Car Accidents

Driver Fleeing Traffic Stop Results in Fatal Washington D.C. Car Accident

September 19, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent Washington D.C. news article discusses how alleyways in Northeast D.C. are increasingly being used as commuter shortcuts. Local neighbors describe the issue as a crash waiting to happen. While traffic in the area is already bad, things have gotten worse in Brookland as local alleyways have become popular commuter routes to cut down drive times. Neighbors claim to avoid traffic on 12th Street, NE drivers are taking a detour at Varnum or Upshur Streets and cutting through their alley. The new traffic ranges from morning commuters to Amazon delivery trucks. One resident even saw a D.C. school bus cutting through the alleyway on their Ring doorbell camera. A resident described the traffic as “a continuous rotation of cars.” Another stated that it’s not about banning all traffic in the alley, but was worried that drivers were treating the alley like a main road, rarely respecting the 15 mile-per-hour speed limit.

According to D.C. Law, drivers traveling through alleyways are required to stop at the edge of the alley before reaching the sidewalk, allowing the driver to see if someone is crossing the alley on the sidewalk. Neighbors and local residents claim that drivers are not complying with those requirements. One neighbor stated that drivers only “stop at the street so they can see if a car is coming, but a lot of kids walk through here.” Another stated, “There’s a school and there are a lot of kids in the neighborhood. So, if a car stops out here and a kid happens to be running by – it could be quite tragic. So, it’s a constant worry of mine.”

Was 2022 a Bad Year for Traffic Fatalities?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released projections for traffic fatalities in 2022. The NHTSA projects that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes in the first nine months of 2022. This represents an increase from 2021 and an even greater increase from 2020. There are many different causes of traffic accidents, including aggressive driving, driving under the influence, tired drivers, poor weather conditions, and poorly maintained roadways. According to AAA, aggressive driving is a factor in 54% of all fatal automobile accidents. AAA reports that 78% of drivers reported committing at least one aggressive driving behavior in the past year, including tailgating, yelling, or hoking to show annoyance to another driver. Additionally, children are particularly susceptible to car accidents, as their smaller profile can be harder for drivers in large vehicles to see.

Six People Hospitalized in D.C. Hospital Garage Car Accident

August 22, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

While many car accidents are the result of reckless driving or disobeying traffic laws, sometimes, drivers are rendered unconscious or unresponsive because of a medical emergency. Medical emergencies can range from choking or fainting to even more severe emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks, or seizures. Car accidents involving medical emergencies can be serious and often fatal, as nearby pedestrians and other cars are not aware of the sudden loss of control by the individual experiencing the medical emergency.

In a recent news report, a Washington D.C. accident occurred when a car hit multiple people inside the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital parking garage on the afternoon of Thursday, July 20. While D.C. Fire and EMS initially reported that five pedestrians were struck in the hospital garage, the hospital later stated that it was treating a sixth patient related to the incident. According to officials, the patients were being treated at the hospital’s emergency room and the driver was also being evaluated. Officials also confirmed that at least one adult woman involved was not conscious or breathing. Fire officials did not offer any additional details on the medical condition or identity of the driver and it is unclear what caused the crash.

How Do You Prove Fault in DC Car Accidents involving Medical Emergencies?

When it comes to Washington D.C. car accident cases, defendants claiming to have experienced a medical emergency that led to a car accident have the option to pursue an Act of God defense. An Act of God defense in Washington D.C. offers a defense when the force of nature is uncontrolled and uninfluenced by humans and could not be prevented or avoided. Such a defense is difficult to successfully deploy and both parties need to examine the at-fault driver’s medical records to determine several issues. (1) Did the driver have pre-existing medical conditions, (2) was the driver taking medication for their condition, and (3) were any medical restrictions in effect at the time of the accident? Establishing if a medical emergency did in fact occur, and if so, to what degree it was foreseeable, and what steps the at-fault driver took to mitigate the risk of medical emergencies is vital to arriving at a proper result for a plaintiff’s claim. Successfully defeating a defense revolving around a medical emergency potentially involves proving that there were symptoms of the medical emergency that the at-fault driver negligently ignored, ultimately causing the accident.

