Attorney Blog

The Fila Academy and Owner Larry Fila Declare Bankruptcy After Jury and Court Award $540,000.00 in Damages To Three Students and Their Attorneys

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a surprising reversal of fortunes, The Fila Academy of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and its owner Larry Fila, Jr., declared bankruptcy on December 20, 2011, in the United States Bankruptcy Court. The filing for bankruptcy places the $540,000.00 judgment entered by an Anne Arundel County Jury and Judge last February, in the case of Barfield, et. al. vs. The Fila Academy, Inc. and Larry Fila, Jr., in the hands of the bankruptcy trustee. A trustee will be appointed by the Bankrptcy Court to collect all the assets of the Fila Academy and Larry Fila, Jr. The trustee will then seek to satisfy the students' judgment and the claims of other creditors in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

The bankruptcty filing also brings to an abrupt halt the January 3, 2012 trial of 39 more students who also alleged they had been defrauded, deceived and victimized by the Fila Academy and Larry Fila, Jr. That case, entitled Schweitzer, et. al vs. the Fila Academy, et. al., involved some students who were originally part of the original Barfield lawsuit, but whose claims were subsequently filed separately, and combined with a third lawsuit that had been filed against the school and its owner, bringing the total number of students who claimed they were deceived and defrauded by the Fila Academy and Larry Fila, Jr. to 42 students.

As previously reported in the Annapolis newspapers, the first of two trials against the Fila Academy and Larry Fila, Jr. involved three students who proved to a jury that they had been victimized by deceptive trade practices at the school, as well as other wrongful conduct committed by both the school and its owner. As reported on this web site and in the newspapers, after eleven days of trial, the jury found that the school had wrongfully misrepresented to the students that the school was a "Paul Mitchell Partner School" when it was not. The jury also found the school and its owner committed other deceptive trade practices, such as misrepresenting to the students that "they could make as much as doctors or lawyers" even after the State of Maryland instructed the school to stop making such deceptive claims.

The jury also found that the owner of the school had intentionally inflicted emotional distress on all three students. The Court thereafter reversed the jury's finding that the owner intentionally inflicted emotional distress on the three students, finding that the proof offered at trial was legally insufficient under Maryland's stringent legal standards so support a finding in favor of the students for committing this violation. The Court did affirm the jury's findings that the Fila Academy and Larry Fila committed deceptive or unfair trade practices, that The Fila Academy breached the contracts with the students, and that the Defendants were unjustly enriched as a result of their wrongdoing. The Court enrollled the remainder of the judgment, and the $140,000.00 judgment in favor of the three students is now final. The Court also awarded the students lawyers $398,643.51 in attorneys fees and costs for their multi-year prosecution of this case.

Both Defendants initially appealed the jury's verdict on both the three student's $140,000.00 award, and the Court's award of $398,643.00 in attorneys fees and costs; the appeal of the students' $140,000.00 judgment was later dismissed. A second appeal filed by the school and Larry Fila, Jr., involving the award of attorneys fees and costs, came to a screeching halt on the day of the appellate hearing, when Fila's attorneys informed the appellate judges in the afternoon before the scheduled oral argument, that the Defendants had just declared bankruptcy, thus staying all legal procededings pursuant to federal bankruptcy laws. The bankruptcy filing, just hours before the appellate judges were to hear oral argument, led to the appellate hearing being cancelled on the day of the hearing, despite the preparation of all three appellate judges (and the students' attorneys) to rule on the pending appeal.

It is unclear how the bankruptcy will affect the operation of the school. The Fila Academy has two locations; the first is in Glen Burnie, Maryland (where all 42 students attended the school), and the second location is in High Point, North Carolina. It further remains to be seen what will happen to any other potential lawsuits or investigations of the school in light of the bankruptcy filing. The Fila Academy's assets, and those of its owner, will now be subject to the bankruptcy court's jurisdiction, as the victimized students, both those with judgments and those awaiting trial, seek justice in the United States Bankruptcy Court.

The first trial began on February 1, 2011, and ended on February 15, 2011. The second trial, now halted, was to begin on January 3, 2012. Anyone who has a claim against the Fila Academy, Inc., or its owner, Larry Fila, Jr., must timely present claims in the United States Bankruptcy Court.

The students' lawyers in both trials are Allan W. Steinhorn, of Clark & Steinhorn, LLC, and George Hermina and John Hermina of the Hermina Law Group. Both law firms are located in Laurel, Maryland.

Maryland Boating Deaths Hit Twenty Year High

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn, we often pontificate about the wondeful fact that highway deaths locally and nationwide are on a steady decline. Unfortunately, for Maryland's waters, the same good news does not hold true. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/crash-deaths-reach-sixty-year-low.cfm

2011 was a particularly deadly year with 25 boating deaths, alll but one victim a male.

This represents the most Maryland boating deaths in 20 years and efforts to identify why this was the case in 2011 have proven difficult.

Some of the increase may have been attributable to early warm temperatures, which lured boaters out on cold water. The one common denominator was that all but one of the victims wasn't wearing a life jacket.

The absence of life jackets in Maryland fatal boating accidents is a phenomenon similar to the absence of safety belt use in Maryland auto and truck crash deaths. The lesson, whether driving a boat or a vehicle use safety precautions. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/on-the-lookout-for-hit-and-run-boats-in-maryland-waters.cfm

Another Tragic Pedestrian Crash Fatality in Wheaton

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Another pedestrian crash death took place in Montgomery County on Saturday December 17, 2011. The collision took place around 10:30 pm near the Randoplh Crossing Shopping Center on Viers Mill Road. The victim has not yet been identified although he is described as a middle-aged man of hispanic origin.

The recurrent theme for such crashes involves night time crossing of roads without using a crosswalk while wearing dark clothing. Viers Mill Road in Wheaton has been the situs of several fatal pedestrian crashes this year including one involving a husband and wife in May of this year. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/wheaton-hit-and-run-crash-kills-pedestrian.cfm

For those who follow this blog, Montgomery County Police recently came out with a checklist that details mechanisms to reduce hit and run and pedestrian accidents. For more go to : http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/montgomery-county-police-checklist-for-reducing-hit-and-run-and-pedestrian-crashes.cfm

Montgomery County Police Checklist for Reducing Hit and Run and Pedestrian Crashes

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have occasion to read this blog, you know the terrible toll that pedestrian crashes take on area residents. It seems that nearly every week we report on another Montgomery or Prince Georges County hit and run crash.

The Montgomery County Police Department has obviously paid heed and given thought to this tragic phenomenon and has come up with a checklist for future avoidance of pedestrian crashes.

Rather than summarize we offer their list verbatim with many thanks to the Montgomery County Police Department.

Motorists:

Slow down and watch for pedestrians.
Be aware that pedestrians can be virtually invisible at night or in bad weather.
Obey traffic signals and devices.
Yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
Realize that in any collision between a car and a pedestrian, it is the pedestrian who will bear the brunt of the impact regardless of who is at fault.

Pedestrians:

Remain alert and do not assume drivers can see you.
Do not expect drivers to see you and react in time.
Use crosswalks where available and avoid walking in the streets.
Before stepping off the curb, look left and right.
Wear bright or reflective clothing and outerwear at dusk and at night.
Wear clothing that does not restrict or impair your vision.
Refrain from cell phone use while walking and crossing streets.

It all makes a lot of sense doesn't it ?

Beltway truck Crash Damages Overpass

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The prospect of springtime repairs to the Southbound I-95 overpass on the Baltimore Beltway does not auger well for traffic conditions in the aftermath of Monday's truck crash with the bridge.

The flatbed truck operated by Six M Co. Inc. was carrying an excavator under the overpass for I-95 without a permit required for carrying a load more than 13 feet 6 inches high and boom a collision took place with the overpass. Estimates of the cost of damage repair will be quite substantial.

Authorities suggest that the bridge over the beltway is safe but will close the shoulder of the roadway. It seems that no one sustained personal injuries in the crash.

Seat Pleasant Car Crash Kills One Injures Five Others

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Saturday evening crash in Seat Pleasant, Maryland took the life of one driver and injured five other people including three children.

The car crash took place around 7 pm and reportedly occurred when a Chevrolet Malibu driven by Reggie Eugene Crawford crossed the double yellow lines on Seat Pleasant Road and struck a westbound Dodge Magnum.

Sadly, Mr. Crawford of Hillcrest Heights was ejected from his vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.

Rockville Ride-On Bus Crash Injures Pedestrian Badly

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrians and buses do not mix well and on Wednesday evening, a Rockville, Maryland woman sustained serious injuries when she was hit by a Ride On bus.

The collision took place in Rockville at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Halpine Road. The incident took place after dark when the victim, Jila Hamidieh was crossing the intersection as a pedestrian and was hit by the turning Ride On bus.

Ms. Hamidieh was taken to Suburban Hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. Montgoemry County Police are attempting to ascertain how the crash took place.

Ride On buses have been involved in a number of significant crashes of late including one last year when a Ride On bus struck a Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/rideon-bus-involved-in-glenmont-crash-with-kentucky-fried-chicken.cfm

Another Tanker Truck Crash Sends Two to Shock Trauma in Carroll County

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The 70th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks will be memorable for folks at the Royal Farms at Route 140 in Westminster, Maryland. A lunchtime crash between a Buick and a tanker truck sent the eighteen wheeler carreening through the gas station's parking lot and sent both drivers to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore City with personal injuries.

Richard Donald Eckard of Taneytown, Maryland was the truck operator whose rig contained more than 8,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Carl Frock, Jr. of Westminster drove the Buick. Maryland State Police are contnuing to investigate the cause of the crash, which closed Route 140.

This is the second area tanker truck crash in 48 hours in Maryland and exposes the potential hazards of large quantities of potentially flammable materials being involved in collisions. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/prince-georges-county-tanker-truck-crash-causes-route-3-chaos-in-bowie.cfm

Prince George's County Tanker Truck Crash causes Route 3 Chaos in Bowie

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning tanker truck crash on Route 3 in Bowie, Maryland shut down that road and injured the eighteen wheeler's driver. The accident took place around 9:30 pm on Monday night December 5, 2011.

The collision involved the tanker truck a car and a box truck. The tanker truck was carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline which created a perilous situation. Fortunately, fire personnel were largely able to contain spillage.

The Prince George's County incident took place between routes 450 and 50 and shut down the Northbound lanes of Route 3 for 10 hours. Given the pictures of the crash, it is amazing both that no one was more seriously injured and also that environmental damage was not more extensive.

Hyattsville Thanksgiving Crash Fatal to One; Injurious to Six

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly Prince Georges County crash took place on Thanksgiving at a Hyattsville Home Depot parking lot. Fire and Rescue Personnel from Prince Georges County report that one pedestrian was killed and six others injured when a driver passed out behind the wheel of his car and struck them.

The victims were standing on an island in the parking area when they were struck. The car continued to move after the crash and came to a stop when it hit a brick wall.

Hyattsville Police report that the driver suffered a medical emergency which caused his black out. He was also taken to an area hospital.

Heroic Samaritans Save Crash Victim from Flames in Prince Georges County

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Thanksgiving morning crash in Prince Georges County on Watkins Park Drive nearly proved fatal, except for the bravery of two other drivers. The crash injured one of the participants badly enough that she could not emerge from her car which caught fire.

Two good Samaritan drivers, one from Prince Georges County and one from Anne Arundel County happened upon the crash scene and worked to extract the driver of the burning car and move her to safety.

Andre Matlock of Upper Marlboro and Johnnie Wichard of Lothian were driving near the scene and saw a car catch fire and they heroically intervened. The burning car's driver and another vehicle operator were taken to an area trauma hospital for care.

Federal Authorities Shut Down Another Maryland Trucking Company

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued another "imminent hazard" shutdown order for a Maryland trucking company, Clock Transport LLC. This is the second such shutdown in a week. The focus of both shutdowns are companies established by Mark David Gunther, Jr. who gained infamy for a previous commercial trucking operation which was involved in a deadly Beltway crash, which produced a 13 million dollar verdict.

The verdict for a brain damaged victim of an I-495 crash was ultimately discharged in bankruptcy although the company founder was jailed for 30 months thereafter. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/fmcsa-shuts-down-maryland-commercial-trucking-firm-as-public-hazard.cfm

The FMCSA issued a previous order for Gunthers Transport which was applicable to efforts to circumvent it by creating related companies. The allegation is that Clock operated out of the same location as Gunthers Transport. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-clock-transport-shut-20111125,0,7411455.story

Walkersville, Maryland Crash Proves Deadly

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A fatal crash on Saturday November 19, 2011 took the life of a Walkersville man. Stephen Alan Wisner reportedly crossed over the double yellow lines on Route 194 and after side swiping one car, struck a Ford Explorer head on, with the impact killing hiim.

Four other vehicle drivers and passengers were injured in the crash. The collision took place on Md. 194 South of Crum Road and shut down 194 both directions. No explanation has been forthcoming from Fredrick County Police regarding how Mr. Wisner came to be over the center line.

Several of the injured parties were helicoptered to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Deadly Beltway Crash Comes Back to Victim With Trucking Company Shutdown

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported here recently, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently closed down a Hanover, Maryland based commercial trucking firm, Gunthers Transport, Inc. due to its extensive record of safety violations.

In an election season it does take some courage for a federal agency to actually take a potentially life saving action with the backdrop of unrelenting criticism of "government regulation" from the tee-party republikins.

In this instance our favorite newspaper to the North, the Baltimore Sun, has covered the story well and perhaps more importantly featured a story on the front page of the Sunday Sun bringing to the public's attention the damage that unregulated companies like Gunthers can do. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-gunthers-victims-20111119,0,4541637.story

It chronicles the story of Brian Buber who was catastrophically injured in a crash on the Capital Beltway in 1994 involving a tractor trailer owned by....you guessed it, a predecessor to the present Gunthers entity. The Gunther tractor trailer crashed into the rear of a pickup, killing a passenger and permanently rendering Mr. Buber brain damaged and disabled.

One would think that at least the justice system would make it possible for Mr. Buber's medical care to be taken care of but despite a 13 million dollar verdict, that was not to be. Gunthers maintained a one million dollar insurance policy and declared bankruptcy for the other 12 million dollars.

And Gunthers, well they just found a new corporate entity to operate under despite the fact that its head, Mark David Gunther, was found guilty by a federal court jury of perjury and falsification of documents and was sentenced to prison.

So it was abig deal when the FMCSA shut down Gunthers last week and endeavored to eliminate the ability of it to reconstitute. It can't change the fate of Mr. Buber but perhaps it can save lives for Maryland drivers. For more see http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/fmcsa-shuts-down-maryland-commercial-trucking-firm-as-public-hazard.cfm

Metro Proposes Safety-Critical Worker Hours Limits.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Metro has been on the receiving end of much scrutiny and criticism ever since the fatal June 2009 Fort Totten Metro crash. The public has been much more inclined to report instances of Metro operators texting while driving, falling asleep on the job and a host of other potentially dangerous actions.

Thus, when Metro does something sensible we feel duty-bound to report it and commend it.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Agency (WMATA) has implemented limitations of the number of hours "safety-critical" employees can work daily. This action by Metro came in response to criticism by the Tri-State Oversight Committee that workers were being permitted to work days as long as 16 hours, contributing to fatigue-related mistakes. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/tristate-oversight-committee-metro-employees-overworkedfatigued.cfm

FMCSA Shuts Down Maryland Commercial Trucking Firm as Public Hazard

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn, we regularly report on horrific car and truck crashes in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Because of the magnitude of injury caused by tractor trailer and eighteen wheeler crashes, we emphasize discussion of not only the crashes but also the governmental mechanisms in place to prevent or reduce such collisions. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/unsafe-at-any-speed-part-two-dangerous-bus-and-trucking-companies-in-maryland-and-elsewhere.cfm

Consequently, when a federal agency takes decisive action and shuts down a major Maryland based trucking company because it is an " Imminent Hazard to the Public" that is a big deal. Obviously the Baltimore Sun felt this was significant as well. See http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-gunthers-shutdown-20111116,0,2031752.story

Gunthers Transport LLC of Hanover, Maryland was the recipient of such an order emanating from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/news-releases/2011/Maryland-Trucking-Company-Declared-Imminent-Hazard-to-Public.aspx

You may recall that one of their trucks was involved in a deadly crash in August of this year and the FMCSA notice recites a long list of safety transgressions that serve as the basis for the order. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the courts and also whether this is a new chapter in FMCSA actions calculated to reduce tractor trailer and commercial truck crashes.

For more on FMCSA go to: http://www.maryland-law.com/library/truck-crash-safety.cfm and http://www.maryland-law.com/library/tractor-trailer-and-commercial-trucking-safety-resources.cfm

One Person Killed in Bus Crash at James Madison University

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

One person was killed yesterday in a bus crash on the campus of James Madison University. The accident is under investigation by authorities. The name of the victim has not yet been released, and it is unknown whether a student or non-student was killed.

Bowie Hit and Run Crash Kills Pedestrian

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A late night crash on Route 3 in Bowie, Maryland has taken the life of a pedestrian. The hit and run crash took place in the Northbound lanes of Route 3, south of Maryland Route 450. http://www.gazette.net/article/20111114/NEWS/711149993/1029/woman-killed-sunday-in-hit-and-run-near-bowie&template=gazette

Prince George's County Police state that 911 calls were made prior to the collision indicating that a woman was walking on the roadway and thereafter that she had been struck. Witnesses have evidently indicated that a light-colored vehicle was stopped nearby and that a similar vehicle was seen in a close-by parking area with damage to its hood and windshield.

The rash of fatal hit and runs in the Washington area continues. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/plethora-of-washington-region-hit-and-run-crashes-raises-concerns.cfm

Pedestrian and Driver of Disabled Vehicle Victims of Hit and Run Drivers In Prince George's County, Maryland This Weekend; One Killed

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

It was a tragic weekend for two families whose loved ones were seriously injured, one fatally, by hit and run drivers in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Shortly after midnight Sunday morning, a pedestrian was killed on Route 450. According to police, shortly before the crash, calls came in to 911 reporting that a woman was waking in the roadway. Shortly thereafter, reports came in that the woman, believed to be in her 20's, had been struck. Witnesses reported seeing a light brown car stopped near the scene, and other witnesses described two people standing in a nearby parking lot looking over a car with a broken windshield and damaged hood. No arrests have been made.

In a second hit and run accident this weekend, police are looking for the driver of a car that struck and seriously injuried the driver of a disabled vehicle on Saturday night on the Baltimore Washington Parkway as the driver stood by her disabled car. The driver of the striking vehicle ldid not stop after striking the woman, and police are looking for a light colored white or silver van. The 27 year old woman from Baltimore was taken to the hospital with injuires to her head and neck.

Tri-State Oversight Committee: Metro Employees Overworked/Fatigued

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Tri-State Oversight Committee has released a study done in conjunction with Metro regarding WMATA's management of fatigue-related safety isssues. The results of the study are both illuminating and disturbing.

The illumination stems from the revelation that Metro employees in critical safety jobs routinely work 16-hours days. We are not merely talking about five 16-hour days but in two instances, seven 16-hour days in a row. This has led to an employee of Metro's automated train control division stating that he was "constantly fixing mistakes" owing to poor work quality resulting in part from fatigue.

Obviously this is disturbing and may in part explain such occurrences as the June 22, 2009 Fort Totten Metro crash along with a rash of other injurious and hazardous incidents observed across the last several years. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/metro-track-worker-safety-is-there-any.cfm

Evidently this phenomenon is in part the result of efforts to repair Metro's ill-maintained rail system and in part because Metro employees like the overtime and its beneficial impact on their retirements. The obvious question is, why shouldn't Metro hire more employees? The benefits of such a practice seem obvious.

Shorter hours reduce the likelihood of fatigue-induced safety mistakes, more employees means less unemployed people, new employees are paid far less than long term employees working 40 hours a week of overtime and of course more new employees means that Metro's highly experineced and skilled long time workers can pass on their knowledge and experience to a new generation.

It seems like a no-brainer that more workers being paid considerably less saves Metro money and makes the system safer.

Tractor Trailer CSX Train Collide in Harford County

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Friday morning Harford County crash between a tractor trailer and a Southbound CSX freight train ended predictably with the truck driver in the hospital.

The incident reportedly occurred around 9:30am when the tractor trailer driver disregarded flashing red safety signals on Joppa Road and collided with the train.

Miraculously, the commercial truck driver sustained non-life threatening injuries and no one on the train was injured.

20 Year Old Driver Who Killed Three in Olney Crash Pleads Guilty

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A twenty-year old man who crashed his car and killed his three passengers following a night of partying, pleaded guilty yesterday to three charges of vehicular manslaughter and one charge of failing to remain at the scene. Kevin Coffay entered the guilty pleas in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The Assistant State's Attorney presented facts to the Court to support the guilty plea that showed that Coffay's blood alcohol content was .16, double the legal limit in Maryland, and that the crash occurred after Coffay and his friends had been to two parties that night. The second party was broken up at 3:00 am by the parents of the teenager who threw the party, without the knowledge of his parents. At that time, one partygoer told Coffay not to drive because he was drunk, but Coffay sped off anyway.

The injuries suffered by the three passengers were horrific and fatal. Mr. Coffay, when questioned by police after the crash, reportedly told officers that he left the scene and his friends were fine. Police believe that Mr. Coffay survived the crash with minimal injuries due to the use of an airbag that may have saved his life.

This tragedy is another example of the tragic consequences that can occur when drinking and driving mix. Four families will never be the same, and our hearts go out to them.

Crashes in Washington D.C. Region Costing Billions of Dollars

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

We knew the cost of all all those crashesin the Washington area was high; we didn't know it was in the billions of dollars! Cambridge Systematics completed the study for AAA using National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics that shows that the cost of all those fender benders, medevacs, ambulance and fire rescue personel, emergency room visits, medical costs and car repairs costs the area $7.4 billion dollars. This figure includes 350 deaths on the area's roadways and 42,566 injuries recorded in 2009 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

One benefit of our areas congested highways-the crashes are likely to be at lower speeds. The area's congested highways often mean traffic is traveling at a much slower speed. The crashes often occur at lower speeds, leading to less severe crashes and injuries.

The study looked at the following areas of our region: the District of Columbia and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax,Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, plus the counties of Arlington, Charles, Fairfax, Loudoun,Montgomery, Prince George’s and Prince William.

Beltway Tractor Trailer Crash Proves Deadly in Montgomery County

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

An Inner Loop Beltway crash in Montgomery County near Georgia Avenue has taken the life of a driver. The collision between a car and a tractor trailer, took place near around 2:15 in the morning.

As a consequence of the crash investigation, the inner Loop of I-495 was closed between Connecticut Avenue and Georgia Avenue.

Maryland State Police were on the scene responding to another wreck.

Upper Marlboro Crash Kills Two on Halloween

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A crash on Halloween night in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, took the lives of two drivers.

The accident took place on Woodyard Road around 10:00pm near Perrywood Road. Prince George's County Police report that a Northbound Kia crossed the double-yellow line in an attempt a pass and struck a Southbound Mitsubishi.

The two drivers, William Vaughn Smith of Potomac and Gail Cherise Cook of Upper Marlboro, were killed. A third vehicle operated by a Prince George's County man subsequently struck the vehicles and was hospitalized. For more go to: http://www.gazette.net/article/20111101/NEWS/711019983/1122/olney/Two-people-killed-in-three-car-crash-Monday-in-Upper-Marlboro&template=gazette

Southern Maryland Crash Deaths on the Rise

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Waldorf, Maryland crash death this morning on Route 301, is just the latest in a series of fatal collsions occurring in Southern Maryland.

The presently unidentified pedestrian was hit by a vehicle adjacent to Northbound 301 this morning. All lanes of 301 were shut down in the vicinity.

This rash of fatal crashes has been commented on elsewhere and leads to some obvious worries that traffic woes coupled with burgeoning populations are a dangerous mix. See: http://somd.com/news/headlines/2011/14448.shtml

Traffic Backed Up For Miles On Crain Highway After Pedestrian Killed By Car In Waldorf, Maryland

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A pedestrian trying to cross the northbound lanes of Crain Highway (Route 301) in Waldorf, Maryland was struck and killed by a car this morning, causing the northbound lanes of Crain Highway to be backed up for miles. The driver of the striking vehicle stayed at the scene. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash occurred on Route 301 just north of Pierce Road near the Sherman Williams store. Traffic delays lasted for hours as authorities continued their investigation of this tragic accident.

We have reported on the growing number of pedestrian deaths in our area for several years now. Because of the increased volume of traffic on our highways as Maryland roadways become more and more congested as more and more people move to our area, we urge our readers to use extra care when crossing our busy roads, streets and highways.

Six Metrobus Passengers Injured When Bulldozer Pulls In Front of Metrobus

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A backhoe operator working on a construction site Tuesday afternoon backed his backhoe into the roadway directly into the path of a Metrobus. The crash injured six passengers on the bus.

The crash occurred at North Captal and M Street. according to a Metro spokesperson. D.C. police cited the operator of the backhoe for unsafe operation

Traffic was disrupted in the area while officers investigated the metro bus accident. None of the injuries is considered life threatening.

Prince George's County I-495 Crash Proves Deadly for Motorcyclist

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly Prince George's County crash on I-495 took place on Tuesday night October 18, 2011 near Route 50.

The collision took place around 10:20 pm on the Outer Loop of the Beltway, when a motorcyclist struck a disabled car in the traveled roadway.

This was the second area motorcycle crash death of the day. In the District of Columbia, Timothy Murray died from a crash on Kenilworth Avenue NE when his motorcycle struck a tow truck which was pulling a school bus. For more go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/crime-scene/post/dc-motorcyclist-killed/2011/10/18/gIQAkkd8vL_blog.html

Charles County Bus Crash Kills Prince George's County Man

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Charles County crash between a commuter bus and an automobile in Waldorf has taken the life of a Prince George's County man.

The collision took place around 6:15 pm Monday night on Mattawoman Beantown Road near Poplar Hill Road.
The bus reportedly pulled out of a commuter lot with 15 passengers on board and struck a Ford Focus driven by Carlin Biles of Fort Washington, Maryland.

Mr Biles was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Prince George's County Tractor Trailer Crash Closes Allentown Road

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning crash on Allentown Road near Branch Avenue has closed lanes in the vicinity creating a traffic snarl.

The crash took place when a tractor trailer carrying lumber ran into a bridge underpass and lost its load of wood in the roadway. This Prince George's County crash injured the commercial truck's driver, who was taken to an area hospital.

It appears that while traffic has been adversely effected, no other drivers or passnegers were injured.

Route 40 Crash Injures Four in Baltimore County

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning crash on Route 40 between an SUV and a Baltimore Gas and Electric contractor's truck sent four people to area hospitals. The collision took place around 7 am this morning near the intersection between Route 40 and Allender Road in Baltimore County.

Initial reports of a fatality are apparently untrue and the victims of the crash are receiving medical care at area hospitals.

Plethora of Washington Region Hit and Run Crashes Raises Concerns

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn we blog about significant crashes and incidents on the area's roadways regularly. We have previously opined that the incidence of hit and run crashes and accompanying fatalities seems to be on the rise, while overall crash-related fatalities are on the decline locally and nationally. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/crash-deaths-reach-sixty-year-low.cfm

WTOP provided an informative piece on their website discussing this phenomeneon and listing the hit and run crashes in the District of Columbia and surrounding Maryland suburbs this year. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2589790

The majority of the incidents have been discussed here before and the solution put forth by a AAA spokeperson, "prosecution of the drivers" while obvious and appealing, is easier said than done. Most of these incidents take place at night outside the presence of witnesses and one suspects that the drivers in many instances have been drinking or using drugs and do not wish to be apprehended under any circumstances especially if intoxicated.

In many instances the sheer force of the collisions leaves evidence behind that can often identify the hit and run vehicle but of course not the driver. In some instances there even appears to be evidence that the crashes are intended. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/fatal-dc-pedestrian-hit-and-run-crash-intentional.cfm

There seems to be no magic bullet solution. Better cooperation between authorities and area drivers would help and one would think that the prevalence of red light and other cameras might provide evidence but the bottom line is that area pedestrians and bicyclists out at night on under illuminated roads are at their own peril.

Child Booster and Safety Seat Misuse Widespread

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn we are very excitable about unnescessarily endangering children and infants. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/safety-seats-save-crash-victims-lives.cfm

Whether it is booster or safety seats, the prevalence of their misuse injures and kills infants, toddlers and young children in car crashes. Maryland and The District of Columbia routinely have check-up stations where parents and guardians can learn how to properly use child safety seats. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/child-passenger-safety-week-2010.cfm

So we were gratified when a more widely read periodical took up our cause. The Washington Post did a brief but informative piece today which we would commend for your reading. See http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/study-finds-half-of-child-booster-seats-need-checking/2011/10/12/gIQAfaNagL_story.html

There remain problems beyond parental misuse of course. These include defective booster and safety seats but that is a topic for another day. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/child-safety-seat-recall.cfm

Beltsville Hit and run Crash Proves Deadly, Suspect Apprehended

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Amidst a rash of deadly hit and run crashes in the area, a recent fatal crash in Beltsville, Maryland stands out. It stands out not becasue of the deadly result but rather because witnesses were able to help Prince Georges County police apprehend a suspect.

The fatal crash took place on Montgomery Road in Beltsville, Maryland on Tuesday night October 11, 2011. Witnesses were able to provide police a description of both the car and driver and a suspect was apprehended nearby at 4500 Romlon Street in Beltsville.

The crash took place near the suspect's whereabouts around 11:20 pm near Baltimore Avenue. For more go to: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/plethora-of-washington-region-hit-and-run-crashes-raises-concerns.cfm

Man Suffers Life Threatening Injuries After Being Struck By Metro Train at Clarendon Statiion

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man struck by a Metro train on the Orange Line at Clarendon station Tuesday afternoon suffered potentially life threatening injuries, and is undergoing surgery today. The man suffered head injuries and multiple broken bones when he was struck by the train.

It is unclear whether the man's actions leading to the crash were intentional or not. Witnesses say the man walked through a tunnel leading to the tracks, and may have intentionally walked into the path of the metro train. Train service was delayed as engineers changed to a single track due to the accident investigation.

Police Identify Victim in HIt and Run Accident That Appears Intentional

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

District of Columbia police are reporting that Thursday evening's hit and run crash that killed one man was a result of an argument that ultimately led his death. According to D.C. police officials, Migeul Angel Drullard, Jr. and another man got into an argument at 14th Street and Webster Place, N.W. Thurday afternoon. The other man got into a burgundy Jeep Liberty and ran over Mr. Drullard, causing his death.

Police are looking for the driver of the burgundy Jeep Liberty. Anyone with information about this unfortuante hit and run crash should notify D.C. police officials.

Fatal D.C. Pedestrian Hit and Run Crash Intentional?

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly hit and run crash in Northwest Washington was evidently the by-product of a fight and the Metropolitan Police are investigating the collision with an eye towards its being an intentional act.

The crash between a Jeep and the victim took place on 14th Street Northwest between Allison and Webster streets around 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon.

Major Crash and Homicide officers are investigating this crash and are attempting to locate the culprits.

Connecticut Avenue Crash Kills Pedestrian in Washington, D.C.

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Connecticut Avenue is closed in the vicinity of the National Zoo as a result of a deadly crash involving a female pedestrian. The collision took place in the 3100 block of Connecticut Avenue Northwest during the lunch hour.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the cause of the deadly crash.

Port Deposit Hit and Run Crash Kills Teen

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Fort Deposit, Maryland hit and run crash between a vehicle and a skateboarder has taken the life of a young man. Brandon Reese was skateboarding on Jacob Tome Highway with a companion when he was struck and killed by a driver who left the scene.

Cecil County authorities searched the area and located a vehicle which they surmise was the culprit and the State's attorney's Office is looking at the case.

Police report that the usual issues of alcohol, drugs and speed are not implicated in this deadly crash.

Truck Crashes Into Horse Drawn Buggy in Maryland; Twelve Year Old Girl Killed

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three occupants of an Amish horse-drawn buggy traveling through an intersection in Maryland were injured, one fatally, when a pickup truck entered an intersection and crashed into the buggy. A twelve year old girl in the buggy died from her injuries.

According to a representative from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's office, the buggy entered the intersection on a green light, but was still in the intersection when the light turned red. The crash is under investigation, and the driver of the pickup truck has not been charged.

New Traffic Laws Taking Effect in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

New traffic laws took effect in Maryland and the District of Columbia on October 1, 2011, that will affect every driver in these two jurisdictions. Hopefully these laws will help save lives and reduce crashes on our roadways.

Effective October 1, 2011, police officers in Maryland can pull over drivers who appear to be texting while driving. This law closes a loophole in Maryland law that did not allow officers to pull over drivers suspected of texting while driving unless the driver was pulled over for another offense. In other words, if an officer saw a person texting while driving prior to October 1st, the officer could not pull over the driver and cite them for the violation unless another "primary" violation occurred. Now, texting while driving is considered a "primary" offense, and officers can now pull over drivers suspected of texting and driving without witnessing any other traffic offenses.

If the violation does not involve an accident, the fine is $70.00, and one point is assessed on the driver's driving record. If the texting driver was involved in an accident, the fine goes up to $110.00, and the offense includes three points on the driver's record.

Another new Maryland traffic law will allow criminal prosecution of drivers in accidents whose negligence causes the death of bicyclists, pedestrians and others. The new law makes it a misdemeanor to cause the death of another person if the driver operates his vehicle in a criminally negligent manner.

Another change in Maryland law that took effect October 1st involves the use of interlock devices in cars of drunk drivers who are repeat offenders, and drivers under 21 who are found to have a blood alcohol concentation of above .02. Drivers who are convicted of drunk driving with a blood alcohol concentration over .15 will also be required to have the interlock device installed in their cars.

In the District of Columbia, numerous changes at the Department of Motor Vehicles will increase fees for numerous services for drivers, including the cost of obtaining duplicate driving licenses, temporary driver's licenses, change of address notifications and residential parking permits.

St. Mary's County Maryland Crash Between Pickup truck and Buggy Kills Girl

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly crash in Charlotte Hall, Maryland took place on Saturday evening at the intersection of Route 5 and Mount Wolf Road.

The collision involved a pickup truck and a horse-powered buggy. The buggy had entered the intersection on a green light but had not completed its traverse when the light changed and the ensuing accident knocked the buggy over and killed one of it's passengers, a twelve-year-old girl.

For more go to: http://wusa9.com/news/article/169656/158/Saloma-Kathleen-Stoltzfus-Killed-In-Amish-Buggy---Pick-Up-Truck-Crash-in-St-Marys-County

ATV Crash In Baltimore County Kills Two, Injures Three

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly Baltimore County ATV crash kiiled two early Sunday morning and sent three to area hospitals.

The White Hall, Maryland ravine crash took place in the early morning hours of Sunday September 25, 2011. Baltimore County police conjecture that alcohol may ahve been a factor. For more go to: http://www.wtop.com/?nid=46&sid=2562091

College Park Hit and Run Kills Pedestrian

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly University Boulevard crash in College Park, Maryland has led Prince George's County Police on a a search for a red Honda Civic, which was thought to be the hit and run vehicle.

The accident took place between 3am and 4am on University Boulevard near Route 1. The hit and run vehicle would have extensive damage and Prince George's County Police are seeking any information about the whereabouts of the car or driver.

Please call (301)352-1200 if you have any information.

Bowie Resident Killed in Route 301 Bicycle-Car Crash

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A tragic Prince George's County crash took the life of Bowie, Maryland resident, Danielle M. Cooper Friday September 9, 2011.

The crash between a Chevy Malibu and Ms. Cooper's bicycle took place on Route 301 near Sylvan Drive.

The victim was taken to Prince George's Hospital Center where she was pronounced dead. The accident is under investigation. The collision took place around 9:20 at night. For more go to: http://www.gazette.net/article/20110910/NEWS/709159980/1029/bowie-woman-24-killed-in-friday-collision&template=gazette

In Montgomery and Prince George's Counties a Deadly Weekend for Pedestrians

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

This weekend was a fatal one for two pedestrians in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

One collision took place on the Suitland Parkway in Prince George's County early Saturday morning and involved the hit and run death of an area woman.

The second deadly crash took place in Wheaton, Maryland on Georgia Avenue near the intersection with Windham Lane. Victor Noel Williams of Kensington, Maryland was struck and transported to Silver Spring's, Holy Cross Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

For more go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/crime-scene/post/two-pedestrians-struck-by-cars-killed-saturday/2011/09/12/gIQA3V5lMK_blog.html?hpid=z10

Prince George's County Hit and Run Kills Woman

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly hit and run crash in the Hillcrest Heights area of Prince George's County has area police on the lookout for the vehicle and driver involved. The collision took place a little after midnight on Saturday September 10, 2011 on Suitland Parkway near Naylor Road.

The victim was a 27-year-old woman. Her identity has not yer been released.

The United States Park Police are seeking any information that can lead to apprehension of the hit and run vehicle operator and can be reached at 202-610-8737. For more information go to: http://uspppressroom.blogspot.com/2011/09/seeking-information-in-fatal-pedestrian.html

Flooding Continues To Cause Court Closings

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Severe flooding caused by torrential rains over the last few days has caused several courts in Maryland to close today. The Circuit Courts in Charles County and Prince George's County are closed, as is the District Court in Upper Marlboro. The District Court for Prince George's County in Hyattsville remains open today.

If you have a court matter, and need to know whether the court is open, you can go to this site:

http:..www.courts.state.md.us.infoline.html

Many roads in Prince George's County, Maryland are currently closed due to high waters. For a list of road closures today, Friday September 9, 2011, see:

http://uppermarlboro.wusa9.com/news/news/70143-flooding-road-closures-prince-georges-county

Floodwaters continue to rise in some areas. Two people died yesterday in Viriginia as a result of flooding. Please use extra caution if you see rising waters on the roadways: do not drive through them-it may save your life.

Severe Weather in Washington Area Closes Prince George's County Courthouse

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Circuit Court for Prince George's County, Maryland was closed today due to the intense rains in our area causing flooding of streets in Upper Marlboro near the courthouse. The County Administration Building was also closed.

If you had a matter pending in the Circuit Court today that was postponed, the Court should be sending out new notices with new dates. If you need to call the Clerk of the Court, that number is 301-952-3318 for civil matters, and 301-952-5014 for criminal and juvenile matters.

Please use extra caution when driving on the roadways today. Flooding is reported in many areas.

Anne Arundel County Car Crash Sends Seven to area Hospitals

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Sunday car crash in Anne Arundel County, Maryland sent seven people to area hospitals for injuries.

The collision which took place in Gambrills, was a sort of chain reaction crash, which started when a 15-year-old girl attempted to cross route 3 near Waugh Chapel Road and was struck by a car. That vehicle came to a halt after the crash and was then struck by another car.

The pedestrian who was hit was taken to Johns Hopkins Children's Center, while other injured victims were taken to Baltimore Washington Medical center and Prince George's General Hospital in Cheverly, Maryland. http://www.wbaltv.com/news/29076969/detail.html

Montgomery County Crash Reduction Scheme: Ticket Jaywalkers

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrian crash safety in densely populated areas is a tricky business. People are often going to seek the most direct way of crossing a busy boulevard whether or not there are crosswalks or other safety devices.

The toll in pedestrian crash deaths and injuries that results in Maryland and the District is substantial and that is why Montgomery County's Pedstrian Safety Initiative is garnering considerable attention and increasing praise.

The basic strategy has been to identify so-called "high incidence" areas, where car crashes with pedestrians abound. Those areas are then subject to increased police scrutiny resulting in jaywalking tickets and greater interaction with area drivers in an attempt to reduce driving behaviors which have led to deadly and injurious collisions in Montgomery County.

The "high incidence" areas include Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring, Connecticut Avenue in Aspen Hill and the area around the Bethesda Metro station on Wisconsin Avenue

Initial results show a marked decrease in pedestrian collisons and injuries at each of the location. If Montgomery County Police can reduce pedestrians putting themselves in danger the county will be a better place.

Auto and Truck Crash Safety Mystery in Maryland and The District of Columbia.

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

To be clear from the outset, we at Clark and Steinhorn have very little confidence or trust in the "Good Hands People" at Allstate. Nonetheless, their " "America's Best Drivers" report generates a good deal of media fodder and we would be remiss if we didn't observe that it was just last year that the District of Columbia was proclaimed as having the safest roads in America, with Maryland not far behind. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/district-of-columbia-safest-roads-in-america.cfm

Maryland drivers reportedly had the nation's fourth safest roadways and so one inevitably asks how can Baltimore and Washington drivers be the seventh and eighth "worst" in the United States in Allstate's survey? http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/maryland-roadways-are-among-nations-safest.cfm

Not suprisingly, the surveys measured different things. Allstate utilized statistics involving years between crashes and collision likelihood and Saferoads was looking at car and truck crash deaths and injuries in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Allstate's champion was Fort Collins, Colo. which is more or less the same area as D.C. but with 25% of the population. Second prize goes to Boise, Idaho which has a third the Districts population in a larger metro area. Third, is Lincoln, Nebraska with 40% of the Districts population in a larger area as well.

Seeing a trend? More densely populated areas have more collisions more frequently. Shocking isn't it? I guess that is why Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles are among the nation's "worst" drivers.

On the other hand you are more likely to die or get injured in a car or truck crash on the roadways where America's best drivers predominate. Thus, there is a problem when cities are given labels like the nation's worst drivers even though they are actually places where you are less likely to die in a crash.

On balance I will choose the District and Maryland where crashes may be more frequent but far less deadly thank you. It does make one wonder if Allstate cares more about paying property damage claims than reducing carnage on America's highways

Maryland Mistaken Diagnosis: Renal or Kidney Cancer can be Fatal

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn we encounter many cases of medical negligence or malpractice involving mistaken or failed diagnosis in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

One such area involved is mistaken diagnoses of renal or kidney cancer. Tragically our firm has had occasion to represent the victims of such mistaken or failed diagnoses and their families left behind. It is estimated that in 2011 more than 60,000 new cases of kidney cancer have been diagnosed in the United States this year and that more than 13,000 have died because of it this year.

The mortality rate for renal cancer is a function of the nature and location of the tumor along with the tumors staging.

The incidence of kidney cancer is significantly higher among men and its overall rate in our society is increasing although the reasons for this are unknown.

Symptoms that may be indicative of renal cancer include blood in urine, back pain just below the ribs that will not go away, weight loss, fatigue and fever. Unfortunately, these symptoms are typically indicative of a more advanced stage of renal cancer with accompanying greater risk of death.

If you suspect that you may have kidney cancer see a physician immediately. You can anticipate blood tests, urine tests and imaging tests such as Ct scan, ultrasound, and MRI.

Person Struck By Metro Subway Train; Red Line Delays Due to Single Track Use

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A person was struck by a red line subway train this morning in what may be a fatal accident. WUSA9.com is reporting that people using the metro red line subway experienced delays this morning as a result of a person who may have intentionallly stepped into the path of the oncoming train. The train collision occurred at 9:29 a.m. and involved a train traveling in the direction of Glenmont at the Takoma Station.

We will keep you updated as additional information is released. In the meantime, if you are using the red line this morning and afternoon, be aware of delays as authorities continue their investigation of this tragic incident.

Bus Driver in Fatal New York Bus Crash Charged

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn, we write infrequently about crashes and incidents in other jurisdictions, except to illustrate a point or a particularly egregious example of some dangerous practice that we observe in the course of our practice.

In a recent article we discussed the issue of how to deter commercial trucking companies and tour bus companies from dangerous and potentially deadly practices. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/unsafe-at-any-speed-part-two-dangerous-bus-and-trucking-companies-in-maryland-and-elsewhere.cfm

The ultimate deterrence is of course criminal prosecution and in New York State today the driver of a bus involved in a crash that killed 15 was reportedly indicted on 15 charges of manslaughter.

Ophadell Williams was driving a bus on I-95 on March 12, 2011 from the Mohegan Sun Casino to New York when a cataclysmic crash took place, killing 15. Some passengers report that Mr. Williams fell asleep while driving and federal authorities state that within a minute of the actual crash he was going seventy eight miles per hour in a fifty five mile per hour zone.

It has been subsequently revealed that Mr. Williams was driving on a revoked license and had served time for manslaughter and larceny. The inevitable unanswered question, who at the bus company turned over the lives of 33 innocent passengers to a revoked license criminal?

Why do the company heads escape the criminal prosecution and the Mr. Williamses of the world are the fall guys?

Tragedy Occurs When Father Backs Truck Out of Driveway, Killing Three Year Old Son

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

In the blink of an eye, tragedy of enormous proportions struck a Frederick County family yesterday when a father backing his pickup truck out of his driveway struck and killed his three year old son. Maryland State Police transported the child to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The accident is under investigation by the Frderick County Burea of Investigation, but no charges are likely to be filed, accoring to reports from WUSA.com.

We cannot begin to imagine the hardship suffered by this family, and our hearts and prayers go out to them.

Please use extra caution when backing out of a driveway in areas where there are small children. Even careful drivers must be aware of these dangers.

Passenger Loses Arm Hanging Out Passenger Window When Car Collides With Truck

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a tragic example of what can happen when you do what your mother told you not to do, a young man in Oregon lost his arm when he stuck his arm out of the passenger window of his car as the driver of the car tried to pass a tractor trailer truck. As the driver passed the truck, with his passenger's arm stuck out the window, the driver sideswiped the truck, amputating the passenger's arm. Doctors at the hospital where the victim was taken attempted to surgically re-attach the arm. After surgery, the victim was in stable condition, although it is unkonwn at this time whether he will regain use of the surgically re-attached arm.

It was a very hot day, and the car had no air conditioning, perhaps offering some explanation of why the passenger stuck his arm out of the car window. Troopers were still investigating the crash to determine the cause of the accident. The driver of the car was charged with various criminal and traffic offenses, including driving while under a controlled subtsance and driving on a suspended license.

Hurricane Irene Turns West-Heading Our Way

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early this morning, AccueWeather. com predicted that Hurricane Irene will hit the North Carolina coast as a Categorry 3 or 4 storm bringing heavy rains up the east coast towards Washington and Baltimore. The heavy rains are expected to dump as much as 6 inches of rain in the area, and flash flooding is likely.

The barrier islands of the Outer Banks of North Carolina could be hard hit, and suffer severe damage to its beaches. As far as the Baltimore/Washington area goes, very heavy rains are expected this weekend. According to AccuWeather.com. some areas could see as much as a foot of rain, as the storm appears to be very slow moving.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are being evacuated, starting with Ocracoake Island. For us Marylanders, it sounds like a very wet weekend, with flash flooding in many areas likely. For all the major cities along the I-95 corrider, it could be a rough weekend.

If you can stay off the roads this weekend, please do. With flash flooding in the forecast, it is likely that driving at times will be difficult. Traffic will be slow moving as the heavy rains come in, with possible hydroplaning, and car accidents due to slick roads and flooded roads. If the storm hits as predictied, it could be a very tough weekend. Stay safe!

Over 50 People Injured In Bus Crash With Two Tractor Trailer Trucks

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Over fifty people were injured yesterday when a bargain bus trip turned deadly. A bus headed to the District of Columbia from New York collided with two tractor trailer trucks, critically injuring two, and sending scores of injured victims to local hospitals. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The United States Department of Transportation has established laws governing how long a commercial driver who carries passengers can drive. As has been reported by the National Safety Tranasportation Board, sleep deprivation is often a cause of these kinds of accidents. According to the Associated Press, the 52 year old driver of the bus was well rested prior to the crash, and at the present time, sleep deprivation of the bus driver does not appear to be a contributing cause of the accident.

Bus accidents seem to be on the rise. According to Advoicates for Highway Auto Safety, over 30 people died in 18 bus accidents as of late July.

A knowledgeable truck or bus accident lawyer with experience analyzing truck and bus accidents can identify all the contributing factors and potentially liable parties that cause serious 18-wheeler accidents. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident or a bus accident, turn to the experienced bus and truck accident attorneys at Clark & Steinhorn, LLC. We are experienced peronal injury lawyers who are aggressive advocates for truck iand bus injury victims.

Yes Baltimore and Washington, That Was An Earthquake

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

As most of you know by now, the East Coast, and in particular, the Washington/Baltimore/Virginia region, experienced an earthquake of 5.9 magnitude, shaking buildings, roads, cars and the peace and tranquility of folks in our region. The epicenter of the earthquake appears to be the small town of Mineral, Virginia. Office buildings in Washington, D.C., were evacuated, as was the Capital building and the Penatagon in nearby Northern Virginia. Videos are showing up on You Tube capturing evidence of the force of the earthquake, and subseqent damage.

Preliminary reports indicate no deaths or injuries; photographs and videos of property damage are now making the rounds of the internet. The video highlighted above shows part of an apartment building roof that came down, with bricks crushing the cars parked below it.

Its not often that we report on earthquakes in the neighborhood. We are fortunate the damage was not worse. What's next, locusts?

Roger Wrenn, One of Baltimore's Winningest High School Coaches, To Retire After 43 Seasons

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Roger Wrenn, who coached football and baseball in Baltimore City high schools for the past 43 years, the last six at Poly Tech High School, will retire at the end of this season. Coach Wrenn is one of the winningest football coaches in Baltimore history, having won thirteen city championships at Patteron High School and Poly Tech. He coached for 32 years at Patterson High School and has been coaching and mentoring players at Poly Tech for the last six years. Coach Wrenn also coached baseball at Patterson High School where he also won championships in baseball. In 1997 Coach Wrenn was named to ther Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Perhaps Coach Wrenn's greatest contribution to area sports is shown by the eleven former student/players that now coach high school teams in the Baltimore area. The video highlighted in the first paragraph above shows current student/players, and gives you an idea of how greatly Roger affected those he coached. HIs impact on his players' lives went far beyond the sports he coached, and the games they played in high school.

If you know a student who has been coached by Roger Wrenn, you know the loyalty, devotion, and respect he creates in those who know him and play for him. It may be a long time before another one, cut from his mold, shows up on the high school football field and inspires young people the way Coach Wrenn did. We'll miss you coach!

Distracted Driving-A Deadly Menace

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center shows what personal injury lawyers have known for years: distracted drivers are causing more deadly and dangerous crashes on our roadways, many of them leading to deaths.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood called it a deadly epidemic. The survey showed that 94% of all drivers had seen motorists talking on a hand held cel phone.

Distracted driving, as we have reported here in the past, is finally getting the attention it deserves from legislatures and police agencies around the country. According to Consumer Reports, educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving (defined as any activity that takes your eyes off the road, such as texting, hand held cel phone use, reaching for something in the car, or using one of the complicated controls our modern cars now have-think GPS) is reducing the number of car accidents and truck crashes caused by distracted driving.

As personal injury lawyers representing victims of crashes for almost three decades, we are well aware of the horrible effects a catastrophic car or truck accident can have upon the injured victim as well as family members. We've seen an increase in car and truck accidents where people are texting, or talking on cel phones. For a personal perspective of how a distracted drivers' actions caused the loss of a loved one, and the effects on family members, we recommend you read the short article (with video) "Faces of Distracted Driving" by Consumer Reports,. With greater awareness and education, we can reduce the number of people injured and killed on our highways by distracted drivers.

Weekend Crashes Kill Eight On Local Roadways

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

It was a dangerous weekend for drivers in Prince George's County, Montgomery County, St. Mary's County, MD, and in the District of Columbia. Eight people were killed in crashes, four of which involved cars catching fire, and one involving a motorcyclist who suffered fatal injuries in a St. Mary's County, MD accident.

A rescue person described the crash that happened on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, near Beltsville, Maryland as "a horrific crash scene," according to the Washington Post.

The deadly accidents began Friday on Southern Avenue in the District of Columbia when the driver of a 2004 Mercedes-Benz lost control of his car and crashed into a utility pole, killing the driver and passenger, both of whom are believed to be juveniles. As of Sunday morning, District of Columbia authorities were still trying to confirm the identities of the unfortunate occupants of the car.

And Friday afternoon, in St. Mary's County, a motorcyclist traveling on Route 5 lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a cement culvert, and then skidded into a utility pole, according to the Maryland State Police. The driver suffered multiple pelvic fractures. He was flown by helicopter to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he was later pronounced dead.

Later in the day, in Montgomery County, MD, emergency fire and rescue personel responded to the scene of a burning car off Holly Gove Road in the Cloverly area of Silver Spring, MD. The 2002 Subaru was engulfed in flames; both occupants of the car were found dead inside. Crash investigators at the scene believe the Subaru lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree.

According to the local office the American Automobile Assocition (AAA), the period of time between August 1st and the Labor Day weekend is the most dangerous time to be on the road. In addition to more people using the roadways for vacation travel, leading to more people driving longer distances, the drivers tend to be less attentive to their driving, since they are in "vacation mode." According tyo John Townsend of the AAA, nationwide statistics from 1999-2008 show that seven of the top fifteen most deadly days to drive a car occur between August 3rd and September 2nd.

We urge everyone to use extra caution this month on our roadways, as more trucks and cars are using the highways this month than practically any other month of the year. We also send our condolences to those families who lost loved ones and who were not so fortunate this weekend.

A Terrible Toll on Area Roads

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

We report regularly on a host of area incidents and observe trends we see unfolding.

Sadly, this weekend a series of deadly crashes has unfolded in Prince George's County, The District, Montgomery County, and Southern Maryland. The common element in each fatal crash appears to be operator error.

In Beltsville a deadly Baltimore-Washington Parkway crash took place when the SUV involved left the roadway and struck a tree.

In the District a car struck a utilty pole and caught fire.

In St Mary's County a motorcycle struck a culvert and in Montgomery County a car struck a tree. A Our hearts go out to the victims of these tragedies.

Tractor Trailers Crash on I-83, tie up Traffic

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A tractor trailer crash on Northbound I-83 near York Road has tied up Baltimore area traffic.

The early morning accident has been cleared out of the roadway and reports of personal injuries are being investigated.

Beltway Truck Crash Shuts Down Outer Loop Near Forestville.

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Prince George's County crash between a dump truck and a tractor trailer shut down the Outer Loop of the Beltway this morning.

The Forestville accident occurred when the tractor trailer struck a bridge and then hit a dump truck on I-495. Two lanes remain closed while authorities investigate the structural soundnes of the Forstville Road overpasss and clean up the post-crash detritus.

This is the second Forestville area crash on the Beltway this year involving a tractor trailer striking an embankment, for those who recall the deadly February crash at D'Arcy road.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/1-Dead-In-Fiery-Tractor-Trailer-Crash-on-Beltway-116299644.html

I-95 Tractor Trailer Crash Fatal

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning crash on Interstate 95 near Lorton, Virginia killed a tractor trailer driver and injured another truck driver.

The accident took place around 2 am in the Northbound lanes of I-95 after Lorton Road prior to the Pohick Road overpass.

The tractor trailer was carrying a load of produce and struck the second truck which belonged to a Virginia Department of Transportation contractor as it placed reflectors on I-95 North. Fortunately the VDOT driver saw the tractor trailer bearing down on him and lept over a barrier to avoid being struck.

He did however sustain a broken arm. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2487630

Driver Killed In Tractor Trailer Accident in Howard County

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two lanes of southbound I-95 were closed Friday when a tractor trailer overturned near Route 175, killing the driver. According to news reports from WUSA9.com, the tractor trailer overturned, trapping the driver. By the time rescue personel arrived at the scene, the driver was found dead. The driver's name has not yet been released.

Two lanes of southbound I-95 were closed for two hours, but all lanes are now open.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the driver's family.

Amidst Tragedy of Crash, A New Life Enters The World

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

On a particularly brutal Washington morning rush hour, tragedy struck several families, while bringing joy and life to another. On Tuesday, the Washington, D.C. region saw two people die in a six car collision on the Washinbgton Beltway, I-495, in the Forrestville area, with several cars reportedly airborne in the crash. A third person was killed on Tuesday in the District of Columbia when a tractor trailer crashed into a driver on a dirt bike in Northeast Washington.

Amidst all this tragedy, a baby was born in her car, when the father and mother got snared in the traffic backup on New York Avenue, N.E., caused by the Washington crash. Jeromeka Chappelle, 24, was in labor and on New York Avenue with her father driving to Washington Hospital Center about 6:30 a.m. Realizing they were caught in the backup, and with Jeromeka experiencing contractions, the father called 911.

According to the Washington Post, the recording on 911 showed that the dispatcher didn’t realize that they were in a car. "What's your address?" the dispatcher asked. "I'm not in an address. I’m on the call on my way to the hospital. The water done broke, and she said she feels the baby.” A few minutes later, the father saw three officers, and tried to flag them down. By then, a baby girl had entered the world, and the father blurted out "The baby just came out." The baby was breathing and crying, a good sign. An emergency crew arrived shortly thereafter and took mother and child to the hospital, where they are doing fine.

Despite the loss of three on the roadways in crashes on Tuesday, one young newborn girl arrived safely, and in a most unusual way. Fortunately, she is healthy, and the crashes and hours long backup on the Beltway did not cause her harm. We wish we could say the same for the other, less fortunate drivers.

We wish the families of those who lost loved ones the best in this most difficult time.

D.C, Tractor Trailer Crash Kills Hyattsville Man

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

As this blog discussed yesterday, a crash on Florida Avenue between a tractor trailer and what was then described as a motorcycle, took the life of the cyclist. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/tractor-trailer-strikes-kills-motorcyclist-in-dc.cfm

Metropolitan Police today revealed that the victim was Royal Garner of Hyattsville, Maryaldn and that he was riding a dirt bike at the time of the crash.

Reportedly Mr. Garner and a colleague were riding dirt bikes on Florida Avenue in the District of Columbia when a tractor trailer made a wide turn onto Eckington Place thereby causing Mr. Garner to lose control of his bike and/or causing him to strike a rear tore of the commercial truck.

D.C. police continue to investigate the precise cause of the deadly crash.

Prince George's County I-495 Crash Turns Deadly

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly car crash occurred in the Largo area of Prince George's County killing two and injuring two other drivers. The early morning incident occurred near Ritchie Marlboro Road and involved as many as six vehicles, one of which became airborne. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2478472

Maryland State Police report two cars on the Outer Loop 0f I-495 were clipped by a third car, resulting in their going over the median strip into Inner Loop Beltway traffic. One of those cars became airborne while crossing the median guardrail and landed on an Inner Loop I-495 vehicle.

Police report that one driver was arrested for driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/161144/158/Fatal-Accident-Closed-Beltway-Tuesday-Morning

Car Struck by Train In Frederick Injuring Driver

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A New Jersey man ended up on CSX rail tracks in his car on Monday and sustained severe injuries, resulting in his transfer to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

David Callan of Stratford, New Jersey was driving on a private road near East Baldwin Road in Frederick County, Maryland when he ended up on the CSX freight rail tracks where his car was struck in the rear.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/cc526b3a67ac4fcbbdcae1d01145ecdb/MD--Car-Train-Collision/

The crash near New Market has left Mr. Callan in critical condition.

More Chicanery in Sudden Acceleration Cases

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported here in the past, a judge in Florida in a sudden unintended acceleration crash case has overturned a jury verdict in favor of the Ford Motor Corporation, finding that Ford Motor Corporation fraudulently concealed evidence of electronic causes of sudden unintended acceleration crashes in Ford cars, vans and trucks. The judge ordered a new trial for the victims of the crash and ordered that the case proceed only on the issue of how much compensation should be awarded to the plaintiffs in compensatory and punitive damages.

Now, private companies looking into these cases have discovered that the National Highway Safety Transportation Administation has aided Ford and Toyota by apparently concealing facts in its report of these cases, by redacting information in the NHTSA report. When NHSTA finished its investigation and released its report, readers were unable to discern all of the facts in the report because sections of the report were redacted by NHSTA. Shortly after NHSTA released its report with redactions, the good people at Quality Control Systems Corporation filed a Freedom of Information Act Report requesting the redacted information. After much work and legal maneuvering, Quality Control Systems obtained many of the redacted sections of the report. Upon reviewing the previously redacted information, Quality Control Systems Corporation discovered that there was no legitimate reason to redact the infomation other than saving Ford and Toyota from emabarrassment.

This article explains how Ford and Toyota gamed the system. It would seems that not even our govermental agencies are giving us the full picture of what happened in these sudden unintended acceleration cases. The investigation referred to above seems to suggest that NHTSA is more interested in helping big corporations than the victims of those corporations' mistakes.

Bravo to Quality Control Systems Corporation for unearthing the truth throught the Freedom of Information Act. For more information on sudden unintended acceleration crashes, we recommend you read the articles highlighted in this report, or call our office for more information.

Tractor Trailer strikes Kills Motorcyclist in D.C.

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning crash on Florida Avenue in the District of Columbia between a tractor trailer and a motorcycle, kiiled the motorcyclist.

Metropolitan Police are investigating how the crash happened. We should hear more from the Major Crash Division later this week.

Crofton Car Crash Kills Glen Burnie Man.

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early Sunday morning car crash in Crofton, Maryland took the life of a Glen Burnie man. Javaid Firdaus was Northbound on Route 3, in a Ford Crown Victoria, when a Jeep making a left turn onto Davidsonville Road struck him. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Jeep driver was a Millersville, Maryland resident who was reportedly operating her vehicle on a learners permit. She and her passenger were treated for personal injuries.

Friendship Heights Metro Train strikes Pedestrian

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Red Line Metro train struck a passenger at the Friendship Heights Metro Station in Chevy Chase. The crash took place around 4 pm and Metro officials are perplexed at how the victim ended up on the tracks.

The Friendship Heights Station was temporarily closed and now trains in the area are single-tracking, thus producing substantial delays on the Red Line.

The extent of the personal injuries sustained by the man are unknown but were reported to be "traumatic".

Train Crash In China Exposes Government Censorship and Cover-Up

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A train crash in Beijing, China between two high speed trains that killed 40 people and injured 192 others has exposed the Chinese government's efforts to censor and cover-up important facts about the crash. Only this time, the Chinese people fought back and exposed the truth: through blogs on the internet that the censors could not keep up with.

As reported in the New York Times (see link above), when two high speed trains crashed in Beijing, people started blogging about the facts within minutes of the crash. The reports by people on the scene, with knowledge of the facts, undercut and contradicted official reports by the government. In one reported instance, local authorities ordered lawyers not to represent victims of the train crash without government approval.

Fortunately for those who believe that governments should not lie to its people, the Chinese people took to the airwaves of the internet (its not really airwaves; some my remember the late Senator Ted Steven's description-those "tubes" that carry information) to reveal the facts as they were occurring. Chinese censors could not keep up with the internet traffic.

Imagine if our great country controlled the media, and ordered lawyers not to take cases where gross negligence killed scores of people. Imagine for a moment that in the hours after a train crash catastrophe, such as this one in China, local authorities buried the lead train in the accident and ordered lawyers to not represent victims of the crash-before any investigation was performed. Imagine that government authorities then blamed the weather and other technical reasons for the crash, as happened in the Beijing train crash, when at least one eyewitness saw one the trains in the moments before the crash being operated in a careless manner, with no unusual weather conditions. Is this an example Chinese tort reform?

Lawyers perform an important function in society in exposing unsafe practices by large corporate interests which pay millions of dollars for lobbyists, public relations companies, lawyers, and investigators, all in an effort to place profits above all else, including on occasion, safety. Through our legal system, lawyers have forced changes in the automobile industry leading to reduced traffic fatalities, with mandatory seatbelts and air bags installed in all cars. Lawyers efforts have led to the manufacture of safer cars, safer planes and safer trains. Now if only China can catch up.

Bicyclist Injured in Anne Arundel County Hit and run Crash.

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A bicyclist was struck by a car and finds himself in critical condition in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Steven Siegel of Annapolis was riding on East College Parkway near Sandy Point Park, when he was struck by a small, gray sedan.

The crash took place around a quarter to eight Tuesday evening. Mr. Siegel was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

The hit and run driver is still at large and Anne Arundel County Police are seeking any information at : 410-222-6145, Anne Arundel Police Communications at 410-222-8610 or the Metro Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Arundel Mills Construction Site Sees deadly Wall collapse.

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Arundel Mills Slots Parlor project suffered a deadly setback today when a wall collapsed on two workers, killing one and critically injuring another. The Maryland Occupational and Safety Health Administration (MOSHA) will investigate what caused this tragic work site accident. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bs-md-ar-mall-construction-accident-20110729,0,1876111.story

The precast concete wall was reportedly 30 by 40 feet and weighed 25 tons. The cause of this construction site incident is unknown. http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/mosh/

Judge Finds Ford Motor Corporation Fraudulently Concealed Causes of Sudden Electronic Acceleration-Sets Aside Jury Verdict Exonerating Ford

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Senior Judge in the Fifth Circuit has set aside a Florida jury's verdict finding Ford Motor Corporation not liable in a sudden acceleration catastrophic car crash case after the judge found that Ford Motor Corporation fraudulently concealed evidence from the trial court and the National Safety Transportation Administration. The Court found that Ford had concealed other causes of sudden acceleration in crashes and offered evidence at trial that defrauded the court. Ford Motor Corporation offered evidence at trial that stated it knew of no other causes of sudden acceleration in its vehicles other than driver error, when in fact Ford's own testing showed electromagnetic interference causing lsudden acceleration.

Does anyone remember the Ford Pinto cases?

Senior Judge Willam T. Swigert ordered a new trial as a result of his finding that Ford defrauded the court by concealing evidence of its own testing showing a cause of the sudden acceleration to be electromagnetic interference. The court ordered a new trial where the only evidence to be presented to the jury is that evidence needed to show compensatory and punitive damages due the plaintiffs.

The case involved a 2003 crash that left a woman paralyzed when her husband testified he could not slow down his Ford van despite depressing the brakes and doing everything humanly possible to stop the van. Although Ford's witnesses testified at trial that Ford could find no other causes of sudden acceleration other than human error, the Judge exorcised Ford after discovering the testimony was false-that Ford Motor Corporation had learned of sudden acceleration problems caused by electromagnetic interference with their vans and cars as early as the 1970's, almost forty years earlier.

Ford and other car manufacturers have, for years, relied upon reports from the National Safety Transportation Adminstration showing humnan error to be the cause of sudden acceleration problems. The Judge found that Ford had lied to NSTA and those lies contributed to the NSTA's findings.

As we have written on this site, these crashes have injured and killed many people and have been investigated by the National Transportation Safety Administration for years. Those of us who represent victims of these kinds of crashes are not surprised by this finding-just that it took forty years to expose Ford and other manufacturers of their fraud.

If you've been injured in a sudden acceleration crash, know what you are up against-just as this Florida judge discovered after presiding over one of the first trials of this type-lies, fraud, and greed.

Anne Arundel County Hit and Run Victim's Family Seek Public Help

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Alex Canales Hernandez's family is seeking the public's help in learning who struck him as he bicycled to work on July, 14 2011.

Mr. Hernandez was crossing Ritchie Highway en route to his job at an area car wash when he was struck by a dark-colored vehicle. Initally it was reported that the hit and run driver was a woman operating a dark sedan but subsequent investigation has deemed it more likely that the victim was struck by a dark SUV, probably a Jeep Liberty or a Ford Escape.

The hit and run vehicle will have extensive passenger-side front windshield and side mirror damage.

Any information can be conveyed to the Anne Arundel County police at http://www.aacounty.org/Police/about.cfm

Tractor-Trailer tour Bus Crash Kills Trucker Injures Many Bus Passengers

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last week the bus originated in Washington, D.C., this week the originating city was Hamilton, Ontario, but the result and locale were the same , deadly and injurious bus crash in New York State. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/new-tire-blowout-caused-crash-of-dc-based-bus.cfm

This time a tractor-trailer rear-ended a tour bus in Waterloo, New York killing the truck driver and injuring more than 30 passengers on the tour bus.

Two of the passengers were critically injured. State police report heroic efforts by a soldier from Fort Drumm
who pulled passnegers from the burning wreckage of the tour bus. For more:

spxhttp://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/One-confirmed-dead-30-injured-in-Seneca-Co/xpAjq8DixUGX-9W5EBnS2A.c

Toyota Develops Car That Brakes and Steers Away Pre-Crash When Driver Does Not

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Toyota Corporation has developed a motor vehicle that can both brake and steer without driver involvement when the vehicle is about to crash into another car or object in front of it. This safety technology will steer the car away from a collision when a driver does not.

While many automobile manufacturers are working on safety technology, the Toyota pre-crash safety technology includes both steering and braking. This vehicle technology calculates distances, speed, braking and steering to avoid a crash. As reported in the Washington Post (see bove link), automobile fatalities are declining in Japan as these new technologies are introduced.

We are not yet able to drive cars that protect us from all crashes, but technological advances such as this one may one day lead to cars so safe that fatalities and catastrophic injuries are minimal and rare. As we have reported on our website, safety technology, such as tractor trailor vehicle stability control, reduces accident fatalities and injuries.

We commend these automoblie manufacturers as they seek to develop safe cars. These cars should save a lot of lives, and make generous profits for their manufacturers.

Hagerstown Train Crash with Truck Not Fatal! (Thank Goodness)

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Miraculously, 87-year-old George Fuscsick of Hagerstown, Maryland survived a collision between his pick-up truck and a CSX freigh train. The crash occurred around ten of two this afternoon in Hagerstown on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The force of the collision overturned Mr. Fuscsick's truck and after a visit to the hospital he returned home.

It is reported that he failed to stop for flashing red lights at the railroad crossing. http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-pickup-truck-train-collide-at-crossing-in-hagerstown-20110721,0,1532331.story

Five Killed When Van Crashes Into Tractor

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to a Sheriff in New York State, tragedy struck several families yesterday when a car tried to pass a slow moving farm tractor on a two lane road. As the van crossed the dividing lines of the road, it sideswiped an oncoming van, which then crashed into the tractor, killing five people and seriously injuring nine others, including the driver of the tractor.

According to Yates County Sheriff Ronald Spike, five people in the van were pronounced dead at the scene of the late night/early morning crash. Nine others were taken to local hospitals, some with "very serious" injuries.

"In passing, (the car) glanced off the van and went off the highway and the van ended up going underneath the farm tractor." Sheriff Yates was also quoted as saying: "It's just a horrific tragedy. It really strained the EMS services and fire departments." The sheriff was also quoted as saying the crash was one of the worst crashes in the history of the county.

Although we live in a heavily populated metropolitan area with two great cities within forty miles of each other, there are still many areas of our region where working farms and suburban life overlap. In Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Frederick County, Howard County and Calvert County, as well as many other Maryland counties, we live and commute to our jobs in Washington,D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, yet working farms still operate in some ways just as they did at the turn of the century.

In today's world, with all its modern technological advancements and its frantic pace, it is not unusual in our area to see slow moving tractors on the roadways. Yet modern cars and trucks can exceed speeds of one hundred miles per hour.

Safety is too important to overlook when you come upon a slow moving vehicle like a farm tractor. Please be aware of the dangers associated with farm equipment using our roads. In our modern technological times, its easy to forget a slower time of life, when horses, carriages, and farm tractors were plentiful and on every roadway. When it comes to matters of safety on the roadways, where a life can be lost in a blink of an eye, what's your hurry?

Police Car Crash Injures Three: Closes Colesville Road

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three people were injured when a Montgomery County police cruiser, responding to a call last night in Silver Spring, crashed into their car at the intersection of Colesville Road (Route 29) and Sligo Creek Parkway, in Montgomery County, Maryland. The July 19th crash occurred around midnight, and led to closure of Route 29 for several hours.

Colesville Road was still closed during rush hour traffic this morning. The three occupants of the car, and the police officer were taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

Barnesville Crash Kills driver

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Montgomery County crash killed the vehicle's driver Sunday night July 17, 2011. The incident occurred on Mt. Ephraim road in Barnesville around 9:15 pm.

It is reported that the Northbound driver went off the road, struck a power pole and that the power lines came down and the car caught on fire. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=46&sid=2459668

The collision ejected the driver from his car and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

New Tire Blow-Out Caused Crash of D.C. Based Bus

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

More information continues to emerge about the cause of the Up-state New York crash of a D.C. bus that killed two women from India. The bus which left the District of Columbia, Sunday morning July 17, 2011, went off the road and turned over some 50 miles South of Rochester, New York en route to Niagara Falls. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/dc-tour-bus-crash-kills-two-injures-many.cfm

The bus was owned by Bedore Tours of North Tonawanda, New York and was driven by John Dinardo, who evidently does not understand the cause of the crash other than the fact that a front tire on the bus blew-out.

Reportedly the tires on the bus had been recently replaced.

20 passengers remain hospitalized for personal injuries.

More than 30 people have been killed intour bus crashes this year and more than 320 injured. This increase in injurious and fatal crashes should draw considerable attention from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. For more go to: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

D.C Tour Bus Crash kills Two, Injures Many

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A bus bound for Niagara Falls from the District of Columbia, crashed in the woods of up-state New York killing two passengers and injuring 35.

The crash took place around 4:30 pm in Steuben County, New York. Ths bus was owned by Bedore Tours of North Tonawanda, New York. Some early speculation has suggested that a blow out may have played a role in the accident.

Deadly MARC Train Crash in Gaithersburg

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man was struck and killed by a MARC train on Friday July 15, 2011 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The crash took place near the intersection of West and North Diamond Avenues around 5:30 pm.

The Northbound Brunswick Line train was near the Washington Grove Station and the crash death tied up the line extensively this evening.

This is the third train crash death in Gaithersburg in 2011 and the second involving a MARC train.

Judge Laments Cap On Damages Awarded Victims in Train Crash Case

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A California judge presiding over a train crash case that killed 25 people and injured over 100 others stated that the state's cap on damages was forcing him to approve settlements that are inadequate, and that will not fully pay for all medical bills and losses suffered by all the victims of the crash. The train crash occurred when a train conductor passed through a red signal and collided into another train. An investigation of the crash by the National Transportation Safety Board found that the conductor of the train was texting in the moments beforer running the red siganl that caused the crash.

The Judge complained that the state's law capping damage recoveries by the train crash victims was forcing him to make "impossible decisions." In one instance involving a brain damaged victim, the award will only pay for one half of the lifetime medical bills needed for the injured party's necessary medical treatment.

We previously reported on the harmful and unfair effects of caps on damages that can be recovered by victims of negligence. In one particularly painful application of the law capping damages in Maryland, one of our clients who suffered horrific injuries as a result of medical malpractice received a Ten Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollar ($10,200,000.00) judgment, only to see it reduced by the trial court to Six Hundred Thirty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($632,500.00) in accordance with Maryland's cap on non-economic damages. These statutes place limits on the amounts of moneys injured victinms can receive when they prove negligence, and were enacted by state legislatures in response to the insurance lobby's claim that such caps were necessary to combat "frivolous and non-meritorius" injury claims that cause insurance premiums to rise, and doctors to stop practicing medicine. These claims have been shown to lack empircal evidence and have harmed many injury victims without any commensurate savings in insurance premiums for consumers, as the proponents of these laws claimed they would do.

If you have any questions regarding Maryland's cap on damage recoveries by victims of negligence and malpractice, feel free to call the lawyers at Clark & Steinhorn.

Baltimore-Washington Parkway Crash Kills One, Injures Others

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Area roadways proved deadly yesterday, as crashes on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and the Beltway took two lives and injured a bevy of others.

The first crash took place near the College Park interchange on I-495 and involved three vehicles, two of which were on the left shoulder involved in changing a tire. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/deadly-i-495-crash-shuts-down-beltway-outer-loop.cfm

The second crash took place in the Laurel area on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway near Route 197 around 10:15 pm. A single vehicle crash took place when a car left the roadway while going Northbound. Reportedly 4 passengers were trapped in the vehicle after the accident and had to be extricated by authorities.

Another Deadly Prince Georges County Crash, this time in Accokeek.

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sadly, another deadly car crash has taken place in Prince Georges County. The latest crash between a car and a truck, took place on Indian Head Highway in Accokeek.

The collision took place around 5 this afternoon near the intersection with Berry Road and involved a Saturn which went from the Northbound lanes into the Southbound lanes, where it collided with a truck or SUV. The ensuing crash killed the Saturn driver and sent the truck driver to an area hospital.

This crash comes on the heels of a deadly Laurel crash on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and an I-495 crash near the Beltway's College Park interchange. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/baltimorewashington-parkway-crash-kills-one-injures-others.cfm

Deadly I 495 Crash Shuts Down Beltway Outer Loop

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly I-495 crash near the College Park interchange, shut down the outer loop of the Beltway in Prince Georges County this afternoon.

The crash occurred between the New Hampshire Avenue and Route One exits, when two cars involved in changing a tire on the left Beltway shoulder were struck by a third vehicle. The fatality occurred when a man was caught between the two vehicles on the I-495 shoulder.

Two children were also seriously injured as well as two adults. For more see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post_now/post/5-seriously-hurt-in-beltway-crash/2011/07/07/gIQAvzCg2H_blog.html?hpid=z4

Motorcyclist Protesting New York State Helmet Laws Killed In Crash

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

In what can only be described as a horrible irony, a motorcyclist protesting New York State's helmet laws with 550 other motorcyclists was killed when he was thrown off his motorcycle, struck his head on the pavement in the crash, and died of fatal head injuries. The single vehicle crash caused no other injuries.

In a time when "government regulation" is a dirty word to many, motorcycle helmet laws are a good example of how government regulations can save lives. Seat belts, air bags, and helmet laws are good examples of how government regulations, though interfering in our day to day choices, nontheless save lives. We lament the loss of life here, and urge our readers to use common sense in their day to day activities, whether the government mandates it, or or our own sensible prudence prevails.

And for those who argue helmet laws interfere with individual freedom, think of the cost to society when a motorcyclist without a helmet survives a crash like this one. The medical costs of treating someoneone with severe brain injuries is a huge drain on our medical resources. Avoidance of harms like these seems to be a reasonable compromise between individual freedoms, and society's need to avoid millions of dollars in medical care that could be avoided if the driver wore a helmet.

Finally, on a personal note, this writer would not be blogging today if he did not wear a motorcycle helmet over two decades ago. Although my helmet cracked in two when I crashed into the tree, I suffered a concussion and other non-life threatening injuries: my skull concussed but did not fracture. Six week recovery, and no brain injuries.

Please wear your helmet-its the law in Maryland and the District of Columbia. And in those states where its your choice-choose safety.

Family of Four Killed in Virginia Crash; Driver Charged With DUI

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a horrific crash, a father, mother and their two sons were killed when a vehicle driven by a suspected drunk driver failed to reduce speed, and crashed into the rear of the family's Jeep Cherokee as it waited at a red light. The family was headed to a family barbeque in Virginia when the crash occurred. The crash ruptured the Jeep's fule tank, causing the vehicle to catch fire, killing all four occupants.

The driver of the crash was charged with driving under the influence, manslaugter, and under age possession of alcohol. The victims were identified as Mark Kevin Roe, 49, Amanda Louise Roe, 31, and their two sons, Caleb Andrew Roe, 11, and Tyler Kevin Roe, 4. The Roes resided in Stephenson, Va., a small town north of Winchester, in Frederick County.

Our hearts go out to the family.

High Cost of Gasoline Affecting Travel Plans For July 4th Weekend Vacations

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

An article in the Washinbgton Post finds that many families in the Maryland-Washington-Virginia metro area are limiting their travel plans for the upcoming July 4th weekend holiday due to high gasoline prices. Surprisingly, many of these families are traveling by air, instead of by car. According to AAAMid-Atlantic spokesman Lon Anderson, "the high cost of gasoline is throwing a monkey wrench in the travel plans of some Washington households struggling to make ends meet."

Air travel seems to be an alternative, according to Mr. Anderson. “On the other hand, the three area airports will be extremely busy during the holiday, as more than 72,000 Washingtonians fly to their destinations.” This could be good news for travelers using the highways. Sounds like airports will be a bit more crowded, though.

With gas prices dropping this summer, we hope the high cost of gasoline will not similarly affect travel plans this Labor Day. See you at the beach!

Bladensburg Hit and Run Crash Proves Fatal to Teen

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 17-year-old Bladensburg man was struck and killed Thursday evening June 23, 2011 while walking in the 4900 Block of Quincy Street in Prince Georges County. Luis Felipe Leonardo-Candelario was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The hit and run reportedly involved a gray or silver SUV, model year 2004 or earlier. Prince Georges County Police are seeking witnesses or information regarding this tragic incident. Call (301)731-4422 to assist

Maryland Highway Safety Office Focuses on Young Drivers and Crash Avoidance

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Maryland Highway Safety Office perfomed a detailed analysis of drivers education programs and recently published a detailed report with an eye towards reducing the incidence of crashes and fatalities involving teen drivers.

The priority recommendations include :

1. An increased role for teachers and other stakeholders in evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of drivers ed programs.

2. Increase the time and curricula for drivers ed instructors.

3, Increase parental involvement in drivers ed programs including a parental orientation program and a debriefing program with the instructor, to keep parents apprised of their child's progress.

4. Increase oversight of drivers ed schools with both overt and covert monitoring.

The ideas make a vast amount of sense particularly when young drivers involvement in injurious and deadly car accidents are disproportionately high.

Columbia Car Crash Injures Officer

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Officer Christopher Calcaterra of the Howard County Police was injured when a teen driver ran a stop sign and struck his cruiser. The crash occurred at the corner of Freetown Road and Quarterstaff Road in Howard county.

The injured officer was taken to Howard County general Hospital and is being treated.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-police-involved-crash-20110622,0,3827509.story

One Person Killed, Three Others Injured By Driver Fleeing Police In Stolen Car

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

In another horrific crash that led to tragedy for several families, the driver of a stolen vehicle being chased by police crashed and caused a three car collision that killed one person and injured three others, as well as the driver of the stolen vehicle. Law enforcement officials identified Michael D. Brown, age 40, of the District of Columbia, as the driver of the stolen vehicle that caused the crash.

According to the police, a deputy in West Virginia saw Brown speeding, and when the officer tried to pull him over, Brown sped up, and fled from the deputy. The deputy then called local authorites when Brown crossed into Virginia, where the crash occurred, and where he was apprehended. Authorities report that Brown was driving a stolen vehicle, and was wanted on a probation violation in connection with grand larceny charges in Arlington.

The incident is under investigation.

Federal Judge Orders Toyota to Face U.S. Sudden-Acceleration Trial in 2013

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The first of hundreds of cases involving claims of injury and death due to sudden acceleration in Toyota cars has been scheduled for trial in federal court in Utah. The Utah crash caused the deaths of a driver and his passenger when their car acclerated to an extremely high speed and crashed into a wall. Skid marks at the scene showed that the driver was trying to brake and slow the vehicle down prior to the crash, without success. Two other family members in the car were also injured.

The first of hundreds of "Toyota sudden acceleration" death and injury cases, will proceed to trial in Feburary of 2013. The case, entitled Van Alfen v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., is the first of several bellwether lawsuits intended to determine how the rest of the cases in litigation will proceed. Van Alfen and the fiance of his son were killed in the crash, and the case will proceed as a wrongful death case.

Toyota denies all liability for the crashes, and denies that any defect in its cars is responsible for the hundreds of claims of sudden acceleration crashes that led to injuries, and in some instances deaths, involving Toyota's motor vehicles.

The Utah Highway Patrol determined that the crash that caused Van Alfen's death was caused by the floor mat interfering with the accelerator pedal. The 2008 Camry that Mr. Van Alfen was driving was subject to recalls focusing on all-weather floor mats interfering with accelerator pedals, unsecured mats entrapping the gas pedal and accelerators getting stuck.

Harford County Tractor Trailer Crash Closes Down I-95

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two Northbound tractor trailers crashed on I-95 near Churchville Road in Harford County, Maryland early this morning.

The collision occurred around half past two and closed down I-95 altogether for a brief time and resulted in a detour Northbound until around eight am. One driver was injured and was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for medical treatment.

Prince George's County Hit and Run Crash Deadly for Motorcyclist

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Prince George's County Police are investigating a deadly hit and run crash that took place early yesterday morning on Riverdale Road near 63rd Place. Delavan Lamont Bean of Bowie was invovlved in a crash with a Lincoln Navigator SUV around 5:00 am while riding his motorcycle.

Reportedly the SUV failed to yield right of way to the victim and made a left turn across its path. A collision ensued and the SUV left the scene with rear-end damage. Any information on this fatal crash can be relayed to Prince George's County Police at (301)731-4422

Health Insurer To Refund Millions And To Cap Profits For Policyholders

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Blue Shiled of California announced that it will refund millions of dollars in profits to its customers after it realized profits greater than expected. The company also announced it will cap profits at 2%, after its profits soared to 3.1%. The health insurers' higher than expected profits resulted from its investments, and less claims payments after policyholders sought less medical treatment last year.

Blue Shield of California is a non-profit insurance company. Blue Shield's refund to their policyholders totals $167,000,000.00. The huge refund is likely to be a public relations bonanza for the company. An unintended consequence of the company's action may be to to fuel public awareness that the high cost of health insurance is producing huge profits for the health insurance industry. For-profit insurance companies, unlike Blue Shield of California, are required to meet Wall Street's expected earnings and profits margins in order to satisfy their shareholders.

Carefirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente, two of the biggest insurers in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia had no comment regarding whether they had similar profits and whether they willl refund moneys to their policyholders.

The reality is that despite what you've heard about the supposed "insurance crisis", and the need for civil justice tort reform (victims rights lawsuits), insurance companies continue to announce record profits for their shareholders. Think about this story each time you (or your employer) pay your monthly insurance premiums, or when you write checks for your co-payments to the doctors each time you get medical care. And don't forget this article when you consider the cost to you and your family for your deductibles and prescription drug payments.

D.C. school Bus Crash Sends Nine to Area Hospitals

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two school buses collided on Eastern Avenue Thursday afternoon sending nine to area hospitals. The crash involved one bus from the Prince Georges County school system and one from the District.

The most serious injuries were thought to have been sustained by the bus operators. The head-on collision took place near the intersection with Booth Lane.

School bus safety belt use is increasingly being held out as a mechanism for reducing the extent of injuries to school bus passengers with the incidental benefit of inculcating in children at an early age, the need to wear safety belts.
http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=8014

DDOT Meeting To Focus on Maryland Avenue Pedestrian Safety

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The District of Columbia Department of Transportation has scheduled a meeting this Saturday to seek the public's input into improving pedestrial safety at Maryland Avenue. The Maryland Avenue safety project is seeking input from the public for ways to improve the area, and is considering enhanced pedestrian crossings, accessible bus stops, updated traffic signal timing and traffic calming. The Department is seekling feedback from pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers regarding safety concerns.

As reported here in the past, pedestrian safety continues to be a growing concern for local authorities in the District of Columbia area, as pedestrian injuries and fatalaties seem to be increasing. Out of 52 metropolitan areas across the United States The Surface Transportation Policy Partnership studied pedestrian safety in 52 metropolitan areas in the United States. The study rated Baltimore as the 29th most dangerous city for pedestrian safety, and rated Washington D. C. as the 32nd most dangerous city for pedestrian safety in the United States.

For more information about this Saturday's meeting on the Maryland Avenue Safety Project, you can e-mail george.branyan@dc.gov or call 202-671-2561.

Anne Arundel County Crashes Kill Toddler and Adult, Injure Five Critcally

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two deadly crashes took place in Anne Arundel County less than 12 hours apart and the common denominator was a failure on the part of the drivers and their passengers to use safety equipment, meaning seat and shoulder belts.

The first, tragically killed a toddler, who was not secured in a child safety seat and instead was sitting in the lap of a rear seat passenger. Joseph Eugene Sutherlin of Baltimore was declared dead at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, a tender three years of age.

The driver, Buck John Benny of Halethorpe, and his four other surviving passengers, were in critical condition at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. It is reported that Mr. Benny struck a tree and that none of the passengers were wearing seatbelts.

The second crash killed Daniel John Sohovich ll, after his car lost control and turned over throwing him from his vehicle. He too was not wearing a seat belt. http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/for/2011/06/09-36/Driver-dies-after-losing-control-of-car.html

It seems that so many fatal crashes involve the deadly combination of excessive speed and failure to use safety belts. It is hard to understand how a reported 16-year-old could be at the wheel of a car with four adult passengers and a toddler and yet none were using seat belts and the child was not in a safety seat. http://www.allvoices.com/news/9346925-boy-3-dies-after-crash-that-injures-5-teens-man-killed-in-separate-arundel-accident

For more on crash prevention see: http://www.maryland-law.com/library/maryland-car-and-truck-crash-safety-its-in-the-plan.cfm

Bond Hearing For Bus Crash Driver Postponed

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The bond hearing scheduled for June 8, 2011 in the case of Kin Yiu Cheung, the bus driver charged with four counts of manslaugter arising from the deaths of four passengers in the recent I-95 bus crash that also injured dozens of other passengers, was postponed today by a Virginia judge. The bond hearing was to determine whether Mr. Cheung was a flight risk. The hearing was continued until June 15th to allow Mr. Cheung to produce a passport.

Authorities claim that Cheung was fatigued when the bus he was driving drove off the road, hit an embankment and flipped over, and injured scores of passengers and led to the deaths of four of those passengers. The May 31st crash occurred about 30 miles north of Richmond, VA. Mr. Cheung is being held without bond.

Two People Killed in Beltway Motorcycle Crash

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

In yet another tragedy that appears to have been caused by excessive speed, two people were killed early this morning when the motorcycle they were driving struck a guardrail, causing both the driver and passenger to be thrown from the motorcycle and killed. As we have reported here before, although motor vehicle crash deaths are declining, fatalities in motorcycle cases are rising. Excessive speed and reckless driving appear to be contributing facttors in many of these deaths.

One of the greatest thrills I experienced in my youth was riding motorcycles. That was before our roadways were so overcrowded, and our drivers much less likely to be distracted by cel phones (didn't have them in the 1970's or early 80's when I drove) or texting (who would've thougt of that back in the days of rotary dial phones) or GPS navigation systems (anyone remember free road maps?).

If you do drive a motorcycle, please drive safely and slowly. You can't control the actions of other drivers, but you can decrease the risk of injury or death by driving prudently, and within the posted speed limits at all times.

Deadly Prince George's County Crash Takes Three Lives

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three area residents were killed and a fourth badly injured in a car crash on Indian Head Highway near the Woodrow Wilosn Bridge early Sunday morning June 5, 2011.

The fatal Prince Georges County crash took place around 3 in the morning and took the lives of Eugene and Cordelia Johnson and Gwendolyn Demby. They were riding together when a Chevrolet Yukon struck thei rcar from behind propelling it into a tree. A fourth passnger sustained "debilitating injuries".

No legal charges have reported to be yet forthcoming from police for the Yukon driver but Prince George's County Police report that speed and alcohol were both contribbuting factors to the collision.

Frederick Truck Crash at Drag Strip Injures Pedestrians

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Montgomery County, Maryland man reportedly drove his truck into a crowd at a Monrovia, Maryland raceway Frdiay night striking fou pedestrians and sending one of the crash victims to the hospital.

The crash at 75-80 dragway resulted in the arrest of Justin William Wachter of Poolesville by Maryland State Police on charges of assault. Winesses suggested that this incident may have been then result of a previous altercation at the same raceway approximately one year before.

Bus Crash Driver In Fatal Crash Charged With Involunatary Manslaughter

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The driver of the bus that crashed in Virginia on I-95 has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter. In adddition to the deaths of the four passengers, the crash caused scores of injuries, and turned local hospital emergency rooms into mash units. Reports by some passengers suggest the bus swerved on the highway before running off the interstate and landing on its side.

The criminal charges appear based on findings that the driver of the bus was suffering from driver fatigue. Reports indicate that the low cost bus service company that operated the bus was found to have violated numerous federal regualtions and was on the verge of being shut down by the federal government before last weekend's bus crash.

As reported on this web site in the past, although commerical vehicle and truck crashes are on the decline, driver fatigue is a common cause of these types of crashes. Government regulations in place that are intended to reduce the risk of accidents are not always followed by commerical bus and truck operators who sometimes try to save money by overusing drivers in apparent violation of these laws.

It is prudent to shop for the best price when using a bus service, particularly in these difficult economic times. But if the charges seem too good to be true, be sure to do some research on the company that you wish to use. The company that operated this bus appears to have a lengthy record of violations, and according to news reports, was on the verge of being shut down by the federal government for longstanding violations.

Deadly Fredrick Crash Driver Pleads Guilty

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Frederick County Driver pled guilty to vehicular homicide as a result of a deadly crash last August. Jose Miguel Izaguirre Calderon had ironically volunteered to drive home some bar patrons who had been abandoneed by their designated driver.

The crash on Eastbound I-70 near Mt. Tabor Road ejected Roberto Monarca, killing him after he was thrown more than 70 feet from the vehicle. Mr. Calderon had previously been in trouble in Maryland for drinking and driving having received a disposition of probation before judgement a mere 4 months before this fatal crash.

Wheaton Hit and Run Crash Kills Pedestrian

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Montgomery County married couple had just emerged from a Metrobus and were crossing Viers Mil Road in Wheaton when they were struck by a white BMW which left the crash scene.

The crash killed the wife and and injured the husband sending him to an area hospital. Montgomery County Police subsequently located both the vehicle and its driver, who was questioned about the collision.

An accident reconstruction is underway with the results being submitted to the Montgomery County States Attorneys office for evauation of what charges if any to bring.

It certainly seems probable that this hit and run crash will yield charges of failure to remain at the scene of an accident.

Howard County, Maryland Crash Kills Off-Duty State Trooper on I-95

Sat, 21 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Maryland State Trooper was killed in a crash on I-95 South of Route 32 in Howard County, Maryland early this morning. The collision took place a little after 2:30am near the rest stop.

Initial reports indicate that the off-duty officer may have struck a parked tractor-trailer. Trooper Shaft Hunter may have been in pursuit of motorcyclist at the time of the crash. Our hearts are with his family and friends.

He reportedly left behind six children and was an eleven year veterean of the State Police. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2391958

Ride-On Bus Involved in Glenmont Crash with Kentucky Fried Chicken!

Sat, 21 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning Silver Spring crash between a Ride-On bus and a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant has perplexed authorities. The incident took place around 7:30am Friday May 20, 2011 at the Glenmont Metro Station.

Witnesses report that the driver, 54-year-old Andrew Kamara, crossed Southbound Gergia Avenue went over the median and across Northbound Georgia Avenue before striking the KFC building. Fortunately the KFC was closed at the time.

Miraculously reports are that only the driver and a passenger were injured. Some speculation exists that the driver may have had a medical problem of some sort that contributed to the incident taking place. http://www.gazette.net/stories/05202011/montnew120923_32565.php

Off-Road Crash Kills Harford County Teenager

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 16-year-old Harford County, Maryland teenager was killed in an off-road crash when he reportedly lost control of a Honda three-wheel vehicle and struck a tree on Wednesday night May 18, 2011.

The deadly crash took place in Havre De Grace in the vicinity of 2400 Robin Hood Road. The teen, apparnetly lost control of the off-road vehicle, struck a pine tree and was thrown a substantial distance from the vehicle. when police arrived he was able to inform them of his name and he was taken to Harford Memorial Hospital where he passed away. http://www.belairnewsandviews.com/2011/05/perryman-teen-killed-in-three-wheeler-accident-in-havre-de-grace-may-18.html

For more on the tragic phenomenon see: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/off-public-road-crashes-produce-many-deaths-and-injuries.cfm

Deadly Alcohol-Fueled Crash Yields 12-Year Prison Sentence

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Alejandro Roman of Montgomery County Maryland was sentenced to a 12-year jail sentence in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County in Rockville. Judge Nelson Rupp handed out a heavy sentence in part as a message to other would be drunk drivers particularly in light of the deadly Olney, Maryland tragedy of last weekend. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/deadly-crashes-maryland-drivers-common-denominator-alcohol.cfm

The crash on Rockville Pike took place in the early morning hours of October 10, 2010 after Mr. Roman and two friends were out celebrating a birthday. All deadly crashes are tragic but this incident in which Mr. Roman struck and killed his two friends was filled with a particular degree of pathos. http://kensington.patch.com/articles/two-pedestrians-struck-killed-on-wisconsin-avenue-early-sunday

Mr. Roman had no prior alcohol-related driving infractions and so his sentence for manslaughter by vehicle was unusually stiff and well outside the guidelines applicable.

Deadly Crashes and Maryland Drivers, Common Denominator : Alcohol

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

One driver was sentenced today in a deadly crash in the District of Columbia and the other driver was charged in a deadly crash in Olney, Maryland and the common denominator appears to be alcohol. This is no suprise to regular readers of this blog as alcohol and drug use play a significant role in deadly car crashes frequently. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/maryland-car-and-truck-crash-safety-its-in-the-plan.cfm

The problem is that this destructive cycle of drunk or buzzed driving never seems to end and the lessons learned by the families left behind wash over us seemingly lost on so many young people in particular.

In the District, Chamica Adams of Mitchellville, Maryland pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the drunken driving crash death of Austrian exchange student, Julia Bachenleitner. The sentence, over three years in jail, won't bring back the victim and will separate Ms. Adams from her young son who she was hurrying home to put to bed when this catastrophe happened. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-woman-gets-3-years-in-fatal-adams-morgan-drunken-driving-crash/2011/05/16/AFRiPE5G_story.html?hpid=z9

In Montgomery County a similar deadly crash took place this last weekend.

The tragic story of the crash deaths of Spencer Datt of Derwood, Maryland, and Haeley McGuire and John Hoover of Rockville, Maryland will haunt their families for years to come and the legal consequences for their driver, Kevin Coffay may be significant, but will this change the behavior of other young drivers? What does it take to get through to them? http://www.wtop.com/?nid=52&sid=2383441

Deadly Olney Crash Kills Three

Sun, 15 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning crash on Olney-Laytonsville Road in Montgomery County took the lives of three young men. The incident did not kill the vehicle's driver who escaped the scene on foot and was later apprehended by police. 20-year-old Kevin Coffay of Rockville, Maryland evidently lost control of his Toyota Corrolla, which left the road and struck a tree, killing 3 of his passengers. 1 passenger did survive.

The incident took place around 3am on Sunday May 15, 2011. The Montgomery County Police Accident Reconstruction Unit is attempting to determine how this tragedy took place. Anyone with information can phone them at (301)840-2435. For more go to: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/121854104.html
#mce_temp_url#

Queen Anne's County Bus Crash Yields Charges for SUV Driver

Sat, 14 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Thursday's Centreville, Maryland crash between a charter bus filled with kindergarteners and their parents and an SUV piloted by Carl Trenz, Jr. of Stevensville, Maryland has resulted in a variety of charges for Mr. Trenz. These include negliegent and reckless driving.

The collision in Queen Anne's County reportedly injured 17 and additionally injured Mr. Trenz. For more bgo to: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/centreville-maryland-bus-crash-injures-17.cfm

Bus Crashes Into Construction Truck: Sends 13 Passengers to Local Hospitals

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A commuter bus carrying passengers during morning rush hour crashed into the rear of a large truck, sending the truck crashing into a car in front of it. Thirteen passengers were taken to local hospitals in the Vienna, Virginia area, although initial reports are that none of the injuries was serious. Photographs published in the Washington Post show the severity of the crash.

The roadways in the Washington metropolitan area are amongst the most congested roadways in the country. If you drive regularly in the area during rush hour, you know how difficult driving can be during these hours. As reported here previously, the biggest cause of these car and truck crashes is speed and driver inattention.

Centreville, Maryland Bus Crash Injures 17

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A kindergarten filed trip to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. took a dangerous turn when the charter bus containing both children and adults was involved in a crash with a Volkswagen SUV in Centreville, Maryland today.

The crash took place on Maryland Route 213 at its intersection with White Marsh Road. The SUV was reportedly attempting to merge onto Southbound 213 a little after 9 this morning and pulled into the charter bus's path causing the bus driver to take evasive action to avoid a collision. http://www.abc27.com/Global/story.asp?S=14633506

The bus swerved onto the shoulder and struck a utility pole and thereafter turned onto its side.The crash is said to have injured 17 people, 1 of whom had to be flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center by helicopter.

The incident which took place in Queen Anne's County involved parents and students from Worton Elementary School in Kent County.

Off Public Road Crashes Produce Many Deaths and Injuries

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn, we examine the latest news on crash safety in Maryland, the District of Columbia and nationally, on a routine basis. If you read our blogs you know that crash deaths and injuries have been steadily declining on America's public roads. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/crash-deaths-reach-sixty-year-low.cfm

Now comes word from NHTSA that more than 840,000 personal injuries and 1700 crash deaths occur every year off of public roads. The NHTSA verdict is that drivers need to continue their sobriety, vigilance and use of safety equipment even when they are on private roadways.

Circuit Court Judge Awards Attorney Fees Against Fila Academy and Larry Fila, Jr.

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

On May 2, 2011, an Anne Arundel County Circuiit Court Judge awarded $398,643.51 in attorneys fees and costs against The Fila Academy, Inc. and Larry Fila, Jr. following a jury's finding that both defendants committed unfair or deceptive trade practices, and violated Maryland's Consmuer Protection Act. The award of attorneys fees, following a hearing in which the school's lawyers argued the students' attorneys were not entitled to any legal fees, brings the total judgment entered against The Fila Academy and Larry Fila, Jr. to $536,943.51.

The jury also awarded damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress in favor of all three students, against Larry Fila, Jr. Those damages, totalling $11,800.00, were overturned by the trial court, following the defendants' moving for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.

A second trial is scheduled for January 3, 2012, by another thirty students who claim they too were deceived by the school and its owner, and suffered damages as a result. That case claims the school defrauded the students, breached their contracts, and also committed unfair and deceptive trade practices, in addition to committing intentional infliction of emotional distress upon many of the students. As in the first case, the school and its owner deny any wrongdoing, despite the jury's finding in favor of the students in the first case to make it to trial.

The students were represented by Allan W. Steinhorn of Clark & Steinhorn, LLC, and George Hermina and John Hermina of the Hermina Law Group.

The newspapers in Annapolis have been following this case, and more information can be found in the Maryland Gazette newspaper, the Capital Hometown Annapolis newspaper, and Courthouse News.

Deadly Adelphi Crash Yields Vehicular Manslaughter Conviction

Sat, 07 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly Prince Georges County car crash in 2010 has resulted in the conviction of a Beltsville, Maryland woman on charges of vehicular manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle, driving while suspended and drunk driving. Jenny Mate struck and killed two men on Riggs road in Adelphi on February 1, 2010.

The defendant was reportedly driving her Cadillac at twice the speed limit in a Prince Georges County residential neighborhood with a blood alcohol of 0.15, when she encountered Roy Lacayo and Justo Rosario, Jr. who were exchanging information in the aftermath of a minor crash.

