Maryland Accident Law Blog

Ocean City Hit and Run During Bike Week Leaves Teen Seriously Injured

June 4, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Hit and run accidents can leave families devastated, especially when the victim is a young pedestrian. A recent case in Ocean City shows how reckless driving during Maryland’s busy beach season can result in severe consequences. The crash involved a high-speed motorcycle that struck a 16-year-old in a marked crosswalk and left him critically injured. The driver fled the scene but was later found and arrested. After pleading under the Alford doctrine, he received a sentence that included prison time and probation.

Ocean City draws thousands of visitors every year, and traffic increases significantly during events like Bike Week. When drivers act irresponsibly, especially under the influence, the risks to others increase sharply. Families visiting or living in beach communities should know what legal rights they have when a hit and run occurs and what steps to take if someone they love is harmed.

Are Hit and Run Accidents Illegal in MD?

When someone causes a crash involving injury or death, Maryland law requires them to stop and stay at the scene. Drivers must give their name, offer help, and contact emergency responders. If they fail to do so, and someone is seriously hurt, prosecutors can bring felony charges. These laws exist to protect the public and ensure that individuals who are injured receive medical care without delay.

Construction Site Accidents in Maryland Can Endanger More Than Just Workers

May 26, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A deadly accident at a church construction site in Prince George’s County has renewed attention on the risks present at active work zones. Although the recent tragedy involved two roofing workers who were electrocuted, construction accidents do not always injure only those performing the job. Passersby, pedestrians, visitors, or even nearby motorists may also be harmed when proper safety procedures are not followed.

According to officials, the incident occurred Tuesday morning at the First Baptist Church of Camp Springs. The two individuals had been placing a ladder to access the roof when they reportedly fell onto power lines. Both died from electrocution. The investigation is ongoing, and local authorities are working with utility crews from Pepco.

This tragedy raises broader questions about legal liability when safety failures at a construction site lead to serious injury or death. In Maryland, the law allows injury victims, whether they are workers or not, to pursue compensation if the site was unsafe or if precautions were ignored.

Fatal Accident on I-95 Claims Five Lives

April 30, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Tragic accidents leave families broken, hurting, and searching for answers. In Maryland, when a loved one dies in a car crash, you may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial relief. Acting quickly to protect your rights after a devastating loss can make a meaningful difference.

A recent heartbreaking accident in coastal Georgia, where a mother and her four young children lost their lives after a fiery collision on I-95, serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life on the road can be. While the Georgia authorities continue investigating what caused the crash, families in Maryland facing similar tragedies must act swiftly to preserve evidence and pursue accountability.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Car Accident

In Maryland, a wrongful death claim allows close family members to seek damages when another driver’s negligence caused a loved one’s death. Filing a claim will not undo the pain, but it can ease the financial burden that often follows a fatal crash.

To succeed, you must prove that the other driver owed a duty of care, breached that duty through careless actions, and that the breach caused your loss. In the Georgia case, it remains unclear who was at fault, but an early and thorough investigation will likely reveal vital facts. In Maryland, obtaining police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence is often essential to a strong case.

Proving Negligence When the Cause of a Crash is Unclear

Sometimes, as with the Georgia accident, the cause of the collision is not immediately known. In Maryland, proving negligence may involve:

Reviewing Rental Vehicle Records: If the driver was operating a rental, maintenance and safety records may reveal mechanical failures.
Examining Road Conditions: Weather, visibility, and roadway design could play a role.
Investigating Driver Conduct: Fatigue, distraction, or intoxication often contribute to deadly crashes.

Working with a skilled Maryland car accident attorney ensures that no stone is left unturned. Early investigation can prevent vital evidence from disappearing, especially when vehicles are destroyed by fire, as happened in the Georgia tragedy.

What Damages Are Available After A Maryland Wrongful Death Car Accident

After a fatal car accident, families are often left grappling not only with unbearable grief but also with unexpected financial burdens. In Maryland, the law recognizes these hardships and allows certain relatives to pursue damages that reflect both the emotional and practical losses caused by a loved one’s death. You may be able to recover the cost of emergency medical care provided before death, as well as the significant expenses tied to funeral services and burial arrangements. The law also considers the long-term financial void left behind, allowing claims for the loss of income the deceased would have contributed over a lifetime. Beyond financial matters, Maryland courts acknowledge the deeper wounds—the absence of companionship, guidance, and emotional support that no amount of money can truly replace. After tragedies like the devastating crash in Georgia, where an entire family’s future was cut short, seeking full and fair compensation can offer grieving families some stability and a way to honor the lives that were lost.

When Expert Testimony Is Challenged in Maryland Medical Malpractice Cases

March 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In the recent case of Jabbi v. Adventist Healthcare, the Maryland Appellate Court addressed critical issues concerning the admissibility of expert testimony in medical malpractice lawsuits. This decision provides valuable insights into how courts evaluate the foundation of expert opinions, particularly when these opinions are based on the expert’s professional experience and relevant scientific literature.

Case Overview

The plaintiffs, Fatou Jabbi and Lamin Kanteh, acting individually and on behalf of their minor child, T.R., filed a medical malpractice suit against Adventist Healthcare, Inc., and two healthcare providers, Tamara Pottillo and Lisa Godette. The case arose from events on January 16, 2018, when Ms. Jabbi, who was 24 weeks and 5 days pregnant, sought medical attention at Washington Adventist Healthcare due to back and abdominal pain. Nurse Pottillo recorded her vital signs, which were reviewed by Dr. Godette. Concluding that the vitals were within normal limits, Dr. Godette discharged Ms. Jabbi with a prescription for Tylenol, without conducting a urine test for preeclampsia.

Approximately fourteen hours later, Ms. Jabbi visited a different hospital, where she was diagnosed with preeclampsia and received a dose of Betamethasone—a steroid aimed at accelerating fetal lung development in anticipation of preterm delivery. Her condition worsened, necessitating an emergency cesarean section before the administration of a second Betamethasone dose. T.R. was born with severe complications associated with prematurity.

Maryland Woman Dies After Being Ejected from Golf Cart in Annapolis

March 3, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A tragic accident in Annapolis has left a Maryland family mourning after a woman was thrown from a golf cart and later died from her injuries. The crash happened on a roadway near a private golf course when the vehicle hit a dip, causing the passenger to be ejected. She was airlifted to a trauma center but did not survive. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances, though early reports suggest the crash was unintentional.

Golf cart accidents may not receive the same attention as car crashes, but they can be just as dangerous. These vehicles are not built to withstand sudden jolts or impacts, and most lack seat belts or other protective features. Maryland allows golf carts in certain areas under specific conditions, but their use on roadways increases the risk of serious injuries.

Who May Be Responsible for a Golf Cart Crash?

Liability in accidents like this depends on several factors, including road conditions, the driver’s actions, and whether the cart was being operated safely.

Maryland Court Rules on Recent Premises Liability Case

February 28, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Premises liability cases often involve injuries caused by hazardous conditions on a property, but sometimes, they raise even broader concerns—like whether a property owner should have done more to prevent accidents caused by third parties. A recent Maryland court case explored this issue, focusing on a car crash inside a CVS store that resulted in serious injuries to a customer. The case raises important questions about the duty of businesses and landlords to protect patrons from foreseeable harm.

A Routine Shopping Trip Turns Catastrophic

On December 10, 2019, a woman was shopping at a CVS Pharmacy store in Salisbury, Maryland. As she exited the store, another driver attempted to park in a space directly in front of the entrance. Instead of coming to a stop, the vehicle crashed through the glass storefront and struck the shopper, causing serious injuries.

Maryland Court Rejects Accident Victims Claims That the Insurance Company Was Unfair in Settlement Negotiations

January 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When an injury claim settles, most people assume the case is closed. However, what happens if critical information is withheld during negotiations? A recent Maryland case sheds light on this issue. In the case, Edward Sniadach v. Two Farms, two individuals who suffered slip-and-fall injuries and later accused an insurance company and its claims administrator of fraudulently inducing them into accepting lower settlements. This case raises important questions about fair dealing in settlement negotiations and highlights the importance of having an experienced Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer on your side.

