State Trooper Ends Chase In Harford County, Maryland

On February 8, 2011, Federal Marshals issued a lookout for a silver Ford Taurus with Virginia tags in the Harford County area.  The operator of the vehicle, Brandon L. Pegram, 23, of Virginia was believed to be armed with a handgun and shotgun.  According to police officials, Pegram held his family hostage and threatened to harm any law enforcement officers who attempted to capture him. 

The vehicle was spotted by deputies at approximately 2:47 p.m. on Route 40 at Gateway Drive in Edgewood, Maryland.  The deputies attempted to initiate a stop when the vehicle fled the scene and traveled on Route 40 towards Baltimore County.  State Troopers from the Bel Air Barracks as well as Baltimore County officers joined in the pursuit.

Pegram attempted to ram civilian motorists and run down two deputies.  When he attempted to strike one of them a second time, causing the deputy to dive out of the way, a State Police Sergeant used his patrol vehicle to impact Pegram's vehicle.  The Trooper used a pit maneuver to force the suspect's vehicle to the side of the interstate and up against the guardrail.   The Trooper impacted Pegram's driver side door to prevent him from escaping on foot.

After resisting arrest Pegram was taken into custody with minor injuries.  He is facing charges of robbery, felony assault, kidnapping, first and second degree assault, vehicle theft, reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property, and numerous traffic violations. 

Fortunately, innocent motorists were not injured in this accident.  Not to say, that the State Trooper who was forced to ram his patrol car into the suspect's vehicle did not sustain injuries.  In the event he did sustain injuries he would be entitled to make a claim for workers compensation as he was in the course of his employment when this accident occurred.  Workers compensation benefits an individual for an accidental injury at work.

In the event the suspect had endangered the lives of the other motorists or caused them bodily injuries they would have claims for personal injuries. Unfortunately, their claims would be known as uninsured motorist claims as they would not be able to make a claim against the owner of the vehicle the suspect was driving, as the vehicle was stolen.  Instead, the injured parties would be entitled to make a claim under their own automobile insurance for uninsured benefits.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a work-related accident, car accident or you need more information on work-related accidents or car accidents, please visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshureaccidentlawyers.com or contact one of our Maryland accident attorneys for a free consultation. 

Drug Suspects Cause Car Accident That Results In Fatality

A few weeks ago, two undercover Baltimore City Police officers witnessed a drug transaction between two suspects on Gwynn Oak Avenue in Northwest Baltimore, Maryland. The suspects attempted to evade the police as they sped away from the scene. They struck a civilian vehicle that was being operated by an elderly couple. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene while the other was transported to Shock Trauma in serious condition.

After searching the vehicle, the suspects were discovered to be in possession of 38 grams of uncut heroin. They are facing serious drug charges fleeing and alluding charges. They need separate defense counsel, since the driver of the vehicle may face more serious charges and the possibility of vehicular manslaughter.

Although the family of the deceased could pursue a wrongful death claim against the drivers automobile insurance carrier it is highly likely that any claim for property damage or personal injuries would be denied since the vehicle was in the commission of a crime when the accident occurred. In other words, because the suspects were evading the police, the insurance carrier may no longer be responsible for any damages caused as a result thereof. However, an Uninsured Motorist Claim may be pursued to help the injured party with medical expenses or even helped the family of the deceased with burial costs. Further, the police department could have some responsibility for the accident if the investigation revealed they did not follow proper protocol.

If you, a family, member or someone you know has been involved in an automobile accident and sustained bodily injuries or if you would like more information on automobile accidents, please contact Portner & Shure. Our Maryland accident lawyers are available to provide you with a free legal consultation.

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.

Hit and Run Accident Involving a Police Officer

Government officials are not immune from auto collisions. Recently in Baltimore County a police officer was struck by a dark colored Honda that attempted to make a U-Turn on Eastern Boulevard in Baltimore County, Maryland. The driver of the Honda struck the passenger side of the officer's patrol car and did not stop. The police officer was injured and taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital in Baltimore City where he was treated and released.

When you are involved in an automobile collision, you have an obligation to stop. Failure to do so could result criminal charges being brought against you. In the event that you are struck by a vehicle that does not have insurance, a claim can still be pursued under the uninsured motorist coverage.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured as the result of an automobile accident with a government official or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.