The sentencing will take place on July 12, 2011 and could yield a sentenece of more than twenty years in prison.

Germantown Dump Truck Crash Kills Teen

Sat, 07 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A crash at the intersection of Middlebrook Road and Germantown Road between an Audi and a dump truck killed a Germantown teen and injured his passengers.

Ivar Candia was driving on Middlebrook Road going West around 1am when the car he was operating struck a loaded dump truck, going North on Germantown Road. Mr. Candia and his two passengers were taken to Shady Gove Hospital where sadly Mr. Candia died. One of his passengers is reported to be in critical condition and one in stable condition.

The dump truck driver, Roger Terry Anthony of Burtonsville, Maryland, was reported to be uninjured.

While investigation continues the preliminary findings are that the Candia vehicle was proceeding through a flashing red light and the Terry vehicle a flashing yellow at the time of the crash.

Forestville Crash Kills Pedestrian on Pennsylvania Avenue

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A crash in the 7100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in Prince Georges County took the life of a 47-year-old pedestrian Friday night.

Dorothy Lewis-Gray of Forestville was reportedly attempting to cross Pennsylvania Avenue around midnight when she was struck by two cars . One of the drivers who struck her left the scene and the other remained and spoke to police.

Crash Deaths Reach Sixty Year Low

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) reports that traffic or crash related fatalities declined in 2010. This reduction in car, truck and pedestrian crash deaths is part of a broader long-term trend in America spanning many years.

The overall number of traffic fatalities in 2010 seems large at 32,788 and yet this represents a 3% decrease from 2009, despite the fact that there were more total passenger miles driven. Across the last five years crash deaths nationwide have gone down some 25% to the lowest level since 1949 !

A number of factors are thought to be responsible for this encouraging trend, including better safety equipment, more widespread use of the safety equipment and more eactive enforcement of laws prohibiting drunk and drugged driving.

Metrobus Driver Arrested for Deadly 2008 Crash

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly 2008 crash between a mini-van taxi and a Metrobus has resulted in the arrest of the bus driver, Ronald W. Taylor. The September 26,2008 collision killed a California man.

Mr. Taylor has reportedly been released on his own recognizance. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=109&sid=2354998

Bizarre Chesapeake Bay Bridge Truck Crash Kills USA Today Writer

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A tragic crash on the Bay Bridge Monday killed a well-known golf writer, when a truck crashed into his disabled car. Harry Blauvelt of Kent Island, had climbed out of his car when it was struck by a commercial truck reportedly driven by Enos Sage of Severn, Maryland. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-bay-bridge-victim-20110419,0,494441.story.

The force of the collision between the car and truck propelled the victim to his death in the bay below.

Monday was particularly strange and tragic day on the bridge as there were evidently two suicide attempts as well.

The Bridge has recently been the situs of several crash deaths and questions abound about its safety. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/chesapeake-bay-tractor-trailer-crash-prompts-ntsb-recommendations.cfm

Prince Georges County Car Crash Kills One, Injures Another in Fort Washington

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Information is limited about a deadly Prince Georges County car crash in Fort Washington which took place around midnight last night. The crash killed one driver and injured another at the intersection between Livingston Road and Palmer Road.

Prince Georges County Fire Department employees suggest that the individual who was killed was ejected from his car, usually a sign of failure to use a safety belt.

Annapolis Crash Takes Woman to Shock Trauma

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A crash at Route 97 North and Route 50 West in Annapolis this morning sent a 25-year-old woman to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Anne Arundel County fire officials report the victim was inserious condition after the two vehicle crash.

FILA Academy Appeals Anne Arundel County Jury Verdict

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported here first, The FILA Academy and Larry Fila, Jr. were ordered to pay three former FILA students more than $140,000.00 last month by an Anne Arundel County jury. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/anne-arundel-county-jury-finds-larry-fila-jr-and-the-fila-academy-liable-to-students-for-unfair.cfm

Now The Fila Academy and Larry Fila, Jr. have taken an appeal from the verdict to Maryland's intermediate appellate court, the Court of Special appeals.

The details of the trial and verdict can be seen at: http://www.mdgazette.com/content/jury-school-misled-students

Trial date Set for 29 students Suing Fila Academy and Larry Fila, Jr.

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

In the wake of last month's $140,000.00 Anne Arundel County jury verdict, a trial date has been set for the claims of 29 former Fila Academy students against Larry Fila, Jr. and the Fila Academy. Last month's verdict on behalf of 3 former students, awarded damages for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, unfair and deceptive trade practices and intentional infliction of emotional distress. http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/for/2011/02/19-24/Jury-Beauty-school-misled-students.html

The claims of the 29 students are set for trial on January 3, 2012 and are set for four weeks trial time. Their lawsuit seeks damages for violations of Maryland's Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices Act, fraud, breach of contract, unjust enrichment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The Honorable Alison Asti presided at the first trial and has been assigned to the second one as well.

Tragic Laurel Crash Kills Baby, Injures Mother and Toddler

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A tragic incident took place in Laurel, Maryland on Friday March 25, 2011. A mother dropping off her baby and toddler at day care in Laurel, accidentally left her car in gear and when the car began rolling toward her three year-old ran to save him with her baby in her arms. As she hurried to save her son from the impending crash, the drivers door hit her knocking her underneath the car. The car ran over the mother and both children, killing the baby and injuring the mother and toddler.

The deadly crash illustrates the extraordinary importance of turning off one's vehicle before exiting with young children. Our hearts go out to this young family for their tragic loss.

Melanoma Drug Approved, But Who can afford to Use It?

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

As someone of fair-skinned family with a high risk for skin cancer, I am always happy to hear about new treatment techniques and medicines. Thus, I applaud the FDA approval of Bristol-Myers Squibb's Yervoy, the first and only drug treatment for late-stage melanoma. Unfortunately, the cost of the drug, $120,000.00 for four treatments and its relatively limited expansion of life on average, makes me wonder how many victims of skin cancer will actually benefit?

The drug appeared to prolong lives by an average of ten months as compared to the experimental vaccine gp100 which increased life expectancy by 6 1/2 months. No discussion of how much the vaccine gp 100 costs and the side-effects of Yervoy appear significant but obviously when compared to late-stage melanoma the side-effects may seem minimal.

Melanoma is the leading cause of skin disease mortality with over 68,000 cases being diagnosed in 2010.

Prince Georges County Multi-Million Dollar Verdict!

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shazam! A tragic case and a substantial $11.5 million verdict!

Maryland Delegates Attempt to Beef Up Texting While Driving Laws.

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Maryland lawmakers patted themselves on the back last year when they enacted legislation outlawing use of handheld cell phones and texting while driving. Just one problem, no tickets could be issued by police officers unless the miscreants were also guilty of another "primary" offense that would enable the officers to pull them over.

Which is to say you could drive around Prince Georges County or anywhere else in Maryland, texting to your heart's delight as long as you didn't speed or engage in some other overt illegal behavior that would get you pulled over in the first place. Kind of defeated the purpose of outlawing texting while driving and other automotive cell phone dangerous behaviors and did little to reduce the overall incidence of car and truck crashes in Maryland.

So, the Maryland House of Delegates overwhelmingly passed new legislation making various dangerous cell phone behaviors "primary" offenses and thus subject to police action without regard to whether the offending driver was guilty of other driving infractions.

The only problem, the Maryland Senate prospects for the bill are dimmer. Why that is the case is not readily evident but perhaps the tenous initial passage of this legislation last year may be a clue.

Serious District of Columbia Car Crash Kills One Injures Five

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A crash last night on South Capitol Street in the District of Columbia killed one woman and injured five other people. The immediate cause of the two car crash is not yet reported.

The fatal collision sent five people to area hospitals, with one in critical condition and two in serious condition. The crash occuirred in proximity to Firth Stirling Avenue and Malcom X Avenue. As more information comes in we will report further.

Two Pedestrians Injured in D.C. Crashes.

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two separate crashes took place in the District of Columbia yesterday, one of which produced serious injuries. That crash took place at 14th and Madison NW around 9:30 am. The victim was taken to an area hospital for serious injuries.

The other crash took place at 1300 Stevens Road SE and involved a Metrobus striking a teenager.

Germantown Crash Kills Damascus Woman.

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

An early morning crash on Route 27 in Germantown killed 18-year-old Kirsten Danielle Mergner of Damascus, Maryland. Ms. Mergenr was reportedly driving northbound on Route 27 near Brink Road when her vehicle crossed the yellow center line and collided with a Ford Explorer southbound.

The cause of the crash is being investigated. The driver of the Explorer, Jill Yvette Gole of Mt. Airy, Maryland, was taken to Suburban Hospital for treatment of her injuries. http://wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2297398

Gaithersburg Bus Crash With House

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

We have some good news and some bad news. The good you say? No injuries in a bus crash in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The bad news, a Montgomery County Ride-On bus struck a townhouse on Anna Court in Gaithersburg Sunday. You heard me a crash between a bus and a house. The bus traveling down Girard Street left the road, went through a backyard and struck a town house.

The bus driver was reportedly not injured and building inspectors were called in to assess the damage to the home. Truth is stranger than fiction.

Deadly Crash Weekend in Prince Georges County.

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Some weekends seem to be more hazardous than others here in Prince Georges County and sadly this was one of them. Two crashes killed people, one involving a pedestrian in Forestville and another in Accokeek involving two cars colliding when one evidently ran a stop sign.

The Forestville accident took place on Pennsylvania Avenue in the 6500 block, when a pedestrian in dark clothing was reportedly struck while standing in the westbound lanes. The driver of the Ford F-150 truck which struck Dedrick Antoine Harvey, fled the scene. The hit and run driver was waylaid by Maryland State Police at the intersection of Walker Mill Road and Marlboro Pike. That driver, a Lanham resident, was detained and charges are pending based upon further police investigation. http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-latest/2011/03/man-hurt-in-p-g-hit-and-run-9196.html

The second crash, in Accokeek on Piscataway Road at the intersection with Floral Park road, killed a 19-year-old woman from Largo. Kianna Christy Thomas, was a passenger in a Nissan Versa going north on Piscataway road which was struck by a Mercury Grand Marquis which reportedly ran a stop sign. Two other occupants of the Nissan were severely injured and were taken to area hospitals.

Police are looking into whether alcohol was a factor in the Accokeek crash. http://www.gazette.net/stories/03062011/prinnew80334_32565.php

Howard County Parking Lot Crash Kills Motorcyclist

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist in Jessup, Maryland apparently lost control of his motorcycle and struck a curb and a pickup truck killing him.

The tragic crash took place at the Maryland seafood market and may have been the result of a malfunction by the bike. The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and his identity is being withheld pending notification of his family. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-fatal-motorcycle-crash-20110301,0,7183631.story

Fila Lawyers Seek Nominal Verdict Reduction in Anne Arundel Case

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Lawyers on behalf of defendant, Larry Fila, Jr. have filed a motion for judgement notwithstanding the verdict, with regard to $11,800.00 of the total $141,100.00 in damages awarded plaintiffs in the recent Anne Arundel County trial.
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/for/2011/02/19-24/Jury-Beauty-school-misled-students.html

This motion seeks to reduce the jury verdict award for damages emanating from intentional infliction of emotional distress claims. Those damages amounted to slightly more than 8% of the total jury verdict.

The trial in Barfield, et al v. The Fila Academy, Inc, et al, spanned three weeks in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland before the Honorable Alison L. Asti. The plaintiffs were represented by Allan W. Steinhorn of the Laurel, Maryland law firm of Clark and Steinhorn, LLC http://www.maryland-law.com/ and John and George Hermina of the Hermina Law Group, also of Laurel.

For more information on this subject go to: http://www.mdgazette.com/content/jury-school-misled-students, http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15253761169/the-fila-academy-high-point

Western Maryland Truck Crash Kills One Shuts Down I-70 Eastbound

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Eastbound I-70 was closed down today as a result of a crash between a pickup truck and a disabled bus. The crash near Big Pool, Maryland involved a pickup truck which reportedly crossed the median from Westbound I-70 drove across the Eastbound lanes and struck a disabled Megabus on the Eastbound shoulder.

At least six people were injured and the pickup truck operator was killed. The injured were taken to nearby Meritus Hospital in Hagerstown for treatment.

The crash occurred near the Route 40 and I-70 split and shut down Eastbound I-70 lanes. http://www.therecordherald.com/news/x2114547098/One-person-dead-in-Interstate-70-crash-Monday-morning

Maryland City Pedestrian Crash Death Attributed to Alcohol

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Anne Arundel County Police report that a Laurel, Maryland man, Robert Leo Gore, was killed Sunday when he was struck by two cars on Laurel Fort Meade Road in Maryland City, Maryland.

Mr. Gore was allegedly wearing dark clothing while attempting to cross the road outside of any crosswalk in a dark area of the roadway. Police continue to look at whether Mr. Gore may have been struck before he was hit by a both a Mercury and a Buick or whether he fell in the roadway on his own.

The crash too place West of Whiskey Bottom Road.http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crime-scene/allison-klein/pedestrian-run-over-by-two-car.html?hpid=newswell

Tractor Trailer Crashes and Hours of Service Rules

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Maryland and natiowide, commercial trucking and eighteen wheeler crash deaths and injuries are on the decline and common sense federal rules and regualtions play an important role. Driver fatigue often plays an important role in tractor trailer crashes and consquently strict but sensible regulations are in place to reduce driver fatigue crashes. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/crash-occupant-safety-how-does-nhtsa-know-what-saves-lives.cfm

The basics can be found at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/truck/driver/hos/fmcsa-guide-to-hos.pdf.

Different maximum consecutive driving hours rules apply to commercial trucks carrying property as opposed to motor coaches carrying passengers. The basic rules of thumb, can be found at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/truck/driver/hos/hos-faqs.asp

If you are injured in a crash involving a tractor trailer, eighteen wheeler or commercial truck, contact us at: http://www.maryland-law.com/practice_areas/maryland-car-accident-attorney-md-truck-lawyer-pg-county.cfm

Route 32 Crash in Dayton Injures Five

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 2002 Ford Crown Victoria driven by John H. Burnham lll went off the road on Route 32 in Dayton, Maryland, Friday afternoon injuring the driver and four passengers, some very seriously. The crash too place in the early afternoon when the Ford went off the road and then went into the air landing beside Route 32. The incident caused two passengers to be ejected from the vehicle.

The accident re-illustrates the absolute necessity that all car and truck passengers wear safety belts to keep them from being ejected from the vehicle. for more go to : http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-dayton-crash-20110225,0,4207033.story

Jury Finds Fila Academy Misled Students

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported by the Annapolis Capital, an Anne Aurndel County Jury awarded a total of $149,100.00 (later reduced by the Court to $140,100.00) to three students who claimed they were deceived and misled by the school. The students claimed they had been misled in a variety of ways, including representations that that the school was a Paul Mitchell school when it was not; that the admissions counselor told them they could make "six figures" upon graduation; that Larry Fila, Jr. told th students they could make as much as "doctors and lawyers" despite the fact that the State of Maryland previously instructed the defendants they could not make this misleading representation; and that the students were not told in advance they would spend one half hour each day cleaning the defendants' 14,000 square foot school, including bathrooms or that they would have to sell a quota of the school's beauty products to progress through the program . The students further claimed the teachers were unqualified, and in some instances, unlicensed. The students also prevailed upon claims that Larry Fila, Jr. intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon each of the three students, and the jury awarded money damages for this claim as well. The jury's verdict that defendants committed unfair or deceptive trade practices also leads to a court ordered award of attorneys fees for the students.

The jury also found that the Fila Academy breached the contracts of all three former students and awarded damages for the breaches.

Two more lawsuits alleging similar claims are currently pending in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. The students are represented by Allan W. Steinhorn of Clark & Steinhorn, LLLC, and John Hermina and George Hermina of the Hermina Law Group.

Anne Arundel County Jury Finds Larry Fila, Jr. and The Fila Academy Liable To Students for Unfair Or Deceptive Trade Practices

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

On February 16, 2011, a jury in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County found Larry Fila, Jr. and The Fila Academy, Inc. of Glen Burnie, Maryland liable to three former students and awarded almost $150,000.00 in damages. After hearing witnesses and viewing evidence for ten days, the jury found that Larry Fila, Jr. and The Fila Academy violated Maryland's Consumer Protection Act. The jury awarded each plaintiff just under $50,000.00 each in damages.

The jury also entered judgment against Larry Fila, Jr. for intentionally inflicting emotional distress upon each of the three plaintiffs. The jury also found that The Fila Academy breached the conracts of all three students, and awarded damages for the breaches.

The students alleged a variety of misrepresentations and deceptive trade practices against Larry Fila and the school, including, among other things, that the school falsely represented it was a Paul Mitchell School, and that students who committed to pay $16,300.00 to the school to obtain an eduction for a barber's license would earn "as much as doctors and lawyers."

The students introduced evidence from the Paul Mitchell Company showing the school was terminated almost ten months before the students enrolled. Evidence presented at trial showed that the school continued to use the Paul Mitchell trademark and continued to make representations that misled the students into believing the school was still affiliated with Paul Mitchell when it was not. The students also introduced evidence from the State of Maryland showing the State had warned the school it could not make representations that the students could make as much as doctors and lawyers, and that the school and Mr. Fila nonetheless continued to make these representations.

In addition, the jury's finding that Mr. Fila and the Fila Academy committed unfair or deceptive trade practices requires the Court to award the students their attorneys fees. The students' lawyers will submit their legal bills to the Court in the next two weeks. Under Maryland law,a party who commits violations of Maryland's Consumer Protection Act must pay the legal fees of the agrieved parties, in this case, the students.

The students were represented by Allan W. Steinhorn, of Clark and Steinhorn, LLC, and by John Hermina and George Hermina, of the Hermina Law Group. Two other lawsuits alleging similar claims, invovling thirty-one other students of the Fila Academy, are currently pending in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. Trial dates for those two cases have not yet been set.

Prince Georges County Beltway Crash Kills Disabled Vehicle Driver

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A disabled vehicle on the Beltway in Prince Georges County became a deathtrap Saturday night. The crash took place near Landover Road in Landover, Maryland around midnight on Saturday January 22, 2011.

The driver of the disabled car emerged from it in the third Southbound lane of I-495 and was killed when a car struck his vehicle. His passenger had not merged but was seriously injured and is in an area hospital. http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=708&sid=2245335

Seat Pleasant Police Officer Injured In Pursuit Crash

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Seat Pleasant Police Officer was injured in a crash on Central Avenue in Prince Georges County early Sunday morning January 23, 2011. The crash took place when a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Central Avenue rammed a parked police cruiser which was among several police vehicles blocking that driver's escape.

The officer reportedly sustained minor injuries and the suspect was apprehended.

Clinton, Maryland crash proves fatal.

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Friday evening crash on Alexandria Ferry Road in Clinton, Maryland killed Brandywine resident, Justin Brooks.

The crash took place around 10:20 p.m. when Mr. Brooks westbound Subaru Legacy was struck by an eastbound Ford Explorer which reportedly had crossed the center line while attempting tp pass another vehicle.

Mr. Brooks was pronounced dead at an area hospital and his passenger was hospitalized in serious condition.

Howard County Route 32 Crash Kills One

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday evening January 18th, a Nissan Versa struck the guardrail on Route 32 Eastbound and became disabled in the center lane. The driver exited her car and went to alert authorities, when a 1991 Honda Accord crashed into the disabled car, killing the Accord's driver.

The accident took place just East of I-95 around 10:20 pm.

I-70 Shutdown in Aftermath of Tractor Trailer Crash

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Sunday morning single-vehicle tractor trailer crash near Mt. Airy, Maryland shut down I-70. The tractor trailer contained propane and a transfer had to be undertaken.

The incident near the Howard County- Montgomery County line is being investigated. One passenger in the truck was injured. The crash took place between Routes 27 and 94. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-70-crash-20110116,0,5314030.story

Deadly Calverton Beltsville I-95 Crash

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A single-car crash on I-95 Southbound near Powder Mill Road Md. Route 212) killed the driver and has led to closure of two or four Southbound lanes on I-95.

The collision in Prince Georges County's Beltsville/Calverton area occurred a little after 8 a.m. and police are investigating its cause.

I-70 Howard County Crash Killed Driver Injured Two.

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A New Years Eve afternoon crash on I-70 in Howard County killed the driver of a truck and injured her two passengers.

The truck operator, reportedly a 24-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene after her truck left the road and turned over. The two male passengers were taken by Medevac helicopter to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Deadly Rockville Car Wash Crash

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Gavino Euseda of Hyattsville, Maryland was killed and a fellow employee was injured in a bizarre car wash crash in Rockville, Maryland yesterday. The incident which too place at the Flagship Car Wash on Hungerford Drive took place around 5:40 p.m.

One Flagship employee was driving a customer's car out of the car wash when the vehicle reportedly struck two workers pinning them underneath and then dragging them across the road.

The workers were extricated by firefighters but Mr. Euseda passed away at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda. The other injured worker, Oscar Eusebio of the District remains in critical condition.

Montgomery County Police continue to investigate this tragic incident. For more go to : http://wtopnews.com/?nid=706&sid=2216769

Ride-On bus catches fire near White Flint

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

An early morning fire on a Ride-On bus in Rockville, Maryland provided dramatic video but fortunately no injuries this morning. Take a look at: http://wtopnews.com/?nid=598&sid=2216764

Baltimore School Bus Child Death: Rules Violated?

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

The tragic incident where six-year-old Jeremy Jennings, Jr. fell to his death from the rear door of a school bus in Baltimore County apparently reflected several violations of Baltimore City school policy.

Specifically, the behavior of the youngster, who reportedly started an altercation with another passenger, attempted to exit the moving bus through the front door and then when unsuccessful exited the read door, should have resulted in the bus pulling over and stopping right away.

The chief operating officer for Baltimore City schools, Keith Scroggins, stated that drivers are trained to pull over whenever students are disruptive or unseated, both of which reportedly the victim was. The boy also was supposed to be in a harness. Many questions also have arisen concerning the adult aides on board the bus and their failure to control the situation. For more information go to the detailed Baltimore Sun article at : http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bs-md-ci-bus-death-follow-20101229,0,5747685.story

Baltimore County Crash Injures Two Children One Adult

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 6:30 p.m. crash in the 8300 block of Eastern Avenue in Baltimore County seriously injured two children and one adult.
The collision occurred at the intersection with Diamond Point Road and the victims were taken to the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Deadly Hyattsville Hit and Run Crash Investigated.

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Hyattsville and Prince Georges County Police are probing a hit and run crash death that took place in the early morning hours of Saturday December 18th.

The crash killed 18-year-old Wilber Ramirez of Takoma Park, Maryland. The incident took place in the 5000 Block of 38th Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland.

The victim was reportedly hit by a vehicle going Southbound on 38th Avenue and police are seeking information at (301)731-4422.

Bowie Car Crash Kills Driver, Injures Passenger.

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A spate of deadly crashes in Prince Georges County occurred Saturday including one in Bowie, Maryland.

Michael Nell Casey was driving in the 7000 block of Racetrack road in Bowie, when his Dodge SRT SUV reportedly struck the curb, flipped over and hit a tree. Mr. Casey and his passenger were taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police reportedly are exploring whether excessive speed and/or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash.

His passenger will reportedly be okay.

Edgewater, Maryland Crash Seriously Injures 20-Year-Old Woman

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A car crash in Anne Arundel County Sunday night seriously injured a 20-year-old woman. The collision took place around 9:20 p.m. at River Club Drive and Central Avenue in Edgewater, Maryland.

Further details are scant but the injuries suffered by the woman were reportedly life-threatening and she was transported by ambulance to the Baltimore-Washington Medical center. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bs-md-ar-edgewater-crash-20101213,0,5511876.story

Ellicott City Car Crash Kills Driver sets House on Fire

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Montgomery Road crash between a BMW and a house had the predictable but sad effect of killing the car's driver and the unexpected result of setting the house on fire.

The incident took place in the 5100 block of Montgomery Road in Ellicott City, Maryland around 10:40 p.m. The inhabitants of the house were able to escape the blaze but the driver was not so fortunate. http://www.explorehoward.com/news/77700/fatal-crash-ellicott-city-sets-house-ablaze/

Multi-Vehicle Crash in Glen Burnie Kills One Injures Three

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Last evening, a four car crash in Glen Burnie, Maryland killed one man and injured three other drivers . William Edward Gruber lll reportedly rear-ended a car driven by Reisterstown resident, Linda Lassiter which then was pushed into a Dodge Ram pick-up driven by Kenneth Jones of Glen Burnie. The Gruber vehicle went into oncoming traffic and struck a car driven by Elizabeth Charmaine Mund of Pasadena, Maryland.

The incident took place at the intersection of East Ordnance Road and Blades Lane around 7:45 pm. Mr. Gruber was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger Donte Edward Tayler was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he was in serious condition. Ms. Lassiter was also taken to Shock trauma where she too was in serious condition. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bs-md-ar-glen-burnie-fatal-crash-20101209,0,4597572.story

Glen Burnie Pedestrian Injured in Crash

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

An early morning crash in Glen Burnie sent an area man to the hospital. The incident took place a little after 6:00am at the intersection of Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard and Faywood Road.

Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials report that the injured pedestrian was 49-years-old and is not suffering from life-threatening injuries. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bs-md-ar-man-struck-glen-burnie-20101210,0,328570.story

Baltimore City Boy Gravely injured in School Bus Fall.

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A six-year-old Baltimore City boy fell from the rear door of a school bus in which he was a passenger and was gravely injured in Baltimore County. The student at Villa Maria School apparently had attempted to exit the bus through the front door when an "altercation" broke out and when unsuccessful exited through the rear emergency door.

The incident occurred in Timonium, Maryland and is being investigated by Baltimore County Police. http://www.wbal.com/absolutenm/templates/story.aspx?articleid=63802&zoneid=2

Prince Georges County Hit and Run Crash Victim Comes Into Focus.

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

We reported previously on a tragic Prince Georges County hit and run the other day. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/prince-georges-county-hit-and-run-crash-rash-proves-deadly.cfm

Since that story the victims of the crash have come into greater focus in the Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/09/AR2010120905321.html

Krystal Brown of District Heights was known throughout her neighborhood as a person who walked everywhere and on the fatal day she and her brother were walking home from the library when they were struck by a hit and run driver around 5:30 pm on Walker Mill Road in District Heights.

After the crash, Ms. Brown and her brother were taken to an area hospital where she died. Her brother reportedly remains in critical condition. Prince Georges County Police continue to seek information on the striking vehicle which has been described as a 1990 Honda Accord which was gold in color.

Any information can be submitted to Prince Georges County Police at (301)731-4422.

D.C. Man Killed by Hit-and-Run Bicyclist

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

We often think of hit-and-run crashes as being the exclusive province of cars and trucks but as we have seen in this blog before boats and even bicycles can prove just as deadly. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/on-the-lookout-for-hit-and-run-boats-in-maryland-waters.cfm

On Tuesday December 7, 2010 a 78-year-old man was struck by a bicycle along with a female companion and he died at a Washington area hospital. The incident took place near the Washington Convention Center in an alley near the 600 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW.

Anyone with information regarding this deadly crash can contact police at (202)727-9009.

Prince Georges County Hit and Run Crash Rash Proves Deadly

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A parking lot crash in Mitchellville Plaza pinned a man between vehicles and sent him to the hospital with critical injuries. A half hour later two pedestrians were struck and one killed in District Heights as they attempted to cross the area of Walker Mill road and County road.

This crash took place around 5:30 pm and reportedly involved a hit and run 1990 gold Honda Accord. Police are seeking information on the hit and run driver.

Wrong Way Damascus Driver Killed in Frederick Crash with Tractor Trailer

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Fredrick, Maryland crash between a tractor trailer and an Acura took the life of the Acura driver, Jennifer Owen of Damascus. Inexplicably, Ms. Owen was operating her car on I-70 near Route 85 proceeding in the wrong direction.

The tractor trailer driver, Gregory Heavener of West Virginia was reportedly uninjured. The incident took place in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday December 8, 2010. For more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-i-70-crash-frederick-20101208,0,5221019.story

Essex Truck Crash Kills Octogenarian

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A box truck ran a red light in Essex and struck the car of 82 year-old man, killing him yesterday. The crash occurred at the intersection of Stemmers Run Road and Eastern Avenue. The box truck ran the light at that intersection and struck the Chevrolet station wagon killing its driver. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-md-co-fatal-accident-20101207,0,5503793.story

Baltimore County Pile-Up Injures Six or More.

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A multi-vehicle pile-up in Eastern Baltimore County this afternoon injured at least six people, some of them seriously.

The crash around today took place around 3:00 pm at Eastern Boulevard and Diamond Point Road in Eastview. The extent of injuries is still being evaluated. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-md-co-eastview-accident-20101208,0,7577849.story

Cyber-Security

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2010/12/03/md-at-forefront-of-cybersecurity-job-training/

D.C. Pedestrian Crash Deaths Down in 2010

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Good news (for a change) D.C. crash and traffic deaths are down for 2010, a trend that also prevails in Maryland and nationwide. http://wtopnews.com/?sid=2188191&nid=25

Overall 12 pedestrian deaths have occurred in the District of Columbia in 2010 down by more than 54% in two years. The reason or reasons for this phenomenon are somewhat elusive although traffic enforcement is thought to be a factor.

Beltway Crashes Due To Treating Agent Mistake!

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

While it did not appear that this weekend's weather portended snowmageddon ll, local officials still wanted to pre-treat the Beltway to reduce car and truck collisions in case of a brush with winter weather. Ironically, the treatment caused multiple car crashes on the Beltway this morning as a contractor applied the wrong road treatment agent, thereby creating a slippery mess.

At least eight accidents are reported to have occurred on the stretch of the Beltway between Montgomery County and Prince Georges County. The contractor, at this point unidentified, used liquid magnesium combined with salt brine instead of merely salt brine.

In particular, the bridges on I-495 between Bethesda and Silver Spring were perilous.

Metro Board Finds Money For Track Circuit Replacement.

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn, we are always encouraged when answers to our previously expressed concerns about funding for safety manifest themselves. For our avid readers you may recall a recent blog wherein we discussed Metro's contemplated repairs to track circuits in order to avoid replicating last year's deadly Fort Totten crash. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-proposes-to-fix-track-circuits-reduce-crash-risk.cfm

The problem is/was, how would Metro pay for the circuit replacements ? The answer in today's Washington Post at :
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/02/AR2010120205674.html?hpid=newswell

So a Metro panel is recommending that the full Metro board approve not only $10 million for track circuit replacement but also another $15.7 million for bringing about other safety measures suggested by the N.T.S.B. in the aftermath of the Fort Totten crash. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-crash-safety-repairs-price-tag-one-billion.cfm

Good for Metro!

Beltway Crashes and the Virtues of "Dr. Gridlock".

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

As reported here earlier, a spate of Maryland I-495 crashes took place this morning December 3, 2010

as a Beltway contractor put down the wrong anti-freezing agent in anticipation of weekend winter weather. It is interesting to see retrospectively how this played out on the Washington Post's Dr. Gridlock.

First it was an outer loop crash at Georgia Avenue, next crashes on the outer loop at Connecticut Avenue and Sligo Avenue. Then the outer loop at Colesville Road, Old Georgetown Road and New Hampshire Avenue.

About that time the light bulb went on in someone's head that something was amiss and the anti-freezing agent mistake was discovered. Dr. Gridlock, always worth a read. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dr-gridlock/2010/12/outer_loop_lanes_blocked_in_md_1.html?hpid=newswell

Metro Proposes to Fix Track Circuits Reduce Crash Risk

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

As the N.T.S.B. investigated the deadly Fort Totten Metro crash it became readily evident that track circuits were at the heart of the problem. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/national-transportation-safety-board-gives-metro-urgent-safety-recommendation.cfm

Now comes word that Metro will announce Thursday that it intends to replace hundred of track circuits throughout the system. The cost is estimated to be substantial with the Red line alone costing more than $10 million. One hopes they can find the funding and restore Metro's image as a safe and well run transportation system. http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2182775

Burtonsville Crash Kills One

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Clarksville, Maryland man was injured and his passenger killed when his Honda Accord struck a tree in Burtonsville near Dustin Road and Columbia Pike.

Rahul Sharma of Clarksville was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. His passenger, Jayant Prasad Singh died at the scene. for more go to: http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2179652

Chesapeake Bay Tractor Trailer Crash Prompts N.T.S.B. Recommendations

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sometimes the wheels of governmental analysis move slowly, so we are just learning the recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board with regard to the deadly 2008 Maryland Bay Bridge tractor trailer crash. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-ntsb-bay-bridge-recommendations20101125,0,1646524.story

That incident involving a young driver swerving into the path of a tractor trailer on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, took the life of the truck's driver when he swerved to avoid colliding with the car and this took him off the bridge into the bay. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/bay-bridge-tractor-trailer-crash-breeds-lawsuit.cfm

The N.T.S.B. used radar to determine that there were voids in concrete barriers on the bridge which allowed them to collect moisture which in turn corroded bolts holding the barriers together. Since this deadly truck crash the barriers have been reinforced.

N.T.S.B. Crash Safety Wish List 2010

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn, we keep an eye on crash safety through a variety of means including regularly monitoring the National Transportation Safety Board website. Issues we see in crash cases in Maryland and the District of Columbia seem to appear at the N.T.S.B. regularly. Thus, distracted driving became a watchword at our law firm and the next thing you know the N.T.S.B. was all over it.

We are always intrigued by the "most wanted " list which features safety improvements to reduce car, truck and motorcycle crash deaths and injuries. http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2010/101116.html http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2010/101116.html

This year's list features an increased focus on motorcycle safety. The most prominent recommendation is nationwide helmet requirements for both operators and passengers. The response from many motorcyclists is that this safety requirement is an infringement on their rights and freedoms.

Unfortunately their right to endanger themselves and their passengers often results in the tax-paying public paying for their enormous medical bills when they sustain closed-head injuries in a crash. We're sorry but if the bikers won't protect themselves from death and injury, the public has a right to be protected from paying for their injuries. Mandatory helmet laws a mighty important thing.

Germantown Crash Kills Motorcyclist

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Larry Daniel Talley of Gaithersburg was killed when the motorcycle he was operating apparently escaped his control near Great Seneca Highway and Mateny Road.

Reportedly Mr. Talley was not wearing a motorcycle helmet and was not a licensed motorcycle operator. http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2127457

This Montgomery County, Maryland crash is symptomatic of the deadly toll associated with the failure to use a motorcycle helmet.

Beltsville/Calverton Crash Kills Man

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Saturday afternoon crash in Beltsville on Cherry Hill Road killed one man and severely injured three other passengers in a Chevrolet Tahoe. The victim who was killed by the crash was a back seat passenger and was not wearing a seatbelt.

Terrance A. Blackwell was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the vehicle in which he was a passenger, Tiffany Lynch was in serious condition at an area hospital. Her other two passengers, Terrance L. Blackwell and Angela Blackwell also sustained serious personal injuries.

It appears that this Prince Georges County crash was caused by a minivan crossing over the double yellow lines into opposite-bound traffic on Cherry Hill Road. http://wtopnews.com/?nid=706&sid=2126978

Laurel Crash Kills Baltimore-Washington Parkway Driver.

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

An early morning crash on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Laurel killed a man. The victim's car had stalled on the Parkway near Route 197 and while emerging from his vehicle was struck and killed by another vehicle.

The Maryland crash while tragic could have been even worse as a tour bus narrowly missed striking the involved vehicles. as more details come forth we will up date this sad story. http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2124664

Latest Metro Peril: Falling Debris!

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The legendary sage, Chicken Little once uttered the immortal words "the sky is falling, the sky is falling." Now for Metro patrons that phrase takes on new meaning.

Around 3:00 pm today a 50 pound chunk of ceiling fell to the ground at the Farragut North Metro Station in Northwest Washington, D.C. http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2122590

The station will be closed this evening. I hope they figure this peril out quickly because I'm running out of capacity for possible Metro injury disasters.

Metro Escalators: Problematic and Outmoded ?

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A great investigative story in the Washington Post today on Metro's escalators and the problems the Atlanta transit system has had with them. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/14/AR2010111403495.html?hpid=newswell

The long and short of it is that 83% of Metro's escalators are Westinghouse Modular 100s, a model discontinued 30 years ago. The Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority had an incident similar to but worse than the Rally to Restore Sanity incident in Washington, on New Tear's Eve 2007, in which 11 people were hurt.

The Atlanta Authority shut down most of the system's escalators (78% are Westinghouse Modular 100s) and determined that 56% needed repair work. This of course caused chaos with Atlanta Metro service. The effect of a similar shut-down in D.C. would be far worse as we have more than triple the number of total escalators and four times as many Modular 100s.

This article also points out a subject covered here on a number of prior occasions, Metro's inability to perform maintenance competently and timely without causing systemic chaos. For more go to: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-knew-about-escalator-braking-problem.cfm

Wheaton Metro Bus Crash Injures Nine.

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Metrobus crash with a car on Randolph Road near Sherwood Forest Road in greater Silver Spring injured nine Thursday afternoon November 11, 2010. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/crime-and-public-safety/9-hurt-in-metrobus-collision.html?hpid=sec-metro

The incident occurred near Sherwood Forest Road around 4 p.m.

Another Bad Howard County Crash

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A serious head-on crash took place on Route 175 at Tamar Drive Eastbound this morning. The head-on crash injured four, sending three people to Howard County General Hospital and one person to The University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for critical injuries. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-route-175-crash-20101110,0,1028971.story

The individual sent to Shock Trauma was ejected from their vehicle. This again likely illustrates the absolute necessity of wearing safety belts as such an ejection is virtually impossible when a safety belt is properly worn.

Investigation continues at the scene and may cause East-bound traffic between Tamar Drive and Dobbin Lane on 175.

More Scary Metro Braking News.

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A brief blurb courtesy of WTOP wherein Metro General Manager, Richard Sales acknowledges that Metro might have wanted to focus on the escalator braking problems before people were injured leaves a sort of unpleasant taste in my mouth.

It is great that they now perceive braking as a "safety issue" and not a "maintenance issue" but why do people have to get hurt before Metro wakes up. The idea that this suppressed report on the braking revealed years of both elevator and escalator maintenance neglect is disturbing as usual. Either it is a funding issue or a management issue and some transparency is increasingly essential. Go to : http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2113936

Howard Crash Proves Deadly.

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The crash this morning on Route 175 killed two Columbia residents. The incident reported here previously, involved a Saturn Ion vehicle crossing the center line and striking a Dodge Caravan. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/another-bad-howard-county-crash.cfm

One occupant of each vehicle was killed and the remaining occupants were taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. For more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-route-175-crash-20101110,0,1028971.story

Metro Knew About Escalator Braking Problem!

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Metro has shown a remarkable gift for getting out in front of calamities in increasingly disingenuous ways. First of course it was the disastrous Fort Totten crash in June 2009 after which a series of "not our fault" statements were uttered only to be subsequently belied.

A succession of drivers and operators texting while operating followed and well, now it is the the Rally To Restore Sanity escalator incident. For those who don't recall, six patrons of the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station in the District of Columbia were injured when an escalator accelerated into "free fall".

Metro came forth with some disconcerting postulations as to what caused the incident but vowed to inspect all similar escalators in the system. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-escalator-injury-incident-explanation-not-very-comforting.cfm

As with all such things, we gave Metro credit for the "inspections" but noted that the offending escalator had been inspected the month before the incident, seemingly without detecting whatever hazardous condition brought about the Rally injuries.

So now we learn that the escalator had been inspected and widespread serious safety problems were reported to Metro on September 30, 2010 exactly a month before the disaster.

Did W.M.A.T.A. do anything with the outside inspection noting serious braking problems ? Of course not silly! Not only did they not do anything with the information but in a discussion of the report two weeks before the Rally before the Metro board, the part about the serious braking problems wasn't mentioned. http://wtopnews.com/?sid=2110714&nid=93, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/08/AR2010110806352.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Oh boy, what Metro crash or disaster is lurking around the corner next?

Howard County Police Crash Defendant Draws DUI

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The driver accused of running a red light in Columbia thus causing a crash with a police officer, has now drawn a dui charge. Phillip Vu of Silver Spring, Maryland was formally charged with dui, running a red light and driving while impaired by alcohol. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-officer-crash-20101109,0,5966148.story

The officer, Kirk Brown, was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment of his injuries and was subsequently released. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/howard-county-crash-sends-officer-to-shock-trauma.cfm

Beltway Crash Kills Silver Spring Man

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A tragic Prince Georges County Beltway crash Saturday killed a Silver Spring, Maryland man. Gilbert Salamanca,was driving South on the Inner-Loop of the Beltway near the Baltimore-Washington Parkway Saturday when he struck another car. The other vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala, came to rest on the shoulder but tragically Mr. Salamanca's Jaguar remained in the roadway.

Shortly thereafter, a United Parcel Service tractor-trailer encountered the disabled car in the roadway and struck it, killing Mr. Salamanca. He was taken to Prince Georges County Hospital where he passed away early Saturday morning.
http://www.maryland-law.com/library/deadly-roadway-prince-georges-county-beltway.cfm

Howard County Crash sends Officer To Shock Trauma

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Howard County Police officer, Kirk Brown was injured in a Columbia, Maryland car crash at the intersection of Columbia Road and Little Patuxent Parkway. The incident occurred as Officer Brown began to turn off of Columbia Road onto Little Patuxent Parkway when another car operated by Phillip Vu ran the red light and struck him.

Officer Brown was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for his injuries. Mr. Vu was reportedly not injured although it is reported that alcohol played a role in his conduct. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-officer-hurt-crash-20101108,0,5573992.story

Metro Undertakes System-Wide Escalator Inspections

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you write a column regularly about injurious and deadly mishaps in the Washington area, you find that periodically you rail against some perceived problem only to find that shortly thereafter an effort is undertaken to fix it.
http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-escalator-injury-incident-explanation-not-very-comforting.cfm

Thus, Metro has undertaken a system-wide escalator inspection program to prevent any future repeats of last weekend's L'Enfant Plaza sudden acceleration catastrophe. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-escalator-injures-four.cfm

From our website to Metro's ears, kind of scary isn't it?

Six Injured as MARC Train and Amtrak Locomotive Collide

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A MARC train and an Amtrak locomotive collided around 9 a.m. this morning at the Union Station railyard in the District of Columbia. Fortunately, the trains were devoid of passengers but unfortunately cleaning crews on board were injured.

The crash resulted in a slow speed derailment of five MARC train cars. No toxic chemicals or substances were released, which is often a risk when trains collide. While there was some initial curtailing of both MARC and Amtrak service it is expected that afternoon service will return to normal. For more go to: http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2107080

Prince Georges County Hit and Run Takes Man's Life.

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A hit and run crash on Branch Avenue in Marlow Heights killed a pedestrian early this morning. The crash occurred around 2am and Prince Georges County Police indicate that before the crash they had received reports of a man walking in the road in that vicinity.

Reportedly a headlight from the hit and run driver's car was recovered at the scene and may lead to identification of the hit and run vehicle. For more go to: http://wtopnews.com/?nid=708&sid=2105523

Two More Deadly Prince Georges County Crashes

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two more deadly crashes took place on election night and early the next morning in Prince Georges County. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/prince-georges-county-hit-and-run-takes-mans-life.cfm

The first took place around 8 p.m. in Brandywine, at Branch Avenue and Brandywine Road, when a multi-car crash took place, ejecting one driver. That driver, Willie E. Sligh, was killed, pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Prince Georges County Police are still sorting out the details of that collision.

The second crash took place around 4:30 a.m. on Route 214 near Jennings Mill Drive. Reportedly a Hyundai Elantra ran off the road striking a tree, ejecting the driver into the road.

The ejected victim was then struck by several other cars.

This outbreak of crashes in Prince Georges County appears to have one common denominator, failure to use safety belts. While this is merely my surmise, the fact is that people do not get ejected from vehicles very often if they are wearing safety belts.

Sometimes we can't avoid a car accident but we can diminish its severity by wearing safety belts and encouraging our passengers to do so as well. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/fatal-crashes-and-abs-do-safety-technologies-save-lives.cfm

Police Cadet Heroes Save Pond Crash Victim.

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Three police cadets from Anne Arundel Community College, heroically saved the life of a man pinned beneath an SUV in a Prince Georges County pond.

The heroes Jena Hatfield, Zeb Rohrback and Linwood Alston, are not affiliated with any police department yet but their extraordinary bravery and sound instincts saved a man's life.

The crash sound first drew their attention to an SUV rolling down an embankment into a pond in Lanham. They plunged into the pond to keep the victim's head above water. Firefighters arrived and while the victim suffered serious injuries, he is likely to survive. Wow, brave people!

Metro Escalator Injury Incident Explanation Not Very Comforting.

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Okay, so Metro has offered an explanation of why an escalator at L'Enfant Plaza suddenly accelerated injuring a bunch of people. Unfortunately, there is nothing comforting about the explanation. http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2105809

So they blame this incident on the "weight" on the escalator. Or maybe it was that the direction of the escalator had just been switched from ascending to descending. Then there was the pesky "metallic bang" which sent the escalator into "free fall".

So what was it really? Or is it we don't know and we don't want people to be terrified of our 600 escalators.

It is nice that they are inspecting other similar units but the fact that the malfunctioning escalator had just undergone a safety inspection in September does not instill great confidence in the safety inspection process. And what's this about a similar incident at Gallery Place? Oh boy.

Maryland Heart Stent Medical Malpractice Case Takes Interesting Twist

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Baltimore Sun has done a first-rate job of covering the bizarre Maryland medical negligence case involving the implantation of "unnecessary" heart stents by Dr. Mark Midei at St. Josephs Hospital in Towson, Maryland. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/baltimore-hospital-stent-investigation-amazing.cfm and http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/more-heart-stent-data-raises-more-questions.cfm andhttp://www.maryland-law.com/blog/unnecessary-heart-stent-letters-sent-to-585-patients-are-there-more.cfm

Today's article concerns the machinations going on in the medical malpractice action that has been brought by victims. The victims have sued the hospital and the doctor. The doctor has in turn sued the hospital for fraud and efforts to ruin his reputation. The lawyers involved are all experienced counsel and it is highly unusual to see such a phenomenon.

For more go to:

Metro Escalator Injures Four.

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

For those who attended the Rally to Restore Sanity Saturday, the limitations of Metro were readily apparent. For a few other WMATA patrons the limitations were down right scary.

The L'Enfant Plaza Metro escalator began speeding up to a dangerous degree injuring four. Metro has been having significant ongoing problems with their escalators for some time. A Gallery Place incident injured two in December 2008. It is fairly routine to find Metro escalators on the fritz and periodically it completely closes down stations which rely on the longest escalators.

Metro was inexplicably overwhelmed Saturday by the massive crown attending the Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert rally. An all time Saturday Metro record was set with 825,437 trips taken, besting the average Saturday mark by almost a half million riders. The rally itself appears to have attracted two to four times as many visitors as the vaunted Glen Beck rally in August. http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/Cable_20/Rally-to-Restore-Sanity-outdraws-Beck-rally.asp

The Beck rally was estimated to have attracted between 78,000 and 96,000 attendees based upon the most reliable indicator, overhead, air photographs. Air Photos Live provided that estimate and put the Rally to Restore Sanity at 215,000, while N.P.R. estimated that 350,000 attended the satirical event. No matter how you cut it that means that somewhere between two and half and four and a half times as many people went to the Stewart/Colbert rally as went to the Beck rally. For more see http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/fri-august-27-2010/recap---week-of-8-23-10

Stolen Car Crash Kills Two In Baltimore

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A stolen Lincoln Town Car struck another vehicle killing two of its occupants in Baltimore City at Soth Hanover and West Ostend Streets. Two male passengers in the unsuspecting vehicle were killed and a female passenger injured.

Police pursued the occupants of the stolen car which caused this catastrophic crash and apprehended them. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-ostend-fatal-stolen-car-20101101,0,4642368.story

Rally Estimate Wildly Low!

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Clark and Steinhorn had 100% attendance at the Rally to restore Sanity/Fear on Saturday and what seemed obvious to attendees is now only dawning on the national media. Not only were there hundreds of thousands at the rally thus dwarfing the much exaggerated Glen Beck rally in August but the public transportation system was overwhelmed by the attempts of even more people to attend. Anecdotally, my wife attempted to attend and the Metro crush and ineptitude motivated her to get off the train and head back to go.

Our favorite hometown paper reports this phenomenon and the larger point that had Metro handled this properly attendance would likely have exceeded a half million or more people. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/politics/blog-network/2010/10/cbs_estimate_of_215000_at_stew.html?hpid=topnews and of course: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-escalator-injures-four.cfm

Third Baltimore Crash Victim Dies.

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

As reported here previously a crash between a stolen Lincoln Town Car running a red light and a Ford Tempo has killed the three occupants of the Tempo. The incident which took place in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood killed Michael Ledford, Kevin Thomas and Briana Macapagal of Baltimore. Police officer, James Wissman apprehended the culprit who attempted to escape on foot.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-stolen-car-crash-20101101,0,6598331.story

D.C. Police Officer Killed in Crash

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Officer, Paul Dittamo, 32, was killed when his car struck a utility pole while responding to a call in the 2200 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast Washington, D.C.

Mr. Dittamo's partner was also injured but his injuries reportedly are not life-threatening .

The officers were traveling to a call in the 1400 Block of Morris Road SE in an effort ti help evaluate someone thought to be on PCP.

Metro Crash Injures Metro Center Patron

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A patron of Washington's Metro Center station was struck by a WMATA train Friday evening. The victim was in critical condition.

Legal Malpractice Verdict: Eye-Popping $103 Million !

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Jones County, Mississippi jury returned a massive $103 million-dollar legal malpractice verdict against the law firm Baker and McKenzie. The law suit stemmed from allegations of a conflict of interest on the part of Baker and McKenzie lawyers with regard to various oil-drilling businesses and businessmen.

This legal negligence verdict will doubtless raise some eyebrows and demonstrates that even the nations most prominent law firms are not immune to successful suits for allegations of conflicts and double dealing. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-1026-baker-mckenzie--20101026,0,5276111.story

Metro Crash Near Misses Come to Light.

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The debate about what constitutes a near-miss and what doesn't may play out about an incident on September 20, 2010 but there is no debate that miscommunication placed Metro track workers in peril in a place where just a year before a worker was killed.

The workers were performing track inspections on outbound tracks between Potomac Yard and King Street when a broken down train resulted in Metro re-routing trains. Unfortunately, Metro did not bother to tell the track inspectors. This was particularly dangerous as Metro employee, John Moore was killed nearby in a similar incident more than a year ago. See http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/metro-employees-death-brings-to-close-tragic-summer.cfm

Fortunately, a track spotter saw what Metro had not deigned to tell its workers. Think Metro will get the message this time?

Prince Georges County Man Killed in Annandale Crash

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Samuel Posey of Prince Georges County was killed Sunday when an SUV failed to yield right of way to him on Edsall Road in Fairfax County.

Mr. Posey was driving his Suzuki motorcycle Eastbound on Edsall Road when an Isuzu Rodeo pulled out into his path near Dublin Road.

The crash took place a little before five in the afternoon On Sunday October 24, 2010.

On Scooters and Crash Safety

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Somehow the involvement of a prominent person tends to focus public attention on dangerous behaviors and products.
So Maryland football player, Pete DeSouza's two broken legs sustained in a scooter crash with a car on the University of Maryland campus has our attention. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/scooter-crash-knocks-maryland-player-out-of-action.cfm

This is not to suggest that Mr. DeSouza was in any way at fault for this crash, in fact,far from it. However, the sudden prevalence of scooters all over campus had caught my attention before this recent tragedy. Particularly disturbing is the fact that it appears that the overwhelming majority of operators and even their passengers are not wearing helmets.

