Rockville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers: Dangerous Intersection Results in Death

          Last week, a teenage bicyclist was hit and killed in the crosswalk on Viers Mill Road at Turkey Branch Parkway.  This crosswalk is at the bottom of a hill, and many drivers do not stop for pedestrians.  In fact, most drivers cruise through the crosswalk well above the 45 mph posted speed limit.  The Matthew Henson Trail is a popular trail that runs on both sides of the street.  This is a very wide street with several lanes of traffic for pedestrians and bikers to get through before making it to the other side.  There is currently a safety device in place that will flash lights at the top of the hill when crossing pedestrians hit a button.  Oftentimes, drivers do not notice the lights and fail to slow down when approaching the crosswalk. 

Montgomery County Police Captain wants to constantly remind drivers to be cautious when driving down this section of Viers Mill Road.  Maryland drivers should know that it is state law for cars to stop at crosswalks when pedestrians are waiting to cross.  Even though pedestrians have the right of way, they too should be aware of their surroundings and remain cautious when crossing.  Many are urging county officials to take more action to protect lives at this intersection.  One plan calls for installing flashing lights in the crosswalk so that it stands out for drivers to see, especially at night.

Pedestrian accidents are some of the worst, but also some of the most avoidable.  A majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence, such as texting while driving and speeding.  Police statewide have been increasing patrols for cell phone use while driving as part of the state’s plan for zero deaths on Maryland roadways.  Pedestrians must remember to always check for incoming traffic because drivers cannot be trusted to stop at a crosswalk.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland pedestrian accident and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Rockville or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Potholes Popping Up All Over Maryland and Vehicles Sustain Damage

          Just as warmer weather has made its way into Maryland and the bitter cold winter temperatures retreat, drivers will have to combat potholes on the roads.  The prolonged extreme cold temperatures that froze the state during February combined with excessive amounts of snow and ice are to blame for a bad pothole season.  Several water pipes have burst throughout Baltimore City leading to potholes as well.  The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is “bracing for the worst,” expecting to find many potholes on Maryland’s roads.

            The SHA explained that potholes form “when water seeps into cracks in roads, then freezes and expands, pushing pavement upward.”  Vehicles driving over expanding pavement chips away parts of the road and when combined with plows running over them and the corrosive effects of salt brine used on roadways, potholes appear.

            In the first 9 days of March, AAA received 2,800 tire-related calls for roadside assistance, a significant increase from February.  The increased number of potholes on Maryland roads is likely to blame for the tire damage.  Officials are having a difficult time keeping up with repairing the potholes because of the large number across the state.  The SHA has a goal “to respond to potholes within two days.”  City residents can call 3-1-1 to report potholes to officials.  The City has already repaired 25,000 potholes this year and thousands more will be filled in the coming weeks.

            Driving over potholes can cause severe damage to your car, truck, or motorcycle.  Alignments can be thrown off, tires can be damaged, and rims can be bent.  Sometimes, structural damage to the vehicle can result.  Potholes are especially dangerous for motorcyclists because they can be thrown off their bike and severely injured.  Accidents can also result if a driver is trying to avoid a pothole and crashes into another vehicle.  Another possibility is that the pothole could cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and get into an accident.

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 accident, 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 attorney who can uncover all liable parties and fight for full compensation.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a Maryland 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: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Motorcycle-Accidents.shtml