Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
Earlier this month, a fatal Maryland car accident claimed the lives of five children and seriously injured two adults. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, all seven passengers were in a single minivan, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Evidently, the accident victims were traveling northbound on Route 301 in a Chrysler Pacifica when, just before 5 a.m. the driver of the vehicle lost control of the minivan. The vehicle slid off the road into a wooded area, where it struck several trees before spinning out into a snowy field. When police responded, they found two adults in the driver and passenger seats. Both were seriously injured. All five of the children in the back, ranging in age from five to 15, had been ejected during the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Police began an investigation into the cause of the accident, but told reporters that it seems as though none of the children were properly restrained in the back of the minivan. However, the two adults in the vehicle were wearing seatbelts.
Weather-Related Car Accidents
For at least three or four months out of the year, it is not uncommon for Maryland roads to be snowy or iced over. It should go without saying that when these winter conditions exist motorists should take extra precautions to ensure safe travels. However, each year there are hundreds of Maryland weather-related car accidents, many of which were preventable.
The duty a Maryland driver owes to their fellow motorists changes, depending on the circumstances. For example, while following the speed limit and obeying all posted traffic signals is always expected of motorists, this can change when there are compromised conditions such as rain, snow, or fog. In these situations, motorists should slow down to a safe speed – regardless of what the posted speed limit it. In fact, section 21-801 of the Maryland Transportation Code clearly states that “the driver of a vehicle shall drive at an appropriate, reduced speed when any special danger exists as to pedestrians or other traffic or because of weather or highway conditions. Thus, while posted speed limits act as a guide for everyday conditions, a driver can still be ticketed or found liable for an accident if they are traveling too fast for the weather conditions.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries you have sustained. This may include amounts for your past and future medical expense, lost wages, as well as for any pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident. At the Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, we represent injury victims in all types of Maryland car accident cases, including those caused by a driver’s failure to take inclement weather conditions into account. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Government Liability in Maryland Car Accidents Caused by Dangerous or Poorly Maintained Roads, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published January 17, 2019.
Victims of Maryland Road Rage May Be Able to Pursue a Claim against Multiple Parties, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published February 5, 2019.