Driving too Fast for the Road Conditions can get you into Trouble

On days like today where it's wet and damp, drivers need to be extra cautious on the road. While posted speed limits on highways may say 65mph, that does not mean that drivers are expected to drive that fast when road conditions are dangerous. Far too many accidents occur on roads and highways when it is raining. The leading causing of many of these accidents: speed. Countless drivers fail to adapt their driving behavior to the conditions outside, and as a result, accidents happen.

When it is raining, roads are wet and that means it is more difficult for drivers to be able to stop suddenly. When road conditions are wet, drivers should not drive the maximum speed limit, should increase the distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them, and should be extra cautious around curves and sharp bends in the road. Drivers should also never forget to turn on their car lights when it is raining, not just because it is the law, but it reduces the risk of an accident because your vehicle can be visible to other drivers on the road.

Avoid becoming an accident victim and drive carefully, especially when road conditions are poor. if you have been injured in an accident due the negligence of another driver, call the attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

Maryland Could Soon See 70mph Speed Limit

         Yesterday, Maryland lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in favor of increasing the maximum speed on interstate highways to 70mph.  The next step is sending the bill to Governor Hogan and await his approval or disapproval.  Even if he signs the bill into law, it does not mean that the 65mph speed limits will be required to increase to 70mph.  The Maryland Department of Transportation has said increasing speed limits will still be determined on a case by case basis, even if this bill becomes law.  The Western Maryland delegate who sponsored the bill would like to see the speed limit increased on Maryland’s highways because it would save travel time that “adds up over time.”

            If the bill becomes law, Maryland would be the 23^rd state with a top speed limit of 70mph, but just the 5^th in the highly-populated northeast (Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Virginia).  This increase would still be far below the nation’s top speed limit of 80mph in four western states.

            Opponents of increased speeds “equate higher speeds with more deaths.”  While speeding has been proven to be a leading cause of car accident deaths, distracted driving still leads the way, with drunk driving not far behind.

            Maryland’s current top speed limit is 65mph, but even that is used on few highways throughout the state including Interstates 95, 70, 97, portions of 83, and U.S. 50, among a few others.  State transportation officials calculate appropriate speed limits “by relying on how fast 85 percent of traffic moves under normal conditions, as well as taking road conditions and past accidents into account.”  Further, AAA officials say that “70mph is not too high for certain parts of the state.”  “While we (AAA) consistently advocate for ways to decrease traffic congestion and increase motorist mobility, which increasing speed limits often does, our primary concern remains the overall traffic safety of motorists on our roadways.”

            The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety contends that “any increase in speed makes crashes more likely and more damaging.”  Although it “gets people to their destinations a little faster…, it doesn’t come without a cost.”  As is the case with everything in life, there are costs and benefits.  As Maryland drivers know, people speed on every roadway, especially on I-95, I-695, and I-83, with no regard whatsoever for the posted speed limit.  A 5mph increase will likely not make a huge difference because the same fast drivers will continue to drive fast and the “slow” drivers will continue to drive within the speed limit.  More must be done to combat distracted driving (i.e. texting while driving) and drunk driving in order to lower the number of driving deaths, which are more significant problems and leading causes of car accident deaths than speeding.

            If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident or has died as a result of their injury suffered in a Maryland crash, and would like more information, please call us at (301) 854-9000 for a free case evaluation or visit us online at: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Car-Accidents/

4 Things to Know About Leading Up to Trial in a Maryland Personal Injury Case

           While a majority of our personal injury cases are settled out of court, sometimes a deal cannot be reached between the attorney and the insurance company, or the settlement offer is too low and the attorney recommends and the client agrees to go to trial.  Most clients do not know what litigation or going to trial means.  Below, we discuss 4 steps to help better understand what to expect during this process.

1.      Filing a Complaint and Answer

First, you will meet with your lawyer to discuss what happened, including injuries, medical treatment, and damages sought.  Next, your lawyer files a complaint in the appropriate court.  As in every case, there is a plaintiff and a defendant.  In your situation, you are the plaintiff because you are bringing the suit.  The defendant will then file an answer to your complaint, and generally, the defendant’s attorney files a general denial to the allegations.

2.      Conducting Discovery and Filing Motions

Discovery consists of collecting information about the accident and the injuries.  The three most common forms of discovery include: interrogatories (questions that must be answered), document requests (requesting documents, such as medical records and police reports), and depositions (parties to the suit and witnesses give testimony that is video recorded at the lawyer’s office).  Oftentimes, motions will be made by both sides to ask the court to make a ruling on some issue of concern to that party.  For example, lawyers will make a motion to exclude certain evidence if it was collected illegally and is harmful to their client’s case.

3.      Settlement and Mediation

Once discovery is over and all motions are made, the two sides will work to try and negotiate a settlement.  However, sometimes the Court will order both parties to try and resolve the case before a neutral third party, known as a mediator.

4.      Trial

If a settlement or mediated agreement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial.  Before trial, your lawyer will prepare you for testifying in Court.  If the amount sued for is $30,000 or less, it will likely be a quick trial in district court in front of a judge.  If the amount sued for is greater than $30,000, the trial will be in front of a 6-person jury in circuit court.

           If you or a family member has been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Maryland and would like a free case evaluation, please call us at (301) 854-9000 or visit us online at: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/