Maryland Law Blog

Getting a driver’s license is an exciting time for a teenager, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, the main contributing factors noted by police officers for young driver auto accidents in Maryland include the following:

• Inattention
• Following other vehicles too closely
• Failure to yield right of way
• Driving too fast for road/weather conditions

When considering that 16 and 17 year old motorists account for only 1.6 percent of all licensed drivers in Maryland, it is astonishing that these motorists account for 11 percent of all driver fatalities. Parents can play a major role in helping to ensure that their teenager drives safely and follows all the rules of the road by setting an example and by enforcing rules of their own. It is recommended that parents consider the following points to help raise auto accident awareness with their teen:

• Emphasize the importance of seat belt use at all times. Not only is this the law, but seatbelts are the most effective defense against serious injury and death in the event of a crash.
• Regulate independent driving by allowing your teen to drive alone more frequently only after they have demonstrated responsible driving.
• Limit the number of passengers that your teen is allowed to transport at one time in order to help reduce distracted driving.
• Remind your teen about the dangers posed by speeding.
• Establish allowed driving hours and limit nighttime driving as much as possible since most deadly collisions occur from 9 p.m. to midnight.
• Forbid any type of cell phone use while your teen is driving.
• Do not allow your teen to drink and drive, making sure that your teen knows that drinking and driving is prohibited.

While some of these points may seem obvious, you would be surprised how often they are overlooked or forgotten. As Maryland car accident lawyers, we have seen just how devastating the aftermath of an auto accident can be for an injury victim and their family. If you or someone you care about have been injured in a Maryland vehicle collision that you believe was caused by a negligent driver, our attorneys can help you obtain compensation. Call the law offices of Alpert Schreyer, LLC, today for a free consultation at 1-301-932-9997 or 1-800-301-7172.

A chemical mix-up resulted in the Capital Beltway being turned into a sheet of ice earlier this month, according to WashingtonPost.com.

Maryland’s State Highway Administration (SHA) saw there was a chance of snow for the weekend of December 3, and decided to pre-treat the Beltway, rather than focusing only on bridges and overpasses. Typically, to de-ice roads, the SHA uses a salt brine mixture, which consists of about 77 percent water and 23 percent salt. However, there was a mistake and two tank trucks were accidentally given liquid magnesium to spray on the roads. Liquid magnesium can work well for melting snow and ice on the road, but needs to be mixed with another substance before being sprayed. In this case, the trucks sprayed pure liquid magnesium on the Capital Beltway.

When sprayed on dry roads in warmer conditions, liquid magnesium becomes very slick. Almost immediately after the trucks were done treating the roads, the SHA began receiving accident reports, which were the result of the icy roads. At least eight car accidents have been blamed on the chemical mistake, and four people were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries. Officials discovered the error and immediately sent out salt and sand trucks. They claim the mistake was made because the trucks were not reset after last winter.

Now that winter is here, winter weather conditions are causing accidents across the country. If you have been injured in a car accident in Maryland, contact the Maryland automobile accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer. You could be entitled to monetary compensation for your medical bills, damage to your car, lost wages and more. Call us today at 301-932-9997 for a free consultation on your case.

On Tuesday, July 13, 2010, a 16-year-old girl from Leonardtown was killed in a Maryland car accident. According to MyFoxDC.com, she had been driving southbound on Point Lookout Road near St. Andrew’s Church Road when another vehicle struck the rear of her car, causing the victim’s vehicle to spin out into the northbound lane of traffic where it was struck a second time.

An ambulance arrived at the scene and took the teenager to St. Mary’s Hospital for serious injuries before her ultimate death. Officials indicated that driver speed and alcohol did not contribute to the accident. No other news has been released at this time regarding the incident.

Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of death for people under the age of 35. Driver negligence is a primary cause for accidents. The law entitles a victim’s family to seek compensation for personal injury and wrongful death that has occurred as a result of negligence, recklessness or intentional acts.