Two Killed in Fatal Washington D.C. Hit and Run at the National Mall

August 20, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Hit-and-run accidents are often characterized by certain specific factors. Common characteristics include the crash having few witnesses and or poor lighting. If there are many witnesses or the scene is highly visible, people are less likely to flee the scene of a crash. Relatedly, people are much more likely to flee a crash between the hours of midnight and 4:00 am, than between 8:00 am and 11:59 am. This is due to a host of reasons, but one explanation is that nighttime drivers generally engage in more risky behavior. A recent article described a hit-and-run accident involving a truck and a motorcycle.

The recent article described how a fatal hit-and-run collision unfolded on Thursday, July 13. Around 1:30 pm, Secret Service agents stopped the driver of the vehicle at the corner of 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue over an alleged expired registration. According to the Secret Service, the unidentified driver allegedly signaled he would slow down and pull over, but just before he stopped, he sped up. After speeding up, the driver allegedly crossed through a red traffic signal light and struck two people before driving away from the scene. The victims were a 75-year-old man from Philadelphia and a 13-year-old girl according to the U.S. Park Police. The 75-year-old man was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital while the 13-year-old girl was treated at the scene and released.

What is the Definition of a Hit and Run Accident?

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety defines hit-and-run accidents as collisions in which at least one person involved in the crash flees the scene before offering any (or sufficient) information or aid to the other involved person(s) or fails to properly report the crash. Hit-and-run accidents are a major issue for a number of reasons, but in particular, they can increase the severity of outcomes given delays or the complete absence of medical attention for the victims. As of 2017, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that both the rate and fatality levels of hit-and-run collisions are on the rise. There were an estimated 737,100 hit-and-run crashes in 2015 (NHTSA, 2016). This translates to a hit-and-run crash happening somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds. The 2,049 fatalities that resulted from hit-and-run crashes in 2016 were the highest number recorded up to that point.

One Killed in Fatal Washington D.C. Hit and Run Accident

July 30, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety defines hit-and-run accidents as collisions in which at least one person involved in the crash flees the scene before offering any (or sufficient) information or aid to the other involved person(s) or fails to properly report the crash. Hit and run accidents are a major issue for a number of reasons, but in particular, they can increase the severity of outcomes given delays or the complete absence of medical attention for the victims.

How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?

As of 2017, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that both the rate and fatality levels of hit-and-run collisions are on the rise. There were an estimated 737,100 hit-and-run crashes in 2015 (NHTSA, 2016). This translates to a hit-and-run crash happening somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds. The 2,049 fatalities that resulted from hit-and-run crashes in 2016 were the highest number recorded up to that point.

Hit-and-run accidents are often characterized by certain specific factors. Common characteristics include the crash having few witnesses and or poor lighting. If there are many witnesses or the scene is highly visible, people are less likely to flee the scene of a crash. Relatedly, people are much more likely to flee a crash between the hours of midnight and 4:00 am, than between 8:00 am and 11:59 am. This is due to a host of reasons, but one explanation is that nighttime drivers generally engage in more risky behavior. A recent article described a Washington D.C. hit-and-run car accident.

Six Construction Workers Struck in Fatal Maryland Crash

May 31, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Accidents can happen in a split second and can happen as a result of a misjudgment or distracted driving, and can even cause a chain reaction that leads to other vehicles being involved in a crash. In addition, our roads and highways are constantly changing, with construction work zones popping up in different areas depending on the day and the conditions of the roads. The Highway work zones can be hazardous for motorists driving near the zones, and for workers who are busy working to maintain our infrastructure. According to the Federal Highway Administration, from 1982 through 2020, 29,493 individuals lost their lives in work zone crashes, which equates to about 776 per year. These numbers are startling and point to a need for motorists to pay special attention and drive with caution around work zones.

A recent news report revealed a tragic accident that resulted in the death of six construction workers in Maryland. Two drivers were involved in the fatal crash. One driver was taken to Shock Trauma after the crash, while the other driver of a Volkswagen was not injured, although his vehicle became disabled. According to the initial investigation, the first driver was attempting to change lanes when her vehicle struck the front corner on the passenger side of the Volkswagen. Investigators believe that this caused the first driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the work zone. The vehicle entered the work zone, struck construction workers, and overturned.

