Horrible Car Accident Leaves Driver in Terrible Condition While Others Sustained Minor Injuries

Injuries ranging from soft tissue injuries such as whiplash to the more serious injuries which involve broken bones, traumatic brain injuries or even fatalities can often result from a car accident. It is not uncommon for a person who leaves the scene of the accident to not experience pain or discomfort until a day or two following the accident.

An example of how different injuries can result from the same car accident is demonstrated by a May 22, 2010, automobile accident that occurred on Route 27 in Frederick County, Maryland. The driver of a Toyota Corolla was traveling on Gillis Falls Road while the driver of a Lexus LS 430 was traveling northbound on Route 27. The preliminary investigation done by the police shows the driver of the Corolla failed to yield to the right of way while trying to cross Route 27. When the two vehicles collided, the Corolla was forced into trees and the driver became trapped inside. Members of the Mount Airy Fire Department had to extricate the driver and he was transported to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore by a Maryland State Police helicopter. The driver of the Lexus and her passenger were taken to Carroll Hospital where they were treated and released with only minor injuries.

This accident is still under investigation by police and they are seeking witnesses who may have seen this collision.

It is imperative that all the rules of the road are followed in order to prevent serious automobile collisions such as this. Traffic control devices are in place to help maintain the flow of traffic in an orderly fashion. Stop signs, yield signs and traffic signals should always be given proper attention. Failure to do so can result in very serious injuries as demonstrated in this scenario.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation. Our Maryland accident lawyers are available to provide answers to any questions you may have.

Police Vehicle Collides with Van: Rights of Emergency Vehicles

On April 30, 2010, at approximately 1:30 p.m. a Maryland State Trooper was involved in an automobile accident on US 15 in Frederick County, Maryland. The trooper was responding to a motorcycle collision that also occurred on US 15 wherein the motorcyclist was injured. The trooper was driving south in his patrol car with his emergency lights and sirens activated when he approached the intersection of Mountville Road. The driver of a Honda Odyssey entered the intersection as the patrol car approached. Although the trooper took evasive action in an effort to avoid colliding with the van, the patrol car struck the van. The trooper and his passenger were taken to Frederick Memorial Hospital. The van driver was not injured.

Emergency vehicles have their own set of rules to which they adhere while driving. The law clearly states that emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, or fire trucks cannot be held to the same standard of care as other drivers. Designated emergency vehicles that are responding to an emergency have special privileges. For instance, they are permitted to exceed the speed limit (so long as they do not endanger other drivers), pass a red light or stop sign, and disregard traffic control devices. However, it is important to keep in mind that these privileges only exist if the responding vehicle is using its audible and visual signals, except in the even event that the police vehicle is not equipped with such signals. None of the above apply if the police are not operating in an emergency capacity.

Moreover, 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 or crosses a lane of travel, they often cause a collision that is ultimately their fault. It is imperative to know and understand the rules of the road.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a car accident with an emergency vehicle or if you would like more information on automobile accidents, please contact Portner & Shure. Our Maryland accident lawyers can provide a free legal consultation.

Intersection of Hayward Road and US 15 Hot Location for Car Accidents

A large number of accidents in Frederick County, Maryland are attributed to the cross traffic at Hayward Road and US 15. The Maryland State Highway Administration has made this area a top priority in Frederick. They have recently installed signs, new pavement markings, as well as a fresh rumble strips along the road in an effort to deter speeding and to help with awareness of the potential cross traffic. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office is also expected to increase speed enforcement on the Hayward Road.

Although these changes will most likely not have an immediate effect on the traffic in that area but the State Highway Administration is hoping that the combination of engineering tactics and law enforcement will help to encourage drivers to be more cautious.

Drivers who speed or fail to yield to the right of way can cause some of the most severe automobile collisions. Not only to car accidents cause damage to property and bodily injuries, traffic citations can be issued for these offenses and carry hefty fines. Insurance carriers can increase your insurance rates and repeat offenders could lose their driving privileges.

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

Motorcycle Accidents Are Among the Deadliest Forms of Accidents in the Nation

Motorcycle accidents are common and often result in serious injuries. Motorcycle drivers need be extremely cautious when operating their bikes has the potential of serious or fatal personal injuries are much more likely if an automobile accident does occur. Although most motorcycle accidents are commonly the result of negligent driving, human error is also a likely contributing factor.

On the morning on April 5, 2010, the driver of a motorcycle attempted to make a left-hand turn near the intersection of Route 75 and New Market Road in New Market, Maryland. At the same time the driver of a Mercedes was driving straight through the intersection. The operator of the motorcycle failed to yield to the right of way and struck the Mercedes. As a result of the collision the motorcycle driver suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mercedes suffered only minor cuts.

It is imperative that all the rules of the road are followed in order to prevent tragic accidents such as this. Traffic control devices are in place to help maintain the flow of traffic in an orderly fashion. Stop signs and traffic signals should always be given proper attention.

If you, a family member, or someone you know was involved in a car or motorcycle accident wherein a party failed to yield to the right of way or if you would like more information on motor vehicle accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation with our Maryland accident lawyers.

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.