Maryland Auto Accident Attorneys | Car Crash MD

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or call to speak with one of our experienced Maryland auto accident attorneys at (301) 854-9000 for a free consultation.

How Dangerous Road Conditions Can Lead to Car Accidents

1.  Potholes/Uneven Road Surfaces: Uneven road surfaces and pot holes can cause cars, motorcycles, or trucks to lose control, especially on a highway.  Uneven roads are usually the result of repairing roadways where one lane has a new surface and the other lanes do not.  Motorcyclists are in the most danger in these situations because it is very easy to lose control of a two-wheeled vehicle.  Pot holes are just as dangerous as uneven surfaces.  Depending on the size of the pot hole, cars are subject to damage to tires and wheel alignment.  In addition, as drivers try to avoid potholes in the roads, it can lead to accidents.


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   Expansion Joints: Expansion joints are parts that connect bridges and overpasses to the actual roadway.  These joints can create an uneven surface and become very slippery in wet weather.  Slippery expansion joints are a common cause of accidents on bridges and overpasses.  The uneven surface created from the joints is also dangerous for motorcycles because drivers can easily lose control or have difficulty stopping quickly on them.

   
   


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   Unpaved Roadways: Unpaved roadways, especially those with gravel, can easily lead to accidents.  One example is when these unpaved roads are not properly maintained and severe undulations develop, making driving quite treacherous.  Another example is when it rains or snows and these surfaces become muddy and uneven, making driving difficult due to visibility problems from mud spraying up.

   
   


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   Debris: Debris on roads is a very common occurrence, especially on well-travelled roads like highways.  Common examples include cargo falling off of trucks, strips of rubber from tire blowouts, car accident debris, road work materials, rocks, large tree branches, and animal carcasses.  Each county is responsible for removing these dangerous obstacles from the roadways to prevent accidents.  However, when these items are not removed in a timely manner, accidents occur when drivers hit these objects or try to avoid them.

   
   


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   Slippery Surfaces: Slippery surfaces are the most common cause of automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents.  Some causes of slippery roadways include: painted surfaces, wet leaves, snow, ice, standing water, spilled oil, and mud.  As we move into winter, more and more leaves will fall on to roadways, thereby making driving more treacherous when it rains or snows.  Motorists tend to forget to drive cautiously in wet weather and should slow down to protect their own safety and the safety of others.

   
   


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   Animals: Maryland is filled with many different types of animals, and sometimes these animals run into the streets in front of cars.  Many rural areas are affected by animals such as deer, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits.  Deer are especially dangerous to drivers because they cannot see anything when headlights are shining directly at them, and oftentimes, they will dart out in the road unexpectedly.  Our clients in Owings Mills, Towson, Frederick, Rockville, and Columbia are most prone to accidents caused by deer and other animals.

   
   

Cities and counties are expected to keep their roads safe.  When they fail to do that and their negligence leads to a car, truck, or motorcycle accidents, victims may have a legal claim to seek compensation for injuries, losses, and damages.  It is important that if you are involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident that you hire an experienced Maryland car accident attorney who can uncover all liable parties and fight for full compensation.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, truck, bus or motorcycle accident, and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on car accidents please feel free to contact our office at (301) 854-9000 or visit us on the web at www.portnerandshure.com

Fatal Single Vehicle Accident on Interstate 70

On May 24, 2010, during the morning rush hour there was a serious single vehicle accident on Interstate 70 in Howard County, Maryland. A box truck was traveling westbound when it left the roadway and struck several trees. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and Interstate 70 was closed for several hours. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

An accident re-constructionist was most likely called to the scene to help determine the cause of the accident. If skid measurements were taken by an expert, the speed at impact could have been determined. Proper measurements, done timely, with eye witness testimony, could assist in determining if the driver in this accident just lost control of his vehicle, if he was cut off by another driver, or even if his vehicle was not working properly.

Many auto insurance policies that carry Personal Injury Protection also carry a specific Death Benefit coverage that can be paid in the event that a death should occur as the result of an accident. This benefit generally ranges from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00. It is important to review the terms of your policy to verify whether or not your policy has such a benefit.

However, in the event that the driver was working at the time of the accident his family may be entitled to additional benefits under workers' compensation. Since this individual was unfortunately killed in the course of his employment his spouse and/or children may be entitled to receive benefits based on what the employee was making at the time of the accident. Although there is a cap placed on these benefits, it is possible to also obtain a burial allowance in cases such as this.

