Car Accidents

Vehicle Crashes into Washington D.C Building

March 25, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Vehicle-into-building and vehicle-into-outdoor dining accidents occur more frequently than many people might think. These dangerous Washington D.C. crashes can result in severe injuries to pedestrians, restaurant employees, and patrons. With growing concerns about indoor dining, many restaurants are taking over roadways. This increasing number of outdoor dining options can lead to uninformed and unaware drivers crashing into patrons.

For example, the New York Times recently published a piece on a fatal accident outside a Washington D.C. restaurant. According to an investigation, an older driver lost control of his car and slammed into an outdoor seating area at a popular Washington D.C. restaurant. The crash occurred during the Friday lunchtime rush. A witness said that the driver appeared to be driving so fast and “just slammed” into the curb and the tables. Eleven people suffered injuries in the accident, and two women died in the crash. Investigators believe the incident was an accident, and the driver might have pressed his accelerator instead of his brakes.

After an accident like this, the injury victims or their families should consult with an attorney to determine all potentially liable parties. In addition to the negligent driver, business owners may be held liable for their conduct. Business owners should be aware of the threat of accidents and ensure their customers’ safety. They can install hardware to protect their storefronts, pedestrians, and patrons. In response to the growing concern of these accidents, a company began to install bollards to protect the area from vehicles. However, there are no standard testing procedures to prove whether these posts provide enough protection.

Deadly Aftermath of Washington D.C Hit-and-Run Accidents

March 10, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Washington D.C. hit-and-run accidents refer to collisions where a driver fails to stop after striking another vehicle or person. The failure to render assistance and report the accident increases the likelihood of serious injuries and fatalities. In an effort to reduce the rate of hit-and-run rashes, researchers and safety agencies across the world have studied the factors contributing to these incidents. While hit-and-run accidents often involve the complex interplay of various factors, most incidents stem from improper driving.

Even though Washington D.C. lawmakers consider hit-and-runs a severe crime, these accidents remain increasingly high. For instance, a recent article described a fatal Washington hit-and-run accident involving multiple vehicles. According to police, a driver’s Hyundai was stuck in a travel lane after he hit a parked car. While stalled, a Chevrolet slammed into his car at high speed. The collision caused the Hyundai to spin and slam into another parked car. The Chevrolet driver sped away from the scene and hit three more vehicles before the driver, and a passenger fled the car. Emergency responders could not revive the Hyundai driver, and they are still looking for the Chevrolet driver and passenger.

Research indicates that hit-and-run accidents involve one or more types of improper driving. These factors include:

Local Washington, D.C. Crash Near School Has Community Demanding Change

February 28, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When we send our children to school, we expect that they will be safe and taken care of. Whether your children ride the school bus every day, walk, or get to school another way, there are always risks on the commute. When those risks, however, are created by negligent or reckless drivers, those who are responsible must be held accountable for their actions.

According to a recent local news report, a two-car accident near a local Washington, D.C. school has led to the community demanding change. Just inches from Kimball Elementary School, local authorities reported two cars colliding, which shut down nearby roads for several hours. The accident took place at a five-point intersection right next to the school. Two people were transported to a local hospital for treatment, but the severity of their injuries is unknown.

Witnesses and long-time residents of the neighborhood around the school claimed that crashes and speeding have been an ongoing issue for decades. While Washington, D.C. police have yet to release specifics on how the crash took place, neighborhood residents have been demanding speed bumps and speed camera installation for years to lower the prevalence of crashes. Fortunately, no students were outside at the time of the crash, but community members warn that it is only a matter of time before another accident takes place. The accident remains under investigation.

Rate of Washington D.C. Accidents Involving Older Adult Drivers

February 22, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed in their last reporting year there were more than 45 million drivers over the age of 65. Washington D.C car accidents are a significant health concern as they account for several deaths and hundreds of injuries every year. While driving is a rite of passage for younger adults and a source of independence for older adults, these two populations are at an increased risk for accidents.

Many health and safety agencies have conducted research to assess how driver characteristics impact the likelihood of an accident. Historically, studies showed that younger and older drivers have a higher risk of fatal and non-fatal accidents than other age groups. Additionally, some studies suggest that drivers between 70-74 years old exhibit less crash risk than drivers between the ages of 75 and 79. However, the highest risk tends to be to drivers aged 80 and older. In addition to age, research studies found that generally, female drivers are considered safer motorists compared to men. However, although women tend to have fewer fatal crashes, their risk of injury crashes may be higher than males.

A recent Washington Post article regarding the death of an 82-year-old driver illustrates the aforementioned statistic. According to reports, the man was driving north when his car slammed into a Jeep driver who veered into oncoming traffic. The 82-year-old man then slammed into another vehicle. Tragically the emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene and transported the other three drivers to a local hospital.

Why Criminal Charges Do Not Guarantee Compensation Following a Washington, D.C. Car Accident

February 15, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When you are the victim of a Washington, D.C. car accident, it may be difficult to navigate the legal fallout following the incident. For many people who are unfamiliar with the legal system, they may wrongly assume that if the at-fault party who caused their injuries is criminally charged, they will automatically receive compensation as the victim also. This is not the case.

According to a recent news report, a Washington Commanders player is now facing involuntary manslaughter charges following a fatal car accident. Local authorities reported that the player was driving more than 90 miles per hour in an area where the speed limit was 45 miles per hour when his car swerved off the road and flipped. The passenger in the car was a 29-year-old woman, who died following the accident.

In Maryland, like other states, personal injury claims are considered to be a civil issue, rather than a criminal one. Thus, just because the at-fault party may have been charged criminally, does not mean that you will automatically receive compensation. To receive compensation, potential plaintiffs will have to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit that is separate from the state’s criminal charges against the at-fault party.

Liability for Fatal High-Speed Police Chases in Maryland

January 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

High-speed chases are a controversial issue that involves complex public policy and safety issues. While there may be a need for a high-speed police chase, these events can lead to severe injuries and death for Maryland motorists. The balance between apprehending those accused of a crime and the potential risk to the public is a challenging task; however, ultimately, public safety is paramount. Various studies have examined the impact of these cases, finding that high-speed police pursuit nearly 300 people each year. Of these fatalities, about two-thirds were traveling in the fleeing vehicle, while an overwhelming 30% were not involved in the chase. As such, many fatalities involve innocent Maryland motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.

Recently, Maryland news reports described fatalities stemming from a fatal-single vehicle crash occurring during a police pursuit. A motorist fled after police attempted to stop him for a traffic stop. While under pursuit, the driver lost control of their vehicle and crashed. Emergency responders transported one of the vehicle’s passengers to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; however, the second occupant suffered fatal injuries. State officials are continuing to investigate the accident.

Maryland maintains various rules that regulate the responsibility of local and state governmental entities. Under Maryland law § 19-103, police officers are not liable for injuries that stem from a police pursuit or any emergency. However, the immunity does not cover situations where the police officer was grossly negligent. Gross negligence refers to an “intentional failure” to perform a duty in the “reckless disregard” of the consequences of their actions. In other words, gross negligence occurs when an individual acts with wanton and willful disregard for the care and safety of others.

Hundreds of Drivers Stuck Overnight on Interstate Near D.C.

January 10, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Ice and snow swept across the east coast and mid-Atlantic earlier this week, and Washington, D.C. was no exception. Although officials were initially expecting only a few inches of snow, the snowstorm brought in more than a foot instead. Blanketing everything outside in a layer of white, the snow may have been pretty to look at and play in initially—but posed some significant safety and visibility concerns for drivers.

According to a recent news report, the recent snowstorm in Washington, D.C. left hundreds of vehicles stuck overnight on I-95 south of Washington. I-95—a 40-mile stretch of highway—is one of the busiest travel corridors in the United States. The highway came to standstill overnight after a snowstorm swept through and led to hundreds of accidents.

While some people abandoned their vehicles, others spent the night on the highway instead. Over the course of 24 hours, state troopers moved from vehicle to vehicle, providing supplies. Tow trucks also helped by dragging disabled vehicles out of the snow. Among the drivers who stayed, many were trapped without any food and water and only in the clothes they had in the car. Others chose to abandon their vehicles, walking about a quarter-mile from the highway to nearby businesses for relief. Authorities responded to more than 1,000 crashes and 1,000 disabled or trapped vehicles.

Vision Zero Aims to Reduce Washington, D.C. Traffic Fatalities

October 31, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Vision Zero is an initiative that aims to reduce Washington DC traffic fatalities to zero by 2024. The initiative is a part of the US Department of Transportation’s Mayor’s Challenge for Safer People and Safer Streets. The program is in response to the harrowing number of Washington DC traffic injuries and deaths. Vision Zero’s comprehensive plan includes:

Improving pedestrian and bicycling safety by promoting practical actions;
Encouraging local leaders to take safety actions;

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims After Washington, D.C Accident with a Police Vehicle

September 30, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

High-speed chases are an unfortunate yet common part of law enforcement duties in the United States. While these pursuits may be necessary, they also involve a significant amount of risk to anyone in the vicinity of the pursuit, such as the fleeing suspect, their passengers, pedestrians, bystanders, and other motorists. Although the essential purpose of a high-speed pursuit is to apprehend a fleeing suspect, officers should evaluate whether they can accomplish this apprehension by safer alternatives. The heavy flow of traffic and the number of bikers and pedestrians make high-speed police pursuits in Washington D.C. a dangerous prospect.

For instance, federal prosecutors in Washington D.C. recently charged an officer with various criminal charges following the death of a 20-year-old moped driver. According to one news source, police were pursuing the man because he rode his moped on a sidewalk without a helmet. The chase ensued into an alley, and when the man was exiting the narrow road, he slammed into another vehicle. Under Washington D.C. police regulations, officers cannot engage in a high-speed pursuit over minor traffic violations. The officers involved in the accident pleaded not guilty.

While the above report focuses on the criminal charges, these situations often elicit civil personal injury and wrongful death claims against law enforcement agencies. Unlike other types of accidents, those involve police cars typically involve complex governmental immunity laws. The Metropolitan Police Department police pursuit laws maintain that officers engaged in a pursuit must consider protecting human life and property. These officers must continually assess the conditions of the pursuit to determine whether to continue to stop the vehicle chase.

Dangerous Roadway Accidents in Washington D.C.

September 23, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Washington D.C has a robust public transportation system and a growing cohort of cyclists; however, driving is still the most popular mode of transportation throughout the city. Thousands of people commute into Washington D.C. for work, business, and leisure. The growing number of cars, especially as schools and offices require in-person attendance, results in congested roadways. As such, Washingtonians and visitors are at risk of being involved in a car accident.

According to some reports, motorists driving in Washington D.C. are twice as likely to be involved in an accident compared to the national rate. While an accident can occur at any location, some Washington D.C. roadways and intersections are the sites of many accidents. These roadways and intersections include New York Ave. and Florida Avenue NE, 14th Street and U Street, NW, Pennsylvania Ave. and 12th Street, NW, 18th Street and Columbia Road, NW, and Pennsylvania Ave Anacostia Freeway SE.

These accidents can have devastating consequences on motorists, passengers, bystanders, pedestrians, and cyclists. For instance, Washington D.C. news sources recently described the tragic death of a 5-year-old girl. The report explained that the 5-year-old girl died while riding her bike near 14th and Irving Street, NE. Witnesses stated that the girl could not stop her bicycle and entered the intersection into the path of a Transit van crossing the area. The community gathered and is demanding changes to traffic safety in their area.