse may resort to accusing you of any number of things including:
- Being a poor parent
- Verbally or physically abusing the spouse or children
- Withholding financial assets from the spouse
- Withholding information from or lying to the judge
The best thing you can do in the midst of messy divorce proceedings is to hire a good Maryland divorce attorney. While hiring backup may seem excessive or like something that could make your spouse even angrier, chances are the opposite will actually happen.
An attorney who is able to be diplomatic yet still keeps your best interests in mind can help defuse the situation and negotiate a favorable divorce settlement at the same time.
If your spouse is wrongly accusing you of anything, you should definitely enlist the aid of an attorney who can make sure that you are vindicated. In a contested divorce, each side is given ample opportunity to prove their case through witnesses and documented paperwork. An attorney is far better equipped to gather this evidence and present a persuasive argument.
Still not convinced? You can always request a free consultation from the attorneys at Nickelsporn and Lundin. Just call 800-875-9700 or fill out our online form.
My spouse has been abusive to me and/or our children. Can I get a restraining order placed against my spouse until our Maryland divorce proceedings are finalized?
Yes! No one should have to live in fear for his or her own safety, nor for the safety of their children. Maryland protective orders are intended to protect victims in all types of situations, including the victims of an abusive marriage.
In a situation where abuse is present, an interim or temporary protective order may be granted immediately until a hearing can be held and a permanent protective order put into place.
A protective order, both temporary and permanent, prohibits the abuser from any of the following:
- Abusing you or anyone else listed in the protective order
- Threatening or harassing you
- Trying to contact you
- Coming into your home or wherever you may be temporary living
- Coming to your workplace
- Coming to your children’s school, if they are listed in the order
A protective order also gives you temporary possession of the house and custody of your children (if child abuse is suspected) and any pets.
Domestic abuse in Maryland should not be taken lightly. If you or a loved one has been the victim of abuse, go immediately to the nearest district court or commissioner’s office to request a protective order.
You may also want to enlist the help of an experienced Maryland divorce lawyer to help you determine the best, fastest way to petition for divorce. To speak with an attorney today, call 800-875-9700.
Both my spouse and I already had children from previous relationships. Now we are getting a Maryland divorce. How is child custody awarded in Maryland when it comes to a blended family?
There is no set formula when it comes to child custody in Maryland. Basically, when a judge is determining child custody, he or she will weigh all the contributing factors and come to a decision based on what appears to be best for the child in question.
In the case of a blended family, it is possible that what is in the best interest for one child is not the same as for another child. For example, the judge could very well determine that all children live with their biological parents, even if that means separating the children.
However, this is not a given, especially if the biological parent has exhibited any signs of abandonment or endangerment to his or her child or there are accusations of such behavior.
The judge will do what he or she believes is in the best interest of the child based on the facts presented in court. It is your job to make sure that those facts are both accurate and fair. You should know that a persuasive attorney, whether good or bad, can affect the decision made.
When the care of your child is at risk, it’s important that you don’t take any chances. Talk to an experienced Maryland child custody lawyer today to see what your rights are and to make sure your child has the best future possible. For a free consultation, call Nickelsporn and Lundin at 1-800-875-9700.
My spouse wants me to sign a separation agreement. What is it exactly, and what does a separation agreement in Maryland do?
A separation agreement is anything—even a handwritten letter—that both you and your spouse sign and have another adult witness. You don’t necessarily need an attorney involved in the process, but you may want one to protect your rights.
A separation agreement outlines what you and your spouse have decided to do about any assets in your marriage, such as:
- Who will take care of the children
- Who gets the house or cars
- Who will handle any debts
- Who takes any pets, furnishings, or other shared belongings
- What alimony or child support will be
- How you will divvy up attorney fees
Separation agreements can include provisions for items that a Maryland divorce court would not normally handle. You should know that a separation agreement is legally binding and can be incorporated into your final divorce decree, so it’s important that you know what you are agreeing to right at the start.
Before you sign any type of separation agreement, you should talk to a Maryland divorce attorney to make sure you are not inadvertently doing something that could hurt you in the future.
The Maryland divorce lawyers of Nickelsporn and Lundin have experience representing spouses who are going through a divorce. For more information on how to protect your individual rights and assets during this process, contact us at 1-800-875-9700 or fill out our online form.
In what circumstances do I really need the help of a Maryland divorce lawyer?
In a perfect world, you and your spouse would agree on everything and have no difficulty divvying up the leftovers from your failed marriage. In reality, that rarely happens.
You might be able to act cordially at a dinner party, but if you are getting divorced, then you obviously have some irreconcilable differences. These points of conflict might affect your ability to compromise when it comes to the divorce proceedings.
Here are a few specific instances where it is to your best interest to hire a Maryland divorce lawyer:
- Children are involved. Child custody in Maryland is very subjective. If you want joint custody of your child, you should hire an attorney who can persuade the judge that you are a suitable guardian. Your child’s future is worth it.
- You are seeking alimony from your spouse. Alimony in Maryland can be awarded to either spouse, but it must be requested before the divorce is final. Alimony is particularly crucial in a divorce where one spouse makes considerably more money than the other or where one spouse is disabled. A judge may award temporary (rehabilitative) alimony or long-term (indefinite) alimony.
- Your spouse is playing dirty. If your spouse is attacking your character or wrongly accusing you of anything, it is a good idea to hire an attorney to protect your rights. Divorce proceedings can be largely subjective, so you will want to make sure the judge has the correct information and perception of you.
If you are unsure whether you need an attorney, call Nickelsporn and Lundin today for a free consultation at 1-800-875-9700. We are here to help.
How much is my Rockville personal injury claim worth?
Everyone’s injury and situation is different. It is not possible to establish a value for your case based on the experience of someone else.
While insurance companies may have a rough estimate for how much they expect a particular type of injury to be worth, they are in no way required to abide by that alone. However, they will often use this very generic method of determining an injury’s worth when offering you an initial settlement.
This is why it is particularly important that you don’t simply accept the insurance company’s first offer without determining whether it is a sufficient settlement for your case.
An experienced Rockville personal injury lawyer will know well that every accident – and therefore every accident injury – is unique. They can help you put together a personal injury claim that includes all the pertinent information in your unique case to make sure that you get the most compensation possible.
For example, if your injuries left you with permanent damage requiring future medical care, or if you had to take a leave of absence from work, those are additional expenses that you deserve to be compensated for.
If you are not sure whether the insurance company is offering you a generous enough settlement, chances are they are not. Talk to a qualified injury lawyer who can help you determine how much your injuries will cost and how much compensation you should demand. The goal is to obtain a settlement that permits a high quality of life despite your injuries.
How can a Rockville injury lawyer help my spinal cord injury case?
In general, a Maryland injury attorney is more likely to get you a better settlement than you could get on your own. This is particularly crucial when dealing with such serious injuries as a spinal cord injury.
While spinal cord injuries can improve over time, it is extremely rare for someone with a spinal cord injury to regain complete functionality of their body. Since you are likely facing at least some loss of function for the rest of your life, it is important to make sure that you are covered monetarily for the future, not just now.
An experienced Rockville injury lawyer can help you estimate your future bills, including anticipated lost wages and future medical expenses.
If you or a family member has suffered a spinal cord injury, it’s important that you consider hiring a skilled attorney to help you protect your future. Let us help you get the full compensation you deserve.
Is there a standard formula that insurance companies use to determine settlement offers?
No. Unfortunately, there is not an easy, standard formula for how an insurance company determines the settlement offer in your case. The insurance company will look at the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine how much they will offer. Factors they take into account include:
- Personal injury: This is an injury documented by a doctor, not just an injury you claim to have received. It’s important that you have a doctor’s assessment to prove that your injury exists and that it was caused by the accident.
- Medical treatment: This is your actual medical bill. The insurance company will want to see receipts for medical treatment and may lower your settlement if they believe you did not take the steps to properly treat your injury.
- Pre-existing medical condition: The insurance company may reduce your settlement if they believe you have a pre-existing medical condition that contributed to the injury.
- Property damage: The more damage that is done to your vehicle, the higher your settlement offer will be.
- Driver negligence: The insurance company is more likely to offer a high settlement if the other driver acted recklessly instead of making an innocent mistake.
- Pain and suffering: Although subjective, the insurance company may offer more money if they believe you have suffered emotional pain from the trauma of a Maryland auto accident.
If you are unsatisfied with the settlement you are being offered, you may want to speak to an experienced Frederick accident lawyer who can help you make the case for a bigger settlement.
