When a traffic accident happens — whether it involves two passenger vehicles, a car and a motorcycle or a small motor vehicle and a much larger commercial truck — the results can be tragic for the driver and occupants of either motor vehicle, although the smaller vehicle typically sustains the worst damage. One of the more difficult aspects of any highway or urban accident is when a death occurs in the aftermath.
As experienced personal injury attorneys and auto accident lawyers serving residents of Maryland and the District, we recognize how painful and costly a car or truck crash can actually be. While the initial medical treatment can be very expensive, not to mention absolutely necessary following crashes that are very nearly fatal, the recovery period and rehabilitation costs down the road can add up as well.
No one needs to be reminded that hospitalization can place serious financial stress on many families, especially in the current economy. While insurance companies will try to cut their loses and make a quick settlement, it is always wise to consult with an experienced auto injury attorney who knows the law. It’s easy to see one’s medical costs now, but future treatment for chronic problems arising from a car or truck wreck may not be as obvious.
In cases where a person is killed in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, no amount of money can bring the deceased back to life. But the emotional pain and suffering experienced by the victim’s family and loved ones remains long after that person is laid to rest.
Not long ago, a 77-year-old woman was killed in a traffic accident that happened near Hollywood, MD, along a stretch of Rte 235 when another driver apparently failed to yield the right of way to the car in which the victim was a passenger. According to news reports, Constance Petrella was riding in the front passenger seat of a 2002 Hyundai driven by her husband, Emanuel, when a van pulled into their path of travel.
Based on police reports, the La Plata resident was critically injured in the accident when a 1990 Chevy van driven by 81-year-old William Jones Sr. pulled out in front of the couple’s vehicle. Petrella was choppered away from the crash scene to Prince George’s Hospital Center, while her husband was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital.
Sadly, according to reports, the woman died a couple days later at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. At the time of the news report, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was still investigating the accident. In the meantime,
Jones, who did not require hospital treatment, was issued a traffic citation for failing to yield the right of way. According to police at the time of the article, there was no indication that speed, alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the collision.
Crash kills La Plata woman, SoMDNews.com, December 10, 2010