Earlier this month in Towson, Maryland, a 19-year-old college student was struck and killed by a driver on Dulaney Valley Road, a major arterial road. According to a report by the local NBC affiliate, the driver was heading north in the right turning lane when she struck the student just before 2 a.m. on Sunday morning.
The driver did not stop, but continued on her way until police caught up with her later and arrested her. The student was taken to the hospital early Sunday morning, immediately after the accident, but died form the injuries he sustained the next day. The student was a well-liked and integral member of the school’s lacrosse team as well as a double major in Economics and Business Management.
The hit-and-run driver who was also intoxicated at the time was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. Police and prosecutors are currently investigating the accident to determine if she should face more serious charges.
Apparently, the student was crossing a main arterial road in an area where there was a crosswalk, although preliminary reports indicate that he was not using it. The spokesperson for the police noted that the driver was at fault, but also that “A tragedy like this gives us an opportunity to remind people about the importance of pedestrian safety — crossing in a crosswalk, being especially careful when you’re crossing at night in the dark, as he was doing, and making sure that when you’re crossing, you’re paying full attention to what you’re doing”
Drunk Driving Accidents in Maryland
In Maryland, it is illegal to operate any motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more. In addition it is illegal to drive under the influence of any illegal or even prescribed drug. Doing so increases the chances that a driver will be involved in a serious car accident, putting the lives of other driver at risk. Such a decision is negligent and the victims of these accidents are entitled to monetary relief.
Hit and Run Accidents in Maryland
The driver in the story above was not only drunk when she hit the student, but she fled the scene. This only compounds the perceived level of negligence on her part. By failing to stop and render aid to an accident victim, a driver is essentially leaving that person for dead. This, again, is another fact that a jury can use when determining if an accident victim is entitled to damages from a driver.
Have You Been Involved in a Maryland Drunk Driving or Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a Maryland accident, you should speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the facts of the case, you may be entitled to monetary damages to help you cover the costs of your medical bills. In addition, you may be able to recover amounts for lost wages and pain and suffering. To find out more, and to schedule your free initial case evaluation, click here or call 410-654-3600 today.
More Blog Posts:
Woman Killed When She Was Struck By an Unmarked Police Car; Officer Placed on Administrative Leave, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published April 15, 2014.
What Is a Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim?, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published April 1, 2014.