Rear End Collision on US 15 Turns Fatal

On Sunday, March 14, 2010, there was a two-vehicle collision on Route 15 at Mountville Road in Jefferson, Maryland. A Dodge Grand Caravan was stopped at a traffic signal when they were struck in the rear by a Dodge Ram Pickup Truck. There were six passengers in the Caravan, all of whom were transported to various area hospitals for severe injuries. The two passengers of the pick up were taken to Frederick Memorial Hospital for treatment. One of the passengers of the Caravan was taken to Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, Maryland but died before she could be transported to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

In Maryland, when motor vehicles are traveling in the same direction there are duties placed on all drivers. The driver of any motor vehicle has an obligation to use due care and caution when following another vehicle. The operator must have regard for speed and weather conditions and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle directly in front of them. Failure to pay full attention could result in a rear end collision.

It is also important to understand what benefits a passenger in a vehicle may have in the event of a motor vehicle collision. Passengers could be entitled to personal injury benefits, or even as in this case, death benefits. A claim for property damage and bodily injuries can be made against the "at fault party" and their insurance carrier. In the event that an accident occurs and the "at fault" party does not carry insurance it may still be possible to pursue a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.

If you, a family member, or someone you know was involved in a rear end motor vehicle collision or if you would like more information on car accident claims, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Car Accident Linked to Cell Phone Use

It has been confirmed that talking on a cellular phone while driving can be a major distraction. Teenagers and less experienced drivers are at an even greater risk for causing an accident. The law in Maryland is that drivers younger than 18 with a provisional drivers license or learner's permit are prohibited from using any cell phone while driving. Texting was previously banned in Maryland for all drivers.

Recently a 17-year-old driver caused a serious car accident while talking on his cell phone. The teenager was merging onto Interstate 70 in Frederick County, Maryland when he allegedly rear-ended another vehicle. The responding officer noted that the teenager did not realize that there was highway construction in the area that had caused the traffic to slow down. The driver of the rear-ended vehicle was flown to Washington County Hospital while the teen only sustained minor injuries. The juvenile was charged with negligent driving.

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

Rear End Collisions and the Exchange of Information

Rear end collisions are among the most common accidents. As a general rule, the driver of a motor vehicle may not follow another vehicle closer then what is reasonable. The operator of the vehicle must maintain a reasonable speed for the driving and traffic conditions. There are specific laws surrounding what is considered to be "reasonable" based on the circumstances of the situation.

At the beginning of the month, a minor rear end collision turned deadly when two parties were involved in a collision in Hyattsville in Prince George's County, Maryland. They pulled over to exchange their information. While they were exchanging information, a third vehicle struck both of the cars and the two people who were exchanging information. As a result the two parties were killed. The police who responded to the scene believe that the driver of the third vehicle was intoxicated.

If both parties agree that liability is clear, go to a parking lot when exchanging information. Countless accidents occur when people are on the shoulder of the road. In most cases, there is absolutely no reason to remain on the shoulder, just several feet away from countless cars most likely all traveling at dangerous speeds.

If you, a family member, or someone you know was involved in a rear end collision or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.