Maryland car accidents happen every day. In fact, car accidents happen every day, all day, all across the nation—some of them minor, some fatal. Most of these accidents go unnoticed by the general public; maybe they see them while driving by, or know someone involved, but generally, most are unknown to the average Maryland resident. Every so often, however, there occurs a major car accident that makes national news. And tragically, just after the New Year began, one of those accidents occurred in California, killing 9 people.
According to the New York Times, which covered the accident, the crash occurred around 8 PM local time on State Route 33, and involved an SUV (2013 Dodge Journey) driven by a 28-year-old man. The man was traveling southbound. As the driver approached a 2007 Ford pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction, he suddenly veered onto the dirt shoulder, lost control, and veered back onto the road, across the center line. According to the California Highway Patrol, this caused a head-on collision with the pickup truck. The pickup truck, driven by a woman of unidentified age, became “fully engulfed in flames,” and all 8 occupants of the truck were killed. Seven of these people were children, ranging from 6 to 15 years old. The driver of the SUV was also killed.
When tragic events like this happen, it is natural to wonder who is responsible for causing these deaths. Indeed, officials responding to the scene of the crime always try to figure this out, since there is a possibility that criminal charges may be filed. Right now, the investigation is underway. Officials are trying to figure out whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash. Additionally, they made public the fact that the pickup—carrying 8 people—was only equipped with 6 seat belts. When people are not buckled up, the chances that they will suffer serious injuries in a crash are “far greater.”
Can Families of Car Accident Victims Recover Compensation from the At-Fault Party?
Fatal car accidents are undoubtedly tragic. While those not involved can try their best to move forward with their lives past this event, those impacted have a longer road to recovery. Many families lost loved ones—in some cases, children—suddenly in this terrible crash. The long-term psychological pain is tremendous, and there, of course, are financial costs associated with such losses, namely lost wages and funeral and burial costs. That is why many states—including Maryland—offer those who lose a family member in crashes like these the opportunity to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits, brought against a negligent driver responsible for the crash, can lead to financial compensation for the losses suffered, helping Maryland families recover after something tragic.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you’re mourning the loss of a loved one due to a Maryland car accident, call the personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, today to learn how we can help you financially recover. We understand that nothing can bring back your loved ones but want to help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on honoring and mourning your loved one. Learn more by calling us today at 800-654-1949.