If someone you love has been killed in a Maryland car accident, you may be able to seek compensation for any financial losses incurred from the accident. The most common types of financial compensation from wrongful death lawsuits are as follows:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral costs
• Loss of prospective inheritance
• Loss of support or services given by the deceased

The experienced Bethesda personal injury attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC are adept at handling wrongful death claims with skill and sensitivity. Call our dedicated and aggressive lawyers today at 866-444-6363 for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

On June 14, 2010 a three-vehicle collision occurred in the afternoon that left one person seriously injured. According to the article on Your4State.com, the accident happened in Frederick County near Haywood Road. The collision involved two cars and one tractor-trailer. Officials arrived on scene shortly after the accident.

Authorities say that one car attempted to make a left-hand turn, but then collided with another car and tractor-trailer when he attempted to switch back into the northbound lane on Route 15. One person was injured as a result of the accident. The injured party will likely be okay, but examinations will be issued in order to rule out any internal injuries.

Drivers are responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur as a result of their own inattention or driving errors. Personal injury claims in Maryland as well as wrongful-death lawsuits may develop if a driver’s negligence is believed to be the cause of the accident. Knowing your rights as an injury victim of Maryland auto accidents is important. You may be entitled to compensation for loss of wages, pain and suffering, hospital fees, and other related damages.

The aftermath of a car or truck accident can sometimes be both financially devastating and legally challenging. However, talking with an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and assist you with making your claim.

The experienced southern Maryland car accident attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC have a long history of aiding personal injury claimants in recovering compensation for their injuries and other financial losses. Call our office today at 866-444-6363 for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

On Tuesday, June 10, 2010, a minor collision between a passenger vehicle and a bus injured about 20 people. The accident occurred during the early morning hours on I-395 southbound in Washington, D.C. near Maine Avenue. According to The Washington Post, the Metro bus had been carrying mostly teenage passengers. Several lanes on southbound I-395 were closed during the incident. No one was seriously injured.

Vehicle related accidents occur every day and at an alarming rate. They are the leading cause of death for people under the age of 35, and the leading killer for Americans of all ages. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about 40,000 people die each year in car accidents, costing over $150 billion dollars in damages.

Car accident injuries are unique in that some life-long ailments and pain may not occur until days after the accident. If you, or someone you love, have been injured in an auto accident in Washington D.C., seeking medical attention can be vital to your case and to your health. Should your injury be the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial losses incurred from the accident.

The experienced Washington, D.C. personal injury attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC have the skill and compassion required to handle your case. Our attorneys can help investigate the details of the accident, examine areas that may have been overlooked by police and insurance companies, and will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected. Call 866-444-6363 for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

Toyota Motor Corporation has stopped sales of all 2010 Lexus LS600h and Lexus LS 460 models due to problems with the power steering and announced a recall for the two models, according to mibz.com. Apparently, the electric power steering of these vehicles causes a temporary off-center condition of up to 90 degrees for about five seconds before sliding back to normal position. This condition is said to occur after turns, when the steering wheel is in lock position, full left or right. About 3,800 Lexus vehicles in the U.S. have been affected by the recall.

The officials at Lexus recommend that owners of these vehicles should not spin the wheel all the way. No accidents and no injuries have been caused as a result of this defect. Regardless, sale of both Lexus models have halted for three weeks while Japanese specialists investigate the problem and find a viable solution.

Manufacturers have a responsibility to the consumer and are charged with ensuring that their products are safe and suitable for the general public. Toyota Motor Corporation has undergone numerous recalls in the last year for defective auto parts, some of which caused accidents and death for vehicle owners.

If you, or someone you love has been involved in an auto accident in Washington D.C., you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other financial losses incurred. The experienced Washington D.C. car accident lawyers at Meng and Alpert, LLC have the skills required to handle your claim. Call today for a free and comprehensive consultation.

