Earlier this month in Arnold, Maryland, two people lost their lives when they were involved in an accident with a semi-truck. According to one local news report, the accident took place around 7:30 in the evening on Ritchie Highway.
Evidently, the driver of the car that was ultimately hit was attempting to make a left-hand turn on to College Parkway when he entered the path of a truck that was traveling straight in the oncoming lane of traffic. As the car crossed the truck’s path, the truck struck the car, sending it into a nearby light pole where it eventually came to a rest.
Sadly, the driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma of Baltimore, where he passed away a short time later. The driver of the truck did not sustain any serious injuries. The cause of the accident remains unknown, and police are conducting an investigation into the accident to see what may have caused the tragic accident.
Passenger Deaths in Car Accidents
It is an unmistakable fact that any fatal accident is a tragic loss. However, when a passenger who has nothing to do with the accident is killed due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, the tragedy feels even greater.
Many Maryland personal injury lawsuits are brought by the occupants of one car against the driver of another, claiming that the other driver was at fault for the accident. However, in some cases passengers who are injured or killed in an accident can bring suit against the driver of the car they were occupying at the time of the accident. While this may be less common, it is certainly permitted under Maryland law.
When Can an Accident Victim Seek Financial Recovery?
Victims of Maryland auto accidents can seek recovery from anyone they believe to be at fault for the accident that caused their injuries. This may include the driver of the vehicle they were occupying, the driver of another car involved in the accident, or a third party such as a negligent construction company or municipality. However, in order to be successful in a negligence claim against any party, an accident victim must be able to meet the legal elements of a negligence claim as to that defendant. Depending on the party and their involvement, this can sometimes be an uphill battle and is best left to an experienced Maryland accident attorney.
Have You Been Involved in a Serious Maryland Car Accident?
If you have been involved in any kind of serious Maryland car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries you sustained. However, keep in mind that insurance companies are generally involved in these cases, and they will generally dispute most claims, even the most meritorious. If you have been injured in an auto accident, call one of the dedicated attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers at 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation to discuss your case. There is no cost to you unless they are able to recover for you in your case.
More Blog Posts:
Silver Springs DUI Accident Results in One Woman’s Death, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published March 3, 2015.
Mailman in Critical Condition after Single-Vehicle Accident in Prince George’s County, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published April 23, 2015.