Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog

The Dangers of Washington, D.C. Head-On Accidents

May 1, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Among the various configurations that an accident can take place in, perhaps the most dangerous is the head-on collision. When a head-on collision happens, it can be devastating because both vehicles are usually moving at rapid speeds and the force of the two cars crashing frequently results in significant injuries or in severe crashes, death. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help you avoid them as a proactive driver.

According to a recent local news report, a major accident involving a Metrobus and van left five people injured, one dead, and another in critical condition. Local authorities reported that the Metrobus and van collided head-on and the van driver, a separate passenger, and a boy were trapped in the wrecked vehicle. The van crashed into the front driver’s side of the bus and was extensively damaged and crumpled following the accident. After officials pulled everyone from the van, the separate passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The boy was taken to the hospital in critical condition and the bus driver and the bus’s four passengers had minor injuries and were also treated at local hospitals. The circumstances leading up to the accident remain under investigation.

Where Do Head On Accidents Happen the Most?

Washington, D.C. head-on collisions usually take place on two-lane roads, where both lanes have traffic moving in different directions. When a driver crosses the center line separating the two lanes and another driver is approaching from the opposite direction, they could crash head-on. Head-on accidents also happen when a driver enters a highway ramp from the wrong direction or enters a highway from the wrong side of the divider. To best protect yourself and your passengers, there are a number of steps you can take to best prevent these accidents from taking place.

Children’s’ Bicycles Recalled by Manufacturer Due to Brake Hazard

April 17, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The United States federal agency known as the Consumer Product Safety Commission studies the safety of products that are marketed for use in the U.S. According to the agency, property damage, injuries, and deaths related to hazardous or defective consumer products cost Americans hundreds of billions of dollars each year. When a product is reported to be potentially hazardous, the CPSC will perform an investigation to determine if the product should be removed from the market by a recall. Although the CPSC has the power to enact mandatory recalls by seeking an order in federal court, the vast majority of product recalls are made voluntarily by the manufacturer. The CPSC website discusses a recently enacted voluntary recall of a childrens’ bicycle for brake-related issues.

According to the CPSC website, federal regulations require childrens’ bicycles with seat heights below 25 inches to have foot brakes on the pedals to allow children to operate the bicycle and stop safely. The recalled bicycles, manufactured by the Commencal company, only have hand brakes and are therefore not marketable in the U.S. The Commencal Ramones brand bicycles at issue were manufactured in the European country of Andorra between 2015 and 2021 and were marketed worldwide. Although the braking configurations may be acceptable in other countries, the bicycles can no longer be marketed and sold in the U.S. without modifications. According to the recall notice from the CPSC website, consumers who have purchased one of the recalled bicycles should contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit that will get the recalled bicycles into compliance with U.S. regulations once installed.

Do Companies Have a Duty to Create Safe Products?

Yes, companies that market consumer products for use in the U.S. have a duty to ensure that the product is safe for American consumers. Companies are responsible for adequately warning consumers of certain risks and dangers to their products. Some dangers or risks are too serious for a product to be marketed, and companies must work to remove or repair such products to ensure consumer safety. If a company knows of a certain hazard but fails to adequately warn consumers of the hazard and offers to repair, replace, or refund the purchase cost, the company may be liable for any harm caused by the product. Consumers who have been injured or killed by a dangerous or defective product are entitled to seek damages through a product liability lawsuit.

Accident at Popular Washington, D.C. Lunch Spot Leaves Two Dead

March 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

During the course of COVID-19, outdoor dining has become even more popular than ever before because of social distancing and public health measures. For many restaurants and businesses, incorporating an outdoor dining option has become a means of survival. Now, more than two years into the pandemic, dining outdoors is as popular as ever. For a lot of restaurants in busy metropolitan areas, however, these outdoor dining areas are often located only inches away from busy streets and often share their space with cars passing by. What happens when a passing vehicle crashes into the dining area and causes a major accident?

According to a recent local news report, two individuals died after a driver crashed his vehicle outside a restaurant in Washington, D.C. Around lunchtime on a busy Friday last week, an older driver lost control of his car and crashed into an outdoor seating area. 11 people were injured in total and eight individuals were transferred to local hospitals. Two individuals died, and at least three are facing life-threatening injuries. According to nearby witnesses, the car accelerated outside the restaurant and drove straight into the outdoor seating area. The driver responsible for the accident was seen driving through a parking lot adjacent to the restaurant at a high speed just moments before the collision. The accident remains under investigation and the driver responsible for the collision is cooperating with the authorities.

Unfortunately, this tragic collision in Washington, D.C. was not the first of its kind. With the weather warming up and more people choosing to dine outside than ever, several similar accidents have taken place around the country. To keep yourself safe, it is crucial that you understand what steps to take following an incident like this.

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.

Similac, Alimentum, EleCare and Similac 60/40 Baby Formulas Recalled by Abbott Nutrition

March 17, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In February of this year, the medical device and consumer product manufacturing company Abbot Laboratories issued a voluntary recall after the FDA advised parents to stop feeding their young children certain brands of the company’s powdered baby formulas. According to a recent report by CNN, the affected brands initially included Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. However, a few weeks later, the company then added Similac 60/40 to the list of recalled baby formulas.

The reason why the FDA issued the warning to parents earlier this year stems from several reports that young infants who consumed these products got very sick. In fact, there are at least two cases where babies died after consuming Abbott Labs baby formulas. Both of the babies died after developing an unusual infection resulting from exposure to the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.

What Is Cronobacter sakazakii?

Cronobacter sakazakii is a dangerous bacteria that can cause healthy adults to suffer from excruciating stomach pains and diarrhea. However, when a young infant is exposed to Cronobacter sakazakii, it can be fatal or lead to long-term health risks.

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.

Washington, D.C. Broadcaster Charged After Crash

February 8, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Following a major car accident, it is often customary for the parties to contact the local authorities or police so that an official report can be generated. Contacting law enforcement can also be helpful to establish a paper trail so that the victims of the accident have official documentation of the how, where, when, and why associated with the crash that took place. In the event of any injuries, local authorities can also assist those who have been hurt on the scene. At-fault parties, however, are also required to remain on the scene following an accident. In the event that this requirement is not fulfilled, it could lead to serious legal consequences.

According to a recent local news report, a longtime local Washington, D.C. news anchor was arrested and charged after a weekend car accident. Local authorities reported that the man rear-ended another vehicle, which caused that vehicle to collide with a third car. Following the accident, no one was seriously injured. Police noted, however, that when they arrived, the news anchor attempted to leave the scene and subsequently failed a sobriety test. His breathalyzer test determined that his blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit. After the crash, the anchor was charged with six misdemeanors relating to the collision, including driving under the influence, driving while impaired by alcohol, attempting to elude the police, attempting to drive while impaired, and two separate charges related to failing to stay on the scene of the accident. An investigation into further details surrounding the accident is ongoing.

Like other parts of the country, Washington, D.C. has specific rules and laws governing the responsibilities of drivers and parties after an accident. When someone flees the scene of an accident in D.C., local authorities may charge them with a misdemeanor. In hit-and-run situations, violators could face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.