What Drivers Need to Know About New I-95 Express Lanes

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or call (301) 854-9000 to speak with a top rated Maryland automobile accident attorney for a free case evaluation.

The long-awaited express E-ZPass lanes on Interstate 95 in the Virginia and Washington, D.C. area is expected to open this month.  These new lanes will extend and add capacity to the HOV lanes already present on 95 to create a 29 mile stretch of HOV/Express lanes.  This will stretch from the Edsall Road area in Fairfax County to Garrisonville Road in Stafford County.  Many drivers in the area are confused about what devices will be needed, how much it costs to use theses lanes, how many people need to be in the car, and what is an E-ZPass Flex transponder.  The Virginia Department of Transportation and the company Transurban will operate the lanes and have spent months trying to educate drivers in advance of the opening.

First, the E-ZPass Flex transponder should only be purchased and used if you will, at least occasionally, drive in the express lanes with at least two passengers.  This device is flexible because it allows the driver to switch in and out of a carpool setting.  As a result, when driving with at least two passengers and the device is switched to HOV mode, no toll will be assessed.  However, if you do not plan on carpooling in the express lanes, the regular E-ZPass device will still work and a toll will be assessed.

Drivers should also know that Virginia State Police can detect when the transponder is in HOV mode and can count the number of occupants in the car.  If the driver is using the express lanes with the HOV mode on to avoid paying tolls when not carpooling, they can be ticketed by police.
This year, Virginia eliminated the monthly fee on E-ZPass accounts in a move to promote carpooling using the express lanes and a flex transponder.  However, if you have an E-ZPass Flex device and do not use it for carpooling at least once in the first six months, your account will be charged a $10 fee.
In terms of the cost for using the express lanes, the toll varies and does not have a limit as to how high it can go.  Nevertheless, the normal average rate is predicted to be between $6 and $8.  There are no rate periods because tolls will rise or fall depending on traffic.  There will never be a time when it is free to use the express lanes (unless operating a carpool with the flex device).  The cost for using the express lanes is likely to be lowest when driving during off-peak times when traffic volume is lowest.  There will be two signs before choosing to take the express lanes that show the cost, and it is the price shown on the second sign that will be what you pay.

Traffic along 95 throughout Virginia is some of the worst in the country, making car, truck, and motorcycle accidents a common occurrence.  However, with this new 29 mile stretch of express lanes and the incentive to avoid paying tolls when driving with at least two passengers, traffic should improve and the number of accidents should diminish.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, truck, bus or motorcycle accident, and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on car accidents in Maryland please feel free to contact our office at (301) 854-9000 or visit us on the web at www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/

What Should You Do After A Motorcycle Accident in Baltimore, Maryland?

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or call to speak with one of our experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys at (301) 854-9000 for a free consultation.

Baltimore, Maryland is the largest city in Maryland, and the 26^th largest city in the United States with a population over 600,000.  With traffic being a major issue in the city, one must be wary of traffic accidents.  Motorcycle accidents are one of the most dangerous types of accidents because motorcyclists lack the same protection as cars and trucks.  Motorcycles do not have airbags, windshields or seatbelts to protect them in an accident.  After a motorcycle accident has occurred, it is important for you, as the rider, to follow these tips to protect your personal safety and to ensure your best chance at getting the compensation you deserve.

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  Escape Immediate Danger and Seek Medical Attention

  
  
  
  
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    Nearly 62% of motorcycle accidents involve fuel leaks.  You must distance yourself from the motorcycle if there is a leak.  Further, make sure no one lights an open flame, including flares, near the scene of the accident if there is gasoline leaking.  If you are injured, you should be taken to a hospital for immediate care.  Common injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident include scrapes and bruises, broken arms and/or legs, and concussions.  It is important that a doctor examines your injuries to determine the severity.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Stay Calm and Remain Silent

  
  
  
  
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    After any traumatic event, such as an accident, your body's adrenaline may cause you to act irrationally.  Remain calm by taking deep breaths and sitting down.  Do not talk to anyone because adrenaline sometimes causes people to speak without thinking, and it is important to avoid admitting fault.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident

  
  
  
  
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    Make sure you exchange information with all involved parties and wait for the police to arrive.  By leaving after the accident, you open yourself up to a hit and run felony charge.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Keep Records of All Documents Related to the Accident

  
  
  
  
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    It is very important to keep a record of all expenses you incurred as a result of the accident.  Some common expenses include doctor's visits, repairs and lost wages from time missed at work.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Call the Police

  
  
  
  
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    A police report is important because it will document the facts of the crash, the parties involved and record of any witnesses.  If police do not arrive at the scene, it is best to file a report later at the police station.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Seek Professional Legal Counsel

  
  

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  • Call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help you recover any benefits to which you may be entitled.  It is important to call a lawyer as soon as possible to assure that all evidence and witnesses do not disappear.   
  
  
  
  

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an 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 www.portnerandshure.com