If you have been injured as the result of an automobile accident or sustained a work related injury, please contact Portner & Shure and speak with our Maryland accident lawyers for a free legal consultation.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Carroll County

In early May, a Finksburg, Maryland woman was killed when she was struck by a vehicle on Bethel Road in Carrol County. The woman was said to have been chasing after her dog who had run into the street. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle has not been charged with an offense.

In this unfortunate situation, the key inquiry is whether or not the pedestrian was inside or out of a crosswalk. As a general rule, pedestrians have the right of way when they are in a crosswalk. However, in the event that a person is crossing a street outside of a crosswalk that person has an obligation to use the greatest care to protect themselves from injury.

If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of a pedestrian related car accident and would like a free legal consultation, please contact Portner & Shure. Maryland accident lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have.

Alcohol Is a Contributing Factor in Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Earlier this month, the driver of a GMC Sierra struck and killed a man who was attempted to cross Ridge Road in Pasadena, Maryland during the evening hours. The pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and was not in a crosswalk. The Anne Arundel County Police responded. The pedestrian was taken to Baltimore Washington Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The police found evidence that suggested that the pedestrian may have been under the influence at the time of the accident.

There is an abundance of laws in Maryland that address situations involving pedestrians that are injured by an automobile. The key inquiry is such accidents are whether or not the pedestrian was inside or out of a crosswalk. As a general rule, pedestrians have the right of way when they are in a crosswalk. However, in the event that a person is crossing a street outside of a crosswalk that person has an obligation to use the greatest care to protect themselves from injury.

In this matter, the family of the deceased may not have a valid claim against the driver of the vehicle. The pedestrian was possibly intoxicated, crossing outside of the crosswalk and was wearing dark clothing at night.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian related car accident or if you would like more information on automobile collisions, please contact Portner & Shure. Our Maryland accident lawyers are available to provide you with a free legal consultation.

Motorcycle Accident Leads to Serious Injuries

Motorcycle accidents are common and often result in serious injuries. Motorcycle drivers need be extremely cautious when operating their bikes since the potential of serious or fatal personal injuries are much more likely if an automobile accident does occur. Although most motorcycle accidents are commonly the result of negligent driving, human error is also a likely contributing factor.

Earlier this month, a Hagerstown motorcyclist was seriously injured as the result of a collision between his bike and a Volkswagen Jetta while on US Route 40 in Frederick County, Maryland. The motorcyclist said that the driver of the Jetta pulled out in front of him. When the Jetta pulled out, the motorcyclist struck the driver side door causing his bike to overturn. The operator of the motorcycle was transported to R Adams Crowley Trauma Center in Baltimore after suffering head and leg injuries.

The accident is still under investigation. An accident re-constructionist can be called to the scene to help determine the cause of the accident. If skid measurements were taken by an expert, the speed at impact could have been determined. Proper measurements, done timely, with eye witness testimony, could help investigators to determine if the driver of Jetta failed to yield to the right of way.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident and would like a free legal consultation, or if you would like more information on automobile accidents, please contact Portner & Shure. Our Maryland and Virginia accident attorneys are available to speak with you.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident

On Monday, April 26, 2010, there was a fatal accident on Interstate 95 in Cecil County, Maryland. The Maryland State Police said they believe that the victim, Lamar Stanford, was driving his car on Interstate 95 when he struck a guardrail. Police said that they believe Mr. Stanford exited his vehicle and attempted to cross Interstate 95 on foot when he was struck by another vehicle traveling northbound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle who struck him suffered bodily injuries and was taken to Union Memorial Hospital.

The police further noted that they do not believe that there are any contributing factors from the driver of the vehicle who struck Stanford. Contributing factors such as speed or alcohol do not appear to be an issue here.

The key inquiry in any pedestrian related accidents is whether or not the pedestrian was inside or out of a crosswalk. As a general rule, pedestrians have the right of way when they are in a crosswalk. However, in the event that a person is crossing a street, outside of a crosswalk, that person has an obligation to use the greatest care to protect themselves from injury.

Minor accidents often turn into serious when people leave their vehicles after the impact and walk on, or stay too close to the roadway. Respect the fact that drivers often are not paying attention. This fact leads to fender benders. It can lead to death if you are a person walking on or near a roadway.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured as the result of a pedestrian related accident, or if you would like more information on automobile collisions, please contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation. Our Maryland personal injury lawyers are available to assist you.

Low Speed Police Chase in Frederick County

On April 27, 2010, at approximately 2:45 p.m. a 22-year-old Keedysville woman was charged with fleeing and eluding and driving while impaired by drugs. The Frederick County Police Department saw a car slowly weaving on North East Street. Local traffic was steering around the vehicle in an effort to avoid colliding with the vehicle. After a short pursuit, the police officer apprehended the woman when he noted that she had an odor of PCP on her breathe. After further investigation, the driver was placed under arrest.

