Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
Last month, a four-car accident in Baltimore sent one person to the hospital in what witnesses describe as a “chain reaction” of rear-end collisions. According to a report by the Baltimore Sun, the accident occurred near Jones Junction and the Bel Air police barracks. Apparently, one car slammed into another car that was stopped at a red light at the intersection near Harford Road. After that, the car in front crashed into the car in front of it. Then that car was pushed into the car in front of it. A total of four cars were involved in the accident.
One driver was taken to the hospital. At the time of the report, police were still investigating the cause of the accident and whether drugs or alcohol was involved.
Following Too Closely is a Citable Offense in Maryland
Let’s face it, no one probably knows all the traffic laws in Maryland; we generally all just try and do our best when we’re driving out there and hope for the best. However, one offense that many Marylanders are unaware of—but should be aware of—is following behind another vehicle too closely.
The way the law is written is fairly vague:
The driver of a motor vehicle may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the other vehicle and of the traffic on and the condition of the highway.
One might think that such a vague law is applied selectively and unevenly. And in some cases it can be. However, the law is most often used to cite drivers after a rear-end collision, rather than when an officer sees a driver following too closely. Given the manner in which the law is phrased, it is easy for a police officer—with the benefit of hindsight—to determine that a driver’s following distance was not “prudent.”
The Effect of a Traffic Citation on a Civil Suit for Damages
When one driver is issued a citation in relation to an accident, evidence of that citation will be admissible in a trial between the two parties to determine which is responsible for the injuries and property damage caused by the accident. In most cases, this is very strong evidence that can make or break a case.
If you have been involved in an accident and the other driver was issued a citation, you may be eligible to recover damages from the other driver to cover your medical expenses and property damage.
Have You Been Involved in a Maryland Auto Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in an auto accident in Maryland, you should immediately contact an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney to discuss the facts of your case and to determine if you are potentially eligible for monetary compensation. Each year there are hundreds of thousands of accidents in which one party is responsible for the other’s injuries and property damages. Don’t just assume that your insurance pays for your bills and the other driver’s pays for theirs. Call 410-645-3600 today, or contact the firm online.
More Blog Posts:
U.S. Court of Appeals Affirms Judgment in Favor of Defendant in Maryland Contributory Negligence Case, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published December 18, 2013.
Appeal Planned in $1 Million Judgment Stemming from Seeder-Planter Car Collision Personal Injury Lawsuit, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published December 11, 2013.