Maryland is a mandatory motorcycle helmet state and it seems inconceivable to me that this requirement would not extend to scooters. They also weigh essentially what an adult male weighs, 200 pounds or less and can go 30 miles per hour. It is inevitable that a campus filled with scooters and cars which weigh 20 times as much will come into contact and as we learned in Mr. DeSouza's case weighing over 300 pounds and being in top physical shape will not protect scooter operators.

My suggestion, prohibit the use of scooters on campus and in the City of College Park unless helmets are employed. It won't prevent broken legs, arms and other substantial personal injuries but it will serve to substantially reduce the risk of closed-head injuries leading to brain injury and death. It is the least an institution of higher learning can do to protect its sons and daughters.

Moped Hit and Run Passenger Dies

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The recent Rockville hit and run crash involving two teens and a silver Mercedes has ended tragically with the death of sixteen-year-old Noel Hernandez Mendoza.

The Mercedes driver turned himself into authorities after striking the moped from behind and leaving the scene of the crash. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/hit-and-run-driver-turns-self-in-on-rockville-moped-crash.cfm

Scooter Crash Knocks Maryland Player out of Action

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The University of Maryland's starting right offensive tackle, Pete DeSouza was struck while riding his motor scooter and sustained two broken legs knocking him out of football action for the rest of this season.

Mr. DeSouza a graduate of Dematha High was riding his scooter on the University of Maryland campus when a car turned left in front of him. The driver of the car was ticketed as they reportedly turned left in front of Mr. DeSouza's scooter which was going straight. For more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bs-terps-notes-1024-20101023,0,1105990.story

More Toyota Recalls

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

We have reported on Toyota's myriad prior quality control problems which have culminated in vast recalls and a loss of brand credibility. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/toyota-recall-for-deadly-prblem.cfm

Thus, we would be remiss if we did not take note of the latest recall of some one and a half million more cars both here and abroad. The latest issue, problems with brake master cylinders and fuel pumps. No reported crashes or injuries but.....you may recall that Toyota was very dismissive about the past issues also. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/toyota-misinformation-campaign-exposed.cfm We will follow this with interest. For more information go to: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/default.aspx

Waldorf Crash Kills Workers

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two Maryland state Highway contractors were struck and killed on Berry Road in Charles County this afternoon. A third highway worker was hit and taken to Fort Washington Medical Center with serious injuries. Yuri Marie Francois Vielot, Jr. was at the wheel of the Volkswagen Touareg which went off the Westbound lanes of Berry Road and crashed into the three workers.

Speculation was that Mr. Vielot may have fallen asleep at the wheel of his car. He reportedly sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. For more go to: http://www.somdnews.com/stories/10202010/indytop163404_32447.shtml

Route 40 Crash Between Fire Engine and Police Car Produces Serious Injuries

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Baltimore City Police officer was seriously injued today when his police car struck a parked fire engine. The crash also injured a firefighter.

The incident took place on Eastbound Route 40 at the Stricker Street overpass while the vehicles were responding to a call. For more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-police-fire-crash-20101020,0,7432041.story

Howard County Truck Rollover Crash Kills Driver

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

David Lee Bradford,Jr. of Brooklyn died Tuesday night October 19, 2010 when the truck he was driving turned over.

Mr. Bradford was driving South on West Friendship Road in Howard County when he crossed the double yellow lines and went off the roadway. Evidently he then came back across the road and his 2003 Chevrolet truck rolled onto the driver's side killing him in the crash. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-fatal-accident-20101020,0,5234891.story

Deadly Strollers Recalled!

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

One of our recurrent themes at this website and at Clark and Steinhorn overall, involves protecting our nation's most vulnerable citizens, children.

So we regularly feature discussions of hazardous products and the recalls that follow them. Today we discuss the recall of certain Graco strollers due to a risk of wrongful infant and toddler death due to strangulation.

This horrifying phenomenon has been discussed here previously along with similar hazards posed by the cords from shades, blinds and curtains. Any mechanism that can entangle a baby or toddler must be viewed with great caution. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/tragic-toddler-drapery-death-in-silver-spring-maryland.cfm

The recall of Graco Quattro and Metrolite strollers due to the risk of entrapment is our latest cause celebre. http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11015.html

This recall of some two million strollers should also serve to forewarn parents of the potentially dangerous propensities of such products particualrly when misused. For more on such products go to: http://www.maryland-law.com/library/dangerous-products-deadly-injuries.cfm

Baltimore Crash Tragedy: Police Officer Dies.

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

We reported earlier today on the Route 40 crash between a Baltimore police cruiser and a fire truck. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/route-40-crash-between-fire-engine-and-police-car-produces-serious-injuries.cfm Unfortunately this follow-up brings grim news, Officer Tommy Portz is dead. Mr. Portz was declared dead on route to the University of Maryland Shock trauma Center. Additionally, four firefighters were injured not one as was earlier reported.

Mr. Portz a ten-year veteran of the department is the third active duty officer to die in the last month. Officer Portz was a married father of three and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-police-fire-crash-20101020,0,7432041.story

Maryland's Highest Court Rules Again on Anne Arundel County Drowning Death

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Court giveth and the Court taketh away or really the other way around. Maryland highest Court issued another ruling in a case that has been closely watched by personal injury lawyers statewide. The previous ruling by the Court of Appeals was commented on here extensively and critically. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/marylands-highest-court-takes-on-damages-cap-in-drowning-case.cfm andhttp://www.maryland-law.com/blog/maryland-court-of-appeals-upholds-damages-cap-in-injury-cases.cfm

The latest development in this case is a more favorable ruling again emanating from the Court of Appeals wherein it was decided that damages for conscious pain and suffering could be proven by expert testimony rather than eyewitness testimony, where there was no eyewitness to a child's swimming pool drowning death at Crofton Country Club in Anne Arundel County.

The defense argument which had been sustained by the trial court was effectively "yes because our lifeguards were so negligent that they did not see a six year old drown in our pool no one can say when he went from conscious, healthy, living six-year-old to an unconscious soon to be deceased six-year-old." Thus, there can be no objective means for a jury to determine how long he suffered.

Wow, it is the old if a tree falls in the woods and nobody is there to hear it does it make a sound defense. Obviously, the tree makes a sound and living beings who drown suffer. Glad the Court got this aspect of the case right . Tragic that they can't appreciate the injustice that Maryland's non-economic damages cap works on the most severely injured.

Maryland Premises Liability Duties and Personal Injuries.

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Periodically we discuss important legal principles in the District of Columbia and Maryland. An area of particular confusion for both our clients and the public involves the law of so-called "premises liability" or property owner responsibility.

Our last discussion on this topic concerned the duty owed a trespasser by a Maryland property owner. The context for that discussion concerned a neighborhood that I advise that has a rock quarry/lake on its premises. The homeowners understandably were concerned about trespassers drowning in the quarry. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/premises-injury-and-death-cases-in-maryland-what-is-a-property-owners-duty.cfm Similar concerns have been brought to our attention by homeowners with swimming pools. Can they be sued if a child comes on to their property and drowns in the quarry or pool?

The short answer is yes they can be sued but not successfully. As we examined in July 2010, a person who is on the property without the consent of the property owner is a trespasser and the duty owed to a trespasser by a landowner is to "refrain from willful injury or entrapment."

Which is to say setting traps for trespassers or intentionally injuring them could give rise to a lawsuit but anything short of that will not pass legal muster. We have seen tragic cases of toddlers drowning in their neighbors pools. The three-year-old understandably finds the next-door-neighbor's pool inviting. Maybe they have even swum in the pool before as an invited guest. The bottom-line, if one day their backyard gate is open and the pool gate next door is open and the child drowns the case will likely be summarily dismissed by the Maryland trial court.

Anne Arundel County School Bus Crash Sends seven to the Hospital

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Route 50 crash this morning involving an Anne Arundel County school bus and two cars reportedly sent seven passengers to the hospital for check-ups.

The crash took place around 8:40a.m. on Route 50 near Route 450 and reportedly the school children were not injured.

Silver Spring Man Killed in Davidsonville Crash

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

David Shigeru Yamamoto Hepner of Silver Spring, Maryland was killed in a tragic, freak crash with a telephone pole in Davidsonville, Maryland on Monday October 18, 2010.

Hepner was the right rear passenger in a Chevrolet truck driven by Zachary Taylor Bennett of Edgewater. Mr. Hepner had leaned out of the truck's window in order to address some friends he had identified in a field adjacent to Governor Bridge Road, when the truck swerved to the right and struck a telephone pole.

The victim was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. For more go to: http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/for/2010/10/19-56/Man-dies-after-car-hits-telephone-pole.html

Woodlawn Crash Kills One and Injures Driver

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

This weekend saw a rash of deadly single-car crashes including one in Woodlawn in which a 27-year-old Baltimore woman was ejected from the car in which she was a passenger and died.

Lattrell Ann Geter of the 1200 Block of Turpin Lane in Baltimore was thrown from the vehicle in which she was a passenger and killed, when the car driven by Antonio Nelson Bailey of Woodlawn, struck a newspaper box, slid down and embankment and struck a metal pole.

Mr. Bailey was reportedly taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for his injuries and his condition is not publicly known. For more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-county-accident1018,0,7476100.story

Montgomery County Tractor Trailer Crash Kills Driver

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A tractor trailer loaded with Sam Adams beer collided with a car and overturned on I-495 a little before five this morning, killing the tractor trailer's driver. The incident closed down the inner loop of the Beltway and created rush hour chaos.

The collision took place on the Inner Loop of I-495 between the exit for Old Georgetown Road and I-270 North. The extent of the car driver's injuries are yet unreported other than to suggest that they were critically injured.

The Maryland Department of Transportation suggested drivers use the Woodrow Wilson Bridge rather than travel through the crash area for drivers traveling between Maryland and Virginia.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dr-gridlock/2010/10/inner_loop_blocked_in_bethesda.html

Rockville Hit and Run Seriously Injures Teens

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two teens were seriously injured when the moped they were riding on Viers Mill Road in Rockville was struck by a two door Silver Mercedes which fled the scene. The youths were reportedly riding on a moped in the travel lanes of Viers Mill Road when they were struck by the Mercedes from behind. http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/maryland/two-struck-on-moped-in-hit-and-run-101810

Police are seeking tips on the whereabouts of the hit and run vehicle at (301)279-8000. One of th teens is reportedly in critical condition and the other in serious condition. http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2083022

Hit and Run Driver Turns Self In on Rockville Moped Crash

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

With the rash of hit and run crashes in the area a little good news has trickled in. The Mercedes driver who struck a moped from behind on Viers Mill Road in Rockville, Maryland early this morning has turned themself in.

To be clear no charges are pending against that individual and investigation of this matter will take some time. In the meantime the injured teens remain in critical and serious condition respectively. For more go to: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/rockville-hit-and-run-seriously-injures-teens.cfm

Metro Crash Safety Measures A Work in Progess

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Ever since the catastrophic June 22nd, 2009 Fort Totten Metro crash, the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority has been under vast public scrutiny. The most comprehensive post-crash evaluation was recently released by the so-called Tri-State Oversight Committee.

Should you be inclined to read it in it's entirety here is the link: http://www.tristateoversight.org/pdf/program/TOC%202010%20Triennial%20Review%20Final%20Report.pdf

A more succinct analysis is contained in our favorite hometown newspaers treatment located at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/13/AR2010101306250.html?hpid=newswell

The gist is that Metro has along way to go in reporting hazards and problems and training its employees. It does appear that they are trying and continued scrutiny will keep them at the task.

Rockville Train Crash Kills Pedestrian

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sadly yet another pedestrian was struck and killed by a train today this time in Rockville, Maryland. The incident took place around 2 P.M. on Randolph Road and is the second such pedestrian-striking incident involving a CSX train in a week. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/freight-train-strikes-man-in-prince-georges-county.cfm

This in turn caused travel chaos effecting MARC trains and freight trains alike. Is this a coincidence or is there an increased incidence of pedestrians being struck by trains and if so why?

Baltimore Woman Struck and Killed In Anne Arundel County.

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Baltimore woman was struck and killed in Anne Arundel County today. Khardiatou Goloko was struck and killed while attempting to cross Fort Smallwood Road.

Ms. Goloko had fallen behind a larger group of adults and was struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by George Durm of Arnold, Maryland. The incident reportedly took place outside of any crosswalk.

Frederick, Maryland Woman Killed in Crash

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Tammy Marie Jessee of Frederick, Maryland was killed in crash today on U.S. 40. Evidently Ms. Jessee was attempting to make a lefthand turn into a driveway when she was struck by a pickup truck operated by Carl Buell of Myersville, Maryland. That collision sent Ms. Jessee's car into the path of a milk tanker truck operated by Edward Deputy, Jr. of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Jessee's PT Cruiser was struck from behind by the pickup and then by the milk tanker truck a little after 4p.m.

Tragically she died. For more go to: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=111048

Rash of Pedestrian Crashes Beset Washington Area

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

As we have reported here, crash deaths and injuries are down locally and nationally. Unfortunately, the Washington area has recently seen an outbreak of pedestrian crash deaths and injuries. Today alone there were multiple pedestrian car crash injuries.

In Silver Spring, at the intersection of University Boulevard and Sligo Creek Parkway, a woman pushing her three-year-old son in a stroller was struck and both were injured. This was the second stroller crash in a few days. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/aspen-hill-stroller-crash-injures-baby.cfm http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/aspen-hill-stroller-crash-injures-baby.cfm Later, a fourteen-year-old boy in Gaithersburg was struck by a Gaithersburg Police Car and injured. Finally, a pedestrian in Fairfax County, Virginia was struck by a car and injured.

Last week, two men were killed in a crash while crossing Rockville Pike and a Columbia, Maryland woman was tragically killed in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/deadly-dupont-circle-hit-and-run-crash.cfm Alcohol may have been involved in both those incidents. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/dupont-circle-hit-and-run-victim-identified-as-well-as-perpetrator.cfm

Word to the wise, be careful out there and cross in crosswalks with the traffic light.

Howard County Crash Kills Rockville Man

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A deadly Howard County crash took place on Route 29 near Johns Hopkins road in the early morning hours of Saturday October 9, 2010. Kyle Joseph Lancon of Rockville, Maryland was reportedly operating his Honda Civic Northbound in the Southbound lanes of route 29 when his car crashed into a Toyota Camry driven by John Park of Annandale, Virgina. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-clarksville-crash-20101011,0,1708546.story

Mr. Lancon died as a result of the crash and Mr. Park was critically injured and was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. For more go to: http://www.gazette.net/stories/10112010/montnew150253_32569.php

Riverdale Park Crash Ejects and Severely Injures Two Occupants

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

An early morning Prince Georges County crash left two women in critical condition and many questions. A police officer reportedly approached a vehicle on foot in Riverdale Park, Maryland when it fled, crashed and its occupants were ejected. The incident took place in the 5500 block of Kenilworth Avenue.

The occupants, both women, are reported to be in critical condition. For more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-riverdale-crash-20101011,0,4902589.story

Aspen Hill Stroller Crash Injures Baby

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Samira Kailey of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania was pushing her baby in a stroller across Georgia Avenue in Aspen Hill today, when the stroller was struck by a 1998 Ford Explorer. The baby sustained serious but not life threatening injuries as a result and is convalescing at Children's Hospital in the District.

Ms. Kailey was reportedly proceeding in a crosswalk across the Northbound lanes of Georgia Avenue although the Ford SUV had a green light. For more go to: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/woman-and-child-struck-on-geor.html?wprss=local-breaking-news

Deadly Dupont Circle Hit and Run Crash

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Black Lexus SUV struck and killed a woman in the 1300 block of Connecticut Avenue early this morning. The woman had reportedly parked her Mercedes and was getting out when she was struck by the SUV which left the scene. An alert bicyclist pursued the SUV long enough to obtain a tag number. The vehicle has been traced to a high rise Chevy Chase, Maryland apartment building on North Park Avenue.

Connecticut Avenue Northbound was closed to facilitate police investigation and only reopened around a quarter to nine this morning. For more go to: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Woman-Injured-in-Hit-and-Run-Near-Dupont-Circle-104477209.html

Dupont Circle Hit and Run Victim Identified as well as Perpetrator

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The names of both the victim and the perpetrator of this morning's tragic hit and run crash on Connecticut Avenue near the Big Hunt Bar have been revealed by a Metropolitan Police Department spokesman.

The victim was Kiela Marie Ryan of Columbia, Maryland. The driver was Jorida Davidson of Friendship Heights, Maryland. Ms. Ryan was taken to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead around 5 a.m.

Montgomery County Police located Ms. Davidson in the driver's seat of her SUV with the engine turned off and no keys in the ignition. She was reportedly charged with DUI and released. Her vehicle was impounded and the Metropolitan Police are reportedly seeking a warrant for her arrest. For more go to: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/deadly-dupont-circle-hit-and-run-crash.cfm

Freight Train Strikes Man in Prince Georges County

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A CSX freight train struck and severely injured a pedestrian early this morning in Prince Georges County. The incident took place around 3:15 a.m. in the vicinity of 4500 Rhode Island Avenue.

The victim has yet to be publicly identified. He is reportedly hospitalized for his injuries.

This is the second such incident in the Washington area involving CSX and pedestrians. For more go to: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/crime-and-public-safety/man-struck-by-train-in-prince.html?hpid=newswell

Foe the earlier incident: http://wtopnews.com/?sid=2052391&nid=25

Fascinating Decision from Maryland's Highest Court on Police Crash Immunity

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Maryland's highest court rendered a divided decision in a case focusing on the immunity of a police officer from being subject to civil liability for a car crash. The case stems from an incident in Baltimore wherein a police officer drove the wrong way down a one way street and struck and injured another driver as a result. The case went to trial in district Court and the victim of the crash was awarded $12,000.00.

The case was appealed to the Circuit Court and the trial judge upheld the district court verdict. The defense to the case involved "sovereign immunity". This is the concept that governmental employees are in some instances immune from civil lawsuits for negligent acts committed while in the course of their "governmental" employment.

In this case, the immunity would apply if the officer was "in pursuit" of suspects. The testimony was that the suspects he was pursuing were standing still and consequently the officer was not "in pursuit" or engaged in "emergency service." For more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-hermann-police-pursuit-20101006,0,346120.story

Silver Spring Hit and Run Crash Victim Dies

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Danny Elizabeth Alay-Mateo of Silver Spring died today from profound injuries she received in a hit and run crash on Carroll Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland on September 24, 2010. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/more-information-on-silver-spring-hit-and-run.cfm

The victim was struck by a dark colored General Motors vehicle. The Montgomery County Police continue to seek information regarding possible suspects. The vehicle was thought to be one of the following: 1994 to 1998 GMC Jimmy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Chevrolet Blazer or Chevy S-10 pickup. The vehicle would have lost a passenger side mirror and possibly have sustained additional damage to the front passenger side. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/silver-spring-hit-and-run-seriously-injures-pedestrian.cfm

The police can be reached at (301)840-2435.

New Federal Crash Safety Rating System

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

When people look for new cars they often are interested in the federal crash test ratings. Unfortunately, those ratings had reached the point where so many vehicles were highly rated that differentiating between them was becoming impossible. Also a number of crash-types were not even evaluated.

So, when the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration announced new tests and concomitant ratings it was a significant development. http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2010/U.S.+Transportation+Secretary+Ray+LaHood+Rolls+Out+Upgraded+5-Star+Vehicle+Safety+Ratings+System

It will take a while for the comprehensive evaluation of all vehicles but a trip to http://www.safercar.gov/ will get you started.

New York Avenue Crash Injures and Traps Occupant

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Details are scant but anyone driving into work on New York Avenue in the District today knows that a major crash brought traffic to a standstill and reportedly entrapped one driver who was severely injured.

The incident which took place around seven this morning, closed down New York Avenue inbound today causing a traffic nightmare. Inbound lanes were reopened around seven thirty a.m. http://wtopnews.com/?sid=2069404&nid=25

Amtrak Train Hits and Kills Pedestrian in Middle River, Maryland.

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Amtrak train 56 from Baltimore to Philadelphia struck and killed a pedestrian in Middle River, Baltimore County, Maryland around 9 a.m. today. The individual has not been identified yet and reportedly was on the tracks.

The 125 or so passengers were stranded while investigation of the incident unfolds and the arrival of a "rescue train" takes place.

Avid readers of our website will recall another Middle River deadly Amtrak incident in January of this year when a fourteen-year-old girl on her way to school was struck and killed. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/amtrak-train-strikes-and-kills-teenager.cfm

Bethesda Bus Crash Driver Had Heart Attack

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Autopsy results today revealed that Joseph Clabaugh, suffered a heart attack perhaps explaining the cause of the crash. Passengers have evidently reported that Mr. Clabaugh was sweating profusely before he slumped over the steering wheel.

The crash in Bethesda had mystified investigators who had previously ascertained that the bus itself was in good working order. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/no-mechanical-failure-in-montgomery-county-bus-crash.cfm

The National Transportation Safety Board will continue to investigate the totality of the evidence regarding the Montgomery County, I-270 crash and will issue a report of their findings some moths down the road. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/cause-of-montgomery-county-bus-crash-elusive.cfm

Bethesda Bus Crash Driver Had Heart Attack

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

"No Mechanical Failure" in Montgomery County Bus Crash

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Maryland State Police report that a detailed inspection of the bus that drove off the skyway in Bethesda and crashed into I-270 revealed nothing mechanically that would have brought about the crash. Thus an increased focus is on the impending autopsy of the bus driver, Joseph A. Clabaugh, Jr.

The obvious question, did Mr. Clabaugh have a heart attack or some other disabling event that precipitated the crash?

In addition to the injured on the bus, one other driver sustained injuries when her vehicle struck a light pole which had been knocked down across roadway by the bus.

Milk Truck Crash, Tractor Trailer Fire Cause Maryland Traffic Woes

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

I-70 and I-95 have been snarled with traffic woes in the aftermath of a milk truck crash and a tractor trailer fire.

The milk truck collision took place in the vicinity of Maryland Route 29 and closed down Eastbound I-70. The tractor trailer fire in Harford County closed down the two right lanes on I-95 in Harford County.

One senses that more traffic havoc is in the offing with torrential rains throughout central Maryland.

Silver Spring Metro Bus Crash Injures Students, Others.

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Early this morning one Metrobus rear-ended another on University Boulevard near Brunett Avenue in Silver Spring.

The crash resulted in 26 passengers being taken to area hospitals. The bulk of the injured were students en route to school. The rear-end collision took place around 7a.m. and closed down Eastbound University Boulevard between Wheaton and Four Corners.

More On Montgomery County Bus crash

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Gradually more details of yesterday's Montgomery County I-270 bus crash is trickling out. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/deadly-montgomery-county-bus-crash-closes-270.cfm

First the good news. All the children on the bus are out of the hospital. The somewhat less good news is that four adults remain in the hospital.

The authorities remain perplexed at the cause of the crash. Post-crash inspection of the bus found it in good working order.

Fox 5 news had an interesting piece on the history of local crashes involving large commercial vehicles going through guardrails which segued into AAA's discussion of the inadequacy of guardrails overall. http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/maryland/aaa-calls-for-stronger-guardrails-after-md-crash-093010

Baltimore Electrocution Case Partially Settled

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

The tragic case of Deanna Greene, who suffered an electric shock at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore in 2006 and died, has been at least partially settled. Her family had sued the City of Baltimore and Douglas Electric and Lighting.

Baltimore City was dismissed from the suit due to sovereign immunity and Douglas settled their aspect of the case.

The family intends to press on with the case against the city, hoping to revive the previously dismissed aspects of the case.

Sovereign immunity is the concept that governmental entities can proscribe when they may and may not be sued. It is literally a by-product of a long-ago era when the English kings or sovereigns, gradually permitted their subjects some redress for certain wrongs committed against them by their king (or queen).

For more see: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-green-park-lawsuit-20100928,0,391013.story

More Information on Silver Spring Hit and Run.

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our recent report on a hit and run in Silver Spring was necessarily somewhat sketchy as the information released to the public was as well. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/silver-spring-hit-and-run-seriously-injures-pedestrian.cfm

Since that time more details have emerged. The victim was 22-year-old Danny Elizabeth Alay-Matteo of Silver Spring.

The striking vehicle is no longer thought to be a dark-colored Honda Accord but instead a 1994 to 1998 GM product. Based upon a mirror that was left at the scene the hit and run crash vehicle is believed to be a Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Oldsmobile Bravada or Chevy S-10 pickup.

If you have information regarding this crash please contact Montgomery County police at (301)840-2435.

Deadly Montgomery County Bus Crash Closes 270

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A deadly bus crash took place in the Rockville/Bethesda area this afternoon. A bus belonging to Wolf Bus Lines crashed through a skyramp and onto I-270 near Montgomery Mall this afternoon killing a passenger and injuring others.

The precise cause of the crash is as yet unknown and as one can imagine traffic chaos has ensued. The bus was reportedly carrying parents and children and fell 45 feet off the skyramp. Authorities are working to extricate passengers and early reports indicate that at least 10 are injured. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/maryland/bus-accident-on-i-270-in-bethe.html

As more information becomes available we will follow this story closely

Cause of Montgomery County Bus Crash Elusive

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

While more information on the Montgomery County bus crash is trickling in, the one thing about we have heard nothing is the cause. We know now that the passengers survived while the bus driver was killed. The field trip to the Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo involved parents and home schooled children from Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The incident involved fewer passengers than had been initially reported and the injuries of the survivors are reportedly less severe than had been initially feared. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/deadly-montgomery-county-bus-crash-closes-270.cfm

The National Transportation Safety Board has sent out investigators to ascertain the cause. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/bus-and-motorcoach-crash-safety-lessons-learned.cfm

Silver Spring Hit and Run seriously injures Pedestrian

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Around eight o'clock on Saturday night a woman walking in the Northbound portion of Carroll Avenue, was struck by a dark-colored vehicle which left the scene of the crash.

