Maryland Accident Law Blog
Every year, Maryland motor vehicle accidents cut the lives short of thousands of people in the state. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reported 534 fatalities on Maryland roads in 2019. While the pandemic significantly reduced the traffic on the state’s roadways, reports indicate that fatal Maryland car accidents were up 12 percent from 2019 and 17 percent from 2018. The majority of Maryland traffic fatalities occur in Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, and Baltimore City. Baltimore City likely experiences fewer fatal accidents because not many large trucks travel within the city limits.
The leading cause of fatal accidents is a result of an unsafe or sudden road or lane departure. Lane changes occur when a vehicle exits its lane and slams into another vehicle or object. These road and lane departures are connected to nearly 50% of all fatal accidents in the state.
For example, a recent local news report described a fatal two-car collision in Anne Arundel County. The accident occurred when a Chevy SUV driver tried to change lanes and was hit by Dodge Charger. The driver and passenger of the SUV died upon impact, and the other driver was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries.
After a fatal accident, the victim’s family may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim or a survival action. Maryland’s wrongful death statute allows certain qualifying family members of the victim to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The family member can recover damages on their behalf for their economic losses and non-economic losses. Courts will measure damages by evaluating the impact of the family member’s death on the claimant.
What Is a Maryland Survival Action?
A Maryland survival action is a lawsuit the decedent’s estate files against the negligent party. In these cases, the decedent’s personal representative stands in place of the victim. Courts will measure damages by evaluating the amount of pain and suffering the decedent endured before succumbing to their injuries.
No amount of money can replace the loss of human life. However, it is a necessary part of Maryland accident claims. Attorneys can help families quantify the number of damages the at-fault party’s negligence caused to the family and the decedent. These cases require claimants to follow strict procedural and substantive rules. The procedural rules govern how much time a claimant has to commence a claim. The failure to abide by these limits may result in the dismissal of an otherwise meritorious claim.
Has Your Loved One Died in a Maryland Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries or died in a Maryland car accident, the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen can help you pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. Our firm’s top-rated Maryland injury lawyers have extensive experience successfully representing clients in their personal injury and wrongful death claims. Our office also handles accident cases stemming from defective products, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, and pharmaceutical errors. Contact our office at 800-654-1949 for a free and confidential initial consultation. Calling is free, and you will not pay any legal fees unless we can help you recover for your injuries.