How Can Drivers Stay Safe in Construction Zones?

Slowing down when driving near work zones can potentially save lives. The truth of the matter is that when cars are going faster, there is a greater chance that someone can be severely injured or killed in an accident. States like Maryland have Move Over laws that require drivers to move over when approaching any stopped standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs. Paying close attention to changing conditions on the roads can be key to saving lives. However, sometimes accidents are just that – humans who make a mistake that could lead to injuries, and that are unfortunately sometimes unavoidable. If you are involved in a car crash and are looking for help navigating recovering damages, connect with an experienced personal injury lawyer today.

Driver Fleeing Traffic Stop Results in Fatal Washington D.C. Car Accident

April 23, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent article described a Washington D.C. car accident. The article described how a Washington D.C. car accident occurred when very early in the morning around 1:45 am when a Lexus SUV fleeing from a traffic stop crashed into a Honda sedan on Rock Creek Parkway. All three people in the Honda were killed in the crash. The driver of the Honda was a Lyft driver that had picked up two passengers from D.C. Both the passenger and the driver of the Lexus survived the crash. According to the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles, the Lexus had 44 outstanding traffic tickets, with 43 of the tickets for speeding and one for running a red light. According to the article, all 44 infractions occurred within 10 months of the crash.

The article further explored the operation of the Washington D.C. traffic camera system. Three separate agencies are responsible for the program, with the Department of Transportation managing the physical traffic cameras, the Department of Motor Vehicles handling fines, and the Department of Public Works tasked with booting and towing cards with outstanding tickets. As of 2021, the Department of Public Works had approximately four employees dedicated to booting and towing. Washington D.C. launched a Vision Zero program in 2015 targeted at decreasing road fatalities. Unfortunately, since the program’s launch, traffic deaths in the city have actually gone up.

How Common Are Maryland Car Accidents?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its latest projections for traffic fatalities in 2022. The NHTSA estimates that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes in the first nine months of 2022. This represents an increase from 2021 and an even greater increase from 2020. There are many different causes of traffic accidents, including aggressive driving, driving under the influence, tired drivers, poor weather conditions, and poorly maintained roadways. According to AAA, aggressive driving is a factor in 54% of all fatal automobile accidents. AAA reports that 78% of drivers reported committing at least one aggressive driving behavior in the past year, including tailgating, yelling, or hoking to show annoyance to another driver.

Maryland Accident Leaves One Man Dead After Hit by Two Vehicles

January 21, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

With interstate highways, speed limits may vary depending on the state and the particular highway. It is no surprise that vehicles on highways are moving at a much higher rate of speed compared to vehicles on local roads, school and residential areas, or roads with traffic lights or stop signs, for instance. As a result, it is very important for drivers of all vehicles to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, including remaining aware of vehicles that may be pulled over on the shoulder, and being sure to steer clear.

According to a recent news report, a 23-year-old man was hit and killed in Columbia, Maryland on I-95. The 23-year-old man was hit by two cars, and one of the drivers left the scene. The deceased person was parked on the shoulder of the road and was having a discussion with an unidentified woman next to their car when the woman attempted to walk onto I-95. The 23-year-old man attempted to pull her back from the road, but he was hit by a Nissan Altima, which continued driving. As he lay on the road, a second car also struck him and pulled over on the road, and called 911. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

Why Are Roadside Accidents So Common?

Highway shoulders were created with the idea that vehicles would be able to check their surroundings in order to safely pull over to the side in cases of emergencies (i.e. a malfunctioning car). However, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 12 percent of all interstate highway deaths include vehicles that are stopped on the shoulder of a highway. It is always important to signal and make clear to other nearby drivers if you must make the transition into pulling over on the shoulder. Additionally, it is important to ensure that other drivers can see you and that you remain visible while pulled over, which may include being mindful of visibility issues, including inclement weather and nighttime driving. Drivers and passengers should be sure to remain away from the highway, and call for help to ensure that any time spent on the highway shoulder is as short as possible.