The hit and run crash in Silver Spring left the victim in serious condition. police report that the striking vehicle lost a right-side exterior mirror and may well have other passenger side damage. If you have any information please call the Montgomery County Police at (301)840-2435.

Maryland "Distracted Driving Laws": The Next Step

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

At Clark and Steinhorn, the cases we see come in often portend future changes in the law. As cell phones became ubiquitous, we saw an influx of cases in which our clients perceived that they were struck because the other driver was on the phone or texting.

The next thing we knew the District of Columbia was enacting the most comprehensive "distracted driving" laws in the nation. Soon Maryland followed suit and even Virginia. Federal and state government agencies joined in and even Oprah got on the bandwagon. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/oprah-and-distracted-driving-right-on.cfm
http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/distracted-driving-usdot-joins-the-party.cfm

While the District of Columbia from the start had highly restrictive laws, the other jurisdictions took a more gradual approach. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/distracted-driving-illegal.cfm

Now Maryland is taking the next step in the evolution of creating a comprehensive scheme to make "distracted driving" less prevalent and less deadly. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/reducing-car-and-truck-crashes-through-distracted-driving-reduction.cfm

On October 1, 2010, Maryland drivers will no longer be permitted to use handheld devices to make and receive phone calls. The new law will require the use of hands free devices. The enforcement mechanism will however be tricky.

Tickets may only be meted out for violations of the new law as a so called secondary violation. What that means is that officers can only issue tickets for violations when the violator is also observed engaging in some other primary violation of Maryland law. Which is to say don't speed and use a handheld device or you are likely to get a ticket for both.

The effectiveness of such secondary charges is debatable, but there is no debate that this will enhance the safety of Maryland's roads and reduce deadly crashes.

Crownsville Crash Injures Bicyclist

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A sixteen-year-old boy was struck and seriously injured while riding his bicycle on Sunrise Beach Road in Crownsviile last evening. He was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he is receiving post-crash medical care. Neither the boy nor the vehicle's driver have been identified.

White Marsh Crash Kills IKEA Shoplifter?

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A strange and unfortunate incident has killed an unidentified woman at White Marsh outside of Baltimore. Reportedly a woman was apprehended after shoplifting at IKEA and once she was let go, got into her car in the parking lot and ran into a light pole thus ejecting herself.

The crash and ejection killed her. Little has been revealed about her identity other than the fact that the incident took place on Tuesday, she was 22-years-old and that her VW had West Virginia tags.

Maryland Court of Appeals Upholds Damages Cap in Injury Cases

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Maryland non-economic damages cap has been a bone of contention ever since its first enactment. The law which takes fair compensation out of the hands of the jury, has again been upheld by the Maryland Court of Appeals.

The decision in a case involving a child drowning at Crofton Country Club reduces the jury's award from $4 million to $1 million.

The cap has been decried by advocates for the catastrophically injured as it treats all cases the same, limiting pain and suffering damages to an absolute statutory maximum. This is to say that the same limit for non-economic damages would apply to someone who is rendered quadriplegic as someone who sustains no permanent injury whatsoever. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/marylands-highest-court-takes-on-damages-cap-in-drowning-case.cfm

The insurance industry has long has a disproportionate influence on Maryland's political culture and it is sad that even Maryland's vaunted court system cannot strike a blow for the victims of negligence. for more on pool safety go to:
http://www.maryland-law.com/library/how-to-avoid-pool-drownings-and-other-pool-dangers.cfm

Safety Seats Save Crash Victim's Lives

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

When one writes a regular blog it is inevitable that certain topics or issues recur. This is especially true when it concerns vehicle crash safety for infants and toddlers. Which is why it was gratifying to see this Washington Post piece on a topic near and dear to Clark and Steinhorn's hearts, safety and booster seats and their profound effect on crash safety. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/23/AR2010092302998.html?hpid=newswell

I had just blogged about the importance of not merely using booster and safety seats for infants and toddlers but for using them properly. 75% of users have them in wrong. Our friends at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration report some encouraging numbers regarding regional and national use of safety seats. 96% of children
1 to 3 are reported to use safety seats. Unfortunately only 41% of children 4 to 7 use booster seats. It is an ongoing NHTSA goal to nudge booster seat usage to continue to reduce crash deaths among children.

Overall Maryland saw 16 deaths of children 14 and under in 2009. The District of Columbia had only 1 child death in 2009 car and truck crashes. The nation as a whole saw a 3% decrease in child crash fatalities from 2008 to 2009.

The important thing is to use all safety devices properly. If you have any doubt about the proper use of a car seat or booster seat go to: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm and you can locate a nearby child safety seat inspection location. Do it today your child's life might depend on it. For more go to: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/child-passenger-safety-week-2010.cfm

Child Passenger Safety Week 2010

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Not to be repetitive, but it is that time again, Child Passenger Safety Week 2010. I know we told you about it last year but the numbers remain the same, 75% of child safety and booster seats are misused. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/it-is-official-national-child-passenger-safety-week.cfm

Yes that is disturbing. 3/4's of all infants and toddlers are endangered because their parents and guardians did not employ their safety seats properly. No one intends to misuse these safety products. So what can be done?

The NHTSA has a website that will lead you to a child safety seat inspection station. Child safety seats are designed to
protect our most vulnerable passengers in the event of a crash. Take advantage of this at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

Beltsville Street Race Crash Seriously Injures Two High Point High School Students

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two High Point High School students were seriously injured in a crash on Powder Mill Road in Beltsville. The boys were reportedly participating in a street race in which one of the vehicles lost control and struck both a guardrail and an opposite-bound Honda Accord. The collision trapped the vehicle operator in the car and ejected his passenger.

The incident took place around 11 this morning and the boys obviously were not in attendance at their nearby high school . No one has yet been charged and Prince Georges County Police continue to investigate. For more go to :
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/22/AR2010092205171.html?hpid=dynamiclead

Maryland Green Party Candidate Severely Injured in Prince Georges County Crash

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Natasha Pettigrew, Maryland Green Party candidate for the United States Senate in Maryland, was severely injured in a crash on Sunday in Largo, Maryland. The Prince Georges County accident took place early on the morning of Sunday September 19, 2010 on Maryland 202 near Campus Way.

Ms. Pettigrew was riding her bike, training for a triathlon when she was struck by a Cadillac Escalade SUV. That vehicle drove all the way home to Cheverly before realizing that her bicycle was lodged underneath the SUV.

The SUV driver evidently reported the crash approximately an hour after the incident. Ms. Pettigrew is convalescing at Prince Georges Hospital and we send her best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Pool Drowning Data for 2010

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published its 2010 snapshot of child swimming pool drownings. The numbers are disturbing, more than 350 child drownings and non-fatal incidents during the traditional Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend swimming season. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10332.html

The safety steps C.P.S.C. recommends includes fencing around all four sides of the pool, heavy duty pool covers, and pool alarms on doors leading from the home to the pool.

Not surprisingly, 3/4's of the incidents involved children under the age of four. It is also recommended that rescue equipment and a cordless phone poolside be readily available.

Natasha Pettigrew Passes Away

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Natasha Pettigrew, the Maryland Green Party candidate for the United States Senate, succumbed to injuries she sustained on Sunday September 19, 2010 in Prince Georges County, Maryland. As reported here previously, Ms. Pettigrew was riding her bicycle on Landover Road near Campus drive in preparation for a triathlon, when she was struck by a Cadillac Escalade vehicle. http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/maryland-green-party-candidate-severely-injured-in-prince-georges-county-crash.cfm

Ms. Pettigrew was taken to Prince Georges Hospital in Cheverly where she expired.

The SUV was driven by Christy R. Littleford of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Prince Georges County Police continue to investigate this matter.

Ms. Pettigrew's mother, Kenniss Henry is arranging a candlelight vigil at the area of the crash.

Ms. Pettigrew was a graduate of the Ohio State University and was taking a leave of absence from the University of Miami Law School to run for political office.

Metro Makes Safety Strides

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

To invert the quote from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, "I come not to bury Metro but to praise them."

Some of our colleagues at Metro have privately suggested that the editorial tone of this blog regarding Metro has been unduly harsh. So, when the National Transportation Safety Board praises Metro's efforts to respond to last summers report of widespread safety problems, we feel obliged to note this and to say "good for You Metro."

For more go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/17/AR2010091706622.html

Tragic Toddler drapery death in Silver Spring, Maryland

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a horribly sad incident, a 17-month-old Silver Spring child became entangled in a drapery cord and died of strangulation. The Montgomery County Police report that the child evidently managed to get out of his crib and became caught up in a drapery cord.

The inherent dangerousness of mixing toddlers and blinds, shades, and draperies has been focused on at this website regularly and we strongly urge parents to be aware of this danger.

Numerous blinds and shades have been subject to Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/blinds-recalled-for-strangulation-risks-for-children.cfm

For more up-to-date information go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10340.html

Deadly Prince Georges County Crash on Marlboro Pike

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Early this morning an SUV sideswiped an ambulance on Marlboro Pike in District Heights, Maryland culminating in the death of the three occupants of the SUV.

Ambulance 826 has just been dispatched to a call when the driver observed a vehicle traveling a great rate of speed coming directly towards them going the wrong way on Marlboro Pike. The ambulance driver deftly swerved to avoid being struck head-on, doubtless saving the ambulance crew's lives.

The impact of the sideswipe that ensued, decimated the ambulance's patient area but left the crew largely unharmed.

The SUV subsequently struck a brick wall and a utility pole before ending up on its roof. The three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. For more go to : http://wtopnews.com/?nid=708&sid=2054399

Deadly Baltimore-Washington Parkway Crash

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Southbound vehicle lost control on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway near Hanover Road and crashed into another car after crossing the median.

The Northbound vehicle was driven by Stacey Altvater of Landsdowne who was killed. Her passenger was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for reportedly non-life threatening injuries.

Charges are pending against the Southbound driver.

Harford County Crash Kills Scooter Operator

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two deadly Harford County crashes took place in a three day period. The first on Saturday night, was a head-on collision in which Jesse Thomas Washington lll reportedly drove his Honda Accord over the center line of Hanson Road in Edgewood and struck a car driven by Jesbel Gonzalez of Aberdeen, Maryland.

The car crash took place adjacent to the Joppa Magnolia Fire Company's Hanson Road facility and the members leapt to the task of rescuing the crash victims. Unfortunately Mr. Washington did not survive. Ms. Gonzalez was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center where she was in critical condition

It is reported that alcohol may have been a factor in Mr. Washington's driving.

On Monday Kenneth Zaicko of Churchville, Maryland was killed when the scooter he was operating struck a curb on Route 22 and was thrown from his scooter into the path of a car and was killed.

http://www.exploreharford.com/news/5941/man-killed-motor-scooter-accident-harford/

Hail to the Redskins!

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Allan and I took in the Redskins dramatic victory over the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night from the friendly confines of Jack Kent Cooke Stadium errr...... Fedex Field.

How sublime to see all the distraught Cowboys fans heading home after trash talking from arrival until their game winning touchdown. Oops blatant holding on the Cowboys nullifies the game winning touchdown and the Shanahan era is off to a rousing start!

Hail to the Redskins. Hail victory!

I-95 Tractor Trailer Accident Snares Cecil County Traffic

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Northbound I-95 traffic was snarled early this morning as three tractor trailers crashed in the vicinity of Chesapeake House in Cecil County, Maryland.

The incident occurred a little before 4:30 this morning and reportedly resulted in minimal personal injury. Two of the commercial trucks were reportedly leaking diesel fuel in the aftermath of the crash and a third tractor-trailer jack-knifed.

All Northbound I-95 traffic was diverted off of I-95 for the better part of three hours.

Glen Burnie Crash takes Motorcyclist's Life

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

John Fabian III of Glen Burnie was killed in a crash Saturday night, September 11, 2010 on Solley Road in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Reportedly Mr. Fabian's motorcycle rear-ended a Honda Civic near Nabbs Creek Road around 11:40 p.m. resulting in Mr. Fabian being ejected from his motorcycle and killed. His passenger, Miranda Jo Means of Baltimore was also seriously injured and was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The Honda Civic had apparently slowed to avoid striking another motorist who had slowed to avoid striking a deer.

Police report that alcohol was a contributing factor although in what way is not yet known. http://www.wbaltv.com/news/24977442/detail.html

Baltimore Motorcyclist Killed in Hit and Run Crash

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Saturday night hit and run crash between a Mercedes and a motorcycle killed the bike operator, Gerard Grant of Baltimore.

The crash took place on Saturday night September 11, 2010 in the 5200 block of Erdman Avenue around seven o'clock.

The black late model Mercedes reportedly struck the motorcycle operated by Mr. Grant ejecting him. The Mercedes left the scene and likely has damage to the drivers side of the car including a missing side-view mirror.

Police are seeking information at (410)396-2609. http://www.wbaltv.com/news/24976407/detail.html

Only On Metro!?

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Maybe I'm piling on but only Metro would have to close down a station because neither the elevators nor escalators work! The Wheaton Station closed this evening for precisely those reasons.

After 12 people were trapped in the elevator Saturday it was closed down for repair. So when the Wheaton Station escalators broke down this evening...well you can imagine. Wheaton which feature the longest escalator ride in the whole train system had to be closed down with shuttle service between Forest Glen and Glenmont.

Oh my!

Metro Bus Fire, Sex Assault Allegations, Problems Abound!

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

It may seem like piling on, but Metro continues to have widely reported problems ever since the deadly Fort Totten Metro train crash on June 22, 2009.

The latest contretemps involves allegations that a MetroAccess driver sexually assaulted a disabled patron and the sudden bursting into flame of a Metrobus on the Beltway. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/09/AR2010090906640.html?hpid%3Dnewswell&sub=AR

The assault is the fourth this year involving allegations that MetroAccess drivers have attacked patrons. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/09/AR2010090906812.html?hpid=newswell

The bus fire has resulted in removal of 99 buses from the active fleet. The buses are 10-year-old, diesel Orions and will be taken out of service pending a repair. This would be more comforting if Metro officials had not acknowledged a fire two weeks ago in a newer model bus.

What's next?

Maryland Medical Board Does Something in Botched Abortion Case!

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

There is a complicated and largely adversarial relationship between the lawyers who represent victims of Maryland medical malpractice and the Maryland Board of Physicians. We feel the Board merely serves as window-dressing covering up blatant acts of negligence on the part of Maryland doctors that sometimes kill and maim innocent patients.

The Medical Board doubtless feels it is in a pickle attempting to police its members without providing fodder for medical negligence lawsuits.

So when the Board upheld the suspension of the medical licenses of two Maryland physicians and ordered a non-Maryland doctor to stop practicing medicine here, we tend to take notice and say why? http://www.mbp.state.md.us/BPQAPP/orders/D4835208.310.pdf

Could it be because the alleged botched abortion which culminated in the patient suffering a perforated uterus was reported by another doctor? Or is it because the Board has been confronted with an even grimmer abortion related death case recently? See: http://www.mbp.state.md.us/BPQAPP/orders/d0925509.080.pdf It could also be political of course but the fact is that the Board seems to rarely draw public attention for its actions.

The behavior of the doctors in the two cases appears reprehensible, in one case apparently killing the patient with anesthesia and in the other driving the patient to an emergency room after the abortion went awry and being less than forthcoming about where the bleeding, semi-coherent patient had come from.

The bottom line is that the suspensions make a lot of sense given the alleged facts of the incidents. It would just be nice if the Board took its responsibilities more seriously in all cases.

Traffic Deaths Plunge To Sixty Year Low!

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

We have reported on trends in traffic fatalities for quite a while and the macro-level news is all good. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/analysis-of-maryland-car-accident-truck-crash-motorcycle-fatalities.cfm Car and truck crash deaths in Maryland, the District of Columbia and nationwide have plunged! The 2009 data showed a 7.4% decline in crash deaths in Maryland and a 15% decline in traffic fatalities in D.C. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/maryland-motor-vehicle-death-cases.cfm

The reasons are entirely logical. Increased drunk driving legal enforcement, more wide-spread use of seat and safety belts, better roads and of course the modernization of America's car and truck fleet which includes modern safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and stability control.

Even motorcycle crash deaths went down for the first time in more than a decade. http://www.maryland-law.com/library/motorcyclist-fatalities-on-the-rise.cfm

Nationally nine states saw increases in car, truck and motorcycle crash deaths with those states being rural or smaller ones with a prevalence of weaker seatbelt use laws.

Pasadena Two-Year-Old drowns in Backyard Pool

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

We have written extensively on the dangerous mix that is toddlers and swimming pools. Tragically an Anne Arundel County two-year-old reportedly drowned in a private pool on Tick Neck road in Pasadena, Maryland on Saturday.

Efforts to perform CPR on the child were undertaken and transport to the Baltimore-Washington Medical Center proved unavailing. Our hearts go out to the family of the child. http://www.maryland-law.com/video/maryland-lawyer-swimming-pool-drowning-accidents.cfm

Pasadena Two-Year-Old drowns in Backyard Pool

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Charles County Teen Dies as a Result of Dirt Bike Crash

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Tragically, a 17-year-old La Plata, Maryland man died as a result of injuries he sustained last Sunday when his dirt bike collided with a parked car.

Nicholas Alan Sinsel was thrown from his dirt bike and unfortunately was not wearing a helmet. The crash occurred on August 29, 2010 at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Hannon Drive in La Plata.

The Charles County Sheriffs Department is evidently still investigating this sad incident. http://www.somdnews.com/stories/09032010/indytop161206_32461.shtml

Heart Rending Motorcycle Crash in Harford County Kills Teen

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a heart rending story, Lauryn Marie Little of Whiteford, Maryland was pronounced dead at Johns Hopkins Hospital after the motorcycle upon which she was a passenger collided with a stationary van at the intersection of Priestford Road and Trappe Church Road.

Ms. Little was a passenger on her father's motorcycle when the crash with the van took place and both she and he were thrown from the bike. Brian Little received treatment at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.

Maryland State Police reportedly continue to investigate this matter.

Metro Crash Safety Repairs Price Tag: $ One Billion!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

The much vaunted N.T.S.B. July report on their investigation of the deadly Fort Totten Metro crash laid out 15 recommendations for improved safety. http://www.ntsb.gov/events/2010/washington-dc-metro/closing-statement.htm

The price tag has now surfaced, $ 1 Billion. The primary expense, replacing the old, less safe, 1000 series rail cars at $835 million. Track circuit module replacement a mere $55 million. Safety analysis of of the so-called automatic train-control system a trifling $25 million and so on. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/01/AR2010090106151.html?hpid=newswell

The whereabouts of the money, ah there is the rub. The Metro Board Chairman evidently thinks that $300 million in federal/local money will do the trick. From where I am sitting it looks like too little too late. http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=30&sid=2042164

Jack-Knifed Tractor Trailer Crash Closes I-95

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

I-95 in Harford County, Maryland Southbound was closed this mornng due to a jacknifed tractor-trailer.

The incident near Raphael road shut down all Southbound lanes for more than an hour causing traffic chaos. The lanes reopened a little before ten.

British Cancer Doctors Identify warning signs.

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

British cancer researchers have come up with a list of symptoms that are important warning signs of cancer.

The findings published in the British Journal of General Practice, include: difficulty in swallowing, rectal bleeding, blood in urine, breast lumps, coughing up blood, and anemic iron deficiency.

The cancers which might correlate with these symptoms include: esophageal cancer, colon cancer, urological cancers, breast cancer, lung cancer and colo-rectal cancer.

Their consensus is that these warning signs should give rise to a doctor's visit which in turn may lead to earlier diagnosis of common cancers at an earlier stage, thus reducing cancer deaths.

Other common indicators of possible cancer include sudden loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and post-menopausal bleeding in women.

Metro Labor Day Fix. A Safer Red Line?

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

In the aftermath of the June 22, 2009 Fort Totten Metro crash a sea of safety recommendations have been forthcoming. The National Transportation Safety Board weighed in based upon their investigation of the Red Line catastrophe and also a lesser known 2007 Mount Vernon Square derailment. As a consequence Metro is closing down five Red Line stations for repairs over Labor day weekend.

The stations effected are Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont. Free shuttle buses will operate between Glenmont and Fort Totten.

Such station closures are not unprecedented for Metro as holiday weekends are often used for various repairs and improvements. The closures are likely to save many months of single track operation.

Previously, Metro has closed Yellow and Blue Line stations to facilitate repairs and maintenance. Hopefully, these repairs will make future Metro crashes non-existent.

Shocker, St. Josephs Medical Center lawyers Fight stent Claims!

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

When patients started receiving letters from St. Josephs Medical Center in Towson that they may have stents implanted in their arteries unnecessarily, the common thought was that this was akin to an admission by the hospital of responsibility. Further statements by the hospital's employees of fraudulent records seemed to seal the deal.

Now that their lawyers have gotten hold of things, nothing could be further from the truth. The letters..oh well they didn't mean anything..hey some of the people are better off..and so on.

Regrettably this sort of turn of events are commonplace in the contemporary legal world. Doctors are often penitent in the aftermath of a catastrophic medical incident just as drivers who cause injurious crashes are all apologetic at the scene of the crash.

Unfortunately these acts of personal responsibility last until the victim brings a lawsuit.

Pedestrian struck and Killed by Tractor Trailer in Baltimore is Identified

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

The deadly collision between a pedestrian and a tractor trailer in Dundalk near the Fort McHenry toll plaza continues to be investigated. The victim was identified by Maryland Transit Authority Police as Michael Coll of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

The 36-year-old man was evidently struck and pulled under the tractor trailer. For more information go to: http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/i95-tractor-trailer-crash-kills-pedestrian.cfm

Congratulations to the University of Baltimore on the groundbreaking for their new law school !

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many congratulations to the University of Baltimore on the ground-breaking for its new law school. The project will transform the school into the sixth largest public law school facility in the United States.

The $107 million dollar building in downtown Baltimore at Mount Royal and North Charles streets will herald the University of Baltimore law school into a new era, undoubtedly pleasing my partner, Allan, an alumnus.

The structure promises to be far more environmentally friendly than the present facility and interestingly will reportedly house far less printed library information than the present library. This is doubtless sensible but discomfiting to us old school practitioners.

The design sounds amazing with an atrium and twelve levels although they purportedly will have a decidedly old-fashioned amenity, windows that open!

Congratulations I will be fascinated to see the final product.

I-95 Tractor Trailer Crash Kills Pedestrian

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

At approximately two thirty this afternoon a tractor trailer struck a pedestrian on Interstate 95 North of the Fort McHenry toll plaza. The pedestrian was dragged underneath the tractor trailer and died.

The Dundalk crash shut down Northbound lanes of I-95 for three hours creating traffic chaos. A separate later I-70 personal injury crash involving a tractor trailer and a pick up truck added to what was a difficult day in the Central Maryland region.

Fort Totten Metro crash trial delayed four months..for now.

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

For the interested observer, the pending United States District Court trial concerning the Fort Totten Metro crash of June 22, 2009 has been postponed from September 2011 to January 2012.

The Honorable Reggie Walton decreed this in part because of the addition of two new defendants. The fallout from the N.T.S B.'s report in July will be interesting to observe as the litigation goes forward.

One suspects there is a good deal of ground for the parties to cover even with additional four months.

Metro Bus Cameras, will they enhance safety?

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Metro has announced the installation of cameras on its Metrobus fleet with an eye toward enhancing the safer operation of its fleet while improving efficiency, you know saving money.

The cameras will be reportedly activated by emergency measures undertaken by the operators including rapid acceleration or deceleration and evasive maneuvers or crashes, which begs the question "wouldn't it be helpful to observe what led to the sudden movement or change in speed rather than the aftermath? Oh well, perhaps I misunderstand their intentions.

Union operators understandably are concerned about their privacy and whether the videotaping may give rise to other criticism. Hopefully the system can make safety routine on Metrobuses.

Bay Bridge Tractor Trailer Crash Snags Friday Traffic

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A tractor trailer crashed into the rear of a Corvette on the Westbound Chesapeake Bay Bridge Friday, causing traffic havoc both directions in the Bay Bridge area.

The Corvette driver was reportedly injured and taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center by helicopter.

Amtrak Train Service Thrown into Chaos with Coal Train Derailment

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Both Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express trains have been thrown into scheduling chaos south of Washington as a coal train derailed South of Quantico. For more see : http://wtopnews.com/?nid=25&sid=2020575

GAO Investigation of For Profit Colleges Shows Deceptive Recruiting Practices and Fraud

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

The General Accounting Office identified fifteen for profit colleges that allegedly engaged in fraud and deceptive trade practices in the recruitment of students following an undercover investigation of for profit schools. The investigation involved sending potential students to the school to experience the recruiting process. The undercover investigation discovered numerous serious violations. The investigation found some of the schools were falsely representing salaries for future graduates, and that all fifteen schools that were investigated committed deceptive practices during the recruitment process.

As we have reported on this blog in the past, at least one local for profit career school has been the subject of a lawsuit seeking class action certification by students who claim they were harmed by deceptive trade practices and fraudulent representations made by the Fila Acadamy, Inc., a barber school in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The GAO investigation revealed similar findings in other for profit schools across the country. The GAO report includes one beauty school in the District of Columbia, the Potomac College, that was also investigated and purportedly engaged in the same tactics.

The lawyers at Clark and Steinhorn are licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia, and have litigated cases in other state's courts with local counsel.

If you believe you have been victimized by deceptive trade practices or fraud committed by a private for profit college, or otherwise been harmed by wrongful practices of a for profit college, call the Law Offices of Clark and Steinhorn, LLC.