Morris MarguliesMorris Margulies2026-10-13T09:33:19Zhttps://www.law-margulies.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1605343/2026/02/cropped-morris-margulies-site-identity-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[How Maryland PIP benefits work after a car crash]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502712026-10-13T09:33:19Z2026-10-13T09:33:19ZWhat does Maryland PIP usually pay for?
Personal injury protection helps cover direct costs that follow a covered collision. Maryland law generally requires insurers to offer this coverage, and it generally applies to the named policyholder, household family members and passengers in the insured vehicle, though policy terms can affect how a claim works. PIP may cover:
Ambulance and emergency room costs
Follow-up treatment, surgery and physical therapy
Up to 85% of your lost income, subject to policy limits
Household services you can no longer perform due to your injury and transportation to medical appointments
Maryland requires insurers to offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage, though drivers may buy higher limits. Maryland's PIP statute outlines the basic rules.
Waivers and paperwork can affect the claim
PIP applies by default unless the policyholder signs a written waiver. You usually start the claim by notifying the insurer and submitting the records it requests.
Insurers often ask for treatment records and wage loss documents before they pay benefits. If you miss paperwork deadlines or fail to respond to document requests, the insurer may delay payment or deny part of the claim.
What happens if benefits are delayed or denied?
A denied claim or a long payment delay does not always mean the insurer got it right. The dispute may involve the validity of the waiver, whether the policy covers the treatment or whether the carrier applied the policy terms correctly.
PIP should provide quick financial help after a crash, but waiver disputes and payment delays can limit that benefit. Those same problems can also affect claims against the at-fault driver. A Maryland car accident attorney can review whether the waiver was valid, whether the insurer applied your policy correctly and what options remain.]]>by Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[What happens to pending lawsuits when you file for Bankruptcy?]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502612026-09-17T08:53:08Z2026-09-17T08:53:08ZDoes bankruptcy stop a lawsuit right away?
Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay. This prevents creditors from taking most collection actions against you. It takes effect the moment you file your petition.
The stay can pause lawsuits over pre-bankruptcy debts. It can also stop wage garnishments, repossessions and some foreclosure proceedings. But filing does not automatically dismiss the underlying lawsuit.
Are there exceptions to the automatic stay?
Yes. Certain legal proceedings are exempt from the automatic stay. Family law matters are a common example. The stay generally does not prevent proceedings involving child support, alimony, child custody, visitation or other domestic support obligations. Criminal proceedings against the debtor also generally may continue.
Government actions involving police or regulatory powers may also proceed despite the stay. These exceptions allow certain public and family-related matters to continue even after a bankruptcy case begins.
A creditor may also ask the bankruptcy court to lift or modify the automatic stay. The court may grant that request when the creditor meets the applicable legal requirements and shows sufficient grounds for relief.
What happens after a bankruptcy discharge?
A discharge eliminates personal liability for most debts, but it does not automatically resolve every pending lawsuit. Certain debts remain outside the scope of a bankruptcy discharge. These may include claims based on fraud, willful injury and domestic support obligations. In some cases, the court must determine whether a particular debt falls within one of these statutory exceptions. Secured creditors may also retain certain rights against collateral even after the discharge takes effect.
What should you do if you have a pending lawsuit?
Do not assume filing will resolve the case. Before you file:
Identify the claim type and whether the debt is likely dischargeable
Confirm whether the automatic stay applies to that proceeding
Disclose the lawsuit in your bankruptcy schedules as required
Taking these steps can help protect your rights and ensure the pending lawsuit is handled properly during the bankruptcy process.