Yale Research Study Shows a Decrease in Non-Fatal Car Accidents Involving Opioids

December 11, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Research studies play a vital role in determining the causes, increases, or decreases in non-fatal car accidents that happen across the country. A recent Yale research study that was published on November 4, 2022, determined that there has been a decrease in the number of non-fatal car accidents that involve prescription opioids. Research shows that people taking prescription opioids are more than twice as likely to be involved in a car accident than those who are not. Further, studies showed that between the early 1990s and early 2010s, the number of fatalities involving drivers using prescription opioids increased seven-fold, and this increase coincided with an increase in opioid use.

Yale researchers from the Yale School of Public Health received a research grant from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Recently, Yale researchers set out to determine how many drivers in the United States were involved in non-fatal car injuries between 2014 to 2018 and had opioid prescriptions at the time of the accidents. The researchers found that once the CDC released new guidelines for prescribing opioids in 2016, this number dropped significantly. The new guidelines “addressed when to initiate or continue opioid prescriptions for chronic pain, offered guidance on which drugs to use, what dosages to provide, and prescription length, and provided strategies for assessing the risk of and addressing the harm caused by opioid use.” Thus, efforts to curb opioid prescriptions have been effective, and with these efforts came a sharp decline in the number of car accidents involving drivers who use prescription opioids – a 28 percent decrease.

The study involved gathering data from IBM MarketScan Databases that contained information regarding 255 million people with employer-provided health insurance across the country. Researchers identified the number of car accidents that led to emergency department visits between 2014 to 2018 and checked whether the injured drivers had an active opioid prescription. Researchers found that each year of the study, the number of active opioid prescriptions among drivers injured in non-fatal car crashes decreased. According to the study, the numbers were as follows: “opioid prescription rates dropped by 5% in 2015, 18% in 2016, 31% in 2017, and 49% in 2018.”

D.C. Hit and Run Leaves One Scooter User Injured

November 30, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

As modes of transportation become more varied and diverse, the kinds of collisions that happen on the road can evolve for the worse. Drivers are always adapting to new sets of circumstances, underscoring the importance of the need for drivers and pedestrians to work together to create a safe environment on roadways for all involved.

A recent news article revealed details of a collision in Washington, DC that happened towards the end of last month. According to the article, an individual was riding on a scooter near downtown when he was suddenly struck by an SUV. The man fell on the ground, immediately unconscious but still breathing. The driver of the SUV left the scene of the crash, and investigators are still looking for him so they can press charges.

The crash victim was brought to the hospital as soon as first responders arrived at the scene. There are currently no details about the severity of his injuries or about what kind of scooter he was using at the time of the crash.

Maryland Crash Involving DUI Leads to One Dead and Passenger Injury

October 27, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Drunk driving accidents can be devasting and scary, and can happen in a flash. Victims of these types of crashes may have absolutely no connection to the drunk driver but may find themselves suffering as a result. In other situations, victims of these types of crashes may have some type of relationship with the drunk driver and may find themselves injured as passengers in the car of the drunk driver. In both situations, passengers may suffer from injuries that leave them wanting to figure out next steps for possible personal injury claims.

A recent news report revealed information regarding a recent fatal car accident in Maryland involving a DUI. According to the report, deputies found a single vehicle that had run off the roadway and struck a light pole. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Initial investigations revealed that speed and alcohol contributed to the crash, although the accident is still under investigation.

What Are Common Passenger Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents?

In unfortunate scenarios involving a drunk driver, passengers may suffer injuries as a result of accidents that occur as a result. When this occurs, you may be wondering what passengers can do to recover from the loss or damages they suffered as a result of their injuries. Passengers may suffer economic loss from medical bills and hospital visits, for example. Firstly, when a driver is identified as the at-fault driver in the accident and is found to have been the only negligent driver who was under the influence of alcohol, passengers are able to file insurance claims with the insurance company of driver who is found at-fault. In some situations, if the passenger was injured as a passenger in the drunk driver’s vehicle, there may be instances where the insurance company can make an argument that the passenger should have known that the driver was intoxicated. This can be a tricky argument to consider, and something that an attorney with expertise in personal injury lawsuits can help with. In addition, there may be questions about how much fault each driver is responsible for in the accident, which can be another aspect that impacts recovery.