Maryland Car Crash Kills Police Officer’s Son
Unfortunately as reported in the following article there has been another Maryland auto accident fatality involving a teen driver. The incident occurred in Damascus, Maryland where Ryan Didone, the 15-year old son of a Maryland police district commander, was killed in a car crash while on his way home from a youth worship meeting. The article reports that Didone was a passenger in a car with other teenagers when the driver, 17 year old Zachary Kimble, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to strike a tree and catch fire. Ryan Didone was not wearing a seatbelt. Kimble was said to be a new driver who lost control of the vehicle on a curvy roadway.
It was reported that four other teens riding in the vehicle survived the crash, though one remains in critical condition. There is no word yet on whether any criminal charges will be filed against Kimble or whether Didone’s parents will file a civil claim for the death of their child. In either instance, the crash will involve extensive investigation and reconstruction to determine the exact cause of this accident and to develop facts which may help prevent such tragedies in the future.
This car crash highlights two important facets of criminal defense: the importance of on-the-scene circumstances and the absolute need for a thorough reconstruction and investigation of the incident. The extent of Kimble’s fault for this fatal car accident and the restrictions on his driving privileges and his insurability to operate a motor vehicle in the future will be determined in any future criminal, civil and administrative proceedings. The fact that Didone was not wearing a seatbelt may not deprive his estate and family from filing a wrongful death claim under Maryland law however, this case highlights the devastating results of youthful disregard for their need to buckle up when they are driving or riding in a car.
Having worked on several cases involving the sudden death of a loved one caused by driver negligence, Meng & Alpert understands these cases are complex and devastating for all parties involved. A thorough investigation and reconstruction of the circumstances surrounding the event is essential and aggressive legal representation by experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys is beneficial to protect the interests of all victims of youthful driver’s inexperience and negligence.
The fallout of this sad incident remains to be seen, but both families will likely learn more in the near future about the circumstances surrounding the accident and whether or not criminal charges will await this new driver.
