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.

When an item malfunctions, doesn’t function as intended, or has defective parts, there are multiple types of product liability claims that injured parties can pursue. The three overarching types of product liability claims are 1) manufacturing defects, 2) design defects, and 3) failure to warn, also known as marketing defects. In most places, these three types of claims are not sufficient to stand as legal claims on their own. Instead, they are pleaded as part of a larger case. For example, those injured by an item that is poorly manufactured and subsequently has a faulty internal system may be able to plead manufacturing defects and negligence on the part of the manufacturer or the designer.

What Are the Most Common Types of Product Liability Cases?

To understand each type of liability, it is important to have a working definition. Manufacturing defects are often those that take place during the manufacturing process itself. These issues are typically the result of poor workmanship or the use of cheap or low-quality building materials. Design defects are usually the result of an inherently poor or defective design of a product. In practice, this means that regardless of how well assembled and sourced the product is, the defective design means that the item will fail to meet basic safety standards and expectations. Failure-to-warn defects exist in items that pose dangers to people that are not obvious when those dangers could be mitigated by public warnings. It is important to note with this type of liability that the danger is inherent to the item and is not the result of a defect or poor design. An example would be an item like a chainsaw, an item with a legitimate use, that is still dangerous when made properly.

A recent local news article discusses the recall of a defective item. In a recent news article, the recall of nearly 500,000 juicers is detailed at length. The recall was prompted by reports from customers that hundreds of the units malfunctioned, resulting in injuries that required emergency treatment according to federal officials. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Empower Brands is recalling approximately 469,000 Power XL Self-Cleaning Juicers due to laceration and ingestion hazards experienced by customers. According to the CPSC, the juicers have a tendency to rupture during use, striking customers and posing a laceration hazard to people in the vicinity. Additional malfunctions have revealed that the juicers have been known to leave small particle shavings in the juice, posing an additional concern for consumers.

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.

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.

When a car collision occurs that involves multiple vehicles, there can be added stress of dealing with multiple people with multiple injuries, various insurances, and determining who was the at-fault driver. In some instances, multiple vehicles end up colliding due to a chain reaction, where one vehicle bumps into the back of another vehicle, causing the second vehicle to then crash into the vehicle in front of it. At first glance, you may assume that the owner of the vehicle with the most damage is the person who should receive the most damages, or monetary compensation, for a multi-vehicle car accident. However, this may not be the case.

According to a recent news report, a crash near the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., resulted in 7 injuries and 3 critically injured. The accident involved four vehicles, leaving at least one sedan with a crumpled front end. People became trapped in two of the vehicles, and three people were extricated. One of the victims was a teenager, while all the other victims were adults. The collision is still being investigated, and investigators are looking into whether speed was a factor, or whether old reversible lane signs that were discontinued during the pandemic were a factor in the crash.

How Do Courts Determine Fault in Multi-Vehicle Collisions?

Because multi-vehicle car accidents happen in a variety of ways for a variety of reasons, it is not always so straightforward when determining who the at-fault driver is. In some scenarios, such as one where there is a chain reaction, the first driver who collided with a vehicle may be considered the at-fault driver. However, it is also important to consider the negligence laws in the state where the accident occurred.

Manufacturers are entrusted to provide not only high-quality products for purchase but also safe products for consumer use. It is not uncommon for there to be various recalls at a time on various items, impacting consumers who have purchased these items and in some cases, may not even be aware of the hazards or defects. Consumers must navigate staying up-to-date on consumer recalls in order to remain safe and healthy, and manufacturers must ensure that they alert consumers properly to any of these hazards. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission may have multiple recall lawsuits occurring in response to safety recalls on products. In addition to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there is also the Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Services, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Coast Guard, and the Environmental Protection Agency – all agencies that may require a recall of certain products. Manufacturers should always be aware of potential defects in a product line, ensuring that any design defects are immediately responded to in order to prevent injury.

Why Are LG TVs Being Recalled?

According to a recent report, the LG 86-inch smart televisions and stands have been recalled due to tip-over and entrapment hazards. The TV can become unstable while on the stand, which can lead to injuries or deaths of children or others. LG Electronics has received 22 reports of instability, which resulted in 12 reports of tip-overs. For consumers who are using the TV’s supporting stand legs, the recall directs these users to immediately detach it and place the television in a safe location away from children. Additionally, consumers should contact LG for instructions on how to inspect the unit and obtain replacement screws and stand parts. This may also include help from a technician for a free repair.

Class action lawsuits may occur after a recall and/or injuries of multiple individuals. Class action lawsuits involve a group of individuals joining together to file a claim against a common defendant due to suffering similiar injuries.In some instances, a manufacturer may fail to issue a recall or provide adequate notice to consumers regarding design defects. In those instances, the manufacturers may face significant economic losses after lawsuits, in addition to reputational harm, amongst other types of losses. If you have suffered serious injuries due to a design defect of a product, you may be interested in consulting with an experienced attorney regarding possible claims to talk through your options.

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.

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.”

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.

Many areas with heavy foot traffic see an unfortunate number of pedestrian accidents. In particular, large events can bring hundreds of people to a single location at once. Washington D.C. is a city where a major event is always happening. However, without adequate precautions in place, pedestrians may not be safe from oncoming traffic. Pedestrian accidents may be the result of distracted driving, excessive speeding, or a failure of the premises to implement safety measures such as crosswalks or crossing guards. Too often, these incidents can lead to serious injury or even death.

Recently, a couple was killed following a pedestrian accident in Gaithersburg, Maryland. According to a local news article, the accident occurred on the morning of Election Day outside a polling center. The two victims were walking into the polling place when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle. Both victims were transported to the hospital, where they later died from their injuries. As one local resident explained, multiple accidents involving excessive speeding had occurred on the road near the polling center, which is also a local elementary school.

How Can Drivers and Local Premises Avoid Fatal Pedestrian Accidents?

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