How many times do I need to go to the doctor?
Until you are well!
There is no “magic” number of doctor visits that will get you the best settlement. In short, you should go to the doctor as many times as it takes for your body to heal.
Insurance companies want to know that you are taking the necessary steps to treat your injury. If they believe you are negligent in going to the doctor, they may accuse you of:
a.) Not really having a serious injury if you’re not in enough pain to go to the doctor, or
b.) Contributing to the injury by not properly caring for it.
While it may be scary to see those medical bills stacking up on the kitchen counter, do not stop seeing a doctor to save money. In the end, you will be healthier – and likely have a larger settlement – if you follow through on your doctor’s recommended medical treatment.
Your job is to focus on getting better. If you need help getting an adequate settlement, you may want to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Montgomery County who can help you get the money you need to pay for those expensive medical bills.
How much is my closed head injury worth?
Every head injury is unique, and the settlements received reflect the varying degrees of injury. That said, a closed head injury is usually serious enough to warrant a sizable settlement – provided you know how to make the case.
Symptoms of a closed head injury sustained in a car accident may not appear until weeks later. Quite often, the injured person’s family and friends start noticing a change in the person’s behavior, mood, or comprehension abilities.
Their testimony, along with a doctor’s expert opinion, can help prove the extent of your injuries.
A closed head injury is notoriously expensive and time-consuming to diagnose and treat, but do not ignore your suspicions. If you think you may have a head injury, do not hesitate to voice your concerns to your doctor and an experienced head injury attorney. It just might be worth the effort.
An experienced Maryland injury lawyer may help recognize the signs of a possible head injury and could know how to establish a solid case that proves you are injured and increases the amount of money you receive.
I was injured in a car accident in Maryland. What do I need to disclose to my doctor?
When you are hurt in a car accident, you need to focus on your health. That means you should be upfront and honest with your doctor about your injuries and prior medical history.
Even though you are seeking medical care for your current injuries, you still need to disclose your previous medical history to your physician. Make sure you explain past medical conditions, injuries and accidents. Not only could this information be pertinent in determining your treatment options, it could also make a difference with your personal injury claim.
If your previous injuries or ailments were resolved, your doctor needs to know this information as well.
For advice regarding your specific case, contact an experienced Maryland car accident attorney at Nickelsporn & Lundin by calling 1-800-875-9700 or filling out our online form. We represent accident cases throughout Maryland.
Why should I hire an attorney for my Maryland truck accident case?
Accidents involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers and other big rigs are much more complicated than a typical Maryland car crash.
Truck drivers are required to follow numerous Maryland trucking laws and interstate guidelines, including weight restrictions, hours of service limits, and hazardous material transportation rules. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine which regulations applied at the time of the accident – and which ones were violated.
Multiple insurance policies play a part in every truck accident, which can make it all the more difficult to sort out who is at fault and who should pay. With the right Maryland accident attorney on your side, this can also mean there is a potential for a high settlement.
The sheer size of a tractor trailer usually leads to serious injuries for those involved in an accident. If you or a family member has been injured in a Maryland truck wreck, do not hesitate to get the help you need and the compensation you deserve.
What if the person responsible for the accident has no insurance?
You may still be able to receive some compensation for your injuries even if the person responsible for the accident does not have insurance. Insurance providers in Maryland are required to offer you Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage is also referred to as Maryland no-fault insurance.
You have PIP coverage unless you specifically sign a waiver denying you PIP coverage.
Regardless of who is responsible for the accident, PIP will cover medical expenses, lost wages and other bills related to the accident. PIP coverage will cover the insured driver, family members, passengers, drivers given permission from the insured person to use the vehicle, and even pedestrians involved in the accident.
Maryland accident law allows for both full and limited PIP insurance. If you are unsure of what type of Maryland PIP coverage you have, talk to a skilled Maryland accident attorney who can help explain your auto insurance policy.
Should I give a recorded statement after I've been in a Maryland car accident?
Politely decline to give any recorded statements.
If your house were on fire, would you throw gasoline on the flames? Probably not a good idea, but it is a very good parallel for how much sense giving a recorded statement makes.
Insurance companies are already out to minimize or eliminate your claims. Why would you give them more ammunition? Not EVER a good idea. Politely decline. It is illegal for them to record you without your permission.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious Maryland car crash, it is vital to contact an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney.
