Tragic Baltimore City Automobile Accident Leaves Two Dead

As a Baltimore City resident, I am stunned by the recent accident in Fells Point which resulted in two fatalities. The authorities believe that speeding was the cause and that is the main reason for my astonishment. Fells Point is rife with many problems including drunk bar patrons and crime, but that seems to come with the territory. What doesn't come with the territory is speeding and fatal car accidents. Such incidents are typically saved for I-95 or the Beltway. It is relatively impossible to speed on the streets of Fells Point. Fells Point has traffic lights, cross walks and stop signs at every intersection, and half of the streets are cobblestone. Not to mention the almost constant pedestrian traffic common to Baltimore City neighborhoods with an abundance of bars, restaurants and shops.

What I am getting at is that in order for someone to speed in Fells Point that person would really have to try hard. I understand speeding on I-95 or 695. Maybe a driver is just keeping up with the pace of traffic or there is no one else on the road, but speeding in a crowded city neighborhood, that act seems intentional and reckless. This accident occurred on Bank Street at 10:30p.m. on a Thursday. Thursday is a popular night for college students (and those who still act like they are in college) and there is no doubt that Fells Point was crowded with cars an pedestrians which makes this driver's conduct so alarming.

The preliminary investigation, based on witness accounts, reveals that the driver of a Dodge Durango, who was killed in the accident, was at fault and was most likely speeding. Also killed was a passenger in the other vehicle, an 18 year old Stevenson University student. The 18 year old died in her boyfriend's arms. The boyfriend, who was the driver of the other vehicle, will have to live with the memory of this tragedy for the rest of his life, not to mention the injuries he suffered as a result of the impact. The at fault driver in this case had a history of speeding and was convicted of driving 30mph over the posted speed limit in June 2010 (most likely the speed was reduced) and had a pending charge of driving 57mph in a 30-mph zone. A Maryland wrongful death lawyer could help the family of the young lady who was killed pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent driver, and a Maryland accident attorney could help the young man who survived the crash pursue a Maryland personal injury claim. The personal injury attorneys at Portner & Shure are experienced and skilled in both wrongful death claims and automobile accident injury claims.

Anne Arundel County Accident Injures 3 and Driver Dies

A family was resting on a bench from a bicycle ride on Sunday, August 8, 2010, when a car crashed into them near Russett Green West and Ridgemoor Drive in Laurel, Maryland in Anne Arundel County. The couple was sitting on the bench with their two twin boys when a car struck a light pole and then continued on to strike the bench where they were sitting.

The operator of the vehicle, 63 year old, Ms. Ramota Oluyemisi Koletowo was rushed to the hospital where she later died.  The 36 year old man was flown to Shock Trauma and his 38 year old wife was transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital and their 4 year old son was rushed to Johns Hopkins Pediatric with head injuries.  Their second child was not injured. Police are still investigating the crash to determine whether it was fatigue or a medical emergency that contributed to the fatal car accident as Ms. Koletowo was on her way home from working an overnight shift.



The family injured in this accident is entitled to certain benefits from the driver's insurance company, that will cover some of their medical expenses and/or lost wage claim, resulting from  this accident.  These benefits are known as Personal Injury Protection benefits.  They would also be entitled to make a claim for bodily injuries in addition to pain and suffering against the deceased driver.   However, it would need to be determined if the driver was experiencing a medical emergency and whether the driver had prior knowledge of this medical condition that could put them or others at risk.  It is important in these types of accident, that you obtain the help of an experienced  Maryland personal injury lawyer who has handled "sudden emergency defenses."        

If you, a family member or someone you know has been involved in a car accident or you need more information on car accidents or sudden emergency defenses, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation with one of our Maryland  personal injury lawyers.

Three Car Automobile Crash Turns Fatal Near BWI Airport

Multiple car collisions are incredibly common and it is sometimes difficult to determine who is actually at fault. In order to pursue a claim for property damage or bodily injuries liability must first be determined. There are a number of factors that are considered by the insurance carriers before they will assume liability for any collision and a thorough investigation will be done on their behalf.

Yesterday there was a three vehicle collision on Aviation Boulevard between Amtrak Way and Stoney Run Road in Anne Arundel County, Maryland near BWI Marshall Airport. The driver of a Jeep Wrangler was believed to have veered into oncoming traffic striking an Izusu truck then struck an unoccupied BWI Shuttle bus. The Maryland Transportation authority responded to the scene. The driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the shuttle bus was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma where he treated and released while the driver of the truck was not injured. The accident is still under investigation. The police do not believe that alcohol was involved.

Our Maryland accident lawyers can assist with expediting the investigation process in situations such as this. Our staff has handled thousands of claims ranging from simple rear end collisions to fatal motor vehicle accidents. The insurance carriers are well versed in collecting information that will provide them reason to deny an insurance claim. Defenses such as contribulatory negligence are often used by the insurance company. In these situations if a driver is just one percent at fault the entire claim will be denied.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on car accidents please feel free to contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Single Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Pasadena Man

On March 14, 2010, a 46-year-old Pasadena, Maryland man was killed as the result of a single vehicle accident. He lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a tree. The Anne Arundel County Police believe that the man may have been drag racing at the time of the collision. The accident occurred on Route 100 in Anne Arundel County. The man was trapped inside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Code prohibits any person from driving a vehicle in a race on any highway or street that is used by the general public. A person who participates in a street or drag race can also be charged with negligent driving even if no one was injured. Numerous accidents are occurring across Maryland as a result of drag racing. In fact, recent accidents from drag racing have been reported in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Prince George's County. These accidents often result in the death of the driver and/or spectator. This new trend needs to stop.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident as the result of a drag race or if you would like more information on car accidents, contact Portner & Shure for a free 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.

Motor Vehicle Triple Fatality in Harford County

A Harford County jury indicted a Darlington man for three counts of vehicular manslaughter and DUI/DWI . The indictment of Travis Gray was the result of a fatal car accident that occurred on November 14, 2009, on Route 543 in Harford County, Maryland. It was determined by the Maryland State Police Crash Team that Mr. Gray was operating his vehicle northbound on Route 543 when he crossed over the double lines and hit a 1998 Ford Truck head-on. All occupants of the Ford Truck were killed and were residents of Street, Maryland.

While an indictment was not handed down until December 15, 2009, is due to the extensive investigation of the Maryland State Police Crash Team. They are required to do a thorough investigation and inspection of the vehicles from the brakes to the headlights as well as analyze the road to determine speeds and directions of the vehicles involved. It is important that these steps are done accurately to ensure the conviction of the guilty driver.

Statistically, almost every half hour a car accident occurs as the result of a drunk driver. Often too many times this accident could have been prevented. The key to stopping this is intervention, tougher laws, and harsher sentences. Its too late once the drunk driver gets behind the wheel of his vehicle. What can you do to prevent another death or accident as the result of drunk driving? It can be as simple as taking the person's keys, or finding them an alternate ride. Everyone should be aware that penalties including increased jail time are now used by the Harford County Courts and courts throughout Maryland as a deterrent.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving drunk drivers or you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure.