Attorney Blog

Rockville Accident Attorney Says What to Expect After Wrongful Death

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

When you’ve lost a loved one in an auto accident, life squeals to a halt. Suddenly you find yourself numbly planning a funeral and trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces of your shattered life without that important person.

At some point, you may start wondering if you should file a lawsuit against the person responsible for your loved one’s death. But where do you begin? Here are a few things you should know about wrongful death cases in Maryland:

Who can file a lawsuit following a Maryland wrongful death accident?

This depends on the marital status and age of the person who died. In general, the person who is most closely related to the deceased will be the one filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Those who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland include:

The deceased person’s spouse
Any children under age 18
The deceased person’s parents

What type of compensation can I expect?

Every wrongful death case is different, but the types of compensation you can receive after losing a loved one in a Maryland truck accident are typically the same. You can expect to receive monetary damages for the following:

Any medical bills that your family incurred in your loved one’s last hours
Funeral costs
Lost income due to the death of a breadwinner
Pain and suffering (this is highly subjective)

How long will the entire process take?

It’s impossible to say for certain how quickly you will get your compensation. This depends in part on the how straightforward the circumstances of the accident are and how agreeable the defense is to your proposed settlement. You should know that the entire process could take years to complete.

That’s why it can be helpful to hire an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney who is willing to fight for you and see it through to the end. To see how a Rockville accident attorney can help you recoup the most for your loved one’s death, call our offices at 1-800-875-9700.

Silver Spring Accident Attorney Says Don't Delay Seeing a Doctor

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Maryland motorcycle accidents often result in serious, sometimes even permanent, injuries. This is nothing to take lightly, and you shouldn’t put off seeing a doctor.

Wondering how you can afford to see a doctor with skyrocketing medical costs? Chances are, if someone else caused the accident in which you were injured, you will not have to pay the doctor bill at all. In most cases, you can recoup costs for all doctor bills related to the accident from the person responsible for the crash.

You may not get the money immediately, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to see a doctor. In fact, it’s better if you don’t delay these important doctor appointments. When you file a Maryland personal injury lawsuit, the attention you paid to getting well immediately following a Maryland motorcycle crash may very well make a difference in the amount of compensation you receive.

An experienced Silver Spring accident attorney will be able to use the records and bills from your doctor appointments to help prove your case and get you a higher settlement. This is why it is particularly important that you:

See a doctor immediately.
Be thorough when describing your injuries. A “little” pain might turn out to be something significant, so don’t leave out anything when telling the doctor how you feel.
Document all injuries through doctor reports, photos, etc.
Keep scheduled doctor appointments. This shows you’re being responsible in doing what you can to make sure you body heals properly.
Follow doctor’s orders, including taking all medications and seeing any recommended specialists.
Follow up with a doctor on any “new” injuries. Sometimes one injury aggravates another.

Still unsure how to get the money you deserve for your injuries? Call our office today at 1-800-875-9700 and talk to an experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney who can help.

Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Says To Be Safe When Using GPS Device

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

The number of Maryland distracted-driving accidents has increased in the last several years, and part of that increase is due to electronic gadgets. While cell phones get most of the criticism, GPS devices — helpful as they are — can also distract drivers and lead to a serious Maryland auto accident.

You can’t prevent someone else from driving unsafely while using his or her GPS equipment, but you can cut down on the potential for getting into an accident by practicing safe use of your own GPS. Here are a few tips:

Install the GPS device in a place where you can easily see it but where it does not inhibit your ability to see the road clearly.
Input your destination address before you leave, not while you’re driving.
If you need to make changes to your destination, try to find a place to pull over for a short time or, if possible, let a passenger make the changes for you.
If it’s available, use the voice activation feature so you don’t have to look at the screen so often.
Use common sense. GPS devices make mistakes, so keep in mind that you are the driver and the GPS is just a tool. If the device is trying to get you to go the wrong way down a one-way street, for example, don’t do it.

While these tips can’t prevent all Maryland distracted driving instances, they will help you stay safer on the road. If you’ve been hurt in a Maryland auto accident where distracted driving was the culprit, you may be able to recoup damages. For more information, call the experienced Maryland car accident lawyers of Nickelsporn & Lundin at 1-800-875-9700, or fill out our online form.

Frederick Accident Attorney Handles Serious Truck Accident Injuries

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A serious truck accident doesn’t just leave you with a car to repair and ugly bruises. It blindsides you, wrecking havoc on your body and changing life as you know it. It may leave you scarred both physically and emotionally, and it will likely put a financial drain on you and your family.

Maryland truck accidents often result in catastrophic injury, such as:

Head injury or brain trauma
Spinal cord injury
Serious internal injuries
Nerve damage
Broken or severed limbs
Paralysis
Disfigurement

A person who has been injured in a truck wreck in Maryland will likely spend a considerable amount of time in the hospital, often in the ICU, and may require extensive medical care, including multiple surgeries and months of physical treatment. As you might expect, the medical costs add up quickly.

Unfortunately, such injuries may also be permanent. You may find yourself unable to work and on the permanent disability list. A Frederick accident attorney who is experienced in handling truck accidents can help you draft a medical plan that will cover both your current bills and any future medical bills that you are likely to incur based on your specific injuries. This plan will then be used to help determine your settlement amount in any litigation you pursue against the truck driver who injured you.

If you or a family member has been hurt in a Maryland truck accident and you’re not sure how to pay the medical bills, call Nickelsporn & Lundin for a free consultation at 1-800-875-9700, or fill out our online form. We can help you get the compensation you need to ensure a brighter future.

Maryland Car Accident Attorney Warns Against Fleeing the Scene

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A car smashes into yours, giving your body a good jolt and setting off the airbags. Like a good citizen, you pull over to exchange insurance information and determine what injuries there are. Suddenly, you see the other vehicle’s taillights fading away as the driver flees the scene.

It can be frustrating, even maddening, when the other person simply keeps on driving rather than stopping to check on the health of others involved in the wreck. Hit-and-run accidents in Maryland and throughout the nation make up about 11 percent of all car accidents.

These careless drivers will occasionally try to argue that they didn’t know they had hit anyone—but don’t let them fool you. Rarely can you get into an accident without knowing it. In fact, the bulk of drivers who try using the “I didn’t see anything” excuse were drunk at the time of the accident, resulting in even more serious consequences.

It’s against the law to flee the scene of a car crash, so if the other driver is discovered later, rest assured that person will be held accountable for his or her actions. A driver who flees the scene of an accident in Maryland that involved injury can be charged with a felony, up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The sentence is more severe if the accident resulted in death.

If you’ve been injured in a Maryland auto accident, you have a right to compensation, whether or not the other driver stayed on the scene. To learn more about how to get the money you deserve, contact an experienced Maryland car accident attorney at Nickelsporn and Lundin.

Turn left safely and avoid a nasty Frederick accident

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Left-hand turns are a frequent cause of Maryland intersection accidents, but most of them can be avoided with a little defensive driving.

Below are a few tips to keep in mind when navigating a tricky left-hand turn at a local intersection:

Signal!

Not only is it Maryland state law to signal a left turn at an intersection, but it will also let other drivers know your intent and hopefully avoid a crash.

Do you have room?

Make sure there is room to safely clear the intersection before you enter the intersection. This is especially important for larger vehicles such as trucks, motorhomes, or vehicles carrying a boat or other cargo.

Beware of other drivers.

Don’t assume that other drivers see you or that they will respond courteously. Look out for drivers who:

Either missed your turn signal or think you’re turning earlier or later than you really are.
Seem to be impatient and might try to cut in front of you regardless of whether or not they know your intent.

Finally, if you’ve done your part and still ended up in a Frederick accident due to a left turn issue, talk to a skilled Frederick accident attorney who knows the law and can help you prove your innocence. For a free estimate, call Nickelsporn and Lundin at 1-800-87509700 or fill out our online form.

How a Rockville Accident Attorney Can Help You Avoid Common Mistakes

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Once a commercial truck slams into your vehicle, there’s little you can do to avoid physical injury. If this is your first accident, it’s quite possible that you’ve already made a few common mistakes along the way that could damage your Maryland truck accident case. So what do you do?

That’s easy: Call an experienced Rockville accident attorney who can help minimize the damage and put you back on track toward getting decent compensation for your injuries. A qualified attorney will know how to deal with these sticky situations. For instance:

If you missed a doctor’s appointment, a good attorney can still prove that your injuries are real and deserve to be compensated.
If you posted pertinent information on your Facebook page that could be used against you, an experienced attorney can still argue your position successfully.
If you signed paperwork you should not have, a qualified lawyer can, in many cases, work around those restrictions to still get you at least partial compensation.

Granted, there are some cases in which the damage cannot be undone. If you’ve missed the deadline for filing a Maryland truck accident injury claim, for example, even the best attorney will find his hands tied. In many instances, though, an experienced Rockville accident attorney can help you come to a reasonable settlement despite some minor setbacks.

The qualified Maryland truck accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin have experience with these types of cases and will fight for your rights. To learn more, call our offices at 1-800-875-9700, or fill out our online form.

Maryland road rage: Why it's more than driving aggressively

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

You’d think aggressive driving and road rage might be synonymous, but they’re not. In fact, there is a very important distinction that makes a difference when it comes to any legal action.

Aggressive driving may break the law

Speeding, frequent lane changes, tailgating — these are all common signs of aggressive drivers. In some cases, aggressive driving consists of legal but unsafe actions on the road. Other times, a person is charged with aggressive driving after running a stop light or performing some other illegal maneuver simply because they were in such a hurry to reach their destination.

Most chargeable cases of aggressive driving are due to violation of a traffic law. Whether driving legally or not, an aggressive driver is often a dangerous companion on the road and can easily cause a serious southern Maryland accident.

Maryland road rage ups the ante on aggressive driving

Whereas aggressive driving focuses mostly on the driving actions of the person, road rage refers more to the emotional response of the driver. More importantly, road rage is in fact a criminal offense.

Road rage is typically an emotional escalation of aggressive driving and consists of actions such as yelling, making rude hand gestures, etc. in addition to the dangerous driving actions. These situations can quickly escalate out of control and leave someone hurt.

If you or a family member has been injured in a Maryland auto accident where either aggressive driving or road rage was the culprit, you have every right to sue for compensation. Call an experienced southern Maryland accident lawyer at 1-800-875-9700 to learn more about your rights as an accident victim.

Turn signals can make the difference in your Rockville accident case

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A rude, impatient driver cuts you off with no warning. “Use your blinker!” you yell in frustration as you pound on the brakes.

A near miss might leave you shaken up and annoyed at the lack of common courtesy on the road.

However, if that person’s failure to use their turn signal caused a devastating Rockville accident in which you were injured, you might be downright angry, and rightly so.

Did you know that Maryland driving law has very specific rules for using a turn signal?

There is so far nothing in the law that says drivers have to signal a lane change on the highway (although some legislators have tried to get that changed).

It is, however, the law, to signal a turn at an intersection.

In other words, if you’ve been hurt in a Maryland intersection accident because another driver didn’t use their blinker, you have every right to sue.

A Rockville accident attorney can help you prove your case. Call the experienced Rockville injury lawyers of Nickelsporn and Lundin today at 1-800-975-9700.

Be Boring — Opt for Safe, Not Flashy, in Case of a Silver Spring Wreck

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Excitement was high at the 2012 North American International Auto Show this month. The annual Detroit car show featured the newest concepts from key auto makers. Flashy designs and the latest fuel-efficient models made their debut, along with new versions of popular cars such as the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord.

This year’s focus seems to be highlighting bolder and flashier. While there’s nothing wrong with making a fashion statement, it’s important to remember that bold and flashy alone will not keep your family safe on the road.

When choosing a new (or used) vehicle, it’s important to check out the vehicle’s safety features first and foremost. Features that could make a difference in how badly you’re injured in a Silver Spring accident include:

Airbags – How many, and where are they?
Seatbelts – Are there enough for everyone, and are they adjustable for better protection?
Anti-lock braking system
Head restraints – When used properly, they can help reduce your chance of head or neck injury
Size of the vehicle – Small vehicles and SUVs both have some pitfalls
Crash test rating – How safe is it really?

If you’re looking at a used car, take a careful look at electrical systems, brakes and tires too to make sure everything is in proper working order.

Despite your best efforts to put your family in a safe vehicle, you may still end up injured in a Maryland auto accident. If so, talk to an experienced Silver Spring accident attorney who knows what to say and do to get you the most compensation.

The skilled Silver Spring injury lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin are here to help when your family’s safety has been compromised. Call us today at 1-800-875-9700.

How a Rockville Accident Attorney Can Help After a Truck Accident

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A truck driver delivering gifts cross-country can easily become overworked and exhausted. Pressured to get more deliveries done faster, he may even blur the lines between what’s legal and what’s not.

But how can you tell?

The average person may not see the warning signs, but an experienced Rockville truck accident attorney can help you determine whether the truck driver responsible for your Maryland auto accident was acting legally or not.

Here are a few things your attorney will check:

Maryland truck driver’s log: All commercial truck drivers must keep a log of their hours and must abide by federal standards for hours of service allowed in any given period.
The truck driver’s past driving history: A truck driver who consistently pushes the envelope on what’s legal will likely have a previous history of moving violations.
Witness reports: Your attorney will talk to others who witnessed the accident to determine whether the truck driver displayed any other erratic driving behavior typical of aggressive or fatigued drivers.

A Maryland accident lawyer skilled in dealing with truck accident claims knows what to look for and can help you get the most for your injuries. To talk to a Maryland truck accident attorney today, call 1(800)875-9700.

Don't Panic About Paying Maryland Wrongful Death Accident Bills

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

You’ve lost someone dear to your family. Now you’re dealing with a barrage of memories that leave you filled with grief and in a daze as you try to go about your daily business. The last thing you need is the added pressure of unexpected expenses.

You may be facing costly medical bills from your loved one’s last hours in a hospital. You may be overwhelmed with the expenses involved in even the most simple funeral arrangements.

You likely haven’t even started thinking about the cost of auto repairs or a new vehicle.

Before you start to panic or pile on unnecessary stress, you should know that these last expenses might not even be your responsibility.

In most cases, the person responsible for the Silver Spring accident that cost your loved one’s life will pay for any expenses your family has incurred from the crash. This includes medical bills, funeral costs, auto repairs and more.

To see what compensation you may be eligible to receive, talk to an experienced Silver Spring accident attorney at 1-800-875-9700.

Why Do Insurance Adjusters Doubt Victims of Maryland Auto Accidents?

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The days following an auto accident are often a blur. Suddenly your life is turned upside down and you find yourself sitting at home in pain, trying to make sense of what happened. Then, the insurance adjuster calls. Talking to these people is stressful at best, and many times they seem intent to prove you’re lying about the injuries you received in a Silver Spring accident.

Why is that?

Simply put, insurance adjusters tend to be skeptical. It’s part of their job. They’ve likely come across their fair share of people faking injuries to get some fast money, so that makes them skeptical of anyone.

Compounding their skepticism is the hesitancy they might sense as you tell your story. Accidents happen so quickly that it can be difficult to remember every little detail, and the insurance adjuster will notice when you seem unsure of what happened or change any of those details. This can make it hard to know what to say – or not to say – to the adjuster.

Add the fact that speaking into a recording makes almost anyone nervous; this can be a recipe for disaster.

Of course, the main reason the insurance adjuster may be out to prove you wrong comes down to money. Though you pay your insurance policy, the insurance company is still a business and the adjuster’s main goal is to save his company money whenever possible.

Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, talk to a southern Maryland accident lawyer who can help protect your rights. Call 1-800-875-9700 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving and Avoid a Rockville Auto Accident

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Whether you’re driving to see family for the holidays or headed home after a long work trip or a semester of school, driving for hours on end can be a tiresome task – and it can be a dangerous one if you’re driving drowsy.

Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving while drunk and Maryland drowsy driving accidents can cause considerable damage.

Any long car ride tends to make the driver a bit sleepy, but how do you know when you’re becoming a dangerous driver and need to pull over for a little snooze?

Here are a few signs that drowsiness may be getting the best of you on the road:

Excessive yawning
Repeatedly veering into another lane or over the rumble strips on the highway
Eyes feeling heavy or frequently blinking to keep them open
Losing your grasp on the steering wheel
Failing to notice the signs or landmarks along the road
Nodding off for a couple seconds

If you are exhibiting any of these signs, it’s best to pull off the road and take a nap – even if it’s just for half an hour. You could save yourself the tragedy of a Rockville auto accident.

If you have been injured by a drowsy driver, contact a Rockville auto accident attorney today.

Steer Clear of Maryland Drunk Drivers This Holiday Season

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A trained eye can easily spot a drunk driver. Drifting or frequently switching lanes without signaling, speeding or driving under the speed limit, failing to stop at an intersection or driving without lights at night are all common signs of drunk drivers.

If you find yourself closer than you’d like to someone exhibiting the signs of a Maryland drunk driver, follow these tips to avoiding a Frederick auto accident:

When following a drunk driver – Slow down. Get yourself as far away as possible from the drunk driver. You may also want to be extra alert for any accidents caused by the same drunk driver further ahead.
When driving next to a drunk driver – Switch lanes. Drunk drivers have a tendency to swerve suddenly, so when possible, move over so that you are not in an adjacent lane. If that’s not an option, slow down to give them extra room.
When a drunk driver is following you – Pull over. If you’re on the highway, take the next exit or off ramp to get away from the driver. On a residential road, take your first turn and go around the block.
At an intersection – Don’t assume they see the traffic light or stop sign. Wait for them to either stop or go through the intersection.
Call the cops! – Once you are safely away from the danger, call the police to report the driver. While you are now safe from a Maryland drunk driving accident, others may not be until the driver is apprehended.

If you have been injured in a Maryland auto accident with a drunk driver, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Contact a Frederick drunk driving accident lawyer today.

Four signs that you need a Silver Spring attorney to handle your insurance adjuster

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

While many insurance adjusters will cooperate in negotiating a decent settlement, some are so intent on saving their company money that they will do anything to reduce your settlement.

Are you suspicious that your insurance adjuster is taking you for a ride? You may be dealing with an overly aggressive agent if you've heard any of these arguments:

"We need to settle now."

A pushy insurance adjuster may demand that you settle immediately, giving you just days to contemplate their offer. Don't let them bully you into settling before you know the extent of your injuries. You have the right to hold out for a better settlement, even taking them to court if you can't agree.

"You caused the accident."

Since Maryland is a contributory negligence state, you will get no compensation if the accident was partially your fault. Hold your ground, don't admit fault and don't let them trick you into admitting something that isn't true.

You are prohibited from collecting damages if you are even 1% responsible for the accident. Never admit fault to any degree, however minor it may seem.

"The injury isn't from the accident."

This is a common tactic to excuse their insurance company from responsibility, especially if you waited awhile after the accident to report your injury. You may need help from an attorney to prove that the injury was indeed from the accident if you're dealing with an uncooperative insurance agent.

"You made the injury worse."

A pushy insurance agent will look for any reason to reduce your settlement. If they see you canceled an appointment, refused a physical therapy session, etc., they may try to blame you for contributing to the injury and refuse to compensate you adequately.

If your insurance agent is talking like this, you may need to talk to an experienced Silver Spring lawyer who can help make sure you get an adequate settlement.

This is a major reason why it is important to attend all medical appointments and to explore all pains and injuries following an accident.

Three tips to steering clear of an aggressive Maryland truck driver

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Despite driving for a living, truck drivers can be some of the most dangerous drivers on the road. Since they are often in a rush to meet a deadline, they sometimes resort to aggressive driving techniques.

So how do you keep from becoming a victim of a Rockville truck accident? Here are a few simple tips:

Avoid blind spots.

Whether you're behind or next to a large truck, it's good to give them lots of room and steer clear of blind spots. When possible, avoid driving directly beside the truck. Trucks have larger blind spots than most passenger cars. If you're dealing with an aggressive truck driver who's in a hurry, they may not check their mirrors before making a sudden move that could cause an accident.

Change lanes.

What should you do if a speeding semi-trailer starts tailgating you in the slow lane? Change lanes.
Because trucks are large, they are more difficult to maneuver, even for a simple lane change. Sometimes aggressive truck drivers tailgate other drivers in an attempt to pressure the other driver to change lanes, ignoring common practice in which the faster vehicle moves to the left.

Watch the weather.

Any vehicle is susceptible to accidents in poor weather, but trucks have a harder time regaining control in slick conditions. The same is true when dealing with debris on the road or a sudden slow in traffic. Be extra aware of your surroundings when you're driving near a large truck in bad weather.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a Maryland truck accident caused by an aggressive truck driver, call the experienced Rockville accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin to see how we can help you.

Seatbelt use is irrelevant in a Frederick car accident case

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Seatbelts save lives. Local law enforcement and safety experts are so adamant about this fact that failure to use a seatbelt in Maryland is illegal.

However, if you were not wearing a seatbelt when you were involved in a Frederick car accident, that information cannot be used against you in your personal injury lawsuit claim.

Don't believe any insurance adjuster who claims that you are ineligible for compensation because you failed to buckle up. It's simply not true.

Maryland's status as a contributory negligence state has nothing to do with whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt. Failure to wear a seatbelt did not cause the accident - The other person's negligence did!

If the other driver or the insurance company is trying to take away your compensation for failing to use a seatbelt, you should consider contacting a Frederick accident attorney immediately regarding your rights.

As long as your attorney can prove that the other driver caused the crash, you are still able to receive compensation for any and all injuries sustained in the accident.

Why are Maryland hit and run accidents so common?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

You would think that people have the common decency to think of their fellow neighbor, to follow the Golden Rule.

But if you've found yourself the victim of a Maryland hit and run accident, it can be difficult not to lose a little of your confidence in the general goodwill of the people around you.

Why do people choose to commit a hit and run accident?

It's simple, really. They're selfish.

The hard truth is that a person who willfully commits a hit and run does so with their own self interests - and little else - in mind.

Of hit and run drivers who are later tracked down and convicted (yes, it is a criminal offense), most are found to have fled the scene of the accident due to fear of being caught:

Driving Drunk. As penalties for drunk driving increase, so do the number of drunk drivers who choose to attempt to flee the scene of the accident rather than incur a drunk driving offense. They could care less about your injuries so long as they don't face the embarrassment of a DUI.
Driving Without Insurance. Many people will choose to forego car insurance rather than stop driving when money is tight. Of course, this is not only against the law but also a bad decision if they find themselves in an accident. Because they know they don't have the money to pay out-of-pocket for damage done in an accident, they just keep on driving and hope they won't get caught.
Driving With a Suspended License. Obviously, someone who chooses to drive with a suspended license has already made several bad choices, but this is the icing on the cake.

If you've been injured in a Silver Spring accident involving a hit and run driver, you have the right to be angry.

You also have the right to hire an experienced Silver Spring accident attorney.

The lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin may be able to help you track down the responsible driver, and we can help you get compensation for your injuries.

How a Rockville accident attorney can help you with a head injury claim

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you've suffered a traumatic brain or head injury following a Rockville car accident, you are likely facing a very uncertain future.

You may be struggling with the prospect of long-term disability, and you may need to pursue a new career. You are probably wondering how you'll ever pay for these extra medical expenses now that your life is taking an unwanted detour.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 5 million people in the U.S. live with a disability from a previous head injury. Car accidents are a leading cause of head injuries.

If your injury was due to a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, it is not your responsibility to pay your medical bills.

An experienced Rockville accident attorney can help you sue the person responsible and get the necessary compensation to help you live as normal a life as possible.

The qualified lawyers of Nickelsporn and Lundin can help you:

Get the medical care you need from trusted medical professionals.
Lay out a future medical care plan with your doctor.
Sue the person responsible for compensation to pay your medical bills.
Negotiate with the responsible party for ongoing payments for those future medical expenses that are laid out in your care plan.
Get additional money for your pain and suffering.

A car accident-induced head injury can lead to years of expensive treatment, but you don't have to deal with the injury - or the insurance company - on your own. Call us today at 1-800-875-9700 to get the help you need.

How to recognize the dangers of Maryland intersection accidents with trucks

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Rockville accidents often occur at the intersections of busy city streets. When those accidents involve a truck, the chances of a severe injury increase. Drivers should be aware of the following risk factors of Maryland truck accidents:

1. Red Lights

A truck's inability to stop quickly makes for a dangerous situation at traffic lights. If the truck driver is not vigilant, he may not notice the light turning red and may be unable to stop in time.

2. Left Turns

Failure to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic is one of the top causes of intersection accidents involving trucks. It is difficult for a truck to stop if it is already in the process of turning, and any approaching vehicles with the right of way may collide with the truck.

3. Pedestrians

The small physical size of pedestrians and bicyclists compared to large trucks makes them easy to miss on a busy city street. Truck drivers must constantly be on the lookout for traffic, especially at intersections.

4. Tailgating

A truck driver who tailgates another vehicle too closely on a busy city street does not leave enough room to stop quickly to avoid an accident. This is especially dangerous when it comes to traffic lights, stop signs, or other intersections.

How to make sense of Maryland's commercial truck driver licenses

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Glance at a truck driver's license, and you may be confused by the shorthand designations showing the driver's qualifications.

How's a truck-illiterate person supposed to know whether the driver who has caused their Maryland truck accident injury has the right endorsements?

First of all, you should know that federal standards require three separate classes of commercial driver's licenses, or CDL:

Class A - The driver can transport a combination of vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds, as long as the second vehicle being towed weighs at least 10,000 pounds.

Class B - The driver can drive a vehicle that weighs at least 26,000 pounds and can tow a second vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.

Class C - In this case, the driver's vehicle does not necessarily fall under categories A or B, but the driver is legally allowed to transport passengers and/or hazardous or toxic materials.

In addition, there are several types of endorsements that qualify a commercial driver to transport specific types of cargo, such as:

T - A double or triple trailer

P - Passengers

S - School bus

N - Tank vehicle

H - Hazardous materials

X - Tank vehicle with hazardous materials

These endorsements typically appear at the end of the Class designation. If you are still unsure whether the truck driver who caused your accident was driving with the correct license endorsements, consider consulting with a skilled Frederick truck accident attorney today.

How to avoid Maryland auto accidents in bad weather

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Bad weather causes hundreds of Maryland car crashes each year. Freezing rain, snowstorms and other weather events make driving difficult and contribute to numerous car accident injuries.

Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind when driving in inclement weather:

Adjust your speed accordingly. Fog, intense rain, ice and snow all create dangerous road conditions. Lack of visibility and slippery roads are good cause to slow down.

Increase following distance. Snow and rain make stopping more difficult. By increasing your following distance, you'll be increasing your ability to avoid a Maryland auto accident.

Stop if necessary. Rushing to an appointment is not worth risking your life. If you can't see the road in front of you, you should pull off to the side of the road until conditions improve.

When you lose control ...

Not even the best driver can avoid every weather-related hazard. If you find yourself in a skid, don't panic, don't slam on the brakes, and don't yank the steering wheel. Instead, consider these aspects of skidding so you are prepared for a skid:

Your vehicle's behavior in a skid will likely depend on whether it is front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive. The only way to know how your own personal vehicle behaves in a skid is to take a driving course that allows you to practice in your own vehicle. Short of avoiding skid situations all together, a driving course will give you the best shot of avoiding an accident during a skid.
If your car is rear-wheel drive, abruptly lifting off the gas may disturb the vehicle's balance and increase the severity of your skid. Most commuter cars today are front-wheel drive, and you may benefit from lifting off the throttle. If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, it may help to use the throttle to help steer. Every vehicle is different though, so ensure you practice with your vehicle instead of following a general set of rules.
Slamming on the brakes during a skid can cause your vehicle to behave unpredictably. In a snow slide, your brakes may encourage sliding; snow slides are often best handled by using the gas and steering wheel to reorient your car instead of the brakes. The goal is to use your brakes carefully and to not panic and slam on them.

Note that if you absolutely cannot regain control of the vehicle, it's best to steer it away from other vehicles or obstacles. You're less likely to get injured in a ditch or field than if you hit another vehicle, a sign or guardrail.

Safe driving!

Inadequate training contributes to Maryland truck accidents

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Driving a commercial truck is more complicated than driving a normal-sized car. The immense size of a truck coupled with the heavy loads it frequently carries makes for tricky maneuvering.

Truck drivers must undergo specialized training before they can receive their commercial driver's license. However, even if a truck driver has completed the minimal required training, that does not necessarily mean that the driver is fully competent and prepared for every hazard on the road.

Even a skilled truck driver can't avoid every accident, but it's a known fact that many Maryland truck accidents (LINK TO LIBRARY ARTICLE ON WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT TRUCK ACCIDENTS) are in part due to the driver's inexperience. Trucking companies frequently put drivers on the road who have recently finished their training and are still learning how to handle the large vehicles.

If you wonder whether the truck driver who injured you was adequately trained, you have the right to ask to see their proof of training at the time of the accident. Truck drivers are required to have proof of training in order to be hired, and they must also carry it with them in the vehicle in case of an accident.

If a truck driver's inadequate training was the cause of your Maryland truck accident injuries, you may want to sue for compensation. To talk to an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney, call Nickelsporn & Lundin or fill out our online form.

More teens rushing to school increases risk of Rockville car accidents

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Rush hour traffic gets its name for good reason. Many drivers become aggravated with congestion and rush to get to work or school on time.

It's a recipe for disaster. Rush hour traffic accidents are common for drivers of all ages, but newly licensed teen drivers are at an even higher risk for getting into - and being injured in - a Maryland auto accident.

The reason is quite simple: They are new drivers and still learning how to navigate the roads and traffic. Young drivers may lack the experience needed to react quickly to avoid a Rockville accident.

With school now in session, more teen drivers are on the road during rush hour.

Factors that can increase their risk of getting into a Maryland auto accident include:

Speeding
Driving with other teens in the car
Distractions such as cell phones
Not paying attention to other traffic

Rather than spend your time worrying every time your teen gets behind the driver's wheel, follow these simple tips to help keep your teen safe in the case of a Rockville accident.

How to prevent a Frederick accident with a bus

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

No one wants to cause a school bus accident in Maryland, so don't leave it to chance. Follow these few safety tips when driving near a full school bus:

Avoid sudden stops.

When possible, avoid braking suddenly, particularly if a school bus is directly behind you. They may not be as large as a semi-truck, but buses are still big enough to require extra stopping distance.

Increase following distance.

If you're following a school bus, make sure you leave them plenty of room. School buses make frequent stops, so avoid following too closely and being taken by surprise when they stop.

Stop for flashing lights.

School bus drivers don't flash their lights just to annoy nearby drivers. They are signaling that children are about to cross the road. State law requires other drivers to stop when these lights are flashing. Once the lights are turned off, proceed with caution while watching to make sure no children are still in the road.

Be patient!

It's easy to get impatient when driving near a slow-moving school bus that makes frequent stops, but remember that the bus driver has the safety of dozens of young passengers in mind. Consider the safety of the children, and exercise a little patience and extra caution when passing the bus.

Beware: The Defense Wastes No Time Sending 'Investigators' to a Maryland Truck Accident

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

It doesn't take long for a Maryland truck accident scene to turn into a flurry of activity. Emergency personnel, police investigators, and several others crowd the scene, leaving you overwhelmed and confused.

Who are all these people anyway?

While most are there to make sure you are OK and get you the medical care you need, you should know that not everyone who follows up with you after the crash is your friend.

Because of the high liability risks involved in a truck accident, most truck companies will immediately send their own team of specialists to the scene, including a defense attorney and an accident reconstruction expert.

They will interview witnesses, take photos of the accident scene, and immediately begin putting together a defense case. This is particularly true if you or anyone else has sustained serious injuries and appears to be a potential liability.

You do NOT have to talk to their attorney or investigator. It is important that you steer clear of these people, as they are skilled in getting information out of you that may be a detriment to your injury claim.

Instead, hire an experienced Maryland truck accident lawyer who will take your side and help protect your right to compensation for injuries.

Read our library article section for more information on common defense tricks used in truck accident cases.

Be Aware of Pushy Insurance Agents

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

It's not so secret that insurance companies would prefer to hold onto their money rather than give it to someone else. For that reason, insurance agents don't exactly have the best reputation when it comes to those injured in a Rockville car accident.

How can you tell whether a particular insurance agent is just doing his job, or if he's pushing the limit? When interacting with him or her, ask yourself these three questions:

Is he pushing for a recorded statement?

If so, he's trying to corner you into doing something that he has no right to demand. While you should answer questions from the police and your own insurance agent, you may legally decline a comment to the other driver's insurance company. In fact, it's often best if you don't talk to this agent, as he may take your comments out of context.

Is he blaming you for the accident or injury?

This is one common trick insurance agents use to lower your settlement. If the agent can provide any reason that the accident may have been your fault, or if he can show any proof that you did not take care of your injury properly, he can use that information to reduce your compensation.

Is he pushing for a quick settlement?

Don't mistake this for a kind gesture to get you money quickly. It's more likely that he wants you to accept the settlement before you determine whether or not it's adequate. Especially when it comes to serious injuries, it's best to wait until you know the full cost of your medical expenses. Don't let anyone push you into accepting a settlement before you know it's enough.

For more help, read our library article on what you can do after an accident, or call an experienced Rockville accident attorney today. You deserve to have someone on your side!

What Not to Say after a Maryland Truck Accident

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

It can be difficult to keep your wits about you following a serious accident. Emotions are high, your senses are shaken and everything's a blur.

If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a Maryland truck accident, you may want to avoid saying these three things:

"I'm not hurt."

It's hard to imagine anyone saying this after a serious Maryland truck accident. Such crashes are notorious for causing serious harm, and it's important that you see a doctor immediately. Also, don't be afraid to tell them about minor pains, as these can be signs of a more serious injury.

"It was my fault."

Never admit fault - not at the accident scene and most certainly not to the other insurance company. They can use this to rob you of any compensation. State the facts only, and let the investigators determine the cause of the accident.

"I don't need a lawyer."

While this may be true of minor car accidents, almost every truck accident will demand the help of a Maryland accident lawyer skilled in truck accident cases. The experienced Frederick accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin are qualified to handle these difficult cases - and you won't pay a penny unless you win.

For more information on what to do after a Maryland truck accident, check out our library section.

Don't let contributory negligence rob you of your deserved Frederick car accident compensation

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Maryland's status as a contributory negligence state can make it difficult for people injured in Maryland auto accidents to get the compensation they deserve.

Calm your worries with these easy tips that will help you keep a firm hold on your compensation:

Don't admit fault!

This might seem simple, but it can't be said often enough. At the scene of the accident, state the facts and nothing more to the police or insurance agents.

Don't guess at the cause of the accident or assume responsibility simply because you feel badly for the other driver. Let the police be the ones to investigate and determine who was at fault.

Even an off-hand comment such as, "Maybe I could have driven slower" or "Perhaps I should have kept a better eye on the road" could be used against you. Keep these thoughts to yourself.

Talk to a lawyer.

If there is no question that the other person was entirely responsible for the accident in which you were injured, you may not need the help of a lawyer.

However, if you are accused of being negligent yourself, you should consider hiring a lawyer as quickly as possible to prevent any possible damage to your injury claim.

An experienced Frederick car accident attorney can help you present your side of the story and aid in obtaining evidence you need to prove that the other driver was responsible for the accident and your injuries.

When it comes to contributory negligence, your involvement in the cause of the accident can make or break your injury case, so don't take it lightly.

Why should I call the cops to a Frederick car accident scene?

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Not every minor car accident demands a police visit. A minor fender bender with no injuries can typically be handled between the parties involved in the accident.

However, serious Maryland auto accidents - especially any involving any type of personal injury - are cause enough to call the local police to the scene.

Why is it helpful to have the police on hand?

First of all, the police will do a third-party, official investigation into the crash. They will interview witnesses and take photos of the accident scene, all of which can be very helpful information in the case of a lawsuit.

Second, they will interview and get contact information from all parties involved. This is especially helpful if one of the drivers is uninsured.

Third, following their investigation, the police will provide an official explanation for the cause of the accident. They may perform sobriety tests or hand out citations to the driver they believe to be at fault for the accident. This will further help prove your case in a court of law.

Fourth, calling police to the scene of a serious Frederick car accident will often include a visit from emergency personnel. They will quickly examine those involved in the accident for any potential injuries. This can help you prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.

These are just a few reasons why calling the cops should be one of the first things you do at the scene of a Maryland car crash.

Then, when you're ready to pursue a personal injury case, consider calling an experienced Frederick car accident attorney at 1-800-875-9700.

What kind of evidence should I expect in a Maryland truck accident case?

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

While a police report is always a great place to start when preparing your accident case, you should know that accidents involving trucks are unique.

There are additional sources of information - and additional rules - when it comes to commercial trucking and therefore truck accidents.

A driver's log shows how many hours he has traveled and how much rest he has had. This is very important because there are federal regulations in place limiting how many hours a driver can work in a set time period and how much rest he must have in between runs. An experienced Maryland truck accident attorney can quickly determine if these regulations were followed.

The driving schedule set by the driver's company can also show whether the driver was under stress to get to a destination quicker than was reasonably possible. If the company placed unrealistic expectations on the driver, it could be suspected that speeding or other driver negligence may have been a factor in the crash.

Federal and state laws regulate just about every aspect of commercial trucking. Our nation does not take the dangers of truck accidents lightly, so truck drivers are required to follow a host of rules.

Drivers must undergo training and have a special license to drive a commercial vehicle. They may be required to have extra endorsements depending on what they are transporting (such as hazardous materials). Many drivers cross state lines and must therefore follow load limits and other guidelines for the specific states through which they are traveling.

As you can see, there is a wealth of evidence that can help support your Maryland truck accident claim. To get help finding the evidence you need, talk to an experienced Rockville accident attorney today at 1-800-975-8700.

Be aware of the pushy insurance agent

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

It's no secret that insurance companies would prefer to hold onto their money rather than give it to someone else. For that reason, insurance agents don't exactly have the best reputation when it comes to those injured in a Rockville car accident.

How can you tell whether a particular insurance agent is just doing his job, or if he's pushing the limit? When interacting with him or her, ask yourself these three questions:

Is he pushing for a recorded statement?

If so, he's trying to corner you into doing something that he has no right to demand. While you should answer questions from the police and your own insurance agent, you may legally decline comment to the other driver's insurance company. In fact, it's often best if you don't talk to this agent as he may take your comments out of context.

Is he blaming you for the accident or injury?

This is one common trick insurance agents use to lower your settlement. If the agent can provide any reason that the accident may have been your fault, or if he can show any proof that you did not take care of your injury properly, he can use that information to reduce your compensation.

Is he pushing for a quick settlement?

Don't mistake this for a kind gesture to get you money quickly. It's more likely that he wants you to accept the settlement before you determine whether it's adequate. Especially when it comes to serious injuries, it's best to wait until you know the full cost of your medical expenses. Don't let anyone push you into accepting a settlement before you know it's enough.

For more help, read our library article on what you can do after an accident, or call an experienced Rockville accident attorney today. You deserve to have someone on your side!

Why the insurance company is not your friend after a Maryland auto accident

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

We pay for auto insurance, so naturally we expect that when we are injured, we will be fully compensated. After all, isn't that why we're paying for the insurance in the first place?

While that may be true, the insurance company is not always the friendly face we expect after we've been injured in a Maryland auto accident.

Why? The answer is simple: Money is involved.

The insurance company is a business, pure and simple. As such, they care about their bottom line - not yours.

Following a Maryland car crash, it's common for insurance adjusters to offer the injured party a lower settlement than the injury is really worth. This is true for two reasons:

First, as a business associate, they are trying to save their company money in whatever way possible.

Second, they know you are not an expert on costs of car accidents so they might think they can get away with giving you less than you deserve.

Insurance adjusters know all the tricks to making the settlement go in their favor. They might bring in their own "expert" doctors to dispute your injuries. They might even try to place partial blame on you for the accident, thereby lowering your compensation.

If you are dealing with an insurance adjuster who seems shady or just isn't willing to work with you, you might want to see if a Rockville car accident attorney can help you.

How can I tell who was at fault for my Frederick car accident injury?

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Because Maryland auto accidents happen in a matter of seconds, it can be difficult to determine what exactly caused the crash.

You may believe you were partly at fault, but it's important not to guess at the cause of the accident or admit guilt. Such statements can be used against you in the future, and your perspective of the accident is likely not the complete story. You may be truly unsure about what happened, regardless of your initial impressions.

You may not be aware of additional factors that were involved in the cause of the crash, such as:

Intoxication of the other driver
Temporary distraction of the other driver (This can range from illegal use of a cell phone to blinding sunshine in their eyes).
Tailgating, speeding or reckless driving by the other driver
A faulty traffic light (for example, both sides were green for those key seconds)
A defective piece of equipment in one of the vehicles
Debris on the road

Any number of factors can contribute to the crash; so before you admit fault for an accident in which you were injured, consider talking to an experienced Frederick personal injury lawyer. They can investigate the crash and give an expert's opinion on exactly what happened and who was at fault.

For more information, check out this article on how to determine whether or not hiring a lawyer will benefit your Frederick car accident case.

How do I know if my Rockville car accident injury is serious?

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

What qualifies as a serious car accident injury is certainly somewhat subjective, but there are a few tips you can follow to determining whether your injury is serious enough to warrant substantial compensation.