How bankruptcy may and may not affect a pending lawsuit
A pending lawsuit does not stop you from filing for bankruptcy. But it does require careful planning. You need to know whether the stay applies, which debts may survive discharge and how the case might proceed. A bankruptcy attorney can review your situation and help you decide the best path forward.]]>On Behalf of Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[Why did my Maryland accident claim get sent to SIU?]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502582026-09-04T09:17:18Z2026-09-04T09:16:32ZCommon reasons an insurer sends a claim to SIU
An SIU is part of an insurer's process for reviewing potentially fraudulent claims. Maryland requires authorized insurers with policies or certificates of insurance in the state to maintain antifraud plans that include procedures for detecting insurance fraud and investigating suspicious claims.
An insurer may refer a claim to SIU when information raises questions that require further review. For example, the insurer may want to clarify:
Whether the accident occurred as described in the claim
Whether the reported injuries are consistent with the crash
Whether information in the claim matches other available records
Whether statements and documents submitted are accurate and complete
The insurer may request additional information or documentation as part of this review.
What should you do if your claim is under investigation?
Take the investigation seriously and be truthful. Keep your accident report, medical records, bills and other documents related to your claim. Before providing additional statements or documents, make sure you understand what the insurer is requesting. Then provide accurate and complete information.
If an SIU investigation raises questions you cannot resolve on your own, an attorney can review your claim and advise you about responding to the insurer.
An SIU referral is not a finding of wrongdoing. What matters at this stage is responding carefully and accurately while protecting your interests.]]>by Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[Which household items are exempt in Maryland bankruptcy?]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502572026-08-18T20:45:27Z2026-08-18T20:45:27ZWhat exemptions protect your belongings?
Maryland has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions, so Maryland residents generally must use the exemptions available under Maryland law when filing bankruptcy. These legal protections help preserve basic household needs while a person works through debt. The law recognizes that essential items support daily life.
Maryland law provides a $1,000 exemption specifically for household furnishings, household goods, appliances and certain other personal items. In bankruptcy, Maryland also allows an individual debtor to exempt up to $6,000 in personal property under the state's bankruptcy exemptions. These two protections may work in tandem. For example, a debtor might use the household goods exemption for furniture and appliances, then apply the broader personal property exemption to cover additional belongings that exceed the $1,000 limit or fall into other categories.
Which household items are typically safe?
Common household belongings may qualify for protection, but the applicable exemption limits and the value of the debtor's interest still matter. Examples of household property that may qualify include:
Beds, dressers and bedroom furniture
Tables, chairs and dining room sets
Refrigerators, stoves and microwaves
Washing machines and dryers
Televisions and basic electronics
Keep in mind that values are based on fair market value, typically what an item would sell for at a garage sale, rather than its original purchase price. These rules shield belongings essential to daily welfare. Understanding Maryland bankruptcy exemptions helps you plan which assets receive legal protection during the filing process.
Planning your financial fresh start
Bankruptcy law is designed to give you a fresh financial start without stripping away basic needs. Speaking with a qualified bankruptcy attorney can clarify which specific items qualify for protection in your situation.]]>On Behalf of Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[What should you do after a parking lot accident in Maryland?]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502492026-07-27T10:14:31Z2026-07-27T10:14:31ZCheck for injuries and secure the scene
First, check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. Call 911 if someone needs medical attention. If the vehicles can be moved safely, pull them out of traffic to help reduce the risk of another collision. Stay calm and avoid arguing about fault or making statements that assign blame. Once everyone is safe, you can focus on documenting what happened.
Gather information and report the accident
Parking lot accidents often happen without independent witnesses, so collecting accurate information can make a difference later. Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-104 requires drivers involved in certain accidents to stop, provide identifying information and offer reasonable assistance when appropriate. Before leaving the scene, try to:
Exchange names, contact information and insurance details with the other driver
Photograph the vehicle damage, surrounding area, traffic signs and parking space markings
Ask witnesses for their contact information and a brief description of what they observed
Notify your insurance company promptly and provide accurate information about the collision
If the accident involves injury or death and a police officer does not investigate the crash, Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-107 may require a written report to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
Thorough documentation can help explain how the accident occurred if questions arise later.
