Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
A pair of devastating car accidents in Maryland early Friday morning left two people dead and eight others hospitalized. The first occurred on Interstate 270 in Montgomery County, involving a fiery collision that tragically claimed one life and injured four others. Hours earlier, another accident in Prince George’s County resulted in one fatality and four additional injuries.
If you were injured in a car accident or have questions about your rights, understanding your legal options is critical. Maryland law allows victims and their families to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Details of the I-270 Crash in Montgomery County
A serious accident on Interstate 270 near Old Georgetown Road unfolded at approximately 4:15 a.m., involving two vehicles. One car caught fire, trapping a driver inside who sadly lost their life at the scene. Emergency responders rescued four other individuals, who were transported to a hospital for treatment.
The collision closed all southbound lanes I-270 for hours, leading to significant traffic disruptions. For victims of such incidents, the aftermath often includes financial and emotional challenges. Seeking legal representation can help clarify your rights and guide you through the claims process.
Prince George’s County Crash Claims One Life and Injures Four
Just hours earlier, another deadly crash occurred in Prince George’s County near Old Fort Road and Indian Head Highway. Two vehicles collided, resulting in the death of one driver and injuries to four others, including the second driver and three passengers. Thankfully, their injuries were not life-threatening.
The northbound lanes of Indian Head Highway were shut down for several hours while police investigated the accident and worked to clear the roadway. Incidents like this highlight the potential dangers on Maryland roads and the importance of legal recourse for those affected.
How Damages Are Calculated in Maryland Car Accident Cases
When accidents result in significant injuries or fatalities, Maryland law provides compensation to help victims and their families recover. Calculating damages is complex, as it involves evaluating both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are tangible financial losses, such as:
– Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation;
– Lost wages due to time missed at work;
– Loss of earning capacity if the victim’s ability to work is permanently impaired; and
– Funeral and burial costs in cases of fatal accidents.
Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including:
– Pain and suffering endured by the victim;
– The victim or their family experiences emotional distress; and
– Loss of companionship or consortium in wrongful death cases.
Although rare in Maryland, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s conduct was egregiously reckless or intentional.
Maryland’s contributory negligence standard significantly affects damage calculations. If a victim is found even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. This strict rule underscores the importance of thorough evidence collection and skilled legal advocacy to minimize disputes over liability.
Fatal Car Accidents and Legal Remedies in Maryland
Maryland law provides families with two distinct legal avenues for seeking compensation after a fatal accident. Wrongful death claims are brought by surviving family members to address the personal losses they have suffered. These claims focus on compensating loved ones for the emotional and financial hardships caused by the death, such as the loss of financial support, companionship, and the emotional grief of losing a family member. In contrast, survival actions are filed by the deceased’s estate and aim to recover damages for the victim’s experiences prior to death. These claims encompass the pain and suffering the victim endured and any medical expenses incurred before their passing. Together, these legal remedies help families address the profound impact of a loved one’s untimely death.
Common Causes of Fatal and Severe Accidents in Maryland
Understanding the common causes of fatal and severe car accidents can help identify liability and prevent future tragedies. Some frequent factors include:
Speeding is a significant factor in many accidents, as driving at high speeds reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
Distracted driving, such as using a phone or engaging in other activities that divert attention from the road, often leads to catastrophic consequences.
Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, with alcohol or drug use impairing judgment and slowing reaction times.
Aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage, further contribute to creating hazardous conditions on the road, putting everyone at risk.
Together, these factors highlight the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to safe driving practices. Each of these factors can lead to devastating accidents, but they also provide grounds for holding the negligent party responsible under Maryland law.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.