Fatal Single Vehicle Accident on Interstate 70

On May 24, 2010, during the morning rush hour there was a serious single vehicle accident on Interstate 70 in Howard County, Maryland. A box truck was traveling westbound when it left the roadway and struck several trees. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and Interstate 70 was closed for several hours. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

An accident re-constructionist was most likely called to the scene to help determine the cause of the accident. If skid measurements were taken by an expert, the speed at impact could have been determined. Proper measurements, done timely, with eye witness testimony, could assist in determining if the driver in this accident just lost control of his vehicle, if he was cut off by another driver, or even if his vehicle was not working properly.

Many auto insurance policies that carry Personal Injury Protection also carry a specific Death Benefit coverage that can be paid in the event that a death should occur as the result of an accident. This benefit generally ranges from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00. It is important to review the terms of your policy to verify whether or not your policy has such a benefit.

However, in the event that the driver was working at the time of the accident his family may be entitled to additional benefits under workers' compensation. Since this individual was unfortunately killed in the course of his employment his spouse and/or children may be entitled to receive benefits based on what the employee was making at the time of the accident. Although there is a cap placed on these benefits, it is possible to also obtain a burial allowance in cases such as this.

If you have been injured as the result of an automobile accident or sustained a work related injury, please contact Portner & Shure and speak with our Maryland accident lawyers for a free legal consultation.

Fatal Three Vehicle Car Accident in Severn

There was a deadly head on car collision that took place on April 7, 2010, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Anne Arundel County Police are currently investigating the cause of the collision. However, the preliminary evaluation has revealed that the driver of a Ford F-150 was traveling westbound on Donaldson when he crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Ford Expedition head on. The collision caused the SUV to burst into flames.

When emergency response vehicles arrived on the scene, the SUV was engulfed in flames. The driver of the SUV and his passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pick up truck was rushed to Baltimore Washington Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

While the cause of this collision is under investigation at this time, witness statements and an accident re-constructionist could certainly assist in determining what happened. If the driver of the pick up truck is found to have been at fault for this accident, the families of those in the SUV could pursue a claim against his insurance carrier. They may be entitled to death benefits which could assist the family with burial costs.

Our Maryland accident attorneys have handled thousands of claims and are familiar with wrongful death claims. If this unfortunate event should happen to you or someone you know, please contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation.

92 Year-Old Woman Involved in Fatal Crash on Route 29

On March 3, 2010, 92-year-old Madeline Downing was a rear passenger in a Buick Park Avenue that was being operated by her friend, Francis Callahan. In the vehicle with Downing and Callahan were two friends. They were traveling on Route 29 in Howard County, Maryland when Ms. Callahan failed to stop for a red light and collided with a Honda Civic. As a result of the collision, Downing was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma where she passed away. Callahan was taken to Howard County General where he was treated and released. The two other passengers in the vehicle were also transported to Howard County General and one additional passenger is listed as being in critical condition.

Accidents involving the failure to yield to the right of way, and stopping for appropriate traffic markers, are more common then most realize. When a person fails to yield to the right of way they often cause a collision that is ultimately their fault. It is imperative to know and understand the rules of the road.

In the event that you are a passenger in a vehicle that is at fault for a collision, it is important to understand what rights may exist. Passengers in vehicles that are involved in car accidents may be entitled to personal injury protection benefits. In the unfortunate case that a death should occur as the result of a collision, additional death benefits may apply. In this case, the driver could also face criminal charges for negligence, reckless driving, or even wrongful death. At this time the police are still investigating the accident.

If you, a family member, or someone you know was involved in a motor vehicle accident wherein a person did not yeild to the right of way or if you would like more information of car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Single Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Frederick County Man

The Frederick News Post reported a single vehicle car accident on January 9, 2010, which resulted in the death of a Walkersville man. Donovan C. Phillips of Walkersville was driving his 2005 Kia Optima on Maryland Route 26 just east of Monocacy Boulevard when Mr. Phillips had a medical emergency and lost control of his vehicle. He crossed a median into the eastbound lanes before hitting a fire hydrant and finally coming to rest on the shoulder of Route 26. Mr. Phillips was pronounced dead upon his arrival at Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Many auto insurance policies that carry personal injury protection also carry a specific death benefit coverage that can be paid in the event that a death should occur as the result of an accident. This benefit generally ranges from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00. It is important to review the terms of your policy to verify whether or not your policy has such a benefit. With respect to liability, if you are injured by a person who has a medical emergency several things may need to be proven. First, did this person have reason to believe that their medical condition could put themselves or others at risk. For example, if a person has a seizure and it causes an accident, did that person know of the seizure disorder prior to the collision.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the medical condition of another person, or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure.