Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog

Two Hospitalized in Maryland Pileup

August 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Multi-car pileups are undoubtedly dangerous: they block traffic, risk the lives and wellbeing of multiple drivers and countless passengers, and can contribute to other accidents. In addition to putting more people at risk, pileups can be a nightmare for people trapped inside the wreckage of multiple vehicles. Emergency personnel may have to use the jaws of life to extract survivors from accidents, which can risk further injury as pieces of the wreckage are moved and sharp instruments venture near the trapped victims.

Recent reports state that two people have been hospitalized after a multi-car pileup in Annapolis, Maryland. The wreck was announced by fire department personnel at 8:18 a.m., and one trapped victim was not rescued from their car until 8:32 a.m, when fire department personnel were able to remove them. Traffic was blocked during that time. Officials do not have an update on the injured victims at this time.

What Damages Are Available in Maryland Personal Injury Cases?

Whether due to the negligence of other drivers or the negligence of emergency personnel attempting to clear the wreckage, victims who suffer injuries in multi-car pileups may be entitled to compensation. But what economic and non-economic harms are survivors entitled to receive in a Maryland personal injury case?

Intoxication and Improper Passing Leads to Two Dead

August 14, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

As smaller and harder to see citizens of the road, bicyclists are often in danger from the risk of drivers attempting to pass other vehicles without checking for oncoming traffic. This risk is compounded when intoxicated drivers are behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,654 people died in accidents caused by alcohol-impaired driving in 2020. Driving under the influence of alcohol impairs an individual’s reasoning ability and response time. Even just a small amount of alcohol in the bloodstream can inhibit visual functions, impair the ability to multitask, and respond to changes in driving conditions or emergency situations. All of these factors can contribute to an intoxicated driver’s poor judgment in passing or inability to check their surroundings carefully for other motorists and pedestrians.

According to a recent article, two victims, 48 and 57 year old men, died and three others were injured when they were struck by an intoxicated driver. Of the deceased, one was pronounced dead at the scene and the other died from their injuries in the hospital. The victims were all bicyclists participating in a charity bike ride when the collision occurred. Two have been treated and released from the hospital, but the third remains in serious condition.

The accident happened when a truck in front of the driver began to slow down. Rather than slow down or stop, the driver swerved around the truck and into the lane of oncoming traffic, where the driver hit a group of bicyclists. Officers say the road on which the accident occurred is straight and there are no obstructions and noted that the intoxicated driver did not appear to look for or see the bicyclists before attempting to pass. The driver has been charged with several counts of driving while intoxicated and is being held on a $1 million bond.

Maryland Pedestrian Struck and Killed while Walking Down Highway

July 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Many busy, high-speed roadways lack sidewalks or any lane for pedestrians. The lack of protection poses a risk to pedestrians of injury or death. Too often, pedestrians cannot avoid these roadways, such as highways or interstates. For example, if a driver encounters a flat tire, check engine light, or even take an important phone call, they may have no choice but to stop. They may even leave their car and walk along the highway to seek help. In fact, a 20 year-old woman from Upper Marlboro was struck after she left her car to walk down I-270 near Maryland Route-109 in Frederick.

According to a local news article, the victim parked her car on the shoulder of the highway northbound before walking southbound down the highway. She was then struck by a BMW sedan and pronounced dead on the scene. The driver was unharmed. The reason the victim exited her vehicle is unclear, but some drivers may have the instinct to walk along the highway if they encounter an emergency.

Highway Pedestrian Safety Tips

Speeding and Alcohol Leads to One Dead in Maryland Rear-End Crash

July 10, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Driving at high speeds can lead to devastating consequences and endangers everyone sharing the road, including other drivers and pedestrians. Alcohol consumption is a common factor involved in speeding crashes on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018, drivers who were speeding when in fatal crashes were more likely to have been drinking and drinking more than those drivers who were not speeding.

In recent news, an 18-year-old male died after his vehicle was struck in the rear by another motor vehicle. According to initial investigations, speeding and alcohol appear to be contributing factors to the crash. When responders arrived on the scene, they found one driver unconscious. The driver was taken to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

In general, states have different speed limits depending on the type of road, whether it is residential or non-residential, whether it is straight or curvy road, and so on. Speed limits are typically laws that set maximum speed limits in certain settings, but the reasonable speed a car should be going can change depending on factors such as traffic, construction, and weather conditions.