It goes without saying that situations involving alcohol or drugs have a greater potential of turning fatal. Driving while impaired is a very serious offense. Not only is a driver putting them at risk but they are putting innocent individuals in danger. Although this incident came to closure with no property or bodily injuries reported, this is not always the case. Most alcohol and drug related offense's end in automobile collision, personal injuries, property damage, or even fatalities.

The driver can be required to submit to a blood test to determine the quantity of PCP in her body. This test must be done within 4 hours of the arrest.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in an automobile related accident or if you are seeking a criminal defense attorney, feel free to contact us for a free legal consultation. You can contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation. Our Maryland and Virginia accident lawyers are available to speak with you.

New Speed Cameras in Baltimore County Used to Help Deter Speeders

In February, Baltimore County began sending out warnings to area motorists who were caught on camera while traveling 12 miles per hour over the speed limit. Cameras were placed in two school zones to help deter speeding and to help promote safety. However, effective this week, speed tickets will be given out to those who are caught on camera speeding. Fines of $40 will be issued but no points will be assessed.

The Baltimore County Police Department said that later in the year they will install another 13 locations. Those locations are determined by county officials. Under the current state law, violators must receive notice for a minimum of the first 30 days that the cameras are operational.

Hopefully, these cameras will make drivers more aware of the speeds at which they are traveling. If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in an automobile accident wherein someone was speeding or if you would like a free legal consultation, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Intersection of Hayward Road and US 15 Hot Location for Car Accidents

A large number of accidents in Frederick County, Maryland are attributed to the cross traffic at Hayward Road and US 15. The Maryland State Highway Administration has made this area a top priority in Frederick. They have recently installed signs, new pavement markings, as well as a fresh rumble strips along the road in an effort to deter speeding and to help with awareness of the potential cross traffic. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office is also expected to increase speed enforcement on the Hayward Road.

Although these changes will most likely not have an immediate effect on the traffic in that area but the State Highway Administration is hoping that the combination of engineering tactics and law enforcement will help to encourage drivers to be more cautious.

Drivers who speed or fail to yield to the right of way can cause some of the most severe automobile collisions. Not only to car accidents cause damage to property and bodily injuries, traffic citations can be issued for these offenses and carry hefty fines. Insurance carriers can increase your insurance rates and repeat offenders could lose their driving privileges.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in an automobile accident wherein speed was involved or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure. Our Maryland accident lawyers are available to provide a free legal consultation.

Three Car Automobile Crash Turns Fatal Near BWI Airport

Multiple car collisions are incredibly common and it is sometimes difficult to determine who is actually at fault. In order to pursue a claim for property damage or bodily injuries liability must first be determined. There are a number of factors that are considered by the insurance carriers before they will assume liability for any collision and a thorough investigation will be done on their behalf.

Yesterday there was a three vehicle collision on Aviation Boulevard between Amtrak Way and Stoney Run Road in Anne Arundel County, Maryland near BWI Marshall Airport. The driver of a Jeep Wrangler was believed to have veered into oncoming traffic striking an Izusu truck then struck an unoccupied BWI Shuttle bus. The Maryland Transportation authority responded to the scene. The driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the shuttle bus was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma where he treated and released while the driver of the truck was not injured. The accident is still under investigation. The police do not believe that alcohol was involved.

Our Maryland accident lawyers can assist with expediting the investigation process in situations such as this. Our staff has handled thousands of claims ranging from simple rear end collisions to fatal motor vehicle accidents. The insurance carriers are well versed in collecting information that will provide them reason to deny an insurance claim. Defenses such as contribulatory negligence are often used by the insurance company. In these situations if a driver is just one percent at fault the entire claim will be denied.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on car accidents please feel free to contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Teen Killed in Motorcycle Accident: Wear a Helmet!

Motorcycle drivers are involved in many of the most deadly and serious accidents in the nation. In the state of Maryland a driver of a motorcycle must possess a special class drivers license. In addition, motorcycle drivers are also held to the same standards as any other driver on the road. However, due to the obvious exposure that the motorcycle provides its driver, the risk of injuries while driving is much greater and both state and national accident statistics continue to prove this point. In Maryland all operators of motorcycles are required to wear a helmet and protective eye wear.

Recently a Lexington Park teenager was killed after his motorcycle crashed into a tree in Calvert County, Maryland. The teenager was operating a Yamaha YZ80, which is considered a type of motorcycle based on the Maryland definition. He was driving off road when he approached a hill and lost control of his bike and crashed. The responding police indicated that the teen was ejected from the bike before the bike came to rest on top of him.

