Maryland Accident Law Blog
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has signed into law a bill that imposes penalties on failing to stop at a nonfunctioning traffic light located off a highway exit ramp. The penalties will be the same as for running a red light.
The state legislation created the bill after a deadly motor vehicle accident in Howard County on January 6, 2006 killed two teenagers who were passengers in a Volvo going west on Route 175 close to Jessup. Teresa Howard of Sykesville and Scott Caplan of Columbia were killed after a tractor-trailer exited southbound Interstate 95 and collided with the Volvo. The traffic light was not functioning properly at the time.
The Maryland state legislature drafted the bill to clarify how drivers should respond when faced with a broken traffic light to prevent this type of personal injury accident from happening again.
Gary Dicks, who was driving the tractor-trailer, a former Howard County police officer, and the Maryland State Police are among those who have been named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of the teenagers.
People who are seriously injured on the roads because of another party’s negligence may be able to file a personal injury claim and recover damages for their injury to pay for their medical bills and other costs. If you are someone who has been injured in a personal injury accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who practices law in the state where your accident occurred.
Some Reasons for Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney:
• Insurance companies are experienced in negotiating a recovery for you that may not be the maximum recovery that you can receive for your injuries. A personal injury attorney can represent you during these negotiations, look out for your better interests, and help you recover the best recovery possible for your injury or loss.
• There may be more than one liable party responsible for your personal injury, and a personal injury lawyer can assess your claim for you and make sure that all avenues of recovery are explored.
• A personal injury attorney has the resources to thoroughly investigate your claim for you and help you provide proof of liability to make your personal injury case as strong as possible.
• If you fail to reach a settlement with the insurance company and you would like to file a personal injury lawsuit, a personal injury lawyer can represent you and fight for your rights in court.
If you have been injured in Maryland or the Washington D.C. area, contact Lebowitz and Mzhen and ask for a free consultation. We are experienced personal injury and trial lawyers who will protect your rights and help you obtain the best recovery possible for your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Fatal car accident leads to law change, Howard County Times, May 24, 2007
Related Web Resources:
Office of the Governor of Maryland
Personal Injury Resource Center, Nolo.com