Maryland Accident Law Blog
As of 2017, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that both the rate and fatality levels of hit-and-run collisions are on the rise. There were an estimated 737,100 hit-and-run crashes in 2015. This translates to a hit-and-run crash happening somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds. The 2,049 fatalities that resulted from hit-and-run crashes in 2016 were the highest number recorded up to that point. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety defines hit-and-run accidents as collisions in which at least one person involved in the crash departs the scene of the crash before offering any (or sufficient) information or aid to the other involved person(s) or fails to properly report the crash. Hit-and-run accidents are a major issue for many reasons, but in particular, they can increase the severity of outcomes given delays or the complete absence of medical attention for the victims.
What Makes Hit and Run Accidents More Common?
Hit-and-run accidents are often characterized by several distinct elements. Common characteristics include the accident having very few witnesses and or poor lighting, as the driver is more likely to believe there will not be repercussions for their behavior. If there are many witnesses or the scene is highly visible, people are less likely to flee the scene of a crash. Similarly, drivers are much more likely to flee the scene of an accident between the hours of midnight and 4:00 a.m., than between 8:00 a.m. and 11:59 a.m. This is due to a host of reasons, but one explanation is that nighttime drivers generally engage in more risky behavior.
A recent news report described a fatal accident. According to the reporting by DC News Now, one person is dead and another was taken to the hospital after a serious crash. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General said it is conducting an independent investigation after a fatal crash followed an attempted traffic stop in Rockville. Two Montgomery County Sheriff Deputies were in the area of Rockville Pike near Flanders Avenue just before 2:30 a.m. when they saw a Dodge sedan speeding. Shortly after they turned on their emergency equipment, they came across a two-car crash between the sedan and another car. Investigators believe the Dodge sedan collided with a Honda sedan, which was turning onto Rockville Pike. The driver of the Dodge attempted to flee on foot and was found shortly by the police. The driver of the Honda – a woman – was pronounced dead at the scene.
Have You Been Hurt in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in the Prince George’s, Baltimore, Charles, or Montgomery County region, let the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen help you recover the damages you deserve. Expenses and injuries from a motor vehicle accident can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced team of lawyers by your side can make all the difference. Our attorneys have successfully represented injury victims at every stage of the process, ensuring that they obtain the proper damages. With our team, you can have faith that your claim is being pursued properly. If you have questions about your case, call us today at 800-654-1949 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a Maryland injury lawyer at our office.