Wrong-Way Accident Leads to One Dead on Maryland Highway

July 5, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When it comes to driving, there is no question that paying close attention to road signs, traffic signals, and your surroundings is essential to road safety. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), wrong-way driving involves “vehicular movement along a travel lane in a direction opposing the legal flow of traffic on high-speed divided highways or access ramps.” Furthermore, according to NTSB, wrong-way collisions occur infrequently, accounting for only about 3 percent of accidents on high-speed divided highways, but these collisions are much more likely to result in fatalities and serious injuries compared to other types of highway accidents. Wrong-way collisions are most often head-on collisions.

In a recent news report, a two-vehicle crash in Prince George’s County, Maryland resulted in one woman dead. The accident took place on I-495, and involved a Lincoln Navigator traveling southbound in the northbound lanes. The Lincoln crashed into a Buick Enclave that was traveling south in the southbound lanes. The driver of the Buick was found dead at the scene, and when troopers arrived at the screen, one vehicle was on fire. The driver of the Lincoln was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment of her injuries. At the time of the news article, no charges have yet been filed and an investigation into the accident was taking place.

What Are the Common Causes of Wrong-Way Collisions?

Driving in the correct direction is one critical component of driving and something that all drivers on the road should take care in doing. There are a few reasons why wrong-way accidents may occur. According to the NTSB, one of the most common reasons drivers find themselves heading in the opposite direction of traffic is because of entering an exit ramp. Also, alcohol or driving under the influence has been found to be a cause of serious accidents. Additionally, driving in conditions where visibility may be obstructed can lead to these types of accidents. For example, driving in poor weather conditions, or having difficulty with vision at nighttime may be a cause of wrong-way accidents. It is important for all drivers to consider the conditions for driving that may help keep everyone safe while on the road, and to pay close attention to road signage.

Woman Struck and Killed while Attempting to Change a Flat Tire

June 20, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Highways, interstates, and other high-speed roadways can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Many roads that lack sidewalks forbid pedestrians from walking on the side of the road to ensure their safety, however, sometimes pedestrians may not be able to avoid finding themselves on a high-speed roadway. If someone has car trouble, for example, they may need to pull their vehicle off to the side of the road to address the issue. A Maryland woman was recently killed after she exited her vehicle to address a flat tire and was struck by a speeding vehicle.

According to a local news report discussing the accident, the victim, a 47-year-old woman from Glen Burnie, suffered a flat tire and pulled to the side of the road to address the problem. After the victim exited her vehicle, she was hit by another car that was speeding and unable to stay in its lane. According to the report, another vehicle that had stopped to assist the victim was also struck, but the occupant was not seriously injured. the woman who had initially stopped was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other driver was not injured in the crash. After sobriety tests were performed, the other driver was arrested for DUI, automobile homicide, and other charges. Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating drugs reduces reaction time and encourages poor decision making, and likely contributed to the cause of this tragic accident.

What Should You do to Stay Safe When Changing a Tire?

If you get a flat tire, run out of gas, or have another maintenance issue that renders your car inoperable, always try and pull over to the right side of the road, as far into the shoulder as possible. After your vehicle has stopped, activate your hazard lights, and keep an eye on your rear-view mirror to watch approaching traffic. Whether you are able to get out of the road or not, it is advised to stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. Statistics have demonstrated that drivers are safer in their vehicle than standing outside somewhere around it. If you must exit your vehicle, attempt to do so from the passenger side. Once a tow truck has been called and arrives, the driver will have the knowledge and equipment available to safely stop traffic and allow you to exit the vehicle.

How Fault is Allocated in a Maryland Multiple Vehicle Accident

May 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When an accident involves multiple parties, things can get complicated fast. As an initial matter, figuring out who was at fault and what percentage of the fault should be allocated to them in the accident may be in dispute. In addition, figuring out how much fault others have, if any, in causing the accident, can often also be a challenge. Sometimes, following an accident, witness testimony may be hazy and people may have conflicting accounts of how the collision took place. Understanding how fault is allocated in an accident involving multiple parties can prepare you for what’s to come.

According to a recent local news report, several were hurt in a multiple-vehicle crash. Local authorities were called to the scene of the accident at around 7:35am, where initial reports showed that the crash involved a Ford truck pulling a trailer and a Kia. Investigators reported that the Ford was attempting to make a turn when it crashed into the Kia. Six people—three adults and three minors—were reportedly injured after the accident and transported to local hospitals for treatment. Among the injured, nearly everyone had serious injuries, with one person needing to be extracted from the wreckage and one minor with serious, life-threatening injuries. The accident resulted in an extended road closure as authorities responded to the crash and the collision remains under investigation.

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Understanding the Limitations of Maryland Wrongful Death Lawsuits

May 10, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When we lose a loved one unexpectedly in an accident, it can be extremely stressful knowing what steps to take next. Whether it’s figuring out medical expenses that your loved one incurred or working out how you will provide for your family in the wake of losing your loved one, the process is far from easy. Although adding a lawsuit to the mix can be additional stress, it is often an important part of the recovery process—and can resolve many financial issues that occur following the loss of a loved one if the case is successful.

According to a recent local news report, a fatal accident that took place in Frederick remains under investigation. When local authorities responded to the scene, they found a Honda that had toppled over in the middle of the road. Based on an initial investigation, a Jeep was heading eastbound when it made an aggressive lane change, which was filled by the Honda. The Honda swerved off the left side of the road, overcorrected, and then ran across several other lanes before crashing into a guardrail and overturning. The Jeep fled the scene. The passenger in the front seat of the Honda was pronounced dead on the scene, while the driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The accident remains under investigation and the Maryland State Police Crash Team plans to continue to look into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Who do I need to know about Maryland wrongful death lawsuits?

First, wrongful death lawsuits cannot be brought by just anyone connected to the deceased individual. Maryland, like other states, has specific rules about who is eligible to bring a wrongful death suit and recover compensation. Among those who are able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit, spouses of the deceased, parents, and children are eligible to do so. If no one qualifies into these categories, an individual related to the deceased through blood or marriage and who was substantially dependent on the deceased can also bring a wrongful death claim.

Staying Safe While Driving in Winter Conditions in Maryland

May 1, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Although most Maryland locals are probably familiar with snow and ice, not every Maryland resident knows how to properly drive when there are snowy road conditions. Even for experienced drivers, winter weather conditions can make for dangerous and stressful drives because visibility is low and the roads are slippery. To stay safe during icy conditions, it is best to drive proactively and to prepare your vehicle in advance.

According to a recent local news report, multiple vehicles were involved in a fatal crash on Interstate 81 near Hagerstown. Local authorities reported that the accident was a four-vehicle, chain-reaction crash during poor weather conditions. Under heavy snow conditions, the crash took place when a Mazda, tractor-trailer and Dodge stopped in a southbound lane because of traffic congestion. A separate tractor-trailer approached the three vehicles from behind and collided with the rear of the Dodge, which pushed it into the Mazda. The Mazda was then pushed forward into the rear of the first tractor-trailer. The woman in the Mazda was pronounced dead on the scene and two other drivers were transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

Driving in winter weather can be a challenge even for the most experienced and careful of drivers. In addition to the annual maintenance of your vehicle, you should always prepare and winterize your car so that you are equipped to hit the roads with confidence. Some steps include testing your battery regularly, getting winter tires or keeping an eye on the treads of your all-season tires, checking on tire pressure and wiper blades, and keeping your gas tank at least half full during the colder months to prevent gas line freeze.

Establishing Fault in a Maryland Multi-Vehicle Accident

April 17, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Although many car accidents are simple and it is clear which party is at fault when the collision took place, this is not always the case for every incident. In fact, sometimes car accidents can involve multiple parties, vehicles, collisions, and injuries. The chaos of the accident can also often create problems for drivers in remembering exactly which car hit the other first and how to allocate responsibility. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, knowing your rights and next steps is crucial to protecting yourself and maximizing your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

According to a recent local news report, Maryland State Police are investigating a multiple-vehicle crash that left a local man dead and also injured a pedestrian. Troopers responded to a report of a multi-vehicle crash around 3:00 AM and to an accident involving five separate vehicles and a pedestrian. Based on a preliminary investigation, a black Dodge initially rear-ended a Chevrolet. A separate driver, acting as a Good Samaritan, stopped his vehicle on the shoulder to assist with the accident. Shortly after the separate driver exited his vehicle, a Nissan crashed into the Dodge from the initial accident and the pedestrian involved in the crash was also struck. A separate accident occurred when a Chevrolet stopped in a separate lane, potentially to also provide assistance before a GMC crashed into it. All five drivers and the pedestrian were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The accident remains under investigation by local authorities.

Multiple-vehicle crashes, often also called chain reaction accidents, can often create legal challenges as complex as the series of collisions that led to the dispute in the first place. Because these accidents often involve several defendants and plaintiffs with personal injury claims, it can be a challenging task to navigate on your own.