Damage Done

Obviously, if you have any permanent damage, you have a serious injury that deserves a sizable settlement. Similarly, if your injuries take years to recover, you have the right to demand extra compensation for the lengthy (and likely painful) recovery process.

Don't let the insurance company rush you into accepting a settlement; you have the right to hold out for a better offer if you believe it's warranted.

Medical Bills

If you have medical bills that are beyond your ability to pay, this could very well be due to the seriousness of the injury. More serious injuries will require multiple doctor visits, possibly surgery and months or even years of physical therapy.

You have the right to demand the person responsible for the accident pay both current and future medical bills related to the accident.

Job Loss

If your injury forces you to leave your job for good, that is a sure sign that you have a serious injury and should be well compensated for having to change careers.

An injury that requires you to take months off work may also warrant extra compensation since you have lost those wages due to the injury.

Get help!

Insurance companies are notorious for trying to offer unfair payments to victims of a Maryland auto accident.

If you've sustained serious injury, you could talk to a Rockville injury attorney. This attorney may be able to help you determine a satisfactory settlement and hold out until you get the amount you deserve.

What counts as aggressive driving in Maryland?

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines aggressive as "tending toward or exhibiting aggression; marked by combative readiness."

The definition for aggression itself uses words such as "forceful, hostile, unprovoked" and "destructive."
Those are some strong words to describe a person's driving. Given the underlying attitude of hostility associated with aggression, it might be hard to determine whether a person is actually driving aggressively or simply acting carelessly.

For example, you may notice a person speeding or frequently switching lanes, but unless you can see their face or notice them targeting a particular driver, you probably don't know whether they are purposefully driving in an unsafe manner or if they are simply inconsiderate.

Aggressive driving might seem like a rather ambiguous charge to the average driver, but state authorities have done their part to make it easy to assess whether a person is driving aggressively or not.

According to Maryland state law, a person can be charged with aggressive driving if they are seen doing at least three of the following:

Speeding
Disregarding a stop sign or stop light
Passing another vehicle unsafely
Passing on the right
Driving improperly in the lanes
Tailgating
Failing to yield right of way

Maryland is one of only a handful of states to have a law dictating what qualifies as aggressive driving. If you or a family member have been hurt in a Rockville car accident where aggressive driving was involved, you may want to talk to an experienced Rockville personal injury lawyer who can help you build a case.

How to prevent a Rockville truck accident

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The devastation that a Maryland truck accident causes is no small problem. Statistics show that truck accidents cause a disproportionate number of serious injuries and fatalities - simply due to the size of the massive vehicles.

While you can't compensate for every mistake other drivers on the road are likely to make, there are a few tips you can follow that may help keep you and your loved ones safe from the devastating aftermath of a Rockville truck accident.

Truck driver error causes a bulk of the truck accidents in Maryland, but in some cases the initial error is actually made by the driver of the smaller vehicle.

The two most common examples are when another vehicle cuts in front of a truck or when another vehicle drives in the truck's blind spot.

Drivers of smaller vehicles need to be aware of the limitations of trucks and adjust their own driving accordingly.

While you may be able to change lanes closely in front of a passenger vehicle, this is not recommended and can be especially dangerous to do in front of a truck.

For example, if you cut in front of a truck in rush hour traffic and then have to slam on the brakes to prevent hitting the car in front of you, the truck behind you may be left with little room to brake. They may not be able to avoid hitting you with such a short braking space.

Trucks really do need the extra room to brake safely because they are so large. Keep this in mind when passing directly in front of a truck.

Similarly, it is common knowledge that large trucks such as semi-trailers have an extra large blind spot. The signs on the back of their vehicles warning other drivers to stay away are not just for decoration.

A truck driver who cannot see you cannot avoid a crash, so heed the sign's warning and stay back. This will ensure that you are not in a spot where you are likely to get hurt should the truck driver decide to switch lanes.

It may also be helpful to try to determine the mood of the truck driver and drive accordingly. For example, a truck driver that seems to be swerving in his lane might be struggling with wind turbulence or be over-tired. Give the driver plenty of room.

If the truck driver appears to be in a hurry and is speeding or frequently switching lanes, do your best to stay behind them. It is not wise to get in the way of a frustrated trucker desperately trying to make a deadline.

In short, the best way to prevent a Maryland truck accident is quite simple - Give the truck drivers near you plenty of room!

SUVs notorious for Maryland rollover accidents

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

It's no secret that sport-utility vehicles are popular in the United States. Dozens of TV commercials promote their lavish amenities and roomy interiors - large enough for either a kid's soccer team or a full load of gear for a weekend getaway in the wilderness.

They are depicted traveling off-road with ease, but little is ever said about the rollover risks inherent in these popular, luxurious vehicles.

Did you know that safety experts estimate a SUV is twice as likely to roll over in a Maryland auto accident
than a compact car?

SUVs have a high center of gravity, which makes them more susceptible to rollovers than a regular-sized vehicle. A sudden turn can easily cause a top-heavy SUV to lose balance and turn over on its side or flip over multiple times.

Certain models are even more likely than the average SUV to tip at the slightest provocation. Ford Explorers have gained a reputation for being notoriously poorly designed when it comes to rollover potential.

SUV makers are slowly making improvements to these vehicles, equipping many of the latest models with electronic stability control to try to minimize the risk of rollovers on flat roads.

Stability control cannot prevent all rollovers though. SUV rollovers are frequently attributed to uneven road surfaces, such as a small ditch on the side of the road that would not typically provoke a rollover.

As more and more SUVs make their way to our Maryland highways, it's important to know the risks associated with SUV rollovers and what to do if you or a family member is injured in a serious Maryland rollover accident.

Why your Rockville accident attorney cannot use seat belts as evidence

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Seat belts often play a critical role in Maryland car accidents. Seat belts can save your life. Not using a seat belt can contribute to serious injury or even death.

Given this knowledge, you might suspect that a person injured in a car accident while using a seat belt would receive a higher settlement than someone who did not use one.

After all, the person using a seat belt did everything possible to prevent injury. The driver who failed to use a seat belt could have prevented partial injury by using a seat belt.

Right?

It's true that using a seat belt is simply good sense. It's also true that the second person might have fared better with the use of a seat belt.

However, seat belt use will not be a factor in either driver's personal injury lawsuit.

That's because Maryland state law does not permit seat belt use as evidence in a civil lawsuit, such as a personal injury or property damage case.

The law regards non-use of a seat belt - or a child's safety seat, for that matter - as a crime. Therefore, it may be permissible evidence in a criminal lawsuit but not a civil case.

If you were not wearing a seat belt and were injured in a Maryland auto accident, this may be to your advantage. Unfortunately, if you did wear a seat belt, you won't get any brownie points (or extra money) for doing so. While seat belt use is not a factor in recovering damages in a civil suit, it is absolutely imperative to wear one at all times. Without a seat belt, you may not even have a case- you may not survive the crash.

Read here about the benefits of seat belt use in Maryland.

How much is my Maryland spinal cord injury worth?

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

There is no way to pinpoint an exact compensation amount you deserve for a spinal cord injury sustained in a Maryland car crash. This is in large part due to the fact that each spinal cord injury is unique.

The severity of your injury typically depends upon the location of the damage to your spinal cord. One person may become quadriplegic due to damage to vertebrae near the neck, while another person may only lose partial mobility in their legs from an injury to the lower part of the spinal cord.

There are, however, a few specifics you should keep in mind when trying to determine how much compensation you demand:

1. Was your injury considered complete or incomplete?

A doctor will have to determine the extent of your injury and exactly how much mobility you lost due to the damage to the spinal cord.

2. How much are your medical expenses, both current and future?

Both should be taken into account, so that you are covered for future medical bills as well as current bills.

3. Has your injury resulted in loss of wages?

You may be eligible for compensation for wages lost due to the injury, particularly if you had to take a different, lower-paying job because of the injury.

4. Who was at fault for the Maryland auto accident?

If the other driver was obviously at fault, you may receive a large settlement due to the other driver's negligence. If you caused the accident yourself, however, the other driver may sue you for injuries they sustained.

In short, a spinal cord injury settlement can often be worth millions of dollars because of the severity of this permanent injury.

AARP offers safe driving tips for elderly drivers in Maryland

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that it is estimated that drivers 65 years and older will make up one-fourth of the driving population by the year 2025?

It's also no secret that elderly drivers are at a higher risk of being injured in a Frederick accident.

You don't have to become a statistic. AARP offers regular defensive driving classes geared toward older drivers. Nicknamed "55 Alive," this AARP Safe Driving Program lasts about eight hours and can be taken at many community centers or even online.

Frequently, car insurance companies will reduce your insurance if you take the class. Locations and dates can be found online at www.aarp.org.

The defensive driving class gives age-appropriate suggestions on how to:

Avoid blind spots
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
Change lanes safely
Turn at a busy intersection
Eliminate distractions

It also discusses the effect of certain medications on driving skills and offers seasonal tips for defensive driving.

For example, summer tends to be warmer, so AARP suggests making sure you have a working air conditioner so that heat is not an issue. It also reminds drivers that with school out, more children are likely to be on sidewalks and more teens on the road at any given time during the day.

What causes child injuries in Maryland auto accidents?

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Car accidents are the leading cause of child death and injury in the United States. More than 1,300 children age 14 and younger died in car crashes in 2005, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Another 184,000 were injured.

A major cause of child injury in Maryland car accidents is improper use of child restraints. It is estimated that more than 70% of car seats nationwide are not used correctly.

Car seats that are improperly installed or that are not suitable for the child's size can lead to serious injury. Frequently, children are injured because they were not properly fastened in the seat, and a bulk of child fatalities in car accidents are a result of not using a child restraint at all.

Negligent driving, distracted driving, and drunk driving contribute to thousands of car-accident related injuries to children each year. In fact, a quarter of all child car accident fatalities in 2005 involved drunk drivers, with most of those drunk drivers in the same vehicle as the child.

While children are known for their ability to heal, some serious car accident injuries may never go away. Brain trauma can leave a child with permanent learning disabilities or worse. Spinal cord injures can paralyze a child for life.

If your child has been seriously injured in a Maryland auto accident, you may be facing years of recovery and extensive medical bills. Talk to a Rockville personal injury lawyer today regarding ways to get compensation to provide for your child's future.

To keep your child safe in the case of a Maryland car crash, follow these safety tips.

Silver Spring Auto Accident Lawyer

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Ten Tips To Fight Driving Fatigue

Falling asleep at the wheel can be dangerous and deadly. In addition to my trick of eating sunflower seeds as a way to stay awake at the wheel, be proactive and plan ahead by incorporating these additional tips to beat driving fatigue. The life you save may be your own and those riding with you.

1.    Keep a regular sleep schedule. Get at least 8 hours of sleep before your trip. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening before your trip, as both can interfere with your sleep, causing you to awake the next morning feeling tired.

2.    Listen to the radio and sing. If possible, drive with someone else who can talk with you and take turns driving.

3.    Take frequent breaks, approximately every two hours. Walk around, do calisthenics, and re-fill your gas tank, if you’re at a gas station. If you start to feel fatigued, stop and take a break immediately. A 10-minute “power nap” and brisk walk around a rest area can help re-energize you for driving.

4.    Avoid processed, starchy foods – like white pasta, potatoes, white bread and white rice. These can cause a spike in your blood sugar, which leads to overproduction of insulin and which in turn can lead to a feeling of fatigue and tiredness.

5.    Increase your intake of Vitamin C. You can do this by eating citrus fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges as grapefruits, or by taking a vitamin C supplement, such as Emergen-C vitamin drink mix. It has been reported that high doses of Vitamin C stimulate epinephrine which can give you the extra energy and alertness that you need while driving.

6.    Exercise before driving if you can. Even just 20 minutes of brisk activity will deliver more oxygen to your body, which means you’ll feel more energetic and alert.

7.    Drink plenty of water. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine. Even mild dehydration can make you feel exhausted.

8.    Take a multi-vitamin.

9.    Watch your posture. Like our teachers told us, sit up straight: keep your head up, your shoulders back and tuck your buttocks against the seat back. Wear sunglasses if driving during the day to reduce glare and eye fatigue.

10.    Avoid stress. Take time to relax before and during your trip (especially if your drive involves more than one day on the road).

For more information about your rights following an auto accident, call us at 301-942-9118 or send us your question by email by completing the form on this page. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you get all the compensation you deserve.

Slow down for orange in Maryland work zones

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Warmer weather means increased road construction throughout the state. To help you avoid those all-too-common Maryland traffic accidents in work zones, follow these tips:

Leave early. If you know the route to work is under construction, expect a longer commute. Plan to give yourself extra time so that you're not rushing.

Keep your eyes on the road. Put away any distractions, such as a cell phone, newspaper or food.

Slow down. State officials say speeding is one of the top causes of Maryland car accidents in work zones. Obey the work zone speed limits; they've been lowered for a reason.

Increase your following distance. Hazards, such as a bulldozer reversing or debris from another accident, can come out of nowhere. Give yourself extra space so you will have time to react in these situations.

Be ready to brake. Watch the traffic several hundred feet in front of you, not just the car you're directly following. This will allow you to anticipate sudden braking and avoid a crash.

Watch for any changes in traffic flow. When a road is under construction, traffic may be diverted. If you're on the lookout for signs marking the lane change or detour, you're less likely to be surprised when you reach an abrupt change in the road.

Steer clear of workers. Whether they are directing traffic or moving from one part of the site to another, construction workers should be given plenty of space.

Lower body injuries common in front-end crashes in Maryland

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Traumatic brain injuries make the news, and whiplash is a common neck ailment following Maryland auto accidents.

However, car accidents, particularly front-end crashes, can result in serious damage to the lower part of the body as well.

A front-end accident, or frontal impact, occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with any part of another vehicle or a stationary object. Head-on collisions are the most commonly recognized type of frontal impact, and the most deadly.

Any front-end crash can cause serious injury to your lower body including:

Feet and Knee Injuries

Since the front of your car was hit, it makes sense that your feet would be the first to feel the impact. Something that would seem minor, like a fractured baby toe, can cause immense pain and keep you off your feet for weeks.

Knees hitting the steering wheel or dashboard can leave you with a torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament), which often requires surgery and months of therapy.

More serious front-end crashes can cause the car to crush your legs, in some cases leaving the doctor with no choice but to amputate a portion of the affected limb.

Hip and Leg Injuries

Hip and thigh injuries are common in frontal impact crashes because the force of the crash can be directed toward your lower body.

A broken hip may require surgery and even a hip replacement. Hip surgery is a painful process that takes a minimum of a year to recover from and often necessitates a second surgery on the other hip.

Back or spinal cord injuries

As the force of the crash travels up your body, it can often cause injury to your back or spinal cord. Just one herniated disk can put you in constant pain, and damage to your spinal cord can become permanent.
These injuries are notoriously expensive because they often require invasive surgery and months of recovery.

If you've sustained any of these injuries in a serious Maryland car crash, you may want to talk to an experienced Rockville attorney to make sure you get adequate compensation.

Silver Spring Personal Injury Attorney

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

I wanted to share with our friends and clients this story that I tell my kids. The story is Acres of Diamonds and it was told by an American lawyer and the founder of Temple University, Russell Conwell (1843 - 1925). He told it more than 6,000 times to audiences throughout America and the world. It was first published in 1890. The moral of the story is timeless.

Acres of Diamonds

There once lived by the River Indus a man with a very large farm, with orchards, grain fields and gardens. The farmer had money and was a wealthy and contented man. One day a wise man of the East visited the farmer and that evening as they sat by the fire and the wise man told the farmer how diamonds were made. The wise man told the famer that if he had one diamond the size of his thumb he could purchase the country and if he had a mine of diamonds he could place his children upon thrones through the influence of their great wealth. The farmer heard all about diamonds, how much they were worth, and went to his bed that night a poor man. He had not lost anything, but he was poor because he was discontented and discontented because he feared he was poor. He said, "I want a mine of diamonds," and he lay awake all night.

In the morning, he asked the wise man, "Will you tell me where I find diamonds?" The wise man asked why he wanted to know, and the farmer replied, "I want to be immensely rich." The wise man told the famer, "Well, then, go along and find them. That is all you have to do - go and find them, and then you will have them." The farmer asked, "Where?" The wise man replied, "If you find a river that runs through white sands, between high mountains, in those white sands you will always find diamonds."

So the farmer sold his farm, collected his money, left his family in the care of a neighbor and away he went in search of diamonds. He searched throughout the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean. He then wandered into Europe and at last when his money was all spent and he was in rags, wretchedness and poverty, he stood on the shore of the Bay of Barcelona in Spain, when a great tidal wave came rolling in. The poor, afflicted, suffering, dying man could not resist the awful temptation to cast himself into that incoming tide, and he sank beneath its foaming crest, never to rise in this life again.

Now, the man who had purchased that farmer's farm one day led his camel into the garden to drink, and as that camel put its nose into the shallow water of the garden book, the new owner noticed a curious flash of light from the white sands of the stream. He pulled out a black stone having an eye of light reflecting all the hues of the rainbow. He took the pebble into the house and put it on the mantel, and forgot all about it.

Several months later that same wise man from the East came to visit again, and the moment he saw the black pebble and flash of light from the mantel, he rushed up to it and exclaimed, "Here is a diamond! Has my friend, the farmer, returned?" The new owner replied, "Oh no, he has not returned and that is not a diamond. That is nothing more than a stone we found in our own garden." But the wise man persisted, "I know a diamond when I see it. I know positively that this is a diamond!"

So the wise man and the new owner rushed out into that old garden and stirred up the white sands with their fingers and lo! There came up other more beautiful and valuable gems than the first. And thus was discovered one of the most valuable diamond mines in the world!

But how sad for the farmer now deceased - had he remained at home and dug in his own cellar or underneath his own wheat fields or in his own garden, instead of wretchedness, starvation and death by suicide in a strange land, he would have had "acres of diamonds." For every acre of that old farm, yes every shovelful, afterward revealed gems that since have decorated the crowns of Kings and Queens.

How do you know if your motorcycle road rash is infected?

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Road rash is one of the most common injuries a motorcyclist can receive in a Maryland auto accident.

While most cases of road rash (also known as road burn) can be easily treated, this deceptively harmful injury carries a high risk of infection and other complications.

Any open wound is susceptible to infection, and road rash is typically an open wound that covers a large portion of the body.

The part of your body suffering from road rash was dragged along the rough pavement for several feet, and it should come as no surprise that you may have little pieces of gravel, glass, or metal stuck inside the wound. These foreign objects can enhance the potential for a serious infection that requires additional medical care.

Wondering if your road rash is infected? You should see a doctor regarding road rash infection if:

It feels hot to the touch.
The swelling appears to be increasing, not decreasing.
The surrounding area is discolored (especially if it's green).
It smells foul or has a bad-smelling discharge.
It is covered in blisters or oozing.
You have a fever.
Your pain level is increasing, not decreasing.

People with medical issues or a compromised immune system may be at a higher risk for infection.

If you suspect that your road rash may be infected, you should see a doctor immediately. The longer the infection goes untreated, the more it will spread and the harder it will be to treat.

Don't let an infected road rash fester!

Can technology help prevent Maryland motorcycle accidents?

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Intersections can be dangerous for any driver, particularly for hard-to-see motorcyclists. A bulk of Maryland motorcycle accidents can be attributed to another driver turning left in front of the motorcyclist, usually because the driver could not see the bike.

While defensive driving techniques can help avoid some of these potentially fatal crashes, motorcycle safety experts have focused on this dangerous "left turn" phenomenon to see if electronics can be used to make the roads a little safer.

According to an online article from BMW Motorcycle Magazine, a European-funded group known as the BMW Group Research and Technology has a project solely dedicated to creating an electronic device called the "left turn assistant." This device would help drivers - specifically those who are trying to turn left - become aware of oncoming traffic.

Test vehicles are equipped with global positioning systems, cameras, and sensors to register:

When the driver is in a left turn lane.
If there is any traffic within 330 feet from the spot where the driver wishes to turn.

The vehicle sounds an alarm if it registers any oncoming traffic that the driver has failed to see. What's more, the vehicle will automatically apply the brakes to avoid a Maryland auto accident if the driver ignores the alarm.

As a project of INTERSAFE 2, an association of several European auto makers, the left turn assistant project was showcased at an auto event in Germany earlier this month.

Don't risk the cost of being uninsured!

Thu, 19 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that 12% of all Maryland drivers are not insured?

Even though state law requires drivers to show proof of insurance to register their vehicle, drivers will occasionally allow their insurance to expire.

Keep this in mind if you are ever in an accident. When another driver provides you with their insurance information, check the date on the card. If it is not valid, don't simply accept their word that it is an old card. They may no longer be insured.

Also check the card for any disclaimers that it is actually a service card (such as AAA) rather than an insurance card.

It's always a good idea to call the police to the scene of your serious Maryland car accident. This is especially true if you have any suspicion that the driver at fault may be uninsured.

If the police catch a person driving without insurance, they will immediately cite the offender. The driver will also be subject to other penalties including:

Fines for any period of time they were not insured
Ongoing fines for each day they continue to be uninsured
Loss of their ability to register any vehicles
Loss of their license plates
Fine or possible imprisonment for providing false insurance information

If you have been injured in a Rockville car accident caused by an uninsured driver, you have little choice but to make a claim through your own insurance.

However, you should still submit an Uninsured Motorist Complaint Form to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. While they cannot help you recoup damages for your injuries, they can restrict the offender's driving privileges.

Then, call an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer at 1-800-875-9700 to find out how to get compensation for an accident caused by an uninsured motorist in Maryland.

Keep your teen driver safe from a Maryland auto accident

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

With the school year quickly coming to a close, end-of the-year celebrations, graduation parties and summer events mean more teens will be on the road.

If you are the parent of a teen driver, you are probably well aware of the dangers of teen driving. Every year, more than 5,000 teen drivers are killed in auto accidents, the leading cause of teen deaths.

To keep your child safe behind the wheel, we've provided a few tips to pass on to your kids:

Keep your eyes on the road.

Teenage drivers are more susceptible to driving distractions, such as talking to passengers, talking on a cell phone, and using the radio. Teach your young driver good driving habits, such as keeping their eyes on the road and wearing a seat belt.

Tired? Pull over.

Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving drunk. If your teen is going to be out late, you may want to suggest they stay with a friend rather than drive home sleepy.

Drive now. Text later.

There's a reason so many Maryland high schools are promoting this message. Teens are likely to text and drive, which can lead to an accident. In Maryland, it's illegal for all drivers to text and drive, and it is illegal for those 18 or younger to use a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands free.

Don't drink and drive.

Whether they are of age or not doesn't always stop teens from drinking, especially at parties. You should know that teens are also more likely to drive drunk compared to adults. Warn your child of the dangers of drunk driving.

Don't wait too long to claim your auto accident injury

Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Anyone who has been involved in a serious Maryland auto accident can tell you it takes time to know how badly injured you are.

Some injuries, such as frequent back pain or hairline fractures, may not even show up until weeks later. It may take your doctor several more weeks to determine just how bad the injury is and how long and extensive your recovery will be.

While it's important not to settle until you know just how much compensation is necessary to pay the medical bills, it's also important that you not wait too long.

There is a time limit for filing a claim for injuries received in a Rockville accident. Maryland state law requires such a claim be submitted within three years of the date of your accident.

This is specifically for a lawsuit. In most cases, you will have started the negotiating process with the responsible parties much earlier.

However, if you are coming up to that three year statute and still do not know the extent of your injuries or have been unable to come to an agreement with the insurance company, it's a good idea to file a lawsuit.
Of course, filing a lawsuit is just the beginning of the legal battle. As long as you have started the process within three years of your accident, you are within your legal rights to request compensation.

To protect your rights on any future Maryland personal injury claim, follow our tips about talking with an insurance adjuster.

How do I find the helmet that's right for me?

Thu, 05 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Picking out the perfect motorcycle helmet can be almost as time consuming as deciding on what motorcycle to buy.

There's more at stake than fashion. A helmet is one of your first steps to being a safe rider. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the headgear that's right for you.

Is it DOT approved?

First, make sure the helmet has the Department of Transportation's stamp of approval. This means the helmet passes federal safety standards and will do a sufficient job of protecting you in the case of a Maryland motorcycle accident.

Is it comfortable?

A helmet is for safety, but if it's too uncomfortable you may not wear it at all. Make sure you choose one that feels right.

Experiment.

Different brands, sizes, and types of helmets will all fit differently. Experiment. Try on several to see what works for your head shape.

Check the fit.

The helmet should be snug - without giving you a headache. You should be able to move your head up and down without the helmet bouncing. If it bounces around, it's too big.
Also keep in mind that there are different helmets for men and women.

Skip buying used.

While it's tempting to buy your helmet for cheap on Craigslist, there is always the chance that a used helmet has already been in a crash and its reliability impaired.

Go for color.

A brightly colored helmet will help other drivers see you better. Go ahead and grab a flashy helmet.

Top Causes of Maryland Motorcycle Accidents

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Thousands of motorcyclists are injured in crashes each year in the United States. From negligent motorists to slick road conditions, motorcycle riding can be dangerous.

So what causes these injuries and what can you do about it?

"I didn't see you."

Sadly, this is still the number one cause of most motorcycle accidents. Nearly three-quarters of all motorcycle wrecks in the U.S. are caused by another driver's failure to see the rider at all.

Left-Hand Turns

The majority of motorcycle accidents occur when another driver turns left abruptly in front of a motorcyclist who has the right of way. The other driver's failure to yield causes hundreds of accidents each year.

Driver Negligence

In many cases, the driver responsible for the accident did see the rider but chose to continue to speed, tailgate the motorcycle, or cut off the motorcycle by passing too soon.

Road Conditions

Weather is a factor in many motorcycle accidents. Slick, rainy roads are treacherous for any driver, especially a motorcyclist. Uneven rural roads or roads riddled with potholes are equally dangerous.

Defective Helmets

It's the law for Maryland motorcyclists to wear a helmet, and most do. Unfortunately, that doesn't always protect the rider from serious injury or worse. Of the 88 motorcyclists killed in Maryland in 2007, 90% of them were wearing a helmet.

In some cases, the helmet was actually defective. If this was the case in an accident involving you or a loved one, you may be able to sue the helmet manufacturer for damages.

The above are just some of the factors that can contribute to a Maryland motorcycle wreck. If you or a loved one has been injured, you may want to talk to an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer today to get compensation for your injuries.

Wheaton car crash lawyer: how to choose an excellent attorney

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

It happens every day. Dishonest lawyers and "runners" hunt down potential clients by promising them large settlements after their car accidents by tracking them down from police reports or hospital records. Through scams and insurance frauds, these shady attorneys defraud insurance companies by exagerrating injuries and encouraging clients to lie and inflate their claims.

Avoid the game. Know what to look for in an experienced, no-nonsense attorney:

What to look for in an attorney:

Availability: Your attorney should be approachable and reachable. Each case is unique and requires unique attention. Your lawyer should be available and willing to discuss details and answer questions about your case at any time. He or she should be consistently settling cases well for clients with honesty, respect and integrity.

Competence: An experienced and competent attorney gets solid case results. Even if an attorney has won cases, dig a little deeper -- did they win simple cases or carry more complex ones into completion?

Skill: The best lawyers know how to persuade adversaries and are skillful to negotiate prompt settlements and payments to their clients.Beware of attorneys whose "solution" to every problem is to sue. Litigation is expensive, and the client pays with money, energy and time. And the "victory" ultimately won (if you win) can be so watered down or hollow that the expense wasn't worth it all for the client. Litigation is always an option that should never be ruled out, but it is a last resort.

Knowledge: Your car accident attorney should know state and national laws, policies and regulations and be in good standing with your state bar association.

Experience: Your lawyer should be comfortable and experienced in dealing with insurance and health care companies.

Honesty: A good attorney should be honest with you about your case and encourage you to be honest about your case with your doctors. Your health is of primary importance and you shouldn’t be urged to oversell or undersell your injuries.

Fairness: Look for an attorney whose fee structure is based on contingency. This means that if you don't win the case, you don't pay a penny. Some attorneys ask clients to pay certain expenses up front or expect payment regardless of the outcome of the case. Look for an attorney who won’t make you pay a penny unless they win.

For honest, trustworthy, no-baloney attorneys, contact Nickelsporn & Lundin today. We promise to listen to the facts of your case and advise you free of charge. Call us today for an expert opinion and useful information regarding your case.

Rockville car crash lawyer: top ten tips to recover from a broken leg

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Top ten tips for recovering from a broken leg

   1. Get around: Whether you’re on crutches on in a wheelchair, it’s important to make your living space easy to maneuver. Widen entry ways, buy or build ramps and remove rugs and other items that could get caught or cause you to slip. Wearing no-slip socks will also decrease the likelihood of a fall. And if you have to use stairs, take your time!

2. Be heard: Purchase a set of walkie-talkies for you and your caretaker. This way you have easy access to help from across the house. Make sure you have spare batteries on hand!

   3. Eat right: Your bones are healing and need more calcium and Vitamin D to get strong than they usually do to stay strong. Your gender, age, level of health and fitness and diet all affect the amount of calcium you need. Children, pregnant women and elderly people are most in need, but you should talk with your doctor about specific amounts. As a general rule though, eat foods that fortify your bones -- like green veggies, fish, dairy products and oranges. Stop eating foods that strip calcium from your bones. Foods that are high in salt, fat or that contain caffeine or alcohol all degenerate bones instead of building them up.

   4. Drink right: Drink lots of water. Always important, but especially so when you body is trying to heal. Avoid caffiene and alcohol.

   5. Dress smart: Loose-fitting pants are great for around the house. For doctor’s visit,s or anytime you want to quickly show off your leg without having to completely remove anything, consider tear-away pants. Also, your body will have trouble regulating its temperature, so wear layers, keep a hat handy and extra socks just in case. Layers are important because your body’s temperature will be going up and down so you want to be able to adjust accordingly.

   6. Sleep well: Sleep, like your diet, is hugely important when your body is recovering. Since sleeping can be difficult because of the pain and discomfort of a broken leg, think outside the box. Either support your leg with a body pillow that will keep it from moving side to side or consider sleeping in a recliner. Remember to elevate and keep ice packs handy to keep the swelling down. Ambien is helpful when you really need a sound sleep, but try to use it sparingly.

   7. Stay clean: Keeping a lawn chair next to the bathtub and another one facing the opposite direction in the tub can help with shower transfers. Just rotate from your wheelchair (try placing a towel on the seat so after your shower the chair stays dry) into the first chair and then swivel around again into the chair in the shower.

   8. Stay regular: Pain killers are notorious for causing constipation. Make sure you eat lots of fiber, fruits and yogurt and try natural remedies like laxative teas.

   9. Push yourself: Don’t be afraid to work hard and push your comfort zone, but do obey your doctor. Give yourself time, but don’t be lazy. It will take time for your body to heal so don’t be hard on yourself. It’s normal to be more irritable than usual because your body is putting extra energy toward getting better.

10. Take help: Especially at the beginning, people will offer rides places and to doctor’s appointments. Don’t be afraid to accept help.

Whatever your injuries are, Nickelsporn & Lundin can help. Our first step is always getting you in touch with medical experts in your area and our first priority is getting you better. Insurance companies might want to wrap up a case too quickly -- we'll make sure you are back at 100% (or as close as possible) before even discussing settlement with them.

Our staff includes a nurse consultant who is a licensed Registered Nurse and an attorney in good standing in the state of Maryland. We will evaluate your medical needs and help advise and guide you in your recovery to full health after your crash. Contact us today for a free consulation about your accident and injuries.

Wheaton Car Wreck Attorney's Advice on Car Buying

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

How to protect yourself from shifty car dealers

While consumers today know more than ever about negotiating car prices, most car buyers are still unsure what to do about financing and loans. Even if you make it through the buying portion of the process unscathed, interest rates and loans are the next place dealers can easily take advantage of you.

The Center for Responsible Lending estimates that people who buy cars are cheated out of nearly $20 billion annually in “kickbacks” that are the result of shifty dealers jacking up loan interest rates artificially.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Educate yourself
Many dealers could care less about earning your trust. Make sure you get at least three competing offers before going all in and weigh your options carefully. Shopping around will not only give you confidence in your proposed price, but can help reveal potential problems with shady businesses.

Be strong under pressure
Car salesmen, especially used-car salesmen, are under extreme pressure to sell. Don’t give in. Dealers will even stoop to lying about your financing falling through in order to get you to sign loans with exorbitant interest rates. Make sure your financing is taken care of BEFORE you leave so the dealer can’t call back days later with a different offer than what you walked out with.

Don’t fall in love too quickly
Salesmen can tell when a consumer is head over heels with the car they’re looking at, and they are not on your side. Don’t be taken in so quickly that you will “do anything” to drive away in a new car. Your long-term financial stability is too important to let your guard down.

Read the fine print
Buying and financing a car can often be more difficult than buying a house! Make sure you know what you are signing and that you are confident you understand what you are reading. It can be helpful to bring along another person to read with you. Pursuing litigation against car dealers is often costly and ineffective so make sure you have done your due diligence before you sign.

For more information, refer to this helpful article from The Center for Public Integrity.

For more info about our firm, contact us.

How much money will I get for my Maryland car accident injury?

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Wondering if the insurance adjuster is offering you a fair settlement for injuries you received in a Maryland auto accident?

Unfortunately, there is no reference that states how much money you should receive for any given injury. Even the insurance companies know that each accident and its associated injuries are unique.

In general, if you have been injured in a Maryland auto accident, you may get compensation for:

Medical bills, both current and future
Lost wages due to a temporary absence from work
Property damage to your vehicle
Pain and suffering incurred from the accident

An experienced Maryland accident attorney can look at the insurance adjuster's offer and tell you if it seems reasonable or not based on your circumstances.

We understand that you may be reluctant to hire an attorney. After all, that's just more money out of your pocket, right?

Actually... it's not.

In most cases, the insurance company will offer you a low settlement because they do not expect you to know how much your injury is worth. An experienced attorney knows what to do to get you a much higher settlement than you could get yourself.

They know how to work the system to your advantage. They have the resources to prove the extent of your injuries and the knowledge of what those injuries could be worth.

A skilled lawyer also knows where to look for compensation, namely your PIP insurance, your health insurance, and the other driver's insurance. It is possible to demand and receive compensation from all of these sources.

Additionally, the attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin make our clients our first priority. The general practice in our office is to make sure that you get more money from your settlement - after paying your medical bills - than we do. We've even been known to cut our own fee to make sure this happens.

If you are unsure about hiring a lawyer, call us at 1-800-875-9700 for a consultation. We'll take a look at your case and let you know if we can get you more money.

A Maryland auto accident can cause multiple fractures with months of recovery

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

There are more than 200 bones in the body, and any one of them can be injured in a serious Maryland car accident.

Whether you broke your wrist from gripping the steering wheel, cracked your nose on the windshield, or suffered broken vertebrae from the impact, the painful aftermath is awful.

Even a simple broken bone takes more than a month to heal, and car crashes often result in multiple fractures or injuries.

Treatment of a broken bone depends on the type of break:

Hairline fracture: The bone has a crack but is still mostly intact.
Complete fracture: There is a complete break in the bone.
Comminuted fracture: Refers to a bone that is broken in more than one place.
Open fracture: Part of the bone actually breaks through the skin.

At minimum, a simple broken bone will require expensive x-rays and four to six weeks in an uncomfortable, immobilizing cast.

More serious fractures may require surgery to repair the bone, often with the aid of metal screws, pins, or plates to hold the bone in place. You may also need to undergo months of physical therapy to regain proper movement.

Depending on what bone was injured and your occupation, you may need to take a leave of absence from work while your body is healing. This loss of income coupled with your unexpected medical bills may leave you wondering how to pay the bills.

Most broken bones heal completely, allowing the injured person to return to a normal life within months. However, there are never any guarantees.

Sometimes, broken bones simply do not heal. This is particularly true of a serious injury where the blood vessels, nerve endings or joints near the bone may also be injured.

Infection, swelling, and other complications can lead to arthritis, limited mobility, or other long-term injury resulting from your fracture.

If you or a family member has a broken bone resulting from a Maryland truck crash or car accident, call the experienced injury lawyers of Nickelsporn and Lundin at 1-800-875-9700.

PG Car Accident Lawyer: Driving and Texting Can Hurt Your Case

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Friends don’t let friends drive and text

Our hand-held devices and cell phones are great conveniences, but they also pose a danger because driving while texting can be fatal. In 2006, two men in Utah died in a car accident with a teenager who was texting while driving. This case became the basis for tougher laws in Utah (Utah Texting While Driving PSA 1085) and a video public service announcement to accompany it.

Studies show driving while texting can be more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. A widely publicized test of two drivers showed that both drivers had worse reaction times while texting than they did while under the influence of alcohol. Maryland, DC and Virginia have all banned driving while texting. Next time you get a text while driving, wait until you have safely stopped your vehicle to view it or respond. By obeying the law you could save a life, including your own.

If you are texting while driving and get in an accident in the state of Maryland, you decrease the likelihood that the other party's insurance company will be made to pay you for your injuries. In Maryland, if your negligence contributes to the accident, you can be held responsible for the damage. But every case is unique and it helps to have a dedicated legal team on your side to investigate your accident and work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact an experienced car wreck attorney in the DC metro area

If you have been involved in an auto accident, call or email us for a FREE, no-obligation consultation about your rights. We can help you get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve. We would be happy to talk to you about your case. Call 1-800-975-8700 or contact us today!

When do I need to call a Maryland accident lawyer?

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Not all car accidents or personal injuries require the aid of a lawyer. A fender bender resulting in minor injuries can usually be quickly resolved between the parties involved.

Circumstances in which obtaining a lawyer might be to your advantage include:

1. If the insurance company is giving you a hard time.

While most insurance adjusters play fair, they do still have their company's best interests in mind and may be reluctant to give you the full amount you deserve. Some adjusters may drag their feet in paying you damages in a timely manner or may even accuse you of causing the accident in which you were injured. This kind of behavior from the adjuster could be a sign that you should hire an attorney to protect your own interests.

2. If there is a dispute over who caused the accident.

Accidents happen in a matter of seconds, and it can be difficult to determine exactly where the fault lies. This is especially true when there are several contributing factors. For example, a crash could occur with factors such as inclement weather, poor lighting, and mechanical failure. Separating which factors in particular contributed to the accident is difficult; sometimes many factors simultaneously contribute to a crash.

There is also the possibility of one party not being completely honest about the details of the crash.

If the cause of the crash is in dispute for any reason, you may want to hire a lawyer to make sure you are not blamed for something that is not your fault.

3. If you have been seriously injured.

A serious Maryland car crash can leave you with expensive medical bills and a long recovery period. If you or a family member has been severely injured in a car crash, do not try to take on the insurance company yourself.

Leave it to an experienced Maryland injury attorney who knows how to use the legal system to your advantage. This will allow you to focus your time and energy on recovering, and will usually result in more money for you.

Injured in a Maryland car crash? See a doctor now and throughout your recovery.

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Even a minor fender bender can result in a serious injury. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a Maryland auto accident, it is important to seek medical treatment.

Seeing a doctor not only quickens your physical recovery, it also helps any future car accident claim that you may pursue.

Insurance adjusters and lawyers often look to doctors as experts in the case. Your doctor can verify your injuries - what caused them (the accident), how extensive they are, and how much medical care (and money) is needed for your recovery.

See a doctor immediately following the accident.

If you have been involved in a serious Maryland auto accident, you should see a doctor right away. A doctor can begin treatment immediately and officially connect the injury to the accident.

Be aware of delayed symptoms.

Not all symptoms are immediately felt at the scene of the accident. Quite often, you will start to notice symptoms days or even weeks after the accident.

This is particularly true of internal injuries. For example, a constant headache and dizziness might be a sign of a closed head injury, while persistent back pain may point to a back injury.

Do not dismiss any pain as a minor ache that will quickly go away. If you have any symptoms or pain that started around the time of the accident, see a doctor to verify whether the pain is related to the accident.
Continue treatment until your doctor releases you.

Keep your doctor appointments. If you miss appointments and you later try to pursue a case, the insurance adjuster may point to your canceled appointments as reason that you must not have really been injured.

Similarly, if you do not complete your doctor's recommended treatment and then have reoccurring health issues, an insurance adjuster may deny your claim. They may suggest that you caused the additional damage yourself by quitting treatment partway through.

Check your doctor's records.

Insurance adjusters and lawyers often refer to your doctor's records in any personal injury claim. It's a good idea to request a copy of these records. Check your doctor's summary of the accident and your symptoms to make sure it is correct since these records may be used in a lawsuit.

Know where to send the bill.

You should not have to foot the bill for a serious car injury that was not your fault. In Maryland, you can receive help paying these medical expenses both from your own PIP insurance and from the other driver's insurance.

Focus on getting better, not on the cost.

Your physical recovery is important. Do not deny yourself the right to medical treatment simply because you cannot afford it.

If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you are not responsible for paying the bill. You are responsible for getting yourself the necessary medical treatment.

Leave the rest to an experienced Maryland injury lawyer. They can help you get the compensation you need to pay for the treatment.

