Harford County Executive Candidate dies in Bel Air Accident

Churchville businessman and candidate for Harford County executive, Stephen M. Wright, died in a car accident on Thursday, May 20, 2010, just before 7:00 p.m.  Mr. Wright was operating his 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee southbound on Wheel Road, when his vehicle left the road and struck a utility pole.

A spokesperson for the police advised that witnesses who checked on him immediately following the accident believe he was experiencing medical issues, which may have been the cause of the accident.. The police do not believe speed or alcohol contributed to the accident.  Instead, the report indicated that Mr. Wright may have experienced a medical emergency.

Paramedics from the Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company transported Mr. Wright  to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at the hospital around 8 p.m.

Mr. Wright was a longtime member of the Harford County Republican Central Committee and a conservative with ties to the Tea Party movement and was the first candidate to file in this year's county executive race.

Mr. Wright is survived by his wife, Krista and their three daughters, Meagan, McKenzie and Katie.

If it is determined that a medical emergency was the cause of this accident, Mr. Wright's family may be entitled to certain death benefits also referred to as survivor benefits, which could include accidental death benefits, continuation of lost earnings, periodic "pension" payments and replacement services payments.  In some states, reasonable funeral expenses are protected benefits and have to be paid even when the insurance policy's other benefits , such as medical expenses  have been paid to the policy limits.

In the unfortunate event that Mr. Wright had collided with another vehicle and it was determined that he was experiencing a medical emergency, the other party would be barred from making a claim against his insurance company for their injuries, based on the sudden emergency defense.

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 and speak with one of our experienced Maryland accident lawyers for a free consultation. 

Motor Vehicle Triple Fatality in Harford County

A Harford County jury indicted a Darlington man for three counts of vehicular manslaughter and DUI/DWI . The indictment of Travis Gray was the result of a fatal car accident that occurred on November 14, 2009, on Route 543 in Harford County, Maryland. It was determined by the Maryland State Police Crash Team that Mr. Gray was operating his vehicle northbound on Route 543 when he crossed over the double lines and hit a 1998 Ford Truck head-on. All occupants of the Ford Truck were killed and were residents of Street, Maryland.

While an indictment was not handed down until December 15, 2009, is due to the extensive investigation of the Maryland State Police Crash Team. They are required to do a thorough investigation and inspection of the vehicles from the brakes to the headlights as well as analyze the road to determine speeds and directions of the vehicles involved. It is important that these steps are done accurately to ensure the conviction of the guilty driver.

Statistically, almost every half hour a car accident occurs as the result of a drunk driver. Often too many times this accident could have been prevented. The key to stopping this is intervention, tougher laws, and harsher sentences. Its too late once the drunk driver gets behind the wheel of his vehicle. What can you do to prevent another death or accident as the result of drunk driving? It can be as simple as taking the person's keys, or finding them an alternate ride. Everyone should be aware that penalties including increased jail time are now used by the Harford County Courts and courts throughout Maryland as a deterrent.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving drunk drivers or you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure.