Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid a Maryland Car Accident

March 28, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Auto accidents can take a toll on accident victims and their families. These accidents can take multiple forms, from single-vehicle accidents to crashes at an intersection. Fortunately, a

driver’s conduct can reduce their risk for various types of crashes. While not all accidents are completely preventable, drivers can exercise caution to avoid a crash.

How Can You Stay Safe on the Road?

Drivers can follow several safety tips to prevent multiple types of deadly accidents. First, to prevent a rear-end collision, maintain a safe following distance. If a car stops or slows without warning, a safe following distance will allow you to avoid colliding with the car. As a general rule, stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. During inclement weather, you should stay even farther behind. Similarly, avoid talking on the phone while driving so you can remain focused and respond to sudden changes in traffic. Second, to prevent single-vehicle accidents, scan the road for debris, animals, or sudden sharp curves. Speeding also can lead to accidents even if you are the only driver on the road.

Cause of Fiery Fatal Three-Car Crash Under Investigation After Leaving Four Dead

March 15, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Automobile accidents involving larger vehicles and cars such as trucks and pickups can be devastating. The size, mass, and speed of larger cars and automobiles increase the severity of collisions, often turning crashes into fatal incidents. Many people have a basic understanding of the risks associated with sharing the road with larger vehicles, such as pickup trucks, but not many people comprehend just how dangerous these crashes can become. According to the statistical analysis organization Policy Advice, truck accidents have increased by 52% since 2009, and 74% of all fatal passenger vehicle accidents include large trucks.

Accidents involving pickups, trucks, buses, and other large-sized vehicles such as pickup trucks are more dangerous than other types of collisions for a number of reasons. The conditions that many large vehicle drivers, such as greyhound truck operators, operate under force them to drive extreme distances, resulting in fatigue. Further, large emergency response trucks, such as fire trucks, are often driving at extremely high speeds and operating under different driving rules than ordinary traffic, creating more opportunities for accidents. Finally, commercial trucks also carry heavy cargo, complicating truck crashes and accidents. A local news article discussed a recent fatal Maryland crash involving a pickup truck.

According to the local news article about the fatal Maryland multi-car crash, the accident occurred on the 2600 block of Chillum Road near 21st Place a few blocks away from Queens Chapel Road around 5 pm. Authorities called it a mass casualty incident. According to Prince George’s County Fire & Rescue, eight adults and four children were transported to area hospitals with a range of life-threatening to non-life-threatening injuries. Four adults and one child were ultimately reported dead following the incident. According to Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue spokesman, a white pickup truck traveling west on Chillum Road struck a Cadillac and continued on its course with one of its tires on fire. The pickup truck careened down a road and struck a van head-on. The van caught fire after the crash. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

One Dead in Maryland Pedestrian Accident

February 29, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Pedestrian accidents often occur when a driver fails to operate their vehicle safely. The injuries resulting from a pedestrian accident can be especially severe. To recover compensation for their injuries, victims of a pedestrian accident can pursue a negligence lawsuit against the responsible driver. Understanding the legal elements of a negligence lawsuit is an important step toward bringing a successful claim.

As a recent news article reported, a woman tragically died after a pedestrian hit-and-run accident in Seat Pleasant, Maryland. When responding to the scene, local police found the pedestrian in the roadway. The driver who struck the pedestrian had fled the scene of the crash. Investigators are still working to identify the hit-and-run driver.

What Damages Are Available in a Maryland Pedestrian Accident?

If you suffer serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, you can pursue several types of damages awards. The damages you receive will often fall under the umbrella of compensatory damages. Compensatory damages intend to place the plaintiff in the same position they were in before the accident giving rise to their claim. They include medical costs resulting from the accident, including hospital bills as well as current and future treatment needs. Additionally, you can pursue compensatory damages to recover lost wages due to your injury, which includes lost future earnings. The law considers these to be pecuniary damages, meaning they have a clear dollar amount attached to them. You can also pursue non-pecuniary damages that are harder to quantify, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. This type of compensatory damages award intends to compensate plaintiff for the emotional harm that comes along with a serious accident.

One Woman Killed in Two-Vehicle Maryland Pedestrian Accident

February 20, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

More often than not, pedestrian accidents occur when a driver strikes a pedestrian with their vehicle. Pedestrians accidents can have a number of causes, but they often result from a driver’s negligent behavior. When a pedestrian suffers injuries from a negligent driver, they may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for their harm.

For example, a recent news article reported a fatal pedestrian accident in Rockville, Maryland. The pedestrian was crossing a road known for speeding when two drivers, both traveling eastbound, struck her. Sadly, the pedestrian died at the scene. Both cars also suffered damage, but the drivers were unharmed.

What Are the Causes of a Maryland Pedestrian Accident?

Reckless Driving or Erratic Driving Possibly Contributed to Dangerous 23-Car Crash on Chesapeake Bay Bridge

February 20, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

One of the hallmarks of reckless driving is illegal speeding. Unfortunately, the probability of death or serious injury rises with impacts at higher speeds. According to some estimates, the risk of serious death or injury doubles for every ten miles per hour over 50 miles per hour that a vehicle is traveling. As a result, pedestrians and bicyclists struck by cars driving 40 miles per hour are eight times more likely to die than a pedestrian or bicyclist struck at 20 miles per hour. A recent news report detailed a dangerous car accident that led to a massive 23-car crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

According to the news report, the crash occurred early in the morning on Saturday, January 27, 2024, when a speeding blue 2018 Honda Civic may have contributed to a chain-reaction 23-car crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Authorities said the car was traveling westbound on the Bay Bridge on US 50 at a high rate of speed and erratically between 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. on Saturday. Another 20 vehicles were involved in a series of secondary crashes, transportation officials said on Saturday afternoon. Multiple injuries were reported, according to MDTA, and the Bay Bridge was closed for hours. The multi-vehicle collision sent two people to local hospitals with serious injuries and 11 other people went to local hospitals, too. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, transportation officials said. While first responders worked to clear the bridge of impediments, drivers were stuck with nowhere to go.

What is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents?

Speeding is a massive cause of car accidents throughout the country. Some estimates project that speeding is a contributing factor in over a third of all accidents nationwide. Approximately 41 percent of drivers surveyed admitted to frequently or sometimes driving 15 miles per hour or more over the speed limit on the highway (roads with speed limits over 55 miles per hour). An additional 37 percent of drivers admitted to driving 10 miles per hour or more over the speed limit on residential streets (roads with speed limits over 30 miles per hour) in the past 30 days.

Collision with Deer Results in Fatal Maryland Crash

January 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Automobile accidents involving deer in Maryland are on the rise throughout the state. Reports indicate that deer-related collisions account for more than $10 million in annual damages. Many of these incidents are driven by the further expansion of development into deer habitats, especially in more rural areas. This results in things such as deer attempting to cross highways and roads more frequently. According to safety reports, if you are a Maryland resident, there is a one in 114 chance that you will be involved in a deer-related automobile accident at some point. A recent news article discussed a fatal Maryland car accident that began with a deer collision.

According to the news article, the accident occurred on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, when a deer darted out into the path of a Nissan Altima. The Nissan Altima was driven by a 50-year-old local man and a 13-year-old juvenile was a passenger. The Nissan Altima collided with the deer, sending the deer airborne before it hit a Toyota Tundra. The deer entered the passenger compartment of the Tundra, striking the 63-year-old driver of the Toyota Tundra, before exiting through the rear window of the truck. The Toyota Tundra then veered off the road, hitting multiple trees. The driver of the Toyota Tundra tragically passed away from his injuries. The collision occurred on Maryland Route 6, east of Poorhouse Road. Maryland State Police out of the La Plata Barrack responded to the scene around 3:44 pm. The condition of the two individuals in the Nissan Altima was not disclosed at the time of reporting.

Does My Negligence Affect My Maryland Case?

Contributory Negligence is a legal concept that potentially prevents plaintiffs in an accident case from receiving recovery for injuries resulting from a crash if their negligence contributed to the accident to any degree. Essentially, even if the negligence of the operator of another vehicle is largely responsible for the accident if the plaintiff was even a little negligent, it is possible they will not be able to recover compensation. In Maryland, contributory negligence is interpreted very broadly, allowing minor negligence by the plaintiff in personal injury cases to defeat even very strong claims. A recent article discussed a local fatal crash where the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

DUI Suspected Cause of Crash that Injured Six Teens

December 31, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Dangers of Driving Under the Influence in Maryland

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only dangerous but highly illegal. The chances of crashes and fatal accidents increase when drivers are inhibited because they are less able to react to situations that come up on the road or exercise poor judgment while driving. Unfortunately, Maryland drivers are all too familiar with the dangers of drivers operating their vehicles under the influence. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Maryland drivers reported driving after drinking at a higher rate than the national reporting rate. In fact, between 2009 and 2018, 1,515 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes in Maryland. The CDC has found that over 10,000 people per year die in such crashes throughout the country. Recent local news coverage discussed a dangerous crash where impaired driving is a suspected cause.

According to the news coverage about the recent crash, the accident occurred early in the morning around 5:00 am before the sun came up on a particularly curved portion of Shreve Road. According to the report, alcohol is suspected to be involved. News coverage of the incident states that the car came over a hill and into a curve of Shreve Road before veering off the street and hitting a tree. At that point, the car spun out or started to roll, crossing Pioneer Lane before coming to rest many feet away. The teenagers that were in the car at the time were scattered around the street having been thrown from the car wreckage. The local fire department, police, and EMS responded to the scene, rescuing the seven teenagers who were involved in the violent crash. Of the seven individuals in the car, the six passengers all experienced life-threatening injuries. At one point, the Fairfax police department launched a helicopter to scan the area for passengers. At the time of reporting, all six passengers were still in the hospital.

Dangerous Three-Car Pile Up Results in Multiple Injuries and Hospitalizations

December 22, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The danger of not wearing your seatbelt is compounded when a truck or other large vehicle is involved in the crash. That goes for people in the large vehicle as well as others on the road. Large commercial vehicles like trucks are on the road to transport heavy items over long distances. That means that large automobiles can become difficult to maneuver in emergency situations, preventing drivers from turning or stopping suddenly due to the weight of their vehicle and cargo. Even without heavy cargo or large trailers, big vehicles are heavy, making accidents involving them inherently dangerous. Additionally, long-distance drivers are under extreme pressure to spend significant hours on the road, as they may have to meet delivery deadlines. This can lead to exhaustion and impaired judgment on the roads. Tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes when driving, increasing the likelihood of accidents. It is vital to wear your seatbelt while on the road and stay aware of large vehicles that could be merging onto your road. A recent news article discussed a serious multi-vehicle accident.

According to the local news article, the accident happened at approximately 3:00 pm in Columbia, Maryland on the afternoon of Sunday, December 3. According to Howard County police, the crash occurred when a car was entering Route 29 south from the Route 108 ramp when it lost control and struck two other vehicles. Ten people total were injured or hospitalized as a result of the three-vehicle crash, including two juveniles and eight adults, ranging from nine to 42 years old. The woman driving the vehicle that initiated the collision was in critical but stable condition according to law enforcement authorities. At the time of reporting, the nine other individuals who were transported to the hospital had sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation according to law enforcement officials.

What Are the Car Insurance Requirements in Maryland?

Maryland maintains minimum insurance requirements for drivers in the state. Minimum insurance requirements are designed to ensure sufficient compensation is available to victims of car accidents should it be required. As a result, Maryland drivers are required to purchase at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.

Head-On Collision on Route 23 Leaves One Dead

November 30, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In a tragic incident on a Tuesday morning, a head-on collision claimed the life of one driver and left another seriously injured. The accident occurred on Route 23 at Morse Road in the Jarrettsville area. According to a local news report, the accident involved two vehicles, a Hyundai Accent, and a Nissan work van. Maryland State Police stated that the Hyundai was traveling east on Route 23, attempting to pass multiple vehicles within a designated passing zone. Meanwhile, the Nissan van was heading west, ultimately leading to a devastating head-on collision. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, though it appears that an unsafe attempt to pass other cars may have played a role in the accident.

The Importance of Safe Passing in Maryland

Passing zones are designated areas on the road where it is legally permitted to pass slower-moving vehicles. These zones are marked with road signs and dotted or solid lane markings to ensure safe overtaking. While passing zones allow faster-moving vehicles to overtake slower ones, it is essential to exercise caution and adhere to safety rules. Passing zones are typically created on straightaways or sections of the road with good visibility. They are intended to minimize the risk of head-on collisions and should be used judiciously. Drivers should not attempt to overtake other vehicles in no-passing zones, curves, or intersections.

Navigating Insurance Claims After Hit and Run Accidents in Maryland

October 22, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In a tragic incident in Cheverly, Maryland, two lives were lost when a driver fled the scene after causing a collision. Hit-and-run accidents like these are not only devastating but also pose complex legal challenges for victims and their families. It’s crucial for accident victims to understand their rights and how to make insurance claims for injuries and losses caused by a hit and run, as it is all too common for the guilty driver to escape liability for their conduct.

According to a local news report discussing the crash, The accident occurred in the early morning in Prince George’s County. A Kia, driven by an unidentified person, collided with a Toyota Camry, resulting in a fiery accident. Tragically, the driver and passenger in the Camry lost their lives, and the driver of the Kia fled the scene on foot. This hit-and-run incident left the community in shock and mourning for the affected families. The police are actively investigating this incident, urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in identifying the responsible party.

How Common are Hit and Run Accidents in Maryland?

Hit-and-run accidents are all too common in Maryland, and they can have life-altering consequences for victims. In such cases, the immediate priority is seeking medical attention for injuries, but once that is addressed, understanding the legal and insurance aspects is essential. After a hit-and-run accident, it’s natural to wonder how you can recover your losses when the responsible party cannot be identified or located. Here’s what you need to know: