What Clients Are Saying May 2016

“I was recommended by a friend to Portner & Shure and I will do the same. I have been very satisfied by the way Christine Airy has helped me though the process. Christine has done an excellent job communicating with me by email, text, calls to keep me informed about my case. I just want to say thank you again Christine for your professionalism and kindness.”

This case was handled by our Paralegal, Christine Airey, who works out of our Columbia, MD Office.

Fatal Maryland Car Accident Near Eastern Shore

          A deadly car accident in Calvert County, Maryland last week is now believed to have been caused by another driver blacking out or falling asleep behind the wheel.  A 46 year old woman died after another driver crossed over the center line from the southbound lane into the northbound lane.  As a result, the likely drowsy driver crashed head-on into the 46 year old, who also had two young children in the car with her.  The woman was flown to the hospital and later died, but fortunately the two children only suffered minor injuries.  Now that the investigation of the accident has almost been completed, police have determined that driver fatigue or a sudden medical emergency caused the accident.

            With record high numbers of over 33 million people driving across the country to their destination for Memorial Day Weekend and over 800,000 people travelling just from Maryland, many car accidents are bound to occur.  Let’s all avoid a deadly accident this weekend by wearing your seatbelt, only drive when sober, avoid distractions while driving, and obey the speed limit.  While distractions are the number one cause of deadly car accidents, drowsy driving is another problem that causes many accidents.  When people are driving long distances, as many do during long holiday weekends, there is always a risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.  If you are one of the millions driving to get away for the weekend, be cautious of other drivers and only drive if you feel well rested.

            If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Ocean City or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Maryland Transportation Statistics Show Decline in Accidents

           The most recent statistics compiled by Maryland’s Department of Transportation show a decrease in the number of car accidents between 2013 and 2014.  For FY2013, 3,456 car accidents occurred on Maryland’s roads.  However, in FY2014, that number decreased to 3,052 car accidents.  Another interesting statistic is the total ridership numbers in FY2013 versus FY2014 for public transportation.  In 2013, the number was 119,259,611, the highest it has ever been, but in 2014, that number dropped to 113,803,902.  The drop in car accidents cannot be attributed to fewer people driving cars and choosing to take public transportation because total ridership decreased significantly.

            Preliminary numbers from 2013 for traffic fatalities in Maryland show 466 highway deaths, the lowest since 1961. (Note: 2014 statistics still being compiled).  The 2013 number is a decrease of 45 deaths from 2012.  Maryland continues to improve safety on its roadways by passing new laws to combat distracted driving and constantly improving highways and bridges.  With a goal of zero highway deaths on Maryland roadways, Maryland’s transportation officials and law enforcement are “encourage by the drop in traffic-related fatalities, but [know] there is still work to be done.”  Maryland’s plan to reduce traffic fatalities is the Strategic Highway Safety Plan.  This plan focuses on five areas: aggressive driving prevention, distracted driving prevention, highway infrastructure, occupant protection, and pedestrian safety.

            As police crack down on distracted and aggressive drivers, officials continue to improve roadways, and auto manufacturers continue to make cars safer, these numbers should continue to decrease over the next several years.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car, truck, or bus accident or has died as a result of their injury suffered in a Maryland crash, and would like more information, please call us at (301) 854-9000 for a free case evaluation or visit us online at: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Car-Accidents/Fatal-Car-Accidents.shtml