Harford County Bicyclist Driving Under the Influence

If a motorist is riding his vehicle on the public highways under the influence of alcohol and causes an accident, should he be arrested for  "driving under the influence"?  Should these same laws apply to an individual riding his bicycle on the public highways?  If motorists  are forced to share the roads with bicycles, then perhaps they should be held accountable for obeying the laws of the highways and the same penalties and consequences should apply.

In a recent Harford County accident, a 33 year old man was leaving a bar in Bel Air on his bicycle on Thursday, August 12, 2010, when he ran into a motor vehicle.  The bicyclist, Matthew Parker was flown to Maryland Shock Trauma for head injuries.  The injuries appeared not to be life-threatening.    

According to Bel Air Police Chief, Leo Matrangola, they suspect Mr. Parker was riding his bicycle under the influence of alcohol and charges are currently pending.  The question especially arises when the intoxicated bicyclist causes an injury to someone other than himself.  Bicyclists currently advocate for laws that provide safety for themselves.  However, due to their increasing numbers we should not ignore certain safety issues that now arise for the automobile driver.  Perhaps a law change should only apply to a bicyclist who causes an accident that leads to an injury of the automobile driver.

If you, a family member or someone you know has been involved in a bike accident or car accident or you need more information on car and bike accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation with one of our Maryland personal injury lawyers.

Repeat Impaired Driver Crashes with Retired Montgomery County District Court Judge Who Spared Him in 1998. Who Will Spare Him Now?

Eleven years after the Honorable Edwin Collier spared a repeat offender for driving under the influence for two DUI(s) within three months, he veered into the Judge's lane of travel and struck his vehicle head on.  Judge Collier and his wife, Ellen, were driving in Gaithersburg when the head on collision occurred.  Judge Collier suffered a broken leg and fractured ribs, and his wife, Ellen, suffered a compound leg fracture, fractured hip, fractured ribs and a neck injury.  It was determined that the repeat offender, Rene E. Fernandez who was tested after the accident, had more than two times the legal limit of alcohol in his system.



According to Montgomery County Circuit Court records, Mr. Fernandez was to plead guilty to one count of causing a life threatening injury, while intoxicated.  The remaining charges would be dropped according to a plea agreement.  The sentencing guidelines call for up to two years in prison. Mr. Fernandez is presently awaiting disposition from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.

Judge Collier and his wife, Ellen were forced to move from their Bethesda home to a retirement community due to diminished mobility caused by Mr. Fernandez.

If you, a family member or someone you know has been involved in an automobile accident involving a drunk driver or you need more information on automobile accidents or drunk driving laws, please contact one of our experienced personal injury lawyers or DUI lawyers at Portner & Shure for a free consultation.  

Alcohol Suspected in Serious Automobile Head on Collision

At approximately 2:45 a.m. on March 18, 2010, a driver of a Ford F-150 is suspected of being intoxicated, he sped on Route 100 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland while traveling in the wrong direction. The driver struck a Toyota Camry head on. The driver of the pick up truck and his passenger were transported to Maryland Shock Trauma where they were reported as being in serious condition. The occupant of the Toyota Camry was rushed via medevac helicopter to the same hospital. The operator of the Camry has to be cut out of his vehicle by firefighters.

The accident remains under investigation and charges are still pending. The police however did issue a statement saying that "driver error, excessive speed and alcohol were contributing factors" in this accident. As a result of the collision Route 100 near Arundel Mills Mall just south of BWI Marshal Airport was temporarily closed.

Charges such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, or speeding have significant impact on your driving record. Repeated charges can result in the suspension or loss of your driving privileges in addition to hefty fines and penalties. It may also become difficult to get car insurance if you have charges such as these on your driving record.

The driver of the Camry could file a claim against the "at fault" party in this accident for property damage in addition to the bodily injuries he sustained as a result of this collision. Unfortunately in Maryland he may not be entitled to punitive damages by is entitled to recover for his pain and suffering as a result of his injuries.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle collision or if you would like more information on car accidents, 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. 

Negligent Driving Causes Death Of High School Student In Howard County

In November 2009 there was a tragic single vehicle accident that claimed the life of a popular River Hill High School football player in Howard County, Maryland. The driver of the vehicle, a good friend of the passenger, lost control of his pick up truck, and struck three decorative pillars before overturning. Steven Dankos was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver and additional passenger sustained injuries as well. The driver of the vehicle, David Erdman, was charged with driving under the influence, manslaughter by motor vehicle, and homicide by motor vehicle.

Drunk driving is one of the most preventable forms of negligent driving but yet there are thousands of people killed every year because of a drunk driver. Drinking causes reflexes and senses to become impaired, teenagers seem to be less aware of this fact. Statistics through the country show that accident involving drunken drivers occur far more frequently with teenagers then any other age group. To make matters worse, while the families are all left with a terrible loss, and may have no interest in criminal charges, it is not their choice. The Howard County Police will review the incident and will proceed with charges regardless.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of another party or you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.