On Sunday March 14, 2010, a 68-year-old woman died after sustaining serious injuries from a two-car accident on Route 15 in Frederick County, Maryland. Maryland State Police indicated that a pickup truck did not stop at the Mountville Road traffic light and rear-ended a Dodge Caravan. According to an article posted on Your4State.com, both drivers and the five passengers in the van were injured. The 68-year-old woman was initially brought to Washington County Hospital and then airlifted to Shock Trauma. She died later that day in the hospital. Charges are currently pending against the pickup truck driver, a 31 year-old man from Virginia.

By law, drivers are responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur as a result of their own negligence. Not abiding traffic laws, such as running a red light, often falls under this category. Personal injury claims in Maryland as well as wrongful-death lawsuits may ensue. Automobile accidents are the leading killer for Americans of all ages. Survivors of accidents may have serious, life-long injuries and sustain emotional trauma.

Continue reading "68-Year-Old Woman Dies in Two-Car Crash" »

A 34 year old woman from Pennsylvania was killed in a two-car crash when the driver of the pick-up truck she was riding in lost control of the vehicle on an icy part of Old York Road in White Hall and crashed into another vehicle. According to the Baltimore Sun, a 41 year old man was driving his 2006 Ford pick-up truck on Old York Road when he crossed a double yellow line to pass a 2005 Chevrolet pick-up truck, skidded on the icy pavement and crashed into the other truck. The woman, reportedly from Stewartstown, was killed as a result of the collision. The driver of the Ford truck was ejected from his vehicle and transported by ambulance to Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore where he was listed in critical condition. The driver of the Chevrolet pickup was uninjured.

Driving in wintertime can be more dangerous, as rain, snow and ice affect a vehicle’s traction on the road. If road conditions are very icy, tire chains for your front wheels can be used to aid in traction. Rain puddles and flooding can cause vehicles to lose grip and hydroplane, which can cause a vehicle to spin out of control.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in a Two-Car Crash" »

There is no question that the safety of children is a daily concern of parents, teachers, and anyone responsible for taking children into their care. School bus drivers in particular base their career on ensuring that children are transported to and from school without experiencing any danger or harm. Part of a school bus driver’s job is to uphold this important responsibility. Although it may not be as obvious, motorists of all vehicles on the road must take the well-being of children into consideration as well, particularly when a child is crossing the street, riding a bike, or is a passenger on a bus or in a car.

With the above points in mind, a recent accident involving a school bus and a small passenger car sent out ripples of concern amongst parents of Harford students who were traveling to school on the morning of November 11, 2009. According to a baltimoresun.com article, the school bus transporting the Harford County students to the Maryland School for the Blind was hit by a small passenger vehicle. It was reported that neither the students nor the bus driver were injured, however, the driver of the other vehicle did sustain injury. At the time of this writing no additional information regarding the injured driver has been released.

Continue reading "Driver Involved in Baltimore County School Bus Accident Injured" »

A recent auto collision with a light rail train serves as a reminder of how important it is to use extreme caution when in close proximity to tracks where light rails operate. According to an abc2news.com story, three people were injured when their vehicle crashed into a light rail at the intersection of Howard and Lombard. Apparently, the impact of the train caused the car carrying the three individuals to move approximately 100 yards. One of the victim’s injuries was deemed serious; however, none of the three individuals’ injuries were reported to be life-threatening. They were taken to University of Maryland Medical Center.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police are still investigating the collision to determine its exact cause. If it is determined that negligence on the part of the train operator was responsible for causing the accident, the injured parties may be able to hold the operator liable for financial costs associated with their injuries and property damage.

Aside from operator inattention, train collisions are also known to be caused by the failure of computerized signal systems, improperly maintained tracks, and even defective train equipment or parts. When innocent motorists or train passengers are injured as a result of a public transportation entity’s negligence or the failure of a train operator to conduct the train in a safe manner, this disregard for the well-being of others should not go overlooked.

In the event that you or a family member is hurt in a train collision and wish to receive compensation to help pay for steep medical bills, pain and suffering, surgeries, property damage, or loss of wages, the assistance of a skilled Maryland train accident lawyer is often needed.

