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.

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.

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.