Plea Reached In Triple Fatality In Harford County, Maryland

More facts have come to light in a triple fatality accident that occurred in Harford County, Maryland, involving a drunk driver, which we blogged on a little over a year ago. In the blog, we questioned what steps could be taken to avoid this tragic accident. Naturally, the most logical would have been to take away the drunk driver's keys. Or in this particular case, stop serving the individual more alcohol and ensure that he does not get behind a wheel of a motor vehicle.

Travis Nelson Gray of Darlington entered a plea of guilty to three charges of negligent homicide while under the influence before his trial was scheduled to start in the Circuit Court for Harford County. On November 14, 2009, Gray was operating his 2002 Ford F250 north on Route 543 when he crossed into the lane for southbound traffic and collided head-on with a 1998 Ford F150 truck. Two of the occupants of the pickup truck, James Bielanski and his wife, Pamela Bielanski of Street, Maryland were pronounced dead on the scene. The other passenger, William Arbogast also of Street, Maryland was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma and died the next day.

Deputy State's Attorney H. Scott Lewis stated during the plea hearing that Gray's eyes were bloodshot at the scene and he stated that he had 3 or 4 beers, but refused to say where. Later police obtained Gray's bar tab from the Old School Tavern in Dublin, Maryland, which in effect resulted in Gray admitting that he had consumed alcoholic beverages at the tavern before the accident. The Maryland legal blood alcohol limit is .08. At the time of the accident Gray's blood alcohol limit was .27.

Thus, in going to back to imposing tougher laws and harsher sentences, should Old School Tavern be responsible to the victims in this fatal accident? Should a reasonable person be able to tell when an individual has had to much to drink? Interestingly enough, last June, the Harford County Liquor Board fined the tavern $6,000.00 and issued two seven day suspensions for three violations that occurred the same morning as the triple-fatal accident. However, this does not answer the question whether they too should be jointly liable for the wrongful deaths of these three victims.

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 visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshureaccidentlawyers.com.

Husband and Wife Mishap Turns Tragic in Harford County

A tractor trailer kills a D.C man and seriously injured his wife in an accident on I-95 north of Mountain Road in Harford County on Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Leonard Clark and his wife, Kimberly Clark were operating separate vehicles, a Dodge Charger and Dodge Durango when they collided with each other. The couple then exited their respective vehicles and were standing in the roadway when a tractor trailer driver attempted to stop, but jack-knifed and struck both of them. Mr. Clark was pronounced dead at the scene and his wife was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma in critical condition.

I-95 was closed for several hours while Maryland State Police conducted their investigation, which is still ongoing. No charges have been made as the Maryland State Police reports it's too early in the investigation.

Tractor trailer accidents are considered to be one of the most catastrophic accidents due to their weight and size. Typically anyone that is struck by a tractor trailer is at risk for sustaining serious bodily injuries or dying. Additionally, accidents commonly involve cars or pedestrians who are on the side of the road. My advice is to not discuss anything on the immediate side of the road, get as far away from the highway as possible.

If you, a family member or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident or if you need more information on these types of accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Malfunctioning Traffic Light Contributes to Accident in Harford County, Maryland

There is concern among Harford County residents whether a traffic light may have contributed to an accident on January 4, 2010, at the intersection of Perry Avenue and Willoughby Beach Road in Edgewood. One resident who lives on Willoughby Beach Road stated that the traffic light controlling that intersection had been flashing yellow since before Christmas. The normal light sequence prior to this was the light cycled from solid green to yellow to solid red. At approximately 9:18 a.m. on January 4, 2010, a 2004 Nissan Sentra being operated by Jihan Alia Tiffany Hughes, slowly exited the school parking lot on Perry Avenue. When Ms. Hughes entered the intersection she struck Adam William Tammaro, who was operating his 1990 Chevy Camaro east on Willoughby Beach Road causing his vehicle to careen into a third vehicle. The third vehicle was stopped westbound on Willoughby Beach Road waiting to turn left onto Perry Avenue. Ms. Hughes indicated she stopped as she entered the intersection as the light was flashing red and she could not see around the State Highway vehicle that was working on the light. Mr. Tammaro was transported to Upper Chesapeake Hospital in Bel Air with complaints of back pain.

The State Highway Administration received a call around 8:00 a.m. that morning and had someone at the location within an hour to work on the lights. The State Highway Administration worker indicated a replacement part was needed to fix the malfunctioning lights. He stated that when a traffic light malfunctions it automatically switches to flashing yellow.

Malfunctioning traffic lights have contributed to hundreds of accidents. Governmental entities have a duty to the public to periodically inspect traffic control signals and make the necessary repairs immediately upon being notified of the malfunction. Governmental agencies may be held liable for the road conditions, including that of malfunctioning lights; however, there are sovereign immunity issues that have to be considered. That is why it is important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Motorists need to use caution at intersections controlled by flashing red and yellow lights and abide by the motor vehicle laws. Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-204 sets forth the actions required by the driver.

If you, a family member or someone you know has been injured in a car accident or you would like more information on car accidents, please visit contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.