Continue reading "Maryland Light Rail Collides With Car, 3 Injured" »

An article from wtop.com reported on June 20, 2009 that a 17-year-old Flintstone boy was killed in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident in Allegany County. Apparently, in an effort to avoid hitting a wire fence while traveling on a private farmland dirt trail, the teen lost control of the ATV and crashed. An 18-year-old passenger on the ATV suffered injuries. It is not known at this time whether the teens were wearing helmets at the time of the incident or if any obstructions played a factor in causing the accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advocates teen driver safety, as do all parents, teachers, neighbors and friends alike. According to the NHTSA website, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths in America. Teens are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. This staggering amount of young adults killed due to auto accidents of all kinds, including ATV accidents, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents, are mostly attributed to lack of experience on highways and roads.

Aside from the potential of accidents to occur caused by teen speeding, drunk driving, distractions like loud music or cell phone use, or not wearing seatbelts, in a lot of cases, a teen’s death in an auto accident is caused by the negligence of another driver. In instances where a teen survives an accident, a tough road can definitely lie ahead, with catastrophic brain, spine, and limb injuries being a possible result of any accident, negatively influencing a teen’s future in ways that were previously unimaginable.

If your son or daughter has been killed or injured in an auto accident in Maryland, you deserve to get important questions answered by an experienced Maryland auto accident attorney. Although no monetary amount can ever replace a life or change the fact that a serious injury has been inflicted, an auto accident or personal injury claim can help your family gain financial stability while having to deal with steep bills from hospital stays, treatment, or physical therapy. Compensation may also assist with the cost of funeral expenses, and even pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Maryland ATV Accident Kills 17 Year Old" »

According to a TheBayNet.com report, a three-car collision near the intersection of Maryland Route 2 and Route 260 was caused by a driver running a red light. Police responding to the crash said that on the morning of May 6, 2009, the driver of the at-fault vehicle ran the red light at the intersection and careened into two other vehicles on Route 260.

No fatalities were reported in the crash, although four of the people involved in the accident were transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital.

A car accident in Maryland like this can be especially frustrating for the drivers and passengers whose only fault was being at the wrong place at the wrong time. When other drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, others suffer—even if they were doing their best to operate their vehicles safely.

Being injured in a car crash is an incredibly stressful and costly experience. When the dust of the collision settles, injured drivers and passengers may be wondering who will pay for the damages. In Maryland, those damages are paid by the at-fault driver or the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If no driver is found at fault, then the damages are paid by liability insurance, or by uninsured motorist insurance, depending on the circumstances.

Meng & Alpert, LLC, have been practicing personal injury law for over three decades and have considerable experience in representing the interests of those injured in car accidents. If you have any questions about at-fault drivers and how liability is assigned in a car accident, please contact the skilled Maryland auto accident attorneys of Meng & Alpert, LLC at 866-444-6363 for a free consultation.

According to a WBOC.com article, a highway flagger was struck and killed on the morning of May 4, 2009 by a motorist in Marion Station, Maryland. Tammy Hammond, a flagger with Barrett Flagging Company, was struck on Route 413 by a vehicle being operated by 74-year-old Doris McDorman, a resident of Crisfield, Maryland.

At the time of the pedestrian accident in Maryland, Hammond was standing on the shoulder of the road and was within a work zone. Although an ambulance transported Hammond to a local hospital, she died from her injuries. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends as they deal with the loss of her companionship.

When a Maryland car accident claims a human life, the family and friends left behind face the daunting task of reassembling their lives. Settling the affairs of the deceased consumes large amounts of physical and emotional energy. The time required to grieve and adjust to the altered fabric of life puts additional strain on relationships as well. All of these aspects of the aftermath of a car accident are part of the costs of an auto accident.

Meng & Alpert, LLC, have over 30 years of experience representing those injured in car accidents. We have also successfully represented the interests of those whose loved ones were killed or injured in an auto accident. If you have any questions about car accidents involving pedestrian deaths or injuries, please contact the skilled Maryland personal injury attorneys of Meng & Alpert, LLC, at 866-444-6363 to speak with one of our knowledgeable lawyers.

The police blotter for the FrederickNewsPost.com reports that Maryland State Police arrested a motorcyclist after an hour-long chase on US 15 near Thurmont. According to the blotter, 25-year-old Benjamin Kieffer was speeding in the northbound lanes of US 15 south of Thurmont, when he was noticed by members of the Maryland State Police.

One reason that law enforcement officials frown on those who flee from arrest is because of the additional dangers that a desperate individual represents. While the motorcyclist in this case was engaged in fleeing from police officers, he put all of the other people traveling on that portion of US 15 in unnecessary danger. Had there been an auto accident in Maryland, those injured or killed in the crash would have suffered because of the selfish flight of the motorcycle operator.

In this case, Kieffer was trying to avoid getting a speeding ticket and put others at risk for suffering personal injury. To that end, he swerved in and out of interstate highway traffic using the shoulders on either side of the highway to pass traffic. In the final moments of the chase, he ran a red light at an exit ramp near Frederick and lost control of the bike in the turn.

Any one of these negligent actions could have resulted in an auto accident that could have killed or injured another driver or passenger. If you have any questions about how negligent driving puts other drivers at risk on Maryland’s highways, please contact Meng & Alpert, LLC at 866-444-6363. With over three decades of experience as skilled Maryland auto accident attorneys, the lawyers at Meng & Alpert, LLC, understand how liability and fault affect the outcome of a personal injury lawsuit.

It was reported that Sandra Jenkins of Odenton won an $188,000 settlement from the insurance company of the driver who rear-ended a car in which Jenkins was a passenger. The settlement came by jury decision after a two-day trial.

Jenkins had originally claimed $300,000 in damages in December of 2007. However, the last settlement offer made by the insurance company was only $37,000. The Jenkins case illustrates one of the many reasons for those injured in auto accidents in Maryland to seriously consider hiring legal representation.

The report includes comments made by Jenkins’s attorney, who stated that he thought the last settlement offer made by the insurance company was a “low-ball offer.” Sometimes insurance companies will offer far less than the initial claim in the hopes of gaining a fast and cheap settlement. Although the temptation is to settle quickly, especially when medical bills are mounting, this course of action is not necessarily in the accident victim’s best interests.

Car accident injuries can take a long time to resolve and many months can pass before one knows the full extent of damages. In Jenkins’ case, she suffered a permanent nerve condition that affected her arm as well as permanent injuries to her neck. Had she taken the insurance company’s settlement offer, she may not have had adequate means to pay for medical expenses.

If you have any questions about an auto injury accident such as this one, please contact the attorneys of Meng & Alpert LLC at 866-444-6363. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to an auto accident, our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers are available to speak with you and provide a free consultation.

The Baltimore Sun reports in a story that a new awareness of brain injuries is spreading through the ranks of American medical practitioners in the wake of the death of actress Natasha Richardson.

Richardson, wife of actor Liam Neeson, and star of such films as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Parent Trap, suffered a minor fall while skiing on March 16, 2009. Although the actress refused medical treatment and was initially reported to be in good condition, Richardson soon complained of a headache, and slipped into unconsciousness. Two days later, Richardson died from an epidural hematoma.

Any type of head injury is reason to be concerned. If you or a family member has suffered a mild head injury in an auto accident in Maryland or in another mishap, please do not delay seeking medical care. Natasha Richardson developed a headache within an hour of her minor fall, and a few hours later she lost consciousness—never to awaken. If you have recently suffered a blow to the head, contact a physician for a full examination if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Disorientation
• Behavioral Changes
• Sleep Disturbances

If you have any questions or concerns about injuries suffered in a car accident or other mishap, please contact the experienced Maryland brain injury attorneys of Meng & Alpert, LLC at 866-444-6363. With over three decades of personal injury and auto accident litigation experience, the lawyers at Meng & Alpert, LLC have an extensive knowledge of the true costs that an injury accident levies on the accident victim and his or her friends and family.