Understand how fault may affect a claim
Not every parking lot accident has a clear-cut cause. Insurance companies and courts review the facts to determine who caused the collision. They may consider whether a driver failed to yield, ignored traffic signs or backed out without checking for approaching vehicles.
Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, a person who failed to use reasonable care and contributed to the accident may be barred from recovering damages from the other party. Because even a small degree of fault can affect a claim, the details of the accident are often important.
A parking lot accident may seem straightforward, but the steps you take afterward can influence insurance claims and any legal issues that follow. Understanding your responsibilities under Maryland law and keeping thorough records can help you address the situation with greater confidence. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, consider reaching out to a legal professional for guidance.
]]>On Behalf of Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[4 things that determine who is at fault in a rideshare crash]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502482026-07-23T13:57:21Z2026-07-23T13:57:21Zdisputes over liability and insurance claims. A careful investigation and taking the right steps after the accident can help you reduce these problems.
How to prove liability in rideshare accidents
Rideshare services provide insurance only when the driver is actively using the app. Even then, people may disagree about which insurance applies. The common practice is that the driver’s personal car insurance is evaluated first before considering the rideshare insurance. Here are four factors you need to keep in mind to help you determine liability in a rideshare accident:
Rideshare driver’s status: The rideshare app shows what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.This can help show who was at fault and which insurance – the driver’s or the company’s – applies.
Contributory negligence rule: Maryland courts follow the contributory negligence doctrine. Even if you are slightly at fault, you may not receive compensation.
Evidence: Police reports, photos of the accident, dashcam or traffic footage can help show who caused the crash.
Third-party liability: Not every rideshare accident involves only one responsible party. Another driver, a vehicle manufacturer or a government agency may also share responsibility if they helped cause the accident.
After a rideshare accident, your first priority should be your safety and getting medical attention. The next thing you need to do is to report the accident and gather any evidence from the scene, which can help investigators in finding out the status of the driver on the app.
How to strengthen your rideshare accident claim
Rideshare accidents are often more complicated than traditional car accidents. They may involve more than one driver and different insurance policies. Understanding what to do helps you make better decisions after an accident. Your auto insurance may cover some of your medical bills. However, the rideshare driver or company may also be responsible for your other losses. Finding out who caused the accident and collecting the evidence can help you build a stronger claim and recover compensation.]]>On Behalf of Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[Chapter 13 repayment plan: Calculating your monthly payments]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502472026-07-09T15:38:43Z2026-07-09T15:38:43ZThe disposable income formula
The first step is to determine your current income by averaging all income received during the six months before filing, excluding Social Security. Then you subtract all reasonable and necessary expenses along with required payments. The remaining amount is your disposable income and determines what you may pay creditors in a Chapter 13 repayment plan.
Priority and secured debt requirements
Certain debts are priority obligations that you must pay in full through the repayment plan, including:
Past-due child support
Alimony payments
Some recent tax debts
If you are behind on your mortgage or car loan payments, Chapter 13 also allows you to catch up while keeping your home or vehicle. Instead of paying the full arrears immediately, the past-due amount is spread over the payment period (three to five years).
The best interest of creditors test
Unsecured creditors, like credit card companies and medical bill providers, must get at least as much in Chapter 13 as they would in Chapter 7. If the Chapter 13 plan would pay less than that amount, it will not satisfy the test.
Additionally, Maryland exemption laws decide which property you can keep in Chapter 7. Every dollar of equity you can successfully exempt is a dollar you do not have to pay your unsecured creditors in Chapter 13.
Role of the bankruptcy trustee
The trustee reviews your Chapter 13 plan and budget to ensure the payments are realistic, manageable and proposed fairly before the judge’s final decision. If your financial situation changes, the trustee may sometimes adjust your payments.
