Accident in Carroll County Causes Fatality

In March of 2010, there was a fatal car accident in Westminster, Maryland when two vehicles collided. The driver of a Toyota Camry was traveling on Route 140 in Carroll County when the driver of a pick up truck ran a red light at the intersection of Route 140 and Bethel Road. A passenger in the Toyota was injured and transported to Maryland Shock Trauma while the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Automobile accidents resulting in injuries wherein individuals fail to yield to the right of way are very common. Traffic signals and stop signs are put in place to help direct and control traffic. They however, cannot stop human error. Failure to pay full attention and adhere to these signals will result in citations or worse, a serious even, as in this case, a fatal car accident.

Assuming that the driver of the pick up truck did in fact run a red light he could be found liable for this car collision and be forced for pay for any property damage and bodily injury claim for those who were injured. A wrongful death claim could also be brought against his insurance carrier by the family members of the deceased. In the event that the driver did not have insurance coverage a claim can be made under the drivers Uninsured Motorist Coverage. In all automobile cases resulting in fatality asset searches of the defendant must be conducted. In the event the defendant has sufficient assets, he often should be sued since most automobile accident insurance policies do not provide adequate death benefits. The accident attorneys at Portner & Shure carefully determine all available assets in all cases where the injury value exceeds the policy. If you are unsure of what benefits you are entitled to in a case resulting in a death, call one of our Maryland accident lawyers.

Rear End Collision on US 15 Turns Fatal

On Sunday, March 14, 2010, there was a two-vehicle collision on Route 15 at Mountville Road in Jefferson, Maryland. A Dodge Grand Caravan was stopped at a traffic signal when they were struck in the rear by a Dodge Ram Pickup Truck. There were six passengers in the Caravan, all of whom were transported to various area hospitals for severe injuries. The two passengers of the pick up were taken to Frederick Memorial Hospital for treatment. One of the passengers of the Caravan was taken to Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, Maryland but died before she could be transported to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

In Maryland, when motor vehicles are traveling in the same direction there are duties placed on all drivers. The driver of any motor vehicle has an obligation to use due care and caution when following another vehicle. The operator must have regard for speed and weather conditions and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle directly in front of them. Failure to pay full attention could result in a rear end collision.

It is also important to understand what benefits a passenger in a vehicle may have in the event of a motor vehicle collision. Passengers could be entitled to personal injury benefits, or even as in this case, death benefits. A claim for property damage and bodily injuries can be made against the "at fault party" and their insurance carrier. In the event that an accident occurs and the "at fault" party does not carry insurance it may still be possible to pursue a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.

If you, a family member, or someone you know was involved in a rear end motor vehicle collision or if you would like more information on car accident claims, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.