For further details about Natasha Richardson's accident, read this article that also provides helpful information on the importance of creating a last will and testament in addition to estate, trust, and real property litigation in Maryland.

The Baltimore Sun reports in a story that a rear-end collision sparked a chain reaction automobile crash in Maryland that resulted in a fire and fatality in Anne Arundel County.

On March 4, 2009, a rear-end car collision on East Ordnance Road in Glen Burnie sent one of the vehicles across the center lines of the roadway and into the path of a garbage truck headed the opposite direction. After impact, the car and garbage truck burst into flames. The driver of the car, 33-year-old Christine Schoppert, died of injuries sustained in the truck accident in Maryland.

Lavelas Luckey, a Coast Guard officer who was on his way to work, rescued the driver’s 5-year-old daughter from the burning wreckage of the vehicles. As of this writing, she is undergoing treatment at John’s Hopkins Pediatric Trauma Center for “life-threatening injuries,” according to the Sun story.

This tragic sequence of events, set in motion by a rear-end auto accident, is a very common collision on Maryland’s highways. This case illustrates the momentous and unforeseen consequences that can arise due to a moment’s distraction or loss of control while behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Anne Arundel Car Accident Kills Woman " »

The Baltimore Sun reports in an article that two Maryland State Police officers rescued an unconscious woman from a burning van as a result of a Maryland auto accident during the morning hours of March 11, 2009.

At approximately 6:30 am, Melody Grimm, 57, of Crofton, MD drove her minivan off the roadway for reasons unknown. When Police Officer John Griffin and Cadet Andrew Neall arrived on the scene, the engine compartment of Grimm’s vehicle was burning and thick smoke filled the interior of the minivan.

Cadet Neall tried to open the driver’s side door and found it locked. Officer Griffin broke one of the minivan’s windows to gain entry. Inside they found Grimm unconscious in the front seat of the vehicle. As flames spread from the engine under the van, the two police officers lifted Grimm out and carried her to safety. Moments later the minivan burst into flames.

The victim later regained consciousness after receiving treatment from an EMS unit. Once revived, she refused further treatment. As of this time, the cause of this car accident in Maryland is under investigation.

Continue reading "Anne Arundel Woman Pulled from Burning Car" »

The Baltimore Examiner reports that the number of teen auto accidents in Maryland is declining.

Citing data from the State Highway Administration, the Examiner notes that from 2003 to 2007 the total number of fatal car crashes caused by drivers between the ages of 16-20 has decreased by 41. This decrease is a 66 percent decline in the total number of fatal crashes in which a teen driver was at fault.

The good news carries over to injury crashes caused by teenagers. State traffic statistics for the four-year period show a decline in injury accidents of over 50 percent. State officials point to the state’s driver’s license program, which allows young drivers to gradually get more experience behind the wheel. This results in more confident drivers able to handle the sometimes rapidly changing conditions behind the wheel.

In spite of this positive news, teen drivers remain some of the riskiest motor vehicle operators on the highways. A recent fatal car crash involving a Westminster teen illustrates this fact. The Baltimore Sun reports a story of 17-year-old Nicholas Byron, who died early in the morning of January 11, 2009, when he lost control of his SUV and collided with a telephone pole. Police investigators point to several causative factors in the crash—icy roads and excessive speed for the conditions.

Continue reading "Maryland Fatal Auto Accidents Involving Teen Drivers Decreasing" »

The Baltimore Examiner reports that the number of auto accidents in Maryland caused by teen drivers is declining.

Citing data from the State Highway Administration, the Examiner notes that from 2003 to 2007 the total number of fatal car crashes caused by drivers between the ages of 16-20 has decreased by 41. This decrease is a 66 percent decline in the total number of fatal crashes in which a teen driver was at fault.

The good news carries over to injury crashes caused by teenagers. State traffic statistics for the four-year period show a decline in injury accidents of over 50 percent. State officials point to the state’s driver’s license program, which allows young drivers to gradually get more experience behind the wheel. This results in more confident drivers able to handle the sometimes rapidly changing conditions behind the wheel.

