Distracted Driving Causing Numerous Accidents; Frederick Police Step up Patrols

New data on distracted driving in Maryland has been released for 2015, the most recent year for information being released. The numbers reveal significant numbers for distracted drivers causing accidents where others are injured or killed. Maryland has had a goal of Zero Deaths on its roadways, and officials continue to take steps towards achieving that goal in the future.

The new data on distracted driving reveals that it continues to be a major problem and far too many drivers are using their cell phones and other devices while operating a vehicle.

Frederick County police officials announced that in addition to statewide patrols of distracted driving, Frederick police will also increase patrols. In 2015, in Frederick, 923 people were injured and 7 killed in crashes caused by distracted drivers. There are various forms of distractions in a car that cause an accident. At the top of the list are cell phones. Drivers are talking and texting on their phones while operating vehicles far too often. Police officers say that it is very easy to spot drivers that are using their mobile device while behind the wheel, and all month long, officers will be out in large numbers looking for distracted drivers. Last year, for the entire month of April, over 1,100 distracted driving citations were handed out.

If you've been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in Frederick or throughout Maryland, call the attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

Frederick Auto Accident Lawyer: What Clients Are Saying December 2015

“I'd like to thank Portner & Shure, and specifically my paralegal, Christiana Rowland, for the fantastic work done to help me with my auto accident. From handling the total loss of my vehicle to obtaining a great settlement on my behalf, Mrs. Rowland's communication and explanation of the claims process was extraordinary. I would (and have) recommended this firm to anyone in my family.”

This case was handled by our Paralegal, Christiana Rowland, who works out of our Frederick, MD Office.

Horrific Multiple-Car Crash Injures Several People in Baltimore, Maryland

Friday night, five vehicles in total were involved in a massive collision at the intersection of Keyworth and Park Heights Avenues.  Two people from the crash were ejected from their vehicles and four others were injured.  The two who were ejected are in critical condition.  It is unknown if the severity of the accident caused them to be ejected, or if it was a lack of seatbelt use.  The four others who were injured only suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

            

            Based on witness statements, the cause of the crash appears to be as speeding vehicle that ran a red light and hit another vehicle, which then ran over a pedestrian after being forced over the center line.  This second vehicle then hit another vehicle, which then led to a fifth vehicle flipping over and trapping the people inside.  People nearby who witnessed the crash tried to rescue occupants in the vehicle, but they were not able to help.  First responders and other emergency personnel eventually arrived and helped pull these people to safety.

            

            This accident is just another example showing how dangerous it is to speed when driving.  The consequences can be life-threatening, especially when you are speeding and running red lights at a major intersection.  Seatbelt use is another important issue that could also have played a role in the severity of some of the injuries in this crash.  Seatbelts save lives; it is that simple.  When you are wearing your seatbelt when in a vehicle, and you are involved in an accident, you are more likely than not going to be protected from fatal injuries.  It does not make sense to risk your life by choosing not to wear your seatbelt.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Baltimore or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Car-Accidents/Fatal-Car-Accidents.shtml

Portner & Shure, P.A. Opens New Office in Frederick, Maryland

           Portner & Shure now has a brand new fully operational and fully-staffed office in Frederick, Maryland.  This allows our clients in Frederick and other surrounding counties to easily access our attorneys and paralegals in an office that is conveniently located for them.

            

           Frederick has been the fastest growing city in Maryland, with the population jumping nearly 25% since 2000.  Another important distinction is the huge jump in the Hispanic community population over the same period.  The number of Spanish speaking people in Frederick has quadrupled, and now comprises 7% of the total population in Frederick County, Maryland.  Portner & Shure’s Spanish speaking paralegals will be able to assist anyone who speaks Spanish and has been injured in an automobile accident or needs help defending criminal charges such as DUI, assault, and theft.  Portner & Shure attorneys have been working with clients in the Hispanic community for over 20 years in Maryland and Virginia, and want to expand our presence in Frederick.

            

          We continue to point out the three most important things to remember in order to maximize your recovery in your accident injury case in Frederick, Maryland.  First, you must set your defense when dealing with the insurance companies.  While it may seem like the insurance company is on your side and working for you, they are only worried about two things: settling your claim as quickly as possible and paying as little money as possible for your claim.  The best thing to do is not speak to the insurance company.  Second, you must go on offense and you cannot just sit back and let things happen on their own.  You must seek treatment when your are injured in an accident because in order to battle the billion dollar insurance companies, you need medical documents to be able to show the extent of your injuries.  Third, it is necessary to have a top-of-the-line case management system.  You need a firm that communicates with you on a regular basis to keep you updated on everything going on.  You need a firm that has numerous offices that are easily accessible.  And you need a law firm with a staff that is reachable all the time in order to answer any questions you may have. 

Accident Involving School Bus in Frederick, Maryland Injures Three

            Yesterday, a school bus and another vehicle crashed in Frederick, Maryland at Route 355 and New Technology Way.  Three people were injured as a result of the accident.  Fortunately, none of the injured included children because the bus was empty at the time of the accident.  The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.

            

            This is yet another accident involving a school bus, which is a phenomenon that continues to increase in frequency.  Currently, there is much debate going on concerning seatbelts on school buses.  Many parents and officials believe that school buses should have seatbelts because they transport children of all ages who can easily be injured if the bus is involved in an accident.  Without seatbelts on school buses, when a bus is involved in an accident, there is absolutely nothing to keep the children from being flung all over the bus.  Just recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the first time is recommending school buses install three-point seatbelts.  In prior years, officials at the NHTSA had a firm stance that seatbelts were not necessary on school buses because they were safe without them.  There still is no federal law requiring seatbelts on school buses, but this change in the stance of the NHTSA on seatbelts in school buses is important to acknowledge.  It is certainly a step in the right direction to better protect our children on school buses. 

            

           Right now, it is up to individual states and school district to decide whether to install seatbelts on buses.  While the cost is high to add seatbelts to all school buses, it is small in comparison to the loss of innocent children’s’ lives.  It will be interesting to see how states respond to this change on the idea of seatbelts on school buses.  Maryland officials have indicated they do not have plans to require seatbelts on school buses any time soon.  As more and more accidents involving school buses occur across the state, and more and more children are injured or killed in these accidents, maybe Maryland officials will change their stance on seatbelts as well.

            

          If you have a child that has been injured or killed in a school bus accident due to the negligence or fault of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Frederick or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Bus-Accidents.shtml