Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
A deadly crash on Interstate 270 claimed two lives in the early hours over the Fourth of July weekend. According to reports from Maryland State Police, one driver entered the northbound lanes going the wrong direction and struck another vehicle head-on. Both drivers died at the scene. If your family is dealing with a similar tragedy, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Legal action can provide financial support and help ensure the responsible party is held accountable.
When you lose someone in a violent collision, you need answers. Speaking with an attorney may feel overwhelming, but it can give you the clarity and direction your family deserves.
Understanding What Went Wrong on I‑270
Head-on collisions rarely happen unless something has gone wrong. These types of crashes often involve impaired driving, distraction, fatigue, or failure to follow traffic control signs. On highways like I‑270, even a few seconds of driving the wrong direction can create fatal consequences for other motorists.
In this case, investigators believe one driver entered the wrong side of the highway before the crash. Determining how that happened and whether it could have been prevented is an essential part of any legal claim. Your attorney can work with crash reconstruction experts, review surveillance footage, and request toxicology results or police reports to understand what led to the collision.
When Do You Have a Claim for Wrongful Death?
If your loved one was killed by someone driving in the wrong direction, Maryland and DC law allow certain surviving family members to seek compensation. You may be eligible if you are the victim’s spouse, child, or parent. A wrongful death claim can help cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, medical bills, and emotional pain.
Even when both drivers die in the crash, the responsible party’s estate or insurer may still be held liable. A lawyer can help identify all available sources of compensation and ensure that your claim is filed correctly and on time.
What Evidence Will Help Prove Liability
In cases like this, clear evidence is crucial. Your attorney will focus on gathering physical and digital records that explain what happened. That may include roadway video, 911 recordings, vehicle data, toxicology results, and witness interviews. These materials help show who was responsible and what could have been done to prevent the crash.
You do not need to collect this evidence yourself. A personal injury lawyer will manage the investigation while you focus on your family. Acting quickly gives your legal team the best chance to secure what they need before it disappears.
How a Lawsuit Can Help Families Rebuild
Financial stress often follows an unexpected loss. You may be facing mortgage payments, childcare expenses, and household bills without your loved one’s income or support. A wrongful death lawsuit can help cover those losses so that your family has space to grieve and rebuild.
Compensation may also provide support for therapy, school expenses for children, or future retirement adjustments. While no dollar amount can replace your loved one, a legal claim can ease the pressure and create stability during a difficult time.
Why It Matters to Talk to a Lawyer Sooner Rather Than Later
The emotional impact of a fatal crash lasts for years. Legal deadlines, however, do not. Maryland places strict limits on how long you have to file a wrongful death claim. Delaying can also make it harder to preserve key evidence or locate essential witnesses.
If you’re unsure where to start, an initial consultation can provide guidance. A lawyer can listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you through the following steps. That conversation can give your family a starting point and some peace of mind.
Speak With a Maryland and DC Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your loved one died in a head-on collision on I‑270 or anywhere else in Maryland, you may have the right to hold the responsible party accountable. To learn how a legal claim could help your family, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen personal injury lawyers at (800) 654-1949 for a free consultation.