The Accident and the Initial Claims

Both individuals were injured in separate slip-and-fall accidents on the property of a business. Like many premises liability claims, they sought compensation for their injuries through the business’s insurance provider. The company’s insurance carrier, Zurich America Insurance Co., handled the claims, while Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. acted as the claims administrator.

A key issue in these claims involved Medical Payments (Med-Pay) coverage, a type of insurance that pays medical bills for injuries occurring on insured property, regardless of fault. One claimant actively asked about Med-Pay multiple times before settling, while the other settled before even learning of its availability.

One claimant settled for $16,385, with $6,385 explicitly marked as Med-Pay funds. The other claimant settled for $15,000 without being informed about Med-Pay coverage. He later learned—after signing the release—that Med-Pay was available.

The plaintiffs later alleged that the insurance companies had deliberately withheld information about Med-Pay to push them toward lower settlements.

Edwards v. Labbe: An Example of Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law

December 22, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When a car accident leads to a lawsuit, determining who is at fault can quickly become a complex legal matter. In Edwards v. Labbe, a recent Maryland car accident case, the court sheds light on how negligence and contributory negligence are evaluated when both sides tell different stories about what happened. This case offers important lessons for anyone hurt in an accident, especially in Maryland, where strict rules on fault can make recovering damages challenging.

The Facts of the Accident

The accident happened at a busy intersection and involved two vehicles. The person bringing the case (the plaintiff) claimed they were driving cautiously and had the right-of-way when the defendant, allegedly speeding and failing to yield, caused the collision. On the other hand, the defendant admitted that they were negligent, but also argued that the plaintiff had entered the intersection unsafely, making them at least partially responsible for what happened.

Some of the most important details considered by the court included:

Witness Statements: Witnesses also provided conflicting testimony, with some supporting the plaintiff’s account and others siding with the defendant. These differing accounts highlighted the challenge of determining what really happened.
Traffic Signals: Evidence about whether the plaintiff or the defendant obeyed the traffic signals became a central issue.
Vehicle Damage: The extent and location of damage on both vehicles offered clues about how the collision occurred.

Any evidence that the plaintiff might have been at fault must be taken very seriously, because in Maryland, even a small amount of fault on the plaintiff’s part can prevent them from recovering any damages.

White v. James: How a Maryland Court Handled a Recent “Hit-and-Run Accident”

November 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent Maryland appellate court case, White v. James, highlights important legal issues that can arise in car accident cases, particularly concerning the admissibility of evidence. The appellate court was tasked with reviewing three central claims raised by Mr. White, the appellant, challenging the lower court’s handling of evidence and jury instructions. The case sheds light on how courts handle post-accident conduct, potential prejudices, and procedural preservation of objections, which are critical issues in personal injury litigation.

The Facts

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of August 25, 2019, on the Baltimore Washington Parkway. Mr. White’s vehicle collided with Ms. James’s car, causing her to lose control and veer into a ditch. After the collision, Mr. White briefly exited his vehicle before leaving the scene without offering assistance or identifying himself. Ms. James waited approximately 30 minutes before emergency responders arrived.

Fatal Multi-Vehicle Accident in Washington County Emphasizes the Importance of Safe Driving on Maryland Roads

October 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent five-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 in Washington County claimed the life of one person and left several others injured. The accident occurred when a tractor-trailer failed to slow down in heavy traffic, causing a deadly chain reaction. While this incident highlights the devastating impact that negligence behind the wheel can have, it also brings attention to Maryland’s laws designed to prevent such tragedies and protect victims.

When accidents like these occur, Maryland’s legal system allows victims and their families to seek justice and compensation for the harm caused. In cases where negligence or recklessness plays a role, legal claims can help hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that victims receive the support they need during a difficult time.

Maryland’s Legal Framework for Vehicular Manslaughter and Negligent Driving