Authorities immediately noted that the teen was not wearing any of the regulated safety gear as mandated by the State of Maryland. The teenager was transported to a local hospital where is was pronounced dead later that same night. No one will know if this teenager would have survived if he had been using a helmet. However, national statistics, as well as our injury law firms past accident cases, reveal that the survival rate goes up exponentially for those who wear a helmet.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident or if you would like more information on car accident, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Using a Cell phone While Driving? You May Soon be Required to Use a Handsfree Device.

On March 24, 2010, the Senate voted and approved a bill that will require all Maryland drivers to use a handsfree device if they will to use their cell phone while driving. Drivers will only be permitted to use their hands to turn on and off their phone and will not be allowed to hold their phones during a conversation. Violators could receive a citation of $40.00. The bill has not become law as of yet, but based on recent reports it appears that it will pass. The intent of course is to reduce a known distraction that causes automobile accidents.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured as the result of an automobile accident or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Driver Intentionally Hits Four People With Car

In early March, the driver of a vehicle intentionally hit four people in Chillum, Maryland with his vehicle. Two of the victims sustained injuries after being struck on University Parkway. The Prince George's County Police are unsure of the reason behind this assault but indicated that this appeared to be a domestic matter. Although the driver was taken into custody after the assault, the details of the charges pending against him were not made available.

An intentional tort is defined as "a tort in which the actor is expressly or impliedly judged to have possessed intent or purpose to injure." This situation is a perfect example of an intentional tort. If the driver willingly got behind the wheel of a car and struck a crowd of people in an effort to hurt or injure anyone then his actions can be classified as an intentional tort.

Assuming the automobile insurance carrier covers this intentional act, the injured individuals in this situation could pursue a claim for bodily injuries against the driver of the vehicle.. The drivers' insurance carrier could be responsible for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering or even mental distress. Problems may still occur with the amount of automobile coverage available since at least two people were hurt. In cases were multiple people are injured a Maryland automobile accident attorney must quickly determine all possible personal injury coverages.

If you, a family member, or someone you know was injured in a car accident or if you would like more information on automobile accident, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Single Vehicle Car Accident Claims Another Life

Single vehicle accidents resulting in personal injuries are often caused by speed or reckless automobile driving. However, weather conditions can also play an important role in these traffic accidents. The recent rain storms have caused flooding in some areas and left roadways very slippery.

A recent single vehicle accident claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman. She was driving her Lexus on Snowden River Parkway in Columbia, Maryland when she swerved to avoid a collision with another vehicle. As a result of her swerving, she struck a tree and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

An accident re-constructionist could be called to the scene to help determine the cause of the accident. If skid measurements were taken by an expert, the speed at the time of the cars impact could have been determined. Proper measurements, done timely, with eye witness testimony, could assist in determining if the driver in this accident either lost control of her vehicle, or was cut off by another driver, or if her vehicle was not working properly.

In some cases, even if the other driver leaves the scene, fault could be attributed to that driver if a proper investigation is conducted. Our personal injury lawyers have been involved in several lawsuits that hinged on a thorough accident reconstruction.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in automobile accident where someone was injured or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Accident in Carroll County Causes Fatality

In March of 2010, there was a fatal car accident in Westminster, Maryland when two vehicles collided. The driver of a Toyota Camry was traveling on Route 140 in Carroll County when the driver of a pick up truck ran a red light at the intersection of Route 140 and Bethel Road. A passenger in the Toyota was injured and transported to Maryland Shock Trauma while the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Automobile accidents resulting in injuries wherein individuals fail to yield to the right of way are very common. Traffic signals and stop signs are put in place to help direct and control traffic. They however, cannot stop human error. Failure to pay full attention and adhere to these signals will result in citations or worse, a serious even, as in this case, a fatal car accident.

Assuming that the driver of the pick up truck did in fact run a red light he could be found liable for this car collision and be forced for pay for any property damage and bodily injury claim for those who were injured. A wrongful death claim could also be brought against his insurance carrier by the family members of the deceased. In the event that the driver did not have insurance coverage a claim can be made under the drivers Uninsured Motorist Coverage. In all automobile cases resulting in fatality asset searches of the defendant must be conducted. In the event the defendant has sufficient assets, he often should be sued since most automobile accident insurance policies do not provide adequate death benefits. The accident attorneys at Portner & Shure carefully determine all available assets in all cases where the injury value exceeds the policy. If you are unsure of what benefits you are entitled to in a case resulting in a death, call one of our Maryland accident lawyers.

Montgomery Car Accident Kills Man and Injures 2 Others

Police are investigating a car accident that occurred, Sunday, March 14, 2010, near the intersection of Route 28 and White's Ferry Road in Boyds.  Michael Stoos of Sandy Spring, died when his vehicle crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic and crashed into a white box truck traveling in the opposite direction. The truck driver and the passenger in his vehicle were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. The Montgomery County police are looking for any witnesses to this accident to come forward.  

While the cause of this accident is still being investigated, there could be any number of reasons for the driver to cross over the double yellow line.  If it determined that a medical emergency was the cause of this accident, the truck driver and passenger could be precluded from making a claim against the deceased's policy of insurance.  It is important to consult with an attorney in this type of situation as there is a "sudden emergency defense".  An attorney can help you investigate and determine if there was a true medical emergency and whether the driver could still be held accountable for his actions, in the unlikelihood he had a seizure and was not taking his medication.  This defense falls apart if the driver was on notice that a problem could occur while driving. 

If you, a family member or someone you know has been involved in an accident involving an emergency situation or you need more information on this type of motor vehicle accident, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Maryland Judge to Stand Trial for Drunk Driving

A Washington County Circuit Court Judge is scheduled to stand trial for allegedly driving under the influence. He is accused of operating his sports-utility vehicle while intoxicated and sideswiping another vehicle in Hagerstown, Maryland. The driver of the other vehicle was treated for minor injuries. The Hagerstown Police Department indicated that the Judge has a blood-alcohol level of .18 percent. This is more than twice the legal limit.

This is an example of how a person in a position of power can also be punished in accordance with the laws of the state. The individual he struck could make a claim against his insurance carrier for his or her bodily injuries. Had this accident occurred in Virginia the injured person would be entitled to punitive damages in addition to any bodily injury recovery.

If you, a family member, or someone you know was involved in an automobile accident as the result of a person being intoxicated or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation. 

Single Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Pasadena Man

On March 14, 2010, a 46-year-old Pasadena, Maryland man was killed as the result of a single vehicle accident. He lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a tree. The Anne Arundel County Police believe that the man may have been drag racing at the time of the collision. The accident occurred on Route 100 in Anne Arundel County. The man was trapped inside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Code prohibits any person from driving a vehicle in a race on any highway or street that is used by the general public. A person who participates in a street or drag race can also be charged with negligent driving even if no one was injured. Numerous accidents are occurring across Maryland as a result of drag racing. In fact, recent accidents from drag racing have been reported in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Prince George's County. These accidents often result in the death of the driver and/or spectator. This new trend needs to stop.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident as the result of a drag race or if you would like more information on car accidents, contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Montgomery County Man Killed in Car Crash

The Montgomery County police are investigating the cause of a fatal crash that occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2010, at the intersection of Washington Grove Lane and Mid-County Highway that took the life of Lenard Ostilio Pineda-Guardado.

The driver of the 1996 Ford Ranger that Mr. Pineda-Guardado was a passenger in, stated to the police that he had the green light when a 1998 Dodge Durango plowed into the passenger side of his vehicle causing his vehicle to flip and crash into another vehicle.

It is believed the 17 year old teenager operating the 1998 Dodge Durango with a provisional license, was speeding.  He had four other passengers in the vehicle with him, one of which, besides himself, had to be taken to Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville for their injuries.  A spokeswoman for the Maryland Vehicle Administration, commented to press that only direct family members can ride in a vehicle with a person with a provisional driver's license within the first five months of having it.  

Consequences are invoked on the provisional driver that is found guilty of a moving violation.  The first time they are required to complete a driver training course.  The second violation carries a 30 day suspension and the third violation could lead to a 180 day suspension and the license could be revoked.  Hearings are mandatory when an accident involves a fatality.  

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a car accident or you need additional information regarding car accidents or wrongful death claims, please cntact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Ice Patch May Have Caused Death of Prince George's County Police Officer

On February 27, 2010, a Prince George's County Police Officer was involved in a serious car accident when his vehicle struck a patch of ice and slid into a utility pole. Officer Thomas Jensen was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries. However, on March 9th, he died of those injuries.

All drivers have an obligation to drive at a reasonable and prudent speed with is consistent with the current weather conditions. In other words, if a driver is traveling at the posted speed limit, he or she can still be found negligent of exceeding a safe speed if the weather conditions are hazardous. What happened in this situation was a tragedy and is a reminder to all of use to be mindful of the weather conditions as we travel. It is also yet another example of terrible injuries occurring at an impact speed that was not over fifty miles per hour.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident involving the weather conditions or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.