MD Car Accident Lawyer: new rules for safe carseats from pediatricians

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

New Standards for Child Seat Safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new standards for car seat safety. The organization, comprised of more than 60,000 pediatricians, says that children should remain in rear-facing car seats until age two, and children under the age of 12 should stay out of the front seat. Rear-facing car seats should NEVER be in the front seat, especially if there is an airbag.

What is at Stake

Ignoring these recommendations and state laws on child seat safety can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. There are some exceptions: if your child is under two but has already outgrown their rear-facing seat, it’s all right to rotate them. The main goal is to fully support the child’s head, neck and spine in the event of a crash. Rear-facing seats help distribute the force of the collision, according to Dr. Dennis Durbin who is the lead author of the revised policy statement released by the AAP.

And, according to the Family Health Administration for the state of Maryland, even though tech advances are helping make airbags and cars safer, consumers should still do their homework before purchasing a car or car seat. If you’re in the state of Maryland, the FHA has all Maryland regulations on child passenger safety listed on their website.

Child Restraint Laws by State

Outside the state of Maryland? Check out an infographic from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety listing child restraint laws by state.

If you or your child have been involved in an auto accident, call or email us for a FREE, no-obligation consultation about your personal injury case. We can help you find a doctor or pediatrician who will help you recover from the car wreck and work to receive compensation for your injuries from the responsible parties.

Silver Spring car accident lawyer on free annual credit reports

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

How to get your free online credit report

Worried about bills from your car crash wrecking your credit score? You can get a free credit report every year online. The Federal Trade Commission has authorized only one website as a legitimate source to determine your current credit score. Head over to AnnualCreditReport.com for your free report.

After an accident, car wreck victims can incur significant financial costs from doctors while recovering. If these medical bills aren't taken care of, your accounts could be sent to collections and ultimately this can negatively affect your credit score.

Know your rights after a car accident

If you were injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party's insurance company. This compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

At Nickelsporn & Lundin, we work with doctors around the DC metro area to keep your bills from getting out of hand. In the meantime, we negotiate with the insurance company to get you the best settlement possible from your personal injury claim.

Protect your credit score. Contact Nickelsporn & Lundin today for a free consultation regarding your car crash case.

Top signs that you might have a closed head injury

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Have you been involved in a Maryland car crash in the last six months? Do you struggle with frequent headaches that began shortly after the accident? Have friends been teasing you about forgetting things lately?

If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from a serious head injury. Car accidents are the top cause of traumatic brain injuries. The sudden impact of a blow to the head, such as hitting the steering wheel, can cause immediate damage.

However, the damage may not be obvious at the scene of the accident. In fact, you may only recognize minor symptoms over the following days and weeks, such as a constant headache or feeling unusually sleepy.

This is particularly true of what doctors call a "closed head injury," or simply any head injury that does not result in a fracture to the skull.

Closed head injuries are often hard to diagnose because the symptoms vary so greatly. If you have been struggling with any of the following symptoms ever since the accident, you may be suffering from a hard-to-diagnose closed head injury:

Dizziness
Trouble balancing
Vomiting or nausea
Ringing in your ears
Partial loss of hearing, sight, smell or taste
Problems concentrating
Trouble remembering
Trouble speaking or forming sentences
Anxiety
Personality changes
Seizures

If you are having any health issues that started right around the time you were involved in a Maryland auto accident, you should see a doctor. Explain your physical and emotional symptoms as well as exactly what happened during the accident. This can give your doctor clues as to possible injuries, including that ever-so-elusive closed head injury.

Once you have a diagnosis of a closed head injury, you will want to consult with an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney who can explain your rights and options.

Silver Spring car accident lawyer tells you what info to get after a wreck

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Part Three in our "Common Mistakes" series.

Mistake #3 – Failing To Obtain Information about the At-Fault Driver and Witnesses

It is very important to get the name of the other driver who caused the accident. You need his or her:

Full Name
Driver’s License Number and State of Issuance
Address
Phone Number

You will also want to obtain:

Year, Make and Model of the At-Fault Vehicle
License Plate Number
State that Issued the License Plate
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Most of this information will be on the police report if the police responded to the scene and made an accurate and complete report. Sometimes, though, the police simply ask the persons involved to exchange information or will assist in the exchange with a pre-printed form. Be sure the information listed above is on the exchange of information, whatever the form.

You should also get the following information for each witness:

Full Name
Address
Phone Number

Witnesses can make or break a case, and it will be important to be able to contact any witnesses and take a statement. This is especially true if the other person lies about what happened in the accident and tries to blame you.

To read about other big mistakes people make after an accident, check these out:
Click to read about mistake #1: failing to go to the emergency room or a doctor ASAP.
Click to read about mistake #2: giving a statement to the other party's insurance company.

If you have been involved in an auto accident, call or email us for a FREE, no-obligation consultation about your rights. We can help you even if you don't have all of the information listed in this article and even if you've already given statements to the insurance companies. We routinely help clients in these situations and can help you find a doctor who will help you recover and regain your health. We would be happy to talk to you about your case.

Maryland car wreck lawyer says what NOT to say to insurance adjusters

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Part Two in our "Common Mistakes" series.

Mistake #2 – Giving a Statement to the Insurance Company

Generally, there will be two insurance companies involved with your case: your insurance company and the insurance company for the other vehicle involved in the accident.

The insurance company for the other driver does NOT have a right to take your statement, but they will probably ask. Whether you should give a statement depends on the circumstances. The other driver’s insurance company wants to take your statement to find out what happened and to see if you contributed to the accident. If you say something that sounds like you contributed to the accident -- even just 1% -- then under the law of contributory negligence the insurance company can deny your claim entirely and offer you NOTHING for your damages. While we don’t believe this is fair (and it’s not the law in most states), it is the law in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Also, if you give a statement before you know the full extent of your injuries or property damage you could leave something out and the insurance company can claim that you made it up since you didn’t mention it in your recorded statement. For this reason, you should not give a statement to the other company right away. In fact, we recommend that you have your lawyer make the initial report to the insurance company. Or, if you don’t have a lawyer yet, have a family member or friend call in the claim. This way you are not making a statement that can be used against you later.

Your insurance company does have the right to request a statement from you and you have the duty to give one within a reasonable time after its requested. We recommend you have your lawyer present when you give the statement. Our clients are prepared by us to know what to expect and how to respond. We also remain present during the statement to make sure nothing unfair happens.

To read about other big mistakes people make after a car accident, check these out:
Click to read about mistake #1: failing to go to the emergency room or a doctor right away.
Click to read about mistake #3: failing to obtain sufficient information at the scene.

If you have been involved in an auto accident, call or email us for a FREE, no-obligation consultation about your rights. We can help you even if you've already given statements to the insurance companies. We routinely help clients in these situations and can help you find a doctor who will help you recover and regain your health. We would be happy to talk to you about your case.

Silver Spring car accident lawyer says why to go to the ER after your crash

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

There are three mistakes people commonly make after a car accident.

Mistake #1 – Not seeking immediate medical attention

It is very important that you seek immediate medical care following an accident. If you are feeling any pain at all or notice an injury at the scene of the accident, insist on being taken directly by ambulance to the nearest hospital for treatment. If you did not go to the ER for some reason, you should immediately call a specialist or your doctor to be seen as soon as possible. If you don’t know of a specialist or have a primary care physician, call our office for the names of competent medical providers near you that are able work with the auto insurance.

To read about the next big mistakes people make after an auto wreck, click here:
Mistake #2: Giving a statement to the insurance company.
Mistake #3: Not getting sufficient info from the other parties.

If you have been involved in an auto accident, call or email us for a FREE, no-obligation consultation about your rights. We can help you even if you don't have all of the information listed in this article and even if you've already given statements to the insurance companies. We routinely help clients in these situations and can help you find a doctor who will help you recover and regain your health. We would be happy to talk to you about your case.

Not all accidents are created equal

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

How often have you been traveling in your car or small truck and observed a tractor trailer closing in on you with frightening speed? Or found yourself between two large trucks on the interstate, white knuckles on your steering wheel, hoping that the truck just outside your window knows you're there?

That fear is justified. U.S. Federal Highway Administration statistics show that in 2008, nearly 75 percent of the 4,229 fatalities resulting from truck crashes were drivers or passengers in cars that were involved in a collision with a truck. With the average weight of a Honda Accord around 3,300 pounds and a loaded freight carrier or big rig that can weigh in a 70,000 pounds or more, the results of a big truck crash can be catastrophic.

Most people don't know that trucking companies often have separate insurance policies representing the tractor, the trailer, and the driver. Since large corporations own most trucks, you are not only fighting them, but potentially several insurance companies as well. These companies are not looking out for you; they're focused on their own best interests.

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a truck accident, it's important to contact an attorney with truck accident experience. An experienced truck accident attorney will:

Talk to specialists who know about truck accidents and who might be able to give you information to support your case.
Understand your case and be able to fight the insurance companies for a fair settlement for the damages you incurred. Know the law as it applies to your case. This includes federal and local laws and regulations that apply to insurance and trucking industries.
Ensure that the evidence in your case is secured and available to you to support your claim.

In short, an experienced truck accident attorney will fight for you, help you recover fair and full damages, and help you get your life back on track. Contact Nickelsporn & Lundin today for a free consultation about your claim.

When can I file a claim for my Maryland truck accident?

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

It takes time to pick up the pieces scattered along the highway following a serious Maryland truck accident. If you or a family member has been injured, you are likely focusing on the time consuming process of physical healing.

In between doctor visits, you may want to keep in mind that you do have a limited time for filing a claim against the truck driver who caused your injuries.

Every state has its own "Statute of Limitations" law, which dictates the length of time that is allowed to elapse between an accident and the filing of a claim. In other words, you cannot wait forever to sue for injuries you received in an accident.

In most cases, a claim for a Maryland car accident or truck crash must be made within three years of the accident. This time limit is generally extended for minors until three years after their 18th birthday.
You may also be granted an exception if your injuries were unable to be discovered within that time period, but this is quite rare.

Truck accidents are complicated, which means it will take longer to build your case. If you are trying to fight the trucking company on your own, you might be frustrated with the trucking regulations, multiple insurance policies and other aspects that influence a truck accident case.

Rather than taking on the trucking company alone, you may be better off talking to an experienced truck accident attorney who can quickly determine the cause of the accident and pursue a claim on your behalf.

It is important to make sure that your time limit does not expire, or you will be unable to receive any compensation for your injuries.

Don't delay. Call the experienced Maryland truck accident lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin today.

How can I tell if fatigue caused my Maryland truck accident injuries?

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated "driver hours of service" regulations for all commercial truck drivers. The regulations mandate that a single truck driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours after at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. Truck drivers are required to keep logs of their hours.
It should be noted that these regulations apply specifically to interstate travel; many states have their own rules as well. Experienced Maryland truck accident attorneys will know what rules apply in your situation and what regulations may have been violated.

A truck driver can still become fatigued while driving in accordance with the law. Eleven hours is a long time to drive.

If you still suspect that driver fatigue may have been a factor in your Maryland crash, it may be worth pursuing legally. Here are a few signs of truck driver fatigue:

Swerving/Drifting: While often associated with drunk driving, swerving or "drifting" into another lane can also be a sign of an overtired driver.
Varying Speeds: If the driver sped up or slowed down for no apparent reason, this could be a sign of sleepiness.
Missing Road Signs: A truck driver blowing through a stoplight or stop sign may be fatigued.
Yawning: If you actually saw the truck driver yawn just before the crash, this could be an indication the driver was overtired.
Nighttime: Darkness tends to make us sleepy. Studies show that drivers are particularly susceptible to fatigue between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. If your crash occurred at night, sleepiness may have been a factor.

Proving that your accident was due to truck driver fatigue can be difficult to do on your own. If you or a family member has been hurt in a Maryland trucking accident, you need a lawyer. Call the knowledgeable Maryland truck accident attorneys of Nickelsporn & Lundin toll-free at 800-975-8700.

Maryland Ranked 17th in Drunk Driving Safety

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A mangled car frequently serves as a reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. These cars are often displayed at schools throughout southern Maryland to reinforce this notion in students.

Sometimes it can be easy to overlook important messages, even those from organizations, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is well known for its sobering statistics and stories of young children dying needlessly because of another person's careless act. People may avoid this message because it is heartbreaking to hear another tragic tale.

MADD offers much more than heart-wrenching stories. It also offers the local community a tangible way to take a stand against drunk driving in their city.

Maryland Drunk Driving Laws

Are you curious about the Maryland drunk driving laws? Check out MADD online for a quick look at laws in effect and other laws under consideration. You can add your name to a form letter (which can be personalized) and email it to your local senator or representative - all in just two minutes.

In case you are curious, MADD ranks Maryland as 17th in road safety when it comes to drunk driving.

Our Maryland Car Accident Attorneys Can Help Your Family

If you or your family has been affected by drunk driving, you are not alone. Contact an experienced Maryland accident attorney at Nickelsporn & Lundin at 301-942-9118 and take action to make sure your family's pain does not go unnoticed.

Sleep Apnea an Issue in Maryland Truck Accidents.

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The latest news in the trucking industry is that sleep apnea and other sleep disorders may be contributing to truck driver fatigue and truck crashes.

A Sleep Apnea and Trucking Conference was held in Baltimore last spring, which shed some light on trucking sleep apnea.

Statistics show that nearly one-third of all truck drivers may have some form of sleep apnea. This is compared to only six percent of the general population.

People with sleep apnea are more likely to cause a truck crash or car accident. Factors such as poor eating habits, lack of sleep, or lack of exercise (all common issues for truckers) only add to the problem.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can be easily diagnosed and treated. A simple sleep test can show whether a driver has OSA or another sleep disorder. Treatments range from minor habit adjustments (such as bedtime routine) to surgery.

Some truck companies already require their employees to take a sleep apnea test, and there is talk of it becoming a nationwide requirement.

Sleep apnea testing can be beneficial to victims of a Maryland semi wheeler crash in two ways:

First, if the driver tested positive for sleep apnea but did not treat the disease, an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney may be able to prove the driver's negligence and responsibility for your injuries.

Second, if the driver was not tested before the accident but is later shown to have a sleep disorder, you may be able to sue based on the driver's lack of seeking a diagnosis or treatment.

The Maryland accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin have the experience necessary to handle your truck crash case and help you get the benefits you deserve.

How to Avoid a Maryland Drunk Driving Accident

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

While we can't control the actions of other drivers, we can take certain precautions to reduce our risk of an accident. One of these actions is avoiding drunk driving at all costs.

There are many factors that can lead to intoxication, a state in which you should never get behind the wheel. Even if you have a pretty good grasp on your body's response to alcohol, the events of the day or evening should be considered. Ask yourself the following questions: What type of drink did I have? How many? Did I eat anything while I was drinking? How long has it been since I finished my drink?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to assess your level of intoxication:

Alcohol does affect people differently. If you are a smaller person, female or have a lot of body fat, you are more likely to get drunk from a small amount of alcohol.
Eating food while drinking helps slow down the body's absorption of alcohol.
It is always a good idea to have a back-up plan, whether it be a sober friend at the party or someone on-call who is willing to pick you up. This will help you avoid a situation where you feel it is "necessary" to drive drunk.

If you have to ask yourself if you are too drunk to drive, it is best to play it safe and hitch a ride home.

Our Maryland car accident lawyers help victims of drunk drivers. Contact the experienced Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin at 301-942-9118 or toll-free, 1-800-975-8700, if you or a family member has been injured in an alcohol-related crash.

Truck company may be liable if your accident was due to an improper load.

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Serious Maryland truck accidents claim lives each year. In fact, more than 500,000 truck accidents occur annually in the United States.

If your family has experienced loss, serious injury, or death due to a Maryland truck accident from an improper load, then contact an experienced truck accident attorney immediately.

Maryland Commercial Cargo Regulations

Regulations have been set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ensure the weight, balance, safety, and stability of cargo carried by commercial trucks.

The driver is responsible for knowing what the cargo weighs and what to do to ensure proper loading prior to driving. Maryland truck drivers are required to inspect cargo to ensure that all is properly secured. Failure to observe any of these standards could mean liability for the Maryland truck driver and truck company.

You may be due compensation.

The factors behind liability in a Maryland truck accident are complex. Truck accident claims due to improperly loaded cargo or overloaded cargo can be difficult to establish and even harder to fight for against a Maryland truck company.

Contact a Maryland tractor-trailer crash lawyer at Nickelsporn & Lundin by calling 1-800-975-8700. Our dedicated truck accident lawyers will help sort through the confusion and stress surrounding these incidents, while identifying the best course of action to protect your rights as a victim.

What should you look for in a Maryland car accident attorney?

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

The situations surrounding serious Maryland car accidents can be quite intense, overlapping into a wide range of legal issues, such as wrongful death or personal injury. When looking for a car accident lawyer, you should concentrate on a few key factors to ensure the best possible outcome and experience:

Expertise: Your car accident attorney should be experienced in dealing with insurance and health care companies, as well as local and national transportation laws.
Reputation and Service: Your attorney should be willing to give you the personalized attention that your case deserves, and be willing to discuss details and questions with you at any time. He or she should have a track record of reaching successful outcomes with honesty and integrity.
Fee Structure: It is very important to check the attorney's fee structure prior to beginning to work with him or her. Good attorneys typically accept cases on a contingency or "no win-no fee" basis, if the attorney genuinely feels that your case has merit.

We can help.

If you or a loved one has experienced loss or injury due to a serious Maryland car accident, then get the help that you need today. Contact a Maryland car accident attorney at Nickelsporn & Lundin for your free case consultation by calling 1-800-975-8700. Experienced Maryland car accident lawyers are standing by to identify the best course of action and protect your rights as a victim of a traumatic Maryland collision.

How can you avoid a dangerous truck accident on the highways of Maryland?

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many factors contribute to the dangers, and possible fatalities, of truck accidents in Maryland. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious tractor-trailer collision, then contact an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney.

Important Safety Tips for Avoiding Accidents with Maryland Trucks

Pass Left, Not Right: Pass only on a truck's left. A truck driver's blind spot on the right runs the length of the trailer, and, according to some, extends out three lanes.
Stay Out of Blind Spots: Trucks and tractor trailers have large rear-quarter blind spots, and additional ones in almost all directions. Make sure that you can see the driver's face in the mirrors. They can't see you if you can't see them.
Give Wide Loads an Extra Wide Berth: These 40-ton vehicles need extra lanes to maneuver. They may even topple if they have to turn quickly, so give them all the room they need-and then some! The safety of your family may depend on it. Leave 20-25 car lengths when behind a truck, and a 10-car length gap when in front.

If you have experienced a loss, injury, or death related to a Maryland truck accident, then contact an experienced tractor-trailer crash lawyer at Nickelsporn & Lundin by calling 1-800-975-8700. A lawyer will get you the answers, protection, and compensation that you deserve.

Could New Weight Regulations Increase the Likelihood of Maryland Truck Accidents?

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal recently announced that Congress is considering new weight regulations for large trucks in Maryland and throughout the nation. The new legislation proposal will change the current limit, increasing it from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds.

Increased Threat to Maryland Highway Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that there were nearly 4,000 fatal truck accidents in 2008. Now these large trucks that use the same roads as our comparatively tiny passenger cars will be heavier, and potentially more deadly, than ever before.

The Truck Safety Coalition has voiced concern in regards to the safety of the regulation proposal. Numerous experts contest that the extra 8.5 tons would make it more difficult for these vehicles to stop in time to avoid dangerous accidents.

If you or anyone you know has experienced a loss or serious injury due to a truck accident in Maryland, it is important to contact an experienced truck accident attorney.

We can help.

Dealing with a truck accident can have a devastating physical and emotional impact. If you or a loved one has experienced death or injury due to a Maryland truck accident, then contact a tractor-trailer crash lawyer at Nickelsporn & Lundin by calling 1-800-975-8700. A dedicated Maryland truck accident lawyer will help protect your rights as the victim of a tractor-trailer collision.

Avoid Fatal Maryland Truck Accidents —Know the "No-Zones"

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Due to large size and elevated position, a truck creates blind spots, also known as "No-Zones," in every area of a truck driver's field of vision.

It is imperative to be aware of these areas of blindness and avoid them for the safety of your family.

What is a No-Zone?

The "No-Zone" is a dangerous area around commercial vehicles where accidents are very likely to occur. If a passenger car drives in this area, a truck driver may not be able to see the car. There are blind spots in almost every direction, due to the larger size and elevated position of the driver. These include:

Side No-Zones
Rear No-Zone
Front No-Zone
Wide Right Turns

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious tractor-trailer collision that involved the aggressive driving of a commercial truck operator, then contact an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney.

We can help.

Don't deal with a serious Maryland truck accident alone. It is vital that you work with an experienced truck accident attorney who has the knowledge and expertise to get the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Silver Spring tractor-trailer crash lawyer at Nickelsporn & Lundin by calling 1-800-975-8700. A dedicated Maryland truck accident lawyer will help protect your rights as the victim of a devastating tractor-trailer collision.

