James Scott Robertson

Ocean City, MD Personal Injury Insurance Claims and Cases

If you are injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle or pedestrian accident in Ocean City, it is highly recommended that you obtain an attorney who both local to Ocean City and accustomed to handling the unique issues that arise in those cases.

Starting in 1993, I represented several insurance companies in the defense of car accidents lawsuits on the Eastern Shore, a large percentage of which occurred in Ocean City or involved vacationers coming to or from the beach.  Yet I was never an insurance company employee. They hired me because I am from the lower Eastern Shore and practiced law here. They knew that it was better to have a local attorney involved.  I know Ocean City, Salisbury, and the surrounding areas.  I know how to investigate the accidents, I am familiar with the police departments and many of the officers, and, yes, I am familiar with the local court systems if litigation becomes necessary.

About 10 years ago, I changed my practice to only represent the injured victims of car accidents.  I believe my many years of representing insurance companies on the Eastern Shore – knowing how they evaluate claims, how they think, and the rationale they use to deny, delay, or minimize claims – gives me great insight and experience that greatly benefits my current clients, particularly in cases that arise from accident in the Ocean City area.

In fact, many attorneys outside of the Ocean City area have called me and asked me to co-counsel with them on Ocean City accident cases.

While, in my opinion, hiring an attorney that regularly practices in the area where the accident happened is almost always a good idea, it is particularly so if you are involved in an accident in Ocean City.  There are several unique problems with accidents that happen in OC.  The first I call “problems with witnesses”.  Many times, the witnesses to an OC accident are only there for a week, and are difficult to contact or subpoena later.  We go to work right away to investigate accidents, and if necessary, to lock in the statements of witnesses.  Having our office on the lower Eastern Shore allows us immediate access to Ocean City to conduct interviews and take statements.

The second unique difficulty is the high number of seasonal Ocean City police officers.  The majority of the town’s police force works only for the summer months and then moves out of Ocean City.  As such, it is often difficult or impossible to contact the police officer months later. We have dealt with this issue many times over the years, and understand how to approach a case with this potential difficulty in mind.

The third issue is the court system in Worcester County – the county where Ocean City is located.  Although there is a District Court building in OC, only criminal cases are heard at that courthouse.  Civil cases, for both District Court and Circuit Court, are heard in Snow Hill.  Worcester County is a venue where I regularly practice.  I know my way around the courtrooms in Worcester County, and know what judges expect in that jurisdiction.

Insurance companies are aware of my reputation generally and of my experience in Worcester County.  They know I will be prepared to file a lawsuit in Snow Hill and to take it all the way to trial if necessary to ensure a fair and just result of my clients.

Does this matter?  YES!  Insurance companies factor in the preparedness of the attorney to take the case to court when they engage in settlement negotiations.  They know they have to be fair with us – and if not we stand ready willing in able to file and prosecute a civil lawsuit.  This reputation helps keep the insurance companies honest and achieve outstanding results for our clients.

Insurance companies are also aware of my reputation amongst judges and other lawyers.  I have the highest possible rating from the Martindale-Hubble rating agency, which is the gold standard of lawyer ratings and is based on an anonymous survey of judges and lawyers.  I am proud of my AV-Preeminent rating, which is held by less than 5% of lawyers nationwide.  I am also one of only four attorneys on the Eastern Shore who is certified by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which recognizes attorneys who have handled very large and complex personal injury cases.  I have receive many other legal, professional, and civic honors, which can be viewed on my website:

One thing is certain about Ocean City accidents: Getting a qualified attorney involved right away is a key to success.  Please feel free to call today for a free initial legal consultation:. We look forward to serving you.