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.

Automobile Accidents and Drinking: Beware of the Consequences

A recent case in Howard County, Maryland demonstrates how serious courts take the situation where a person drinks, gets in a car, and has an accident that leads to the death of another human being. In the case of Jose Santiago, he and a group of friends all went out drinking. An accident occurred, and Santiago's blood alcohol was measured at .09, just above the State's legal limit of .08.

While driving, Santiago lost control and crashed into a truck. Two of the passengers, both friends, were killed. Santiago was charged and plead guilty to two counts of negligent vehicular homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol. Santiago was in this country illegally and U.S. Immigration placed a detainer on him.

Santiago blamed snow for causing the accident. Families of the two men who were killed asked that Santiago be deported instead of jailed. In fact, both families went as far as to go through an official procedure in Mexico to "renounce any illegal act" on Santiago's part and asked that he be deported back to his mother. Despite the families request, the Court sentenced him to three years in jail. Only after he serves the sentence will he be deported.

Most states including Maryland, Virginia, and Texas, all impose jail sentences in automobile accident cases, where the driver was intoxicated, and caused an accident that resulted in the death of another person. Further, most courts will force the illegal immigrant to serve jail time before allowing deportation.