Earlier this week, three people were injured when a SUV crashed into a downtown Baltimore CVS Pharmacy. According to a report by The Baltimore Sun, a Mercury Mountaineer was involved in an accident with a Ford Crown Victoria shortly after 10:45 a.m. The accident sent the SUV over a flowerbed and into the front of the CVS store. The vehicle actually ended up inside the store. Nearby witnesses ran to the aid of injured, who totaled three: two men and one woman. All three were inside the store at the time. Both drivers of the vehicles are in good condition.
Baltimore police are still investigating the cause of the accident and are attempting to determine if drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident.
Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
Among all the kinds of accidents that occur in Baltimore and the other large cities in Maryland, some of the most dangerous involved a vehicle and a pedestrian. Often times, these accidents are not due to any fault on the part of the pedestrian, but are a result of the negligence of the vehicle’s driver.
It is a driver’s responsibility to make sure they operate their vehicle in a manner that is safe and respectful of the safety of those around them. On occasion, however, drivers operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or drive while distracted, increasing the risks of causing a serious accident.
Distracted driving, especially, has been on the rise lately in Maryland. In fact, it is one of the quickest growing causes of accidents across Maryland. This is most likely due to the prevalence of texting and driving, as well as talking on the phone and driving. Both of these activities, although common among drivers, greatly reduce the amount of attention they are able to give the road, increasing their chances of causing a serious accident.
In response to the increase in driving and texting, many state legislatures, including Maryland’s, have passed laws that make handheld cell phone use illegal while driving a car.
Getting Caught Texting While Driving
If a driver is caught texting while driving, they can be issued a citation that will result in a fine of $83. For a second offense, the fee rises to $140, and it becomes $160 for any subsequent offense. In addition to any citation, the driver may also be civilly liable to the victims of an accident caused by the driver’s negligence in texting while driving.
Have You Been Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident in Maryland?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious auto accident in Maryland, and you believe that it may have been caused by another driver’s negligent or distracted driving, you should speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney immediately. Depending on the specific facts of your case, you may be eligible for monetary compensation for your injuries as well as for your pain and suffering. To speak to an experienced Maryland car accident attorney, call 410-645-3600 today, or click here.
More Blog Posts:
Pedestrian Killed in Prince George’s County Accident, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published January 20, 2014.
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.