Car Accidents

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.

DUI Highway Accident Leads to One Dead After Vehicle was Struck Twice

October 14, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Accidents on highways can be devastating, especially because the higher speed limits at which drivers are legally able to go. In D.C., the posted speed limits are the maximum lawful speeds, however, no driver should drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, including paying close attention to potential hazards. As of September 2022, D.C. has recently reduced the speed limits to 25 miles per hour on some of their major streets. In addition to being mindful of the maximum speed limits and potential hazards, drivers should also be sure to never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

According to a recent news report, one woman was killed in a crash involving an impaired driver. A 35-year-old woman died, and two other individuals were injured after a Tesla and Chevrolet hit a Toyota on I–270 in Montgomery County, Maryland. The driver responsible for hitting the minivan first was taken into police custody due to suspicion of impaired driving. According to the initial investigation, the driver of a Tesla ran into the back of a Toyota, causing both vehicles to come to a stop on the interstate. The driver and two of the five passengers in the Toyota stayed in the minivan, which was severely damaged and unable to be moved from the highway. The driver of the Chevrolet attempted to swerve out of the way of the stopped vehicles but rear-ended the Toyota. The police were called to the scene at 3:35 am. The 35-year-old was declared dead at the scene, while two other individuals in the Toyota were taken to a trauma center. The Tesla driver failed a sobriety test.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

After an accident, it always advised that all involved in an accident move their vehicles to safe location. This advice is suggested to prevent further harm from happening to those already involved in an accident, especially because for unsuspecting drivers, when vehicles are randomly stopped on a road or highway, it can be tricky to maneuver around the stopped vehicles at the last second. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, transportation data analysis firm Impact Research estimated that 566 people were killed and 14,371 injured each year over 2016-18 in crashes on all types of roads involving a disabled vehicle in which visibility was likely a factor.

Car Accident in Arlington Leaves 15 Injured, Two in Critical Condition

September 30, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In high-traffic areas, car accidents can have harmful implications that extend far beyond the involved cars’ passengers and drivers themselves. In a recent crash in Arlington, Virginia, 15 people were injured because of an accident involving only one motor vehicle with three passengers. Unfortunately, even collisions with only one automobile can have chain reactions that extend to people who were not on the road at the time of the crash.

According to the news article detailing the incident in Arlington, it was approximately 7:00pm on a Friday when a vehicle crashed directly into a local pub. A large crowd was gathered at the pub when the driver hit the establishment head on, causing the building to immediately erupt in flames. Police reports indicate that the driver was working for Uber, transporting a group of people to their post-work destination.

Six people were treated at the scene of the accident, and six others were hospitalized and released. By Saturday, the police department’s numbers indicated that 15 people were injured from the incident. Two of the individuals remained in critical condition through the weekend. Reports do not yet indicate if there was any alcohol, foul play, or impairment that could have contributed to the cause of the crash.

Single-Car Accident in Washington, D.C. Kills Passenger

August 14, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

All unsafe driving habits are risky, but speeding can be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was the cause of 11,258 traffic fatalities in 2020. And of the 23,824 individuals killed in vehicles in 2020, over half were not wearing seatbelts. On the other side of the coin, NHTSA estimates that seatbelts saved 14,955 lives in 2020 and could have saved another 2,549 more if those people had been wearing seatbelts.

When speeding and lack of seatbelt use combine, the results can be unfortunately fatal. According to a recent article, a Washington, D.C. man was killed in a single-car accident in a car speeding on a highway. The car was traveling at 100 miles per hour in a 65-mile-per-hour zone when a trooped attempted to pull it over. The driver attempted to speed up but ran off the road shortly after, crashing into a guardrail. The deceased man, a passenger, was ejected from the vehicle and died from the scene. Two other passengers, a man and a 13-year-old boy, were also seriously injured and not wearing seatbelts. An infant who was strapped in a safety seat survived the crash.

Wearing your seatbelt and driving safely can help, but sometimes are not enough to keep all drivers and passengers injury-free on the road. Utilizing safety devices is key, but you may be a passenger in a vehicle with a driver behaving recklessly. If you are in a collision with another car or even in a single-car accident as a passenger and are injured because of your driver’s negligence, you may have claims against the driver.

Medical Emergency Results in Fatal Washington D.C. Car Accident

July 10, 2022 | 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. car accident occurred when a pickup truck ran a red light before hitting a male bicyclist and ultimately careening off the road and crashing into a firework stand. The accident occurred in Northeast D.C. around 5:30 p.m. near Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave Northeast and Minnesota Avenue. The police officers on the scene stated that they believed the driver of the pickup truck experienced a medical emergency when the crash happened. Both the male bicyclist and a man standing behind the firework stand were pronounced dead according to the police. The police stated that nobody else was killed or injured during the accident.

How Can D.C. Accident Victim Prove Another Driver Was at Fault?

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.