The Agenda of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies have a certain agenda in mind. And guess what? That agenda most likely doesn’t match yours at all.
Insurance companies run based on profits. Gaining profits means either minimizing or eliminating losses. Compensation for your injuries and damages are their losses.
When going to bat against insurance companies, an experienced Maryland car accident attorney can help in dealing with insurance company adjusters who are not acting in your best interests.
We’re here for you.
Don’t deal with insurance companies alone after a serious Maryland car accident. If you or a family member has been involved in a Maryland collision, then contact the experienced Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin.
Contact our office at 1-800-875-9700 to speak with a Maryland car accident attorney today. While on our website, please order a FREE copy of our book, a vital resource for anyone who has experienced a serious Maryland car accident.
Does it matter if I don't get medical treatment right after a car accident?
Always see a doctor immediately after a Maryland car accident.
Why? The most common injuries from severe car accidents frequently include head, neck, back, and soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries often take anywhere from several days to several months to develop. Therefore, they may not be evident in the moments immediately following the accident.
However, if you do not document the onset as linked to this event, then you may be stuck footing medical bills on your own.
Why shouldn’t you wait to see a doctor?
Certain injuries often do take a while to develop, so actually getting them paid for is sometimes a matter of establishing your Maryland car accident as being the clear cause for your health problems.
In other words, the argument on the side of the defense may be: “Well, your honor, the accident happened two weeks/two months ago. Anything could have happened since then to have caused these symptoms.”
We’re here for you.
You don’t have to deal with the aftermath of a serious Maryland car accident alone. If you or a family member has been involved in a Maryland collision, then contact the experienced Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin.
Call our office at 1-800-875-9700 to speak with a Maryland car accident attorney today. While on our website, please order a FREE copy of our book, a vital resource for anyone who has experienced a serious Maryland car accident.
How can a car accident attorney help me with my case?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious Maryland car crash and you believe it may be due to the negligence of another individual, contact an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney.
Establishing Your Case
Car accidents are quite complex, and multiple parties may be found liable, including the other driver, the other driver’s insurance company, a manufacturer of faulty parts, etc.
However, proving liability may be difficult, and clearly establishing your case in a court of law may be even more so. An experienced Maryland car accident attorney may be able to establish a case for the following:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff duty to exercise reasonable care.
- The defendant failed to exercise reasonable care.
- The defendant’s failure to implement reasonable care caused plaintiff’s injury.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
An experienced Maryland car accident attorney can help you deal with pushy insurance company adjusters. Insurance companies are out to ensure that they protect their operations, while losing as little money as possible.
When going to bat against insurance companies with agendas that may not include your best interest, working with an experienced car accident attorney with the knowledge and expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve can make all the difference.
We’re here for you.
Don’t deal with a serious car accident alone. If you or a family member has been involved in a serious collision, then contact the experienced Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin.
Contact our office at 1-800-875-9700 to speak with a car accident attorney today. While on our website, please order a FREE copy of our book, a vital resource for anyone who has experienced a serious Maryland car accident.
Why do I need a lawyer for my car or truck accident case?
If you have suffered a serious injury due to another persons’ negligence, you could be able to receive compensation for your losses related to the accident. With the help of an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer at Nickelsporn & Lundin, you could greatly enhance your chances of receiving full and complete compensation for your injuries. We know how to handle insurance companies, claims, getting your car repaired, getting your lost wages and all the other factors that are involved in a serious injury accident. We can help you.
What type of compensation will I receive?
That entirely depends upon your case. We don’t believe in taking a cookie-cutter approach to any legal situation. That doesn’t benefit you. We will always fully research and examine every aspect of your case to ensure that we know exactly what we can do for you. Our ultimate goal is to recover the maximum compensation for any and all losses that you may have incurred. Additionally, you could even obtain monetary compensation for non-financial losses such as pain, suffering, emotional stress and more.
Should I keep track of my expenses after an accident?
It would be wise to keep records of medical expenses related to your accident as well as any out-of-pocket expenses. We want to help you get the maximum compensation for your injuries. You can also keep a log of missed work hours in order to ensure that you recover that money for the time that you lost. Additionally, a log of your pain level can be useful.