Why accuracy matters
Maintaining accurate numbers and a realistic budget is essential to getting a Chapter 13 plan confirmed. A lawyer can help ensure your plan serves your best interests while keeping it on track throughout the repayment period.]]>On Behalf of Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[Who is liable for a drunk driving crash?]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502442026-06-19T00:14:06Z2026-06-19T00:14:06ZThe drunk driver
People who break the law are usually liable for the consequences of their decisions. Impaired drivers may need to provide insurance coverage to those affected by a wreck. If they lack enough insurance, then the people affected by the crash could file a lawsuit against them.
The drunk driver’s employer
Many people drive for work, at least occasionally. Functional alcoholics and those who might have opportunities to drink during the day could be on the clock while driving drunk.
Employers are typically liable for the negligence or misconduct of workers performing job tasks that cause harm to others. If a drunk professional causes a crash while working, their employer might be partially liable.
Maryland laws largely limit the liability of businesses and social hosts in scenarios involving drunk driving collisions. Most of the time, the drunk driver is the party liable for all collision expenses, unless they were working when the wreck occurred.
Reviewing the circumstances of a drunk driving collision with a skilled legal team can help people explore different options for covering their costs. Litigation and business insurance claims can potentially help those with significant losses that a drunk driver’s insurance may not cover.]]>On Behalf of Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[How to improve your chances of a successful Chapter 7 filing]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502432026-06-11T16:57:50Z2026-06-11T16:57:50ZNobody approaches bankruptcy without some measure of anxiety. The system is unfamiliar, and the stakes are high.
Knowing what you can do to make the process go more smoothly is one way to manage. The following things cannot guarantee that your application will succeed, but they can certainly boost its chances.
Do a little research before you start
However eager you are to get started with the process, it’s best to take a little time to familiarize yourself with the information and requirements. This can reduce the chance of oversights that delay or lead to the refusal of your application. For example, understanding the financial disclosures you need to make can help you get your documents and information organized in advance. Understanding the exemptions available to you for certain pieces of property may also ease your mind.
Double-check all the information you submit
A mistake can delay things. What’s more, certain mistakes might be viewed by a bankruptcy court with suspicion as an intentional attempt to manipulate the system. You need to be sure that the figures you provide on your financial disclosures are correct and that you have remembered to include everything. Taking your time now can save a lot of stress later.
Have a plan for your financial recovery
Entering the bankruptcy process with a clear and realistic vision of how you wish to emerge is best. Researching post-bankruptcy credit options, like secured cards, can help you navigate your new reality and recover faster. If you are at the point where you are considering bankruptcy, then you are likely under considerable stress from your debt and its effect on your life. This can make thinking clearly challenging, so seeking legal guidance really is a good idea.]]>On Behalf of Morris Margulies LLC<![CDATA[Top reasons for individual bankruptcy filings]]>https://www.law-margulies.com/?p=502422026-06-11T09:00:56Z2026-06-11T09:00:56ZEveryone's financial situation is unique, so every bankruptcy filing will have its own specific basis. Not everyone's financial picture looks the same.
That being said, there are a few common reasons that drive many bankruptcy filings. It can be helpful to understand why people file for bankruptcy, especially because it often relates to things outside of their control.
Job loss
For example, it is very common for people to take on some level of debt based on their income. This includes mortgage loans, car loans, credit card charges and things of this nature. But if a person loses their job, it means that a previously sustainable and carefully planned budget no longer works.
Medical expenses
Medical emergencies can also create very high medical bills almost overnight. People often focus on their own health and wellness, even if the treatment they need is expensive. This is especially true for parents who are looking out for the well-being of their children. In an emergency, even if they know they cannot afford medical care, they are still going to take on that debt because the child's health is more important to them.
High interest rates
Another thing to look for is high interest rates, especially when it comes to credit cards. Credit card debt is often linked to bankruptcy filings, and part of the problem is that even paying the minimum balance every month is not enough. With high interest rates, the total balance may just keep going up, and someone can get trapped in a spiral of debt.
Exploring your bankruptcy options
Have you seen any of these financial issues in your own life? If so, it is important to understand bankruptcy and all of your legal options.]]>