Signs of Aggressive Truck Driving in Maryland

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious tractor-trailer collision that involved the aggressive driving of a commercial truck operator, then contact an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney.

It is very important to recognize and identify the signs of aggressive truck driving, as they could be critical pieces of information during a Maryland truck accident injury case.

Signs of Aggressive Truck Driving

In the state of Maryland, the law defines the signs of aggressive driving as "at least three of the following" behaviors:

Failing to obey traffic signals
Passing on the right
Following too closely (tailgating)
Failure to yield the right of way
Excessive speeding

Expertise and experience make all the difference.

The factors in truck accidents are frequently complex, so multiple entities could be found liable. However, the truth is that truck and insurance company representatives are out to ensure that they lose as little money as possible for their operations.

Don't deal with a serious Maryland truck accident alone. It is vital to work with an experienced truck accident attorney with the knowledge and expertise to pursue the correct parties for the compensation that you deserve.

Contact a Silver Spring tractor-trailer crash lawyer at Nickelsporn & Lundin by calling 1-800-975-8700. A dedicated truck accident lawyer will help protect your rights as the victim of a devastating Maryland tractor-trailer collision.

Has your car accident resulted in a serious back injury?

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sudden, jolting forces experienced in car accidents frequently cause back injuries of varying types and severity.

Common symptoms of a serious back injury may include:

Acute, intense pain
Chronic, consistent pain
Mechanical pain (or pain that worsens with and prevents activity)

X-rays and ultrasounds are commonly used to assess and diagnose a back injury.

Common treatments for back pain and injuries may include:

Ice and heat
Bed rest
Medications
- Over-the-counter analgesics

- Anticonvulsants
- Opioids (such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine)
Spinal manipulation
Interventional therapy
Traction
Surgery, in extreme cases

Serious accidents in which the victim sustains traumatic injuries are emotionally and financially devastating, not to mention physically debilitating. Contacting an experienced Maryland car accident attorney can make all the difference in ensuring that you receive coverage for your medical expenses.

We're here to help.

Don't deal with a debilitating back injury from a serious Maryland car accident alone. If you or a family member has been involved in a serious Maryland collision, then contact the experienced Silver Spring car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin. A dedicated car accident lawyer will help protect your rights as the victim of a devastating collision.

Contact our office at 1-800-975-8700 to speak with a Maryland car accident attorney today. While on our website, please order a FREE copy of our book, a vital resource for anyone who has experienced a serious Maryland car accident.

Common Symptoms of Serious Neck Injuries due to Maryland Car Accidents

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Known by the description of the traumatic event that causes the head to move suddenly in one direction and recoil in another, whiplash is by far the most common neck injury related to car accidents. It occurs most frequently in rear-end collisions, but also can happen due to other types of sudden impact experienced in a vehicle.

Traumatic neck injuries and whiplash due to a Maryland car accident can be physically debilitating as well as a financially draining. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident resulting in a neck injury, contact an experienced Maryland car accident attorney.

Common Symptoms of Neck Injuries and Whiplash Syndrome

Neck injuries and whiplash are rarely trivial affairs, as only 70% of all whiplash injuries result in a full recovery within one year. In some cases, whiplash can result in permanent disability. Symptoms of whiplash and serious neck injuries sometimes include:

Sleep problems
Blurry vision
Ringing in the ears
Fatigue
Poor concentration and memory

Get the compensation that you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious Maryland collision, then contact the experienced Silver Spring car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin. A dedicated car accident lawyer will help protect your rights as the victim of a devastating collision. Contact our office at 1-800-975-8700 to speak with a car accident attorney today.

With Police in Chase, Burglary Suspect Dies in Maryland Car Crash

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Maryland car chase turned fatal Tuesday, January 24, when a burglary suspect who was trying to flee police caused a three-car auto accident. The suspect, Aaron Nathaniel McCoy Jr., was killed in the crash.

McCoy and Jenard David Toliver, both 21 years old and residents of Baltimore, are suspects in a string of robberies that occurred over the weekend in northern Baltimore County.

According to police, the two had just completed another burglary shortly before the car chase. They were driving a gray 2006 Honda Accord they had previously stolen when a victim of their latest burglary caught them driving off and called police with a partial license number.

Police saw a vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle speeding southbound along Jarrettsville Pike (Dulaney Valley Road). When they tried to pull over the vehicle, the driver did not stop. Police cars turned over the chase to an aviation crew that followed the vehicle from above. McCoy, who was driving the vehicle, continued to speed up.

About 3 p.m. he tried to swerve around a Jeep Grand Cherokee but missed, striking the vehicle’s left corner. Both vehicles veered into opposing traffic and hit a white GMC 2500 truck traveling northbound.

The Honda then crashed into a utility pole near Ivy Church Road. McCoy was rushed to Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Toliver had exited the vehicle near Merrymans Mill Road five minutes before the accident, and police quickly apprehended him. He is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center. Several of the missing items, mostly electronics, were recovered from the stolen vehicle.

Three others involved in the Maryland auto accident were treated for minor injuries.

Car Chase Involving Reckless Maryland Driver Leaves Cop Injured

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Maryland State Trooper was injured in a Maryland auto accident Friday, Feb. 3 by a driver who failed to pull over for a traffic stop.

Senior Trooper Jon Sawa was attempting to pull over a 2005 Chevy Cobalt shortly after midnight for erratic driving along Mountain Road in Harford County. The driver, 22-year-old John Jacob Nussle V, fled the scene.

Sawa gave chase, following Nussle for three full miles before Sawa crashed into a fence in front of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church along Old Joppa Road. A fence post struck the windshield on the driver’s side, hitting a radar mounted on the dash and barely missing Sawa’s head.

Sawa was taken to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment of minor injuries. He has since been released. It is unknown what caused Sawa to veer off the road.

Meanwhile, Harford County Sheriff’s deputies who were monitoring the chase by radio spotted Nussle on Atkinson Road and continued the chase until he crashed on Singer Road in Abingdon about 12:20 a.m.

Nussle, a Joppa resident, was uninjured in the accident. He faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, assault and malicious destruction of property. Nussle rammed Sawa’s cruiser at least once during the chase.

Sawa, who comes from a long line of police officers, lost his father to a Maryland truck accident in the line of duty 25 years ago. Trooper John Edward Sawa died on March 10, 1987, when his cruiser was hit by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 95 near Havre de Grace.

Pennsylvania Man Killed in Maryland Tractor-Trailer Accident

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A multi-vehicle crash along Interstate 81 left one person dead and traffic blocked off for hours on Monday, Jan. 30.

The Maryland truck accident occurred around 3:00 p.m. when the driver of a tractor-trailer crossed the highway median just north of Marshall Street in Hagerstown and smashed into oncoming traffic.

Benson Lewis, a 62-year-old truck driver from Dallas, was traveling southbound on I-81 carrying a load of 70,000 pounds of plastic. His wife, 44-year-old Tammie Lewis, was a passenger in the truck.

For reasons that remain unclear, Lewis crossed the median directly into northbound traffic, where he collided head-on with a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The impact sent the smaller vehicle over an embankment, killing the driver, 42-year-old Leroy Corbin of Huntingdon, Pa. Corbin died upon impact, according to police who responded to the accident.

The tractor-trailer was then rear-ended by a 2006 Ford F-150 driven by Mark Siegrist, who was unable to stop in time to avoid the crash. A fourth vehicle, a 2008 Saturn VUE driven by Shelly Jason of Hagerstown, was also involved in the accident.

The tractor-trailer finally came to a stop with the top half of the truck resting on the top of a guardrail in the southbound lanes.

Lewis, his wife and Jason were all taken to Meritus Medical Center, where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Siegrist refused treatment.

Maryland State Police closed off a portion of the interstate for more than seven hours, rerouting traffic until late in the evening. Police are still piecing together the cause of the accident.

The Maryland truck accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin express our sympathies to the family of Leroy Corbin, who died in the accident.

Four Killed in Maryland Drunk Driving Accident in Anne Arundel County

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Preliminary reports show that both drivers in a fatal Maryland auto accident that occurred on Saturday, Jan. 28 were driving while drunk.

The accident, which killed three teens and a middle-aged man, happened at 3:30 a.m. along U.S. Route 50, east of Davidsonville Road in Anne Arundel County.

Brittany Ann Walker, 19, was driving a Chrysler Sebring south of Crofton. She and two friends were on their way home from a birthday party.

For reasons unknown, Walker was traveling the wrong way on the eastbound side of the divided highway when she collided head-on with a black BMW convertible. Terry Davis, the 55-year-old driver of the BMW and a warehouse manager, was headed home from an evening of dinner and cards with friends.

The crash left one of the vehicles engulfed in flames. Rescue workers spent hours putting out the fire and extracting the victims from the mangled vehicles.

Walker and Davis both died in the fiery crash, as did Walker’s two passengers, Breanna Marie Franco and Zachary Tyler Rose, both 18 years old. The teens all died at the scene while Davis was pronounced dead later at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

According to police, several people had called 911 to report a speeding vehicle driving the wrong way along Interstate 97 and Route 50 just before the accident occurred. Police are still trying to piece together when and why Walker entered the wrong side of the highway.

Walker, who was studying nursing at Anne Arundel Community College, had pleaded guilty to speeding in an October incident, where she was charged with going 91 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone near Hagerstown.

The wrongful death lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin express our deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones in this tragic Maryland car crash.

Prince George's County Hit-and-Run Crash Kills 2; Police Seek Driver

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Two pedestrians, a man and a woman, have died following a hit-and-run accident that occurred early morning on Friday, Jan. 6 in Prince George’s County.

Michael Thomas, 55, and Mildred Freeman, 62, were attempting to cross Oxon Hill Road in Oxon Hill around 7 a.m. when a small gray car hit them, according to witnesses who saw the accident happen.

A spokesman from the Prince George’s County Police Department said the two pedestrians were in the center left-hand turning lane waiting to finish crossing the street when they were hit. They were not in the crosswalk at the time.

Though Maryland State Law requires that a driver stop at the scene of an accident with injuries, the person driving the gray compact car instead fled the scene, which is a felony charge.

Thomas and Freeman were both taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. Thomas, whose injuries appeared to be non-threatening at first, suddenly got worse and died Friday night. Freeman died Saturday afternoon. It was not immediately known how Thomas and Freeman knew each other.

The accident is still under investigation. Police are looking for more information regarding the vehicle, which was headed east on Oxon Hill Road, or its driver. Anyone with information is asked to call the police’s investigative unit at 301-306-5640 or, to make an anonymous tip, call Crime Solvers at 866-411-8477.

The experienced Maryland wrongful death attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin express our deepest sympathies to the families of Michael Thomas and Mildred Freeman.

Driving Under the Influence Ends in Maryland Auto Accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The young man who fled the scene of a fatal Olney car crash last May received a 20-year sentence for his role in the Montgomery County car accident.

Kevin Coffay, 20, was the driver on the fateful night of May 15, 2011. With him were four passengers, all of whom had attended Magruder High School.

As Coffay rounded a dangerous curve on Olney-Laytonsville Road, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The accident killed 20-year-old John Hoover and 18-year-olds Spencer Datt and Haeley McGuire; it also injured Charles Nardella, 19.

Nardella testified that Coffay had been drinking that night and that the others in the car had asked him to slow down. Coffay fled the scene of the accident. When police caught him three hours later, his blood alcohol level was double the legal limit.

Coffay pleaded guilty to three counts of vehicular manslaughter in November and has been out on bond. Judge Theresa M. Adams suspended 20 years of a 40-year sentence and ordered Coffay to complete 5 years of probation following 20 years in prison.

The Rockville accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in last May’s auto accident.

Gasoline tanker truck involved in Maryland auto accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A three-vehicle accident in Prince George’s County on December 5 involved minimal injury or damage but left a road closed for nine hours.

A passenger car, box truck, and gasoline tanker were all involved in the crash along the southbound lanes of Route 3 near Route 450.

Ngozi Onuma, 21, was driving a Mercury Grand Marquis. She was attempting to merge onto southbound Route 3 from Route 450 about 9:30 p.m. when she was hit.

Marc Gregorio, 40, was driving a box truck along southbound Route 3 when, for reasons still unknown, he collided with Onuma’s car. He then lost control of the truck and veered into a neighboring lane, where his vehicle was hit.

Nathaniel Tiggle, 40, was driving a Fleet Transport Inc. tanker loaded down with 9,000 gallons of gasoline. He tried to avoid the accident but couldn’t. Instead, he slammed into the back of Gregorio’s truck before overturning onto the highway.

Tiggle was taken to Bowie Health Center for treatment and then released. Neither of the other two drivers wanted medical treatment.

Maryland State Police say the accident caused only minimal environmental damage. When cleaning crews lifted up the tanker truck to get it upright, 100 gallons of gas spilled, which was less than they expected.

A portion of Route 3 was closed for nearly nine hours as crews cleaned up the mess. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Two men lose their lives in separate southern Maryland accidents

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

At least two auto accidents in southern Maryland turned fatal the week of December 12.

The first fatal accident occurred along southbound Interstate 270 during morning rush hour on Wednesday, December 14. The Montgomery County accident happened near the Germantown exit around 6:45 a.m.

In total, the collision involved four vehicles and a pedestrian. The crash started when a tractor-trailer hit and killed a pedestrian. The man, whose name has not been released, was apparently trying to cross all eight lanes of the highway when he was hit.

Maryland State Police are still investigating the crash but have not made any charges. A portion of the interstate was closed for two hours, leading to a mile-long backup for commuters.

Another man died early Saturday morning, December 17, in Temple Hills.

Byron Hilton, 22, lost control of his Jeep Cherokee around 4:30 a.m. as he was exiting the ramp from the Capital Beltway to eastbound St. Barnabas Road.

His vehicle left the road and rolled over. Hilton, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle and then pinned under it. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Maryland State Police said there were signs of alcohol at the scene, but they do not know if alcohol caused the crash. The Prince George’s County accident is still under investigation.

The southern Maryland accident lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin express their deepest sympathies to the families of the men who lost their lives in these two accidents.

Eastern Maryland Auto Accident Sends 14 to Hospital

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A two-vehicle eastern Maryland car accident left 14 people with non life-threatening injuries on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

The Maryland auto accident occurred around 4 p.m. when a tour bus and a passenger vehicle collided on a local highway.

According to reports from the Maryland State Police, both vehicles were heading eastbound on Route 610 in Whaleyville, Worcester County.

Daniel Elton Nelson, 27, was driving a 2004 Honda Civic. Roger Coston Hornsby, 67, was directly behind him, driving a 1998 Blue Bird tour bus. When Nelson slowed to make a turn, Hornsby was unable to stop in time and rammed into the back of Nelson’s car. The tour bus then veered off the road and into a ditch.

Both drivers and all 12 passengers on the tour bus, employees of Mountaire Farms, were transported to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. However, none were believed to have life-threatening injuries.

State troopers closed off the eastbound portion of the highway until the accident could be cleared. Several local fire departments were on the scene to help.

The accident is still under investigation and no charges have been filed, though police did say that charges are pending against Hornsby. News reports say Hornsby had been cited and fined for speeding on the same road in August.

The Maryland accident attorneys at Nickelsporn and Lundin wish a quick and full recovery to all who were involved.

New Year Starts With Sorrow After Montgomery County Accident Claims 2

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Two young people died in a Montgomery County car accident hours after ringing in the New Year.

The single-vehicle crash happened just before 3 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1. Roderick Eugene Brice II, 22, was driving a white 2007 Chevy TrailBlazer full of passengers westbound on Jones Bridge Road near Lancaster Drive in Bethesda.

He apparently lost control of the vehicle, drove up onto the sidewalk and through a fence before slamming to a stop into a tree.

Front seat passenger Nicholas Scott Clayton, 20, and back seat passenger Kaitlin Marie Gallagher, 18, both died at the scene of the accident.

Clayton’s Rockville home had been condemned a few days before Christmas. His mother had died a few months ago, and his father was out of town at the time of the accident.

Gallagher, whose address is unknown, also went by KeKe Karlsson. She was in her second trimester of pregnancy.

Brice sustained injuries in the Maryland car crash, as did his two other passengers, 18-year-old Conor Hayes and 19-year-old Kevin Russel.

Montgomery County Police found empty beer cans in the vehicle, but pointed out that the presence of the cans does not necessarily mean Brice was drunk. They have not yet released his blood alcohol level at the time of the accident.

The three surviving passengers in the vehicle were wearing seatbelts, but it was not immediately known if Clayton or Gallagher were wearing theirs.

Police are still investigating the accident.

The Silver Spring personal injury attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin offer their deepest condolences to the families of Clayton and Gallagher, as well as those injured.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich Asked for an "Open Marriage" from his Second Wife

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

It’s being reported today that Speaker Newt Gingrich asked his second wife, Marianne Gingrich, for an “open marriage” in order to continue his relationship with one of his congressional assistants, who he eventually married and is now his third wife. Marianne Gingrich says she refused.

An “open marriage” is one where the spouses agree that each (or one spouse) may in engage in extramarital sexual relationships, without this being considered infidelity or adultery by the partners.

But open marriages may pose complicated legal issues. For instance, in some tates where extramarital sex (adultery) is illegal, the spouse having the extramarital affair would be committing a crime, whether or not the other spouse gives his or her consent.

Further, in states like Maryland where adultery is a ground for divorce, agreeing to an “open marriage” may foreclose the spouse who later changes her mind about the arrangement from bringing a divorce case on the ground of adultery. The spouse having the affair may be able to raise the defenses of reconciliation, condonation or recrimination.

The interview of Marriane Gingrich is currently scheduled to air this evening on ABC News.

Driver Pleads Guilty in Crash That Killed His Friends

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty in a Maryland drunken driving crash that killed three of his friends and injured another six months ago in Olney, MD.

Kevin Coffay, of Rockville, was driving a Toyota Corolla along Laytonsville Road (Route 108) in Montgomery County late at night. Four friends were passengers in the vehicle. Coffay took a sharp turn too quickly on a wet road, sped out of control, and slammed into a tree on the side of the road. He then fled the scene of the accident without checking on his friends.

18-year-old Haeley McGuire and 20-year-old Johnny Hoover, both of Rockville, and 18-year-old Spencer Datt, of Derwood, all died in the crash. A fourth passenger, 19-year-old Charles Nargella, was injured.

Pieces of the car are still imbedded into the tree from the impact of the crash. A guard rail has since been installed near the curve where the accident occurred.

Coffay’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when police caught up with him three hours after the accident. According to witnesses, he had been drinking at two parties earlier in the evening.

Coffay pleaded guilty to three counts of vehicular manslaughter and one count of fleeing the scene of a fatal accident. Coffey will be sentenced in early January and faces up to 40 years in jail.

The Rockville injury lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin, P.C. offer their sincere condolences to those who were killed in this tragic accident.

Maryland Auto Accidents Claim Lives of Two Baltimore Men

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two Baltimore residents died in separate Maryland auto accidents two days apart from one another.

The first accident occurred in the early morning of Tuesday, November 15 on the Beltway.

Lemuel Edward Johnson, 46, was driving from Interstate 695 onto the on-ramp toward Interstate 795 at around 6 a.m. when he lost control of his vehicle. The car slid down an embankment, over a guardrail and overturned, hitting a tree.

Johnson, who was the only person in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are unsure what caused the accident.

A second Baltimore man died Thursday, November 17 when the moped he was driving through Temple Hills in Prince George’s County collided with another vehicle.

James Farmer, 56, was driving southbound along the 7400 block of Temple Hill Road around 6:40 a.m. when he collided with a white Chevrolet Cruze.

A Prince George’s County police investigation shows that Farmer apparently veered into oncoming traffic in the northbound lane; however, why he did so is unknown.

The impact of the crash ejected Farmer from the moped. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have not released the name of the female driving the Chevrolet that was involved in the crash. They are still investigating the accident; no charges have been filed. Neither speed nor alcohol is suspected at this time.

The Rockville car crash lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in these tragic accidents.

Chain Reaction in Frederick County Accident Leaves Two Dead

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two people died Saturday, November 26 in a traffic accident along Interstate 70 in Frederick County. Although it was only 5 a.m. on a weekend morning, traffic along the eastbound side of the interstate had already slowed to a stop near New Market due to a partial road closure.

The driver of a white Chevrolet 3500 van failed to stop in time to avoid hitting the back of a Toyota Corolla. The rear-ended Corolla spun out of control and landed in the median of the highway, causing a chain reaction with several other vehicles.

Maryland State Police said that a total of six vehicles and 12 people were involved in the entire accident.

