Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
Earlier this month in Elkridge, Maryland, a pedestrian was killed after she was hit not once but twice by passing motorists. According to a report by the Baltimore Sun, the woman was walking on U.S. 1 around 4:40 in the morning when she was first struck by a 2002 Toyota SUV heading northbound.
That driver immediately pulled off to the side of the road to assist the pedestrian. However, before he could get to her, another passing car ran over the woman, who was still in the roadway. The first driver, who has been cooperating with police, told police that the second vehicle was a dark colored SUV.
The woman was pronounced dead by emergency responders shortly after their arrival. Authorities are refraining from disclosing her identity until they are able to notify her next-of-kin.
Thus far, it is not clear whether the first driver will be facing any criminal charges for his role in the fatal hit-and-run accident. Should police find the second driver, he will almost certainly face criminal charges for fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Hit-and-Run Accidents in Maryland
In Maryland, like elsewhere in the country, too many drivers give in to the temptation to flee the scene after causing a serious or fatal accident. However, not only is the decision a reckless one, it is also illegal.
Leaving the scene of an accident, regardless of who caused the accident, is against the law. Drivers who flee can be cited for criminal charges. In addition to the criminal charges that may be filed against them, hit-and-run drivers may also be held financially liable by the victim or the victim’s family for the injuries caused in the accident.
Of course, if a motorist is not at all involved in the collision, they are under no duty to stop and render aid. However, even if a driver who is not at fault for causing an accident leaves the scene, they may still be in violation of the law.
Unfortunately, the most difficult part of recovering financially after a hit-and-run accident is often locating the driver. However, if the driver has been arrested by the police and charged with fleeing the scene, the accident victim’s chances of recovering for their injuries greatly increase.
Have You Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Maryland hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Keep in mind that, while securing the presence of the negligent driver is always preferred, you may be able to make a claim against your own insurance company if that driver cannot be located. However, insurance companies are not likely going to voluntarily pay out what an accident victim deserves without some convincing, and that is where having a dedicated personal injury attorney comes in handy. The skilled advocates at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, have years of experience bringing these kinds of cases and know what it takes to succeed at trial. To learn more, and to speak with an attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Sport Utility Vehicle Crashes into High-School Cafeteria, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published December 2, 2014.
Uninsured Driver Convicted for Maryland Girl’s Death, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published January 19, 2014.