In spite of this positive news, teen drivers remain some of the riskiest motor vehicle operators on the highways. A recent fatal car crash involving a Westminster teen illustrates this fact. The Baltimore Sun reports that 17-year-old Nicholas Byron died early in the morning of January 11, 2009, when he lost control of his SUV and collided with a telephone pole. Police investigators point to several causative factors in the crash—icy roads and excessive speed for the conditions.

Continue reading "Maryland Fatal Auto Accidents Involving Teen Drivers Decreasing" »

A recent story from the Washington Post illustrates the need for persons charged with crimes to get good legal counsel and work within the system.

On January 11, 2009, the Post reported that Nathan Devine, a Manassas Park resident charged with reckless driving, decided to change his court date so he could raise money for fines. Unfortunately, instead of working within the legal system with the help of his attorney, Devine chose a more direct method.

He called up Maria Merlos, a friend who worked in the Prince William County District Court offices, and asked her to change the court date for him. When the ruse was discovered, Merlos and Devine were each charged with forging public records, and Merlos was also charged with conspiracy to forge public records. All of these offenses are felonies and are far more serious crimes than reckless driving.

Continue reading "From Reckless Driving to Forging Public Records" »

Roger Gene Bartug, a 22-year-old man, died in a Columbia, MD auto accident November 9, 2008 after he was thrown from the passenger seat of a Ford pickup truck, according to an article in the Baltimore Sun. Bartug was fatally injured in the single-vehicle collision.

Alenxander Randolph Camorali, the driver of the pickup reportedly fled the scene after crashing the truck into a tree. Bartug was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Camorali, 23, was arrested several hours after the accident and will most likely face hit-and-run charges. The fatal car crash occurred at the intersection of Harper’s Farm Road and Twin Rivers Road.

Auto accidents cause tremendous hardships to all involved. If you are an injured victim, you may be facing medical expenses, paying for costly medication and suffering loss of pay in addition. If you have lost a loved one in an auto accident, in addition to the pain and grief, you will be facing funeral expenses, hospital bills if applicable and loss of personal and financial support. A number of auto accidents may also involve hit-and-run drivers or drunk drivers.

Auto accident law in Maryland is complex. If you or someone you love has been critically injured in a Maryland auto accident, we urge you to seek the counsel of a Maryland personal injury lawyer who will investigate the case thoroughly and get you fair compensation for your injuries and loss. For more information on Maryland auto accident law, please refer to our website.

A mother and her 8-year-old son were killed in a Bel Air Bypass auto accident. Katherine S. Brady, 31 and 8-year-old Wilson Brady died while Stephen Brady, 32 who was driving their minivan and another child, 2-year-old Ian Brady were listed in serious condition. According to this news report in the Baltimore Sun, the head-on collision occurred when a Jeep Cherokee driven by 37-year-old Christopher Lentz swerved into oncoming traffic striking the Bradys’ Saturn Relay minivan head on. The minivan spun out of control and struck another Ford van behind it.

Bryan Kearchner, the 36-year-old driver of the Ford van is said to have suffered non life threatening injuries. Authorities have charged Lentz with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, according to this report. Police say Lentz was traveling at 75 mph at the time of the accident. They also say drugs used to treat narcotics addiction were found in Lentz’s vehicle.

If Lentz is found to be responsible for this accident, he may be held financially responsible for the grief and the loss he has caused the family of the deceased. With two individuals in the hospital with serious injuries, the family will be facing substantial medical expenses as well, which they could also potentially be compensated for.

Anyone involved in an auto accident, regardless of the circumstances behind the crash, would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Maryland auto accident attorney. For more information on auto accidents in Maryland, please refer to our website.

Kaitlyn Wilson, 17, was killed in a car versus dump truck collision in Jefferson, Maryland, on November 5, 2008, according to this Gazette news article. Kaitlyn was a passenger in a Honda Civic driven by another 17-year-old, who suffered serious injuries, but survived. Police say the girls were traveling north of Holter Road and the dump truck was heading east on Route 180 when they collided. People who saw the horrific accident say the teenagers were trapped inside, but firefighters quickly extricated them from the vehicle.

According to the article, criminal charges are pending against the 17-year-old driver who police say did not stop at a red light at Jefferson Pike (Route 180). The car then ended up colliding with a State Highway Administration dump truck that was traveling east on Route 180. The dump truck was on top of the front passenger side of the Civic and had crushed Kaitlyn. Both the occupants of the dump truck suffered only minor or non life threatening injuries. Officials also said speed and alcohol were not factors in this Maryland automobile crash.

When you are involved in an auto accident of any kind, it is essential that you take prompt measures to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and have physicians or other witnesses thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you have been a victim of a recent Washington DC automobile accident, do not hesitate to call upon personal injury attorneys who are skilled and experienced in motor vehicle accident cases to assess your situation and determine the best methods for you to obtain any compensation available for the damages you suffered.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Maryland auto accident because of someone else’s negligence, please contact an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Maryland as soon as possible. For more information on auto accidents, please consult our website.

A recent article published on wmdt.com explains that local and state politicians have pledged funds to help improve several of Maryland’s roads and highways. Among the projects slated for new construction are Route 589, Route 113, and the Sinepuxent Bay Bridge. But can new construction contribute to the likelihood of serious personal injury resulting from auto accidents on Maryland roadways?

Though driver error and negligence plays a huge part in auto accidents, road conditions can dramatically affect an accident’s outcome and increase the chance of delayed reaction time, distracted driving, and poor decision-making. Add adverse weather conditions, driver fatigue, and issues of negligence, and you have a recipe for disaster – after all, Bethesda car accidents don’t just cause property damage, they can cost you serious personal injury and even your life.

Why are road conditions so important to drivers? Simple: the quality of a driver’s operation is only as good as the roads he or she drives on. Insufficient shoulders, poor safety precautions, obscured signs, and construction debris can create dangerous roadblocks and distractions to drivers, causing loss of control and encouraging more accidents. Thus, increased construction can sometimes hurt more than it helps.

Luckily, Maryland drivers can take negligent drivers to task for the injuries caused by car accidents and even potentially file lawsuits related to unsafe road conditions in Maryland when they do arise. If you or a loved one suspect road conditions may have played a factor in your motor vehicle accident, a consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you better understand your rights and determine the best course of action in your case.

For further information on this subject please contact Meng & Alpert, LLC for a complimentary case evaluation.

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.

Continue reading "Maryland Car Crash Kills Police Officer’s Son" »

A recent Washington Post article has highlighted the growing popularity of car cameras that keep tabs on teen drivers – and the cameras in question are available free of charge to Southern Maryland families. The program, which was created in response to the increased problem with teen fatalities due to Maryland auto accidents, was funded by the Maryland Highway Administration and installs cameras that capture in-car and external activity while a teen is driving. Video is streamed to the DriveCam offices and parents are informed of video postings.

The thought behind the teen cams? Encourage safe driving with an in-car monitor when parents are unable to drive with a teen. But will the cameras really help teen drivers? Signs point to yes, since the cameras are triggered by high-force events such as sudden braking. The efficacy of the program will have to be tested over time, however, and its final outcome is not yet known.

Regardless of the camera’s usefulness for some Southern Maryland drivers, the sad fact remains – teen drivers can pose a real hazard to others on the road. Luckily, the civil court system allows personal injury victims to seek restitution and compensation for car accidents.

Meng & Alpert has represented several individuals who have been permanently injured by teen drivers in car accidents in Maryland and recently obtained six-figure settlements for clients who were struck head-on by youthful offenders in Southern Maryland. Though it can be easy to brush off teen crashes as part of the natural driving learning curve, it’s a price the victims of serious car accidents shouldn’t bear on their own. As is the case with all drivers, teens should be taken to task for their mistakes, especially when they threaten lives and cause life-long disability or the need for continuing medical treatment and medical expenses.