The two victims who died were both passengers in the back seat of the Corolla. Neither Selly Tie Sin Kai, 33, nor Anis Mawi, 46, were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. Both women were residents of Frederick.

Eight other victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

So far, no charges have been filed in the accident, which is still under investigation.

The Frederick accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin offer their thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of those who were fatally injured in this accident.

Driver Hits Bus, Injures 20 in Maryland Drunken Driving Wreck

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A southern Maryland auto accident involving a school bus and a drunk driver left 20 people with minor injuries on November 22nd. Most of those injured were female basketball players at Great Mills High School in St. Mary’s County. They were on a school bus returning home from a scrimmage in Virginia.

According to Maryland State Police, 45-year-old John Patrick Kravats was driving a Dodge pickup truck near Chaptico, St. Mary’s County, around 9:30 p.m. He failed to yield to a Ford Fusion that had the right-of-way at the intersection of Mechanicsville Road and Budds Creek Road (Route 234). He hit the car as he entered the intersection and then was hit by the bus, which was traveling eastbound on Budds Creek Road. The impact of the collision caused the bus to careen off the road into the woods.

The school bus driver, one of the four coaches, and 15 of the 28 students on board were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital and treated for injuries. All have since been released.

Two people in the car, including a 13-year-old girl, were also hospitalized. Kravats was treated for minor injuries.

The accident is still under investigation, but Kravats has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving and failure to yield right of way.

The Maryland injury attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin wish a quick a full recovery to all who were injured.

Three-car Crash in Frederick County Kills One, Injures Four

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Maryland State Police are still looking for information regarding a fatal Frederick County car accident that occurred on November 19^th.

According to police reports, 30-year-old Stephen Alan Wisner was driving north on Route 194 around 3 p.m. when he suddenly swerved into oncoming traffic near Crum Road.

His maroon Pontiac Bonneville sideswiped a Chevrolet Impala and then collided head-on with a Ford Explorer, both heading south.

Wisner, of Walkersville, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Impala, 46-year-old John Early, was taken to Meritus Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, as was an infant riding in the Explorer.

The driver of the Explorer, 55-year-old Pamela Dronesburg, and 19-year-old passenger Kimberly Dronesburg were rushed by air to a shock trauma center in Baltimore. Both are in stable condition.

Police closed the highway for four hours to conduct an investigation.

It is unknown why Wisner swerved into oncoming traffic. Anyone with information regarding the accident is asked to call the Maryland State Police at 301-600-6168.

The Maryland injury lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin offer our condolences to the family of Stephen Alan Wisner and wish a full recovery to all who were injured.

Wrong-way driver dies in car crash, 2 others injured

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Pennsylvania man who was driving the wrong way on a local Maryland highway died in the early morning hours of Oct. 23.

Eugene R. Kantner, 40, was traveling the wrong way on northbound U.S. Route 301 (Crain Highway) near Fairgrounds Road in La Plata, Charles County.

The accident occurred just after 1:30 a.m. when Kantner's 1993 Isuzu Trooper collided head-on with a 2007 Toyota Corolla.

The driver of the Corolla, Randy Jerve Datcher, 34, attempted unsuccessfully to avoid the crash. As he swerved into an adjacent lane, he side-swiped a 2010 Peterbilt tractor-trailer that was traveling next to him.

Kantner, a resident of Hazle Township, Pa., was taken to Civista Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Datcher and his passenger, 32-year-old Shannelle Angela Marshall, were taken to Baltimore's Cowley Shock Trauma Center with non life-threatening injuries.

The 40-year-old truck driver, Roosevelt Raines, Jr., was uninjured.

Maryland State Police are still investigating the accident.

Man dies after hitting truck on Beltway

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 20-year-old man from Mt. Airy died in the early hours of Friday, Nov. 4 in a car accident along the Beltway in Silver Spring.

Ryan Joseph McCann was driving on the inner loop of the Beltway between Connecticut and Georgia avenues around 1:40 a.m. when the accident occurred.

Two lanes of traffic on the highway had been closed due to a previous crash. Traffic cones and emergency lights were set up to detour traffic to an open lane.

However, McCann failed to slow down in time to avoid hitting the tractor-trailer that was directly in front of him. According to the Maryland State Police's preliminary investigation, the truck driver quickly slowed down and changed lanes. McCann could not stop in time.

The 2002 Pontiac Bonneville sedan that he was driving crashed into the rear of the truck. McCann died from his injuries.

No charges have been filed at this time. Police closed down that portion of the highway for nearly four hours to conduct an investigation.

Man killed in Maryland truck accident

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A resident of Montgomery County died early Saturday, Oct. 22 in a Maryland truck accident.

Michael Kenneth Nemes, 26, was driving along eastbound Interstate 70 in Woodlawn, Baltimore County around 2:30 a.m. when the accident occurred.

A tractor-trailer was attempting to make an illegal U-turn near the interchange of Interstate 695 and cut off Nemes' Chevy Suburban. Nemes' vehicle collided with the side of the truck.

Maryland State Police who responded to the accident said Nemes' sport-utility vehicle ended up underneath the truck, trapping Nemes.

Nemes, a resident of Cabin John, was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident shut down the eastern lanes of I-70 for four hours while an investigation was completed.

Police have not released the name of the truck driver. Any charges, including charges for the illegal U-turn, were still pending at press time.

Police do not yet know if alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Nemes was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident.

Crash with fire truck injures two

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two people were injured Oct. 19 when a civilian vehicle collided with a local fire truck that was returning from a call.

Engine No. 848 was driving along Annapolis Road near 85th Avenue in Lanham when another car tried to merge onto the road and collided with the front right side of the truck.

The truck stopped, but the car could not and hit two other vehicles in the intersection.

Two people were taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries, and one firefighter was taken to the hospital for evaluation of potential injuries.

The names of those injured or driving had not been released at deadline.

The truck was associated with West Lanham Hill Fire, according to a spokesperson for Prince George's County Fire.

Teen not guilty in distracted driving fatality

A jury determined Oct. 19 that a Maryland teen responsible for the 2010 crash that killed a man is not guilty of vehicular manslaughter.

Brittany Lynn Sadosky, 19, admitted she was talking on her cell phone that fateful May morning when she ran a stop sign along Route 301 in Prince George's County.

She hit a 1934 Chevy Street Rod, which Douglas and Rhonda Callahan were taking to a classic car show. Douglas, 51, was killed instantly, and Rhonda spent five weeks in the hospital due to her injuries.

Sadosky was charged with vehicular manslaughter, but a jury declared her not guilty, opting instead for a $500 fine and a point on her driver's license.

Local authorities were disappointed with the decision and said there needs to be a tougher law regarding distracted driving.

One dead after distracted driving causes Maryland crash

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Maryland man died Oct. 7 in a car accident when he became momentarily distracted from the road.

John Leonard Lonigan, 20, was driving eastbound on Bay Front Road in Deale while trying to program the GPS in his 2001 Chevrolet Impala at around 6:30 in the morning. He was going about 10 miles over the posted speed limit of 50 mph.

According to Anne Arundel County police, Lonigan became distracted and veered into westbound traffic near Nutwell Sudley Road.

Donald August Applekamp Jr., 55, was driving a 2009 Ford F150 in the westbound lane when he saw the other vehicle approaching. He attempted to move over to the shoulder to avoid the collision, but Lonigan's car hit the truck head-on.

Both men had to be extracted from their vehicles. Lonigan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Applekamp was taken to Prince George's Shock Trauma Center with serious injuries.

Police do not believe alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Lonigan was a resident of Deale.

Police chase leads to Maryland accident fatality in Anne Arundel County

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man who was driving erratically in Glen Burnie died Oct. 5 after trying to flee from police.

The adult white male, who has not yet been identified, was driving a 1998 Dodge Dakota on southbound Route 10 near the Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Glen Burnie.

Around 4:30 p.m., a Maryland State Trooper parked along the side of the road witnessed the vehicle swerving back and forth between lanes and driving 82 miles per hour in a 55-mile-per-hour speed zone.

The truck driver apparently saw the trooper and lost control of the vehicle, spinning to a stop in the fast lane.

However, when the trooper pulled up behind the truck, the driver suddenly sped away.

The trooper turned on his siren, but the truck driver continued on to eastbound Route 100, driving in the median to pass other vehicles.

He lost control of the vehicle a second time, crossing both lanes of traffic and hitting a guardrail on the opposite side of the road near Catherine Avenue in Pasadena. The vehicle then drove up an embankment, slid onto its side and rammed into a tree near the side of the road.

Members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services Division arrived at the scene but pronounced the driver dead. An autopsy is expected.

Maryland State Police do not know what caused his erratic driving behavior and are still investigating the accident.

A news release from the department stated that the driver did not own the truck he was driving, but it was not reported stolen either.

Teen dies in motorcycle crash

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A teenage motorcyclist died Sept. 23 after fleeing a traffic stop around midnight in Carroll County.

Conor James O'Sullivan, 18, was traveling at high speeds near Taneytown and lost control of his motorcycle.

A Maryland State Police trooper had spotted O'Sullivan speeding along Highway 140 just outside of Westminster a few minutes before midnight.

When the trooper attempted to stop the motorcycle near Pleasant Valley Road, the rider waited until the trooper was close to him, and then took off.

The trooper notified area police to be on the lookout for the motorcycle. Police in Taneytown saw the motorcycle race through the city, traveling what they believed to be well over 100 miles an hour. The rider then turned north onto Harney Road.

Though police believe the accident happened shortly after the rider left Taneytown, the accident scene wasn't found until hours later.

A resident of Harney Road reported debris on an embankment near his house. When police arrived at the scene just before 8 a.m., they found O'Sullivan's body.

Police surmise that O'Sullivan was unable to make the turn in the road and hit a guardrail along the right side of the road. O'Sullivan, who was wearing a helmet at the time, was thrown from the motorcycle.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office is investigating the accident. Police say the motorcycle was not registered but had a fraudulent Maryland registration tag.

Maryland motorcycle wreck kills one

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Maryland man died Oct. 1 after he lost control of the motorcycle he was driving in Howard County.

Juan Carlos Calderon Mejia, age 30, was traveling eastbound on Brookdale Drive near U.S. Route 1 in Elkridge around 12:45 p.m. He was driving a 2001 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet.

According to preliminary investigations, Mejia lost control of the motorcycle and slammed into the back of a parked tractor-trailer truck on Brookdale Drive.

He was rushed to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, but he later died there of his injuries.

Police believe that speed may have been a factor in the accident.

Mejia was a resident of Columbia, Md. Police say he was not licensed to drive the motorcycle.

Brookdale Drive was closed for about two hours following the accident for a police investigation.

While the number of motorcycle deaths has decreased nationally over the last few years, motorcycle accidents still account for approximately 10 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

The Maryland personal injury lawyers of Nickelsporn & Lundin send our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Mejia.

Off-duty D.C. cop dies in Maryland auto accident

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A policeman of the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police died Friday, Sept. 16 from injuries sustained in a car crash in Montgomery County.

Officer Jelani Prather of the Metropolitan Police Department's Fifth District was off-duty at the time of the accident. He was driving along Intersate 270 just south of the Falls Road exit a little before 1 p.m.

For reasons unknown, he swerved into the right shoulder, striking a tanker truck that was parked on the side of the road.

Driver Antonio Donnell Lucas had stopped to check out a mechanical problem on the tanker when he saw a Scion car enter the shoulder and head towards the truck.

He honked and put the truck in gear to try to move out of the way, but the car ran into the back of the truck. Both vehicles slid for 75 feet before coming to a stop.

It is unknown why Prather veered off the road and into the truck. Investigators said the absence of skid marks lead them to believe that Prather did not brake before the accident. Witnesses at the scene also said the car didn't appear to brake or swerve to avoid the crash.

The accident is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed.

Commander Andrew Solberg of the Metropolitan Police Department said Prather had been with the department for 10 years. He was assigned to a motorcycle beat in the Fifth District in northeast Washington.

Two Fatal Maryland Auto Accidents on Friday

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two Maryland car accidents ended in fatalities on Friday, September 9.

A four-vehicle crash in Charles County killed two people and injured six others Friday morning.

Evelyn Sommer, 67, and Franz Sommer, 83, were in their car waiting to turn left on Dicandia Dorsey Place, off eastbound Route 231 in Benedict around 11:30 a.m.

A truck rear-ended their car, pushing them into oncoming traffic, where two other vehicles also hit their car. Both of the Sommers died in the accident.

Four others, including two infant children, were injured. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

Police closed the road and nearby Patuxent River Bridge for five hours to investigate the crash. So far, no charges have been filed.

That same evening, a Delaware woman died in a crash in Queen Anne's County.

Maryland State Trooper First Class Travis Nelson, 24, was on his way to the scene of a burglary around 9 p.m. He had just turned off Route 50 onto an access ramp to westbound Shopping Center Drive in Stevensville when he hit a pedestrian.

Preliminary investigation shows that 29-year-old Iraina J. Curtis of Dover, Delaware, was in the road at the time of the accident. According to a friend who was with her, she had been sitting on a wall along the side of the road waiting for a ride when she moved away to make a phone call.

Curtis was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident is still under investigation. It is unknown how fast the police car was going, but police say the emergency lights and sirens were not in use at the time of the accident.

The attorneys at Nickelsporn and Lundin offer our deepest condolences to the families of the Sommers and Curtis.

Tractor Overturns, Causes Delays

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

An overturned tractor-trailer caused two minor accidents and delayed evening rush hour traffic in Howard County on September 1.

Police are still unsure what caused the tractor-trailer to overturn, spilling its cargo and snarling traffic for hours.

Jeffrey M. Simpson of Bel Air was driving the tractor-trailer through the Waterloo area. He was traveling northbound on Interstate 95 near Route 100 around 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

For reasons still unknown, the tractor-trailer overturned, spilling its cargo of junked cars onto the four-lane freeway. Some of the junked cars caused two additional minor accidents. There were no serious injuries reported.

Maryland State Police closed the freeway for several hours in order to clean up the junked vehicles, debris, and fuel that spilled from the tractor-trailer. The debris covered all four lanes of the highway, according to state police.

Traffic reports said the accident was causing backups nearly six miles long and had delayed school bus drop-offs.

Seven Injured in Anne Arundel Pedestrian Accident

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Seven people were injured after two teenage girls tried unsuccessfully to cross a busy road in Anne Arundel County shortly after 10 p.m. on September 3.

The girls were on foot and trying to cross the northbound side of Route 3 near Waugh Chapel Road in Gambrills, north of Crofton.

A car hit one of the girls, age 15, and stopped to check on her, according to police who arrived at the scene. Another vehicle slammed into the back of the stopped car, hurting a passenger of that vehicle and continuing a chain reaction that injured several others.

In all, four vehicles and two pedestrians were involved in the accident. Seven people were taken to area hospitals while another person at the scene refused medical treatment.

A 30-year-old man, the driver of one of the vehicles, was rushed by helicopter to the Prince George's Trauma Center with serious injuries. The 15-year-old pedestrian who was hit in the initial accident was taken to John Hopkins Children's Center, also with serious injuries. The others sustained less serious injuries and were transported to Baltimore Washington Medical Center.

Anne Arundel County police are still investigating the initial cause of the crash.

Two fatal Maryland auto accidents ... Friday

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two Maryland car accidents ended in fatalities on Friday, Sept. 9.

A four-vehicle crash in Charles County killed two people and injured six others Friday morning.

Evelyn Sommer, 67, and Franz Sommer, 83, were in their car waiting to turn left on Dicandia Dorsey Place off eastbound Route 231 in Benedict around 11:30 a.m.

A truck rear-ended their car, pushing them into oncoming traffic where two other vehicles also hit their car. Both Sommers died in the accident.

Four others, including two infant children, were injured. None of the injuries were considered life threatening.

Police closed the road and nearby Patuxent River Bridge for five hours to investigate the crash. So far, no charges have been filed.

That same evening, a Delaware woman died in a crash in Queen Anne's County.

Maryland State Trooper First Class Travis Nelson, 24, was on his way to the scene of a burglary around 9 p.m. He had just turned off Route 50 onto an access ramp to westbound Shopping Center Drive in Stevensville when he hit a pedestrian.

Preliminary investigation shows that 29-year-old Iraina J. Curtis of Dover, Del., was in the road at the time of the accident. According to a friend who was with her, she had been sitting on a wall along the side of the road waiting for a ride when she moved away to make a phone call.

Curtis was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident is still under investigation. It is unknown how fast the police car was going, but police say the emergency lights and sirens were not in use at the time of the accident.

The attorneys at Nickelsporn and Lundin offer our deepest condolences to the families of the Sommers and Curtis.

Teen killed in single-car crash

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A young woman died Aug. 23 from injuries sustained in a single-car accident in Frederick County.
Ashley Michelle Eyler, 18, was driving her red Honda Civic westbound on Good Intent Road near Maryland Highway 194 in Ladiesburg around 11 a.m.

She lost control of the vehicle, crossing the eastbound lanes and nearby railroad tracks before falling off a steep embankment. The vehicle crashed into several trees on the way down and landed upside down.

Eyler and an unnamed 16-year-old passenger were thrown from the vehicle. Police say neither were wearing seatbelts.

The two were taken by helicopter to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with life-threatening injuries. Eyler died of her injuries shortly after arriving at the trauma center. The passenger
was still in serious condition a day later.

Maryland State Police are still investigating the accident, but they believe speeding and driver error were likely factors in the accident.

Eyler graduated from Walkersville High School in 2011. She was the second teen related to the school to die in the past month. Jacqueline Shayuth, 16, died July 27 in a single-car accident near Woodsboro.

Motorcyclist dies in single-vehicle crash

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Prince George's County man died Aug. 12 when his motorcycle crashed along Route 5 in St. Mary's County.

Devin L. Sweeting, 25 years old and a resident of Bowie, was driving along southbound Route 5 near Thompson Orchard Lane in Park Hall about 2 p.m. when the accident happened.

For reasons unknown, Sweeting's 2006 Yamaha R1 motorcycle left the roadway and slammed into a cement culvert on the side of the road.

The motorcycle fell onto its side and slid nearly 170 feet, with Sweeting still on the bike. It finally stopped, ramming into a utility pole on the side of the road.

Sweeting was rushed to Baltimore Shock Trauma by helicopter, but he was pronounced dead just after 6 p.m. The cause of death was fatal injuries from the crash.

Maryland State Police do not know why Sweeting veered off the road. They have said that speeding might have been a factor in the accident.

Sweeting was apparently returning to St. Inigoes Coast Guard station after a lunch break when the accident occurred. He was in the U.S. Coast Guard for seven years and had recently moved to the reserves.

The attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin offer our condolences to the family of Devin Sweeting.

Truck driver dies while trying to fix vehicle

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Maryland woman died after an accident along the side of Interstate 70 the afternoon of Aug. 9.

Corethia Areia Cross, age 56, was trying to fix a broken-down truck on the shoulder of eastbound I-70 going up toward South Mountain when the accident occurred.

The 2005 Volvo tractor-trailer is owned by Gunthers Enterprises LLC of Hanover, Md. Cross was a co-driver for the vehicle, and Melvin Harvey, 47, of Rocky Mount, N.C. was the other driver.

The truck started to overheat going up the mountain so the duo stopped to make repairs near the Frederick County border.

For reasons unknown, a 2004 Ford F550 tow truck veered off the road and crashed into the back of the tractor trailer at about 2:30 p.m.

Cross was working near the front of the tractor trailer when the crash occurred. The impact caused the truck to slam into Cross, pushing her into a guardrail.

She suffered critical injuries and was flown to Meritus Medical Center, where the Dundalk resident later died.

Police are still trying to determine why 44-year-old Lance W. McCloud of Kearneysville, W. Va., left the road. According to witnesses, there was no interference from nearby vehicles.

The tow truck McCloud was driving is owned by South Berkeley Wrecker Service of Martinsburg, W. Va.
McCloud was taken to Meritus Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Harvey was uninjured in the accident.

A Maryland State Police team especially equipped to handle accidents involving commercial vehicles is still investigating the cause of the crash.

Assault charge started with rear-end accident

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Pennsylvania man is being charged with assault after rear-ending a woman on Interstate 83 in Baltimore County and then punching her.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. July 29 near York Road.

According to Maryland State Police, Michael Henshaw, 30, of York, rear-ended another vehicle, and both drivers pulled over.

Henshaw asked the female driver, whose name has not been released, not to call the police and offered her money. When she started dialing 911 anyway, he pushed her down, grabbed her phone, and punched her several times.

The woman was able to break free from him and fled the scene in her vehicle.

Maryland State Police put out a composite sketch of Henshaw and a description of the damage suspected on his Jeep. Several people called in with information, and police were able to apprehend Henshaw at his Pennsylvania home days later.

Henshaw faces criminal assault charges for the altercation. He is also being charged with driving with a suspended, out-of-state license, reckless driving, negligent driving, and failure to remain at the scene of an accident.

Multi-vehicle crash kills two on Maryland's Beltway

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A six-car pileup on the Beltway during the morning rush hour left two dead and two injured Aug. 2.

Maryland State Police are still trying to piece together exactly what started the deadly chain reaction just south of Ritchie Malboro Road. They believe alcohol may have been a factor.

The initial crash occurred when a 2006 Ford Freestyle and a 1994 Honda Civic, both traveling in the northbound outer loop of the Beltway, collided. It is uncertain what caused this initial collision.

The Ford Freestyle spun out of control and landed in the ditch. Police suspect the driver may have been drinking and have not yet released his name pending charges.

The driver of the Civic was Rodolfo U.V. Amaya, 31, of Oxon Hill. He died in the crash.

After the initial collision, Amaya's vehicle collided with a third vehicle traveling on the outer loop, a 1997 Toyota Camry driven by Charline Starks, 50, of Waldorf.

Both Amaya's and Starks' vehicles then smashed into a guardrail in the median separating the outer and inner loops of the Beltway. Starks' Camry came to a stop in the fast lane of the inner loop.

After hitting the guardrail, Amaya's Civic went airborne over the median and into the inner loop. He landed on the roof of a 2006 BMW driven by Candace Mays Hewitt, 41, of Davidsonville. She was traveling on the southbound inner loop of the Beltway.

Amaya's vehicle rolled off the BMW and onto the roof of a 2002 Toyota Rav4 driven by Jose I. Buevara, 30, of Laurel. All three vehicles then came to a stop.

A sixth vehicle, a 2010 Honda Accord driven by Linda S. Pike, 56, of Crofton, was hit by debris from the crash.

Both Amaya and Hewitt (in the BMW) died in the crash. Starks and Buevara, the drivers of the Camry and Rav4 respectively, were taken to Prince George's Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Hit-and-run accidents injure two and baffle police

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two hit-and-run accidents the morning of July 14 left two bicyclists injured in Anne Arundel County.

County police are still searching for leads in the two accidents, one that occurred on Crain Highway and another along Ritchie Highway.

Marco Garcia, 41, of Glen Burnie, was riding his bike about 7:30 a.m. on Crain Highway near Georgia Avenue. A small gray vehicle, likely a Chevrolet or Saturn, hit Garcia and continued driving.

Garcia was taken by ambulance to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He was listed in critical condition a day later.

Police say the suspect is a white man with a beard and wire-rimmed glasses. They believe his vehicle sustained damage to the windshield and right front headlight.

The second accident occurred about half an hour later, around 8 a.m.

Alex Canales Hernandez, 25, was attempting to cross Ritchie Highway in Brooklyn Park when a car hit him.

According to witnesses, a woman got out of her vehicle, looked around, and then drove off again. They say she was driving a dark mid-sized sedan, possibly a Hyundai. Police believe the car likely has significant damage to the left head lamp assembly, hood, and windshield.

Hernandez was rushed to Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with life-threatening injuries. He remained in critical condition early Friday morning.

Anyone with information on either of these accidents should call Traffic Safety at 410-222-8573 or police communications at 410-222-8610.

Fugitive caught after single-vehicle accident

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Montgomery County police apprehended a man wanted for possession of a controlled substance after he lost control of his vehicle the night of July 27.

Jonathan Robert Blackman, 27, was driving a 2002 Honda Accord northbound along U.S. Route 15 around 11:30 p.m.

Just south of West Seventh Street, he lost control of the vehicle and ran off the roadway. Police are not sure what caused the accident.

Blackman's car then hit an embankment along the side of the road and rolled over onto its roof.

Blackman fled the scene of the accident on foot. Police from both the Montgomery County and Frederick County Sheriff's offices joined the chase, along with K-9 units and a State Police helicopter.

They tracked him down two-and-a-half hours later near Hood College.

Blackman, a Damascus resident, was taken to the Frederick Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor bruises before being transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Blackman has been at large for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

After the accident, he was also charged with negligent driving, failure to report an accident involving injury, fleeing police and driving with a suspended license. He is being held on a $9,000 bond.

Tire change along the Beltway turns deadly

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

One person died July 7 while trying to change a tire along the side of Interstate 495.
According to one news report, Eric Francis Corsino Avila, age 28, had stopped to help another person change a tire alongside the outer loop of I-495 just past northbound I-95.

Avila's vehicle and the vehicle with the flat tire were stopped on the side of the road between Route 1 and New Hampshire Avenue around 6 p.m.

A third vehicle veered onto the shoulder and struck the two stopped vehicles, striking Avila who was standing next to the vehicle with the flat tire.

Avila died around 7 p.m. after being rushed to Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. He was a resident of Hyattsville.

The Prince George's Fire Department was on the scene to aid emergency personnel. A spokesperson for the fire department said that two other adults and two children under age 8 were also injured in the accident and taken to local trauma centers. Their injuries appeared to be non life-threatening, according to the spokesperson.

Maryland State Police closed part of the highway for several hours in order to investigate the cause of the accident. They have not yet released any more details on the crash.

Another news report suggested that there were more than three vehicles involved in the multi-car crash, but police have not yet released the names of any other drivers or the names of the others injured.

According to statistics from the Washington Post, the section of I-495 that runs through Prince George's County has the highest number of accidents of any other portion of the interstate.

Driver plows into liquor store

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Montgomery County woman crashed into a liquor store on June 23, scaring the three people inside but injuring no one.

According to Maryland State Police at the Prince Frederick barrack, Mary Harbison, of Rockville, was parked outside of Wemyss Liquors in St. Leonard around 2 p.m.

When she went to put her car into gear, she accidentally pressed the gas pedal instead of the brakes. Her 2009 BMW drove directly into the front door of the liquor store.

Claude Weems, who was watching the store for his son at the time of the accident, was talking to a customer at the checkout counter. One other customer was in a separate wine room.

None of the occupants were close enough to the entrance to be injured.

The staff cleaned up as much of the mess as possible, and the store remained open for the rest of the day despite the gaping hole near the entrance, which is currently covered.

A new door has been ordered, but owner Steve Weems did not yet know the exact total amount of damages from the accident.

He said he knows Harbison well and referred to her as a "sweet woman" who simply made a mistake.
Harbison is being charged with failure to control her vehicle in the incident.

Distracted driving causes crash south of Frederick

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man who was apparently talking on his cell phone while merging now faces charges in a July 3 Maryland car accident. Two adults and two children were injured in the accident.

At about 4 p.m. on Sunday, Vijaya Magam, 26, was attempting to merge onto southbound Interstate 270 south of Frederick near Urbana.

He didn't notice a vehicle in the lane next to him, and his Toyota collided with the driver's side of a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling south on the Interstate.

The Tahoe rolled over, landing on the driver's side of the vehicle. The driver, 42-year-old Daniel Ferrell, was taken to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, as was his front-seat passenger, 43-year-old Melissa Ferrell. They are both from Keedysville, Md.

Two young girls ages 8 and 3 were in the back seat of the Ferrells' vehicle. They were taken to Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

At this time, there is no word on the condition of the four injured people. Magam was not hurt in the accident.

According to a witness at the scene, Magam, a resident of Washington, D.C., was talking on a cell phone when the accident occurred.

Police are charging him with negligent driving, an unsafe lane change, and operating a vehicle while talking on a cell phone with his hands.

As of October of last year, Maryland State law forbids drivers to use cell phones unless they are using a hands-free device.

Head-on collision kills one, seriously injures another

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

An elderly woman died following a head-on car crash on Sunday, June 19. Another person was seriously injured.

The accident happened just after 4:30 p.m. in Frederick, Md.

Susan Baumgardner, a resident of Taneytown, was driving a 2003 Ford Focus along State Highway 194. Nellie R. Baumgardner, also of Taneytown, was a passenger in the vehicle.

According to police reports, Susan Baumgardner apparently crossed a double yellow line near the Legore Road intersection. There she collided head-on with Katlyn Appler of Hanover, Penn., who was driving a 1989 Toyota Corolla.

Nellie R. Baumgardner was rushed to Frederick Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Police have not yet determined whether she died from injuries sustained in the car crash or from another cause. They say she may have been suffering from a medical condition just prior to the accident. Nellie R. Baumgardner was 86 years old.

Susan Baumgardner was taken by helicopter to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. She was being treated for serious injuries from the crash.

The driver of the other vehicle, Appler, was taken to Meritus Medical Center in Washington County where she was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The accident is still under investigation.

Policewoman injured after cruiser pushes her off an elevated highway

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Baltimore policewoman was injured in an accident involving a car and pedestrian on June 21.

Officer Teresa Rigby, 27, was standing near the northbound lanes of the Jones Falls Expressway (Interstate 83) near the Pepsi plant while a broken-down vehicle was being towed. A Saab vehicle veered off the road and crashed into her police cruiser.

The cruiser was pushed forward from the impact and hit Rigby. Rigby was then pushed over a barrier wall on the side of the elevated road and fell 30 feet into a concrete parking lot.

She was immediately rushed to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center where her condition was declared critical.

Rigby underwent two surgeries over the next two days. Doctors repaired her fractured pelvis, put a rod in a fractured leg and performed a facial reconstructive surgery on Rigby.

By Thursday, her condition was elevated to serious, although hospital staff warned she might still be in the hospital for quite a while.

The driver of the Saab was treated for injuries and released.

Police are still investigating the accident and have declined to provide the names of any of the other drivers involved. They do not believe alcohol was a factor.

Reckless driving crash kills 3-year-old

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A little boy is dead and five teens injured after a single-car accident in Anne Arundel County on June 8.

The driver, 16-year-old Buck John Benny, supposedly ignored his friends' requests to slow down on a curvy section of southbound Ridge Road.

As he sped along the road nearing the Elkridge Furnace Inn around 8 p.m., Benny lost control of the Plymouth Acclaim he was driving and smashed into a tree.

According to police, only two of the vehicle's occupants were wearing seat belts. Maryland State law requires all passengers to wear a seat belt when the driver is under 18.

Benny was rushed to a local trauma center and was upgraded to fair condition by Thursday afternoon.
His front-seat passenger, 18-year-old Gary Ellison, had been wearing a seat belt and was listed in serious condition.

Britney Shiflett, 18, was sitting in the back seat with her nephew on her lap, a seat belt covering both of them. Shiflett was in critical but stable condition by Thursday afternoon.

Joseph Eugene Sutherlin, 3, was pronounced dead at St. Agnes Hospital. Police say the outcome might have been different if the child had been in a car seat.

The other two back-seat passengers were also injured. Jamie Shiflett, 17, was listed in serious condition. John Ward, 16, ignored his doctor's advice and went home with his arm and leg bandaged.

According to police on the scene, the factors that contributed to the crash were speed, reckless driving, and driver error. Police believe the extent of the passengers' injuries was partly due to their failure to wear seat belts.

Police Investigate Fatal Maryland Car Crash in Clinton

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal car accident that occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, June 3.

The accident occurred at approximately 2:30 AM along northbound Branch Avenue near the intersection of Surrats Road in Clinton, an unincorporated part of Prince George's County.

Still Many Unknowns in Fatal Maryland Accident
Police who responded to the scene of the crash are still unsure of what caused the accident. Scattered debris littered the accident scene, and the two vehicles involved in the crash were a mass of torn metal.
One person, whose name has not yet been released, was declared dead at the scene.

Two other people were trapped inside their vehicles. One of the injured victims was taken by helicopter to Prince George's Hospital Center and another transported to the hospital by ambulance. Police have not yet released their names, and their physical condition is unknown at this time.

State police shut down all but one lane of northbound Branch Avenue for several hours to conduct an investigation.

The attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin send our condolences to the families of the victims.

Nine injured in a multi-car crash on Beltway

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A chain reaction of rear-ended vehicles led to nine injuries and a massive traffic snare along the Beltway on May 31, 2011.

The accident occurred just a few minutes before noon on the inner loop of Interstate 495, near Georgia Avenue in Montgomery County.

The accident began when a tractor-trailer rear-ended the car in front of it, which consequently caused the car to rear-ended another vehicle causing a chain reaction. Seven vehicles were involved in the accident, including the tractor-trailer and at least two SUVs.

Nine people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to a spokesperson for Montgomery Fire and Rescue.

Five of those injured were classified as seriously injured and were taken to local trauma units. The other four, including a little girl, received minor injuries.

A portion of the highway was down to one lane for over three hours while crews cleaned up the accident scene and police started their investigation.

Maryland State Police are still trying to determine what caused the initial crash and who is at fault. So far, no charges have been made.

If you or a family member have been injured in a Maryland auto accident, you may want to talk to an experienced Montgomery County personal injury attorney.

Car chase claims life of Maryland trooper

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Maryland State Police Trooper died in a car accident while on duty May 21.

Trooper First Class Shaft Hunter, 39, crashed into the back of a stopped vehicle, presumably while following a speeding motorcyclist on Interstate 95.

The accident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on the southbound lanes of I-95, just south of Route 32 in Laurel.

According to a witness, a speeding motorcyclist passed by the spot just seconds before Hunter, who was on duty at the time.

Hunter apparently lost control of his police cruiser and slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer that had stopped on the side of the interstate. He was declared dead at the scene.

The truck's driver, 46-year-old Albert Sandino, was uninjured. He told police he had pulled over to check directions.

Although Hunter had not called in to report a car chase, police say that's not uncommon and that Hunter was likely following the speeding motorcyclist. Investigators hope to track down the rider with the help of local license plate readers.

Police also closed off the southbound lanes of I-95 for six hours to complete an accident investigation.

Hunter was an 11-year veteran and a father of six children. Governor Martin O'Malley ordered state flags to fly at half-mast in honor of Hunter, the 43rd Maryland state trooper to die while on duty.

Single-car crash in Olney kills 3

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three young adults are dead and a fourth injured after a single-car crash May 15 in Montgomery County. The driver, who survived, faces felony charges.

The fatal Maryland auto accident occurred around 3 a.m. when 20-year-old Kevin Coffay, of Rockville, swerved off of Olney-Laytonsville Road, crashing his Toyota Corolla into two trees and a telephone pole.
Passenger Spencer Datt, 18, of Derwood, died at the scene. Rockville residents Haeley McGuire, 18, and John Hoover, 20, died at area hospitals. Friends of the deceased say the two men were graduates of Magruder High School in Rockville, where McGuire was a senior.

A fourth passenger, 19-year-old Charles Nardella of Gaithersburg, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Coffay fled the scene of the accident, but police arrested him three hours later.

He is currently being charged with four felony counts: failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving injury, failure to stop the vehicle in a fatal accident, failure to assist those injured, and failure to report to police. He is also being charged for fleeing police.

Blood work is pending to determine if Coffay was intoxicated. Police on the scene say his breath smelled of alcohol, and Nardella testified at a bond hearing that Coffay had been drinking at two parties earlier that night.

Coffay's family posted a $50,000 bond.

Rockville bus accident injures six

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Six people, including two children, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries following an accident involving a school bus and two other vehicles on May 13 along Interstate 270.

The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. during regular morning rush hour traffic on I-270 between the exits for Shady Grove Road and Montgomery Road in Rockville.

A Montgomery County Public Schools bus and two other vehicles were involved in the crash, according to preliminary reports from Maryland State Police. It was not immediately clear how the accident occurred.

Two students, an 8-year-old and a 9-year old, were taken to Suburban Hospital with minor injuries, according to a spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, which responded to the accident.
The bus driver and a teaching aide were also injured, as were the drivers of the two other vehicles.

The bus was transporting students to Ivymount School, a special-needs school in Rockville, according to a spokesperson for the school district.

Maryland State Police are still investigating the accident and have not yet released the names of those involved.

Bus crash injures 17 in eastern Maryland

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Eight kindergarteners and nine adults were treated for non-life-threatening injuries after a bus accident on May 12 in Queen Anne's County.

The accident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. at the intersection of Route 213 and White Marsh Road, just north of Centreville.

Carl Trenz Jr., 49, of Stevensville, turned right onto southbound Route 213, pulling directly in front of a tour bus traveling in the same direction.

The bus driver swerved to avoid Trenz' Volkswagen Toureg and hit a telephone pole on the right side of the road. The bus then turned over onto its side in a nearby field.

Curtis Dorsey, 86, resident of Still Pond and owner of Dorsey Transportation, was driving the 1990 MCI tour bus. He was transporting 17 kindergarten students, 16 parents, and one teacher from Worton Elementary School in Kent County. A second tour bus was following them on their way to a field trip at the National Zoo in Washington, DC.

The 8 children injured were identified as Zoe Eisenhart, Aja Manning, Miki Tiller, Cicada Burton, Kristin Lindey, Tracy Montgomery, Carly King and Isaiah King.

Injured adults included Rebecca Todd, Colin Caldeira, Malinda Manning, Kitray Jackson, Stacy Schrock, Jessica Matthews, Stefani Zottarelli and Jakai Cooper. Trenz, the SUV driver, was also injured.

Witnesses said the bus driver appeared to be following the speed limit, and an initial vehicle investigation showed no defects on the bus.

The Maryland State Police CRASH Team is investigating the accident. Charges are still pending and will be submitted to the Queen Anne's County State Attorney's Office.

Maryland woman convicted in fatal accident

Sat, 14 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Maryland woman was convicted May 5 of vehicular manslaughter in connection with an accident that killed two men in February 2010.

A Prince George's County jury found Jenny Mate, 32, of Beltsville, guilty of two counts of homicide by motor vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a suspended license.

Mate was ordered to report to the Prince George's County jail May 16 following a prenatal checkup. She faces up to 21 years in prison.

Roy Lacayo, 34, and Justo Rosario Jr., 30, were killed in the accident, which occurred the night of Feb. 1, 2010, on Riggs Road in unincorporated Adelphi.

Lacayo and Rosario had been involved in a fender bender and were stopped along the side of the road. According to testimony from state witnesses, the two were standing between their two cars exchanging information.

Mate came down the road at about 10:45 p.m., driving her 2005 Cadillac sport utility vehicle 60 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone.

She passed another driver on the wrong side of the road before smashing into Lacayo and Rosario.

Lacayo was struck with such force that he lost his shoes. Rosario was caught under Mate's vehicle and dragged 100 feet before she stopped. Police who completed an accident reconstruction said there were no skid marks at the scene of the accident.

Mate failed a sobriety test at the scene and would not provide a breath sample until 3 a.m. the next morning. At that point her blood alcohol level was .15, or almost double the state's legal limit.

Truck crash kills one, injures another

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A collision between two trucks in the late morning hours of Thursday, April 28, left one man dead and another injured.

A tractor trailer and a white box truck collided around 11 a.m., according to reports from the Prince George's County Police Department. The accident occurred at the intersection of Virginia Manor Road and Virginia Manor Court in Laurel, Maryland.

There was limited information concerning the details of the accident. Police did say that the driver of the box truck was trapped in his vehicle and emergency personnel on the scene had to cut open the truck to extract him.

A spokesperson for the Prince George's County Police Department said he believed the driver of the box truck was the one killed. The other driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police declined to release the names of the drivers involved because their families had not yet been notified.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this time, but police were trying to determine if heavy rainfall at the time of the crash could have been a factor. Police were redirecting traffic shortly after the accident as investigators arrived on the scene to complete a crash reconstruction.

Track coach injured in car crash

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Carroll County track coach was listed in serious condition after a car accident on April 20.

Timothy Patrick Walsh, 29, was injured in a collision with a dump truck, according to Maryland State Police.

Walsh, a resident of Westminster, was headed west on Uniontown Road near the intersection of Royer Road around 7:30 a.m., according to a spokesperson for the Westminster Police Department. He was driving his Nissan Altima.

Three dump trucks were driving east on Uniontown Road. The driver of the third dump truck, who was following the other two, tried to turn left at the intersection but instead ran into the front of Walsh's car, hitting him nearly head-on.

D.D. Freed Trucking, based in Mount Airy, owns the dump truck that was involved in the accident. The driver of the dump truck was James Gregory Howard, 49, a resident of Sykesville.

Walsh was taken by air to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where a representative said he was in serious condition Wednesday afternoon.

Walsh has been a track coach at Francis Scott Key High School since 2005. He has coached track and field, cross country, and volleyball and is well-known to other coaches in the county, many of whom sent him wishes for a speedy recovery.

One dead, 2 injured after three-car crash in Calvert County

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A multiple car crash in Calvert County left one dead and two injured on April 13, 2011.
The accident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Route 4 and Broomes Island Road (Route 264).

Thomas Abell, 80, was in the left turn lane of Route 4, preparing to turn onto Broomes Island Road in his 1999 Honda Accord. His wife, 72-year-old Carol Abell, was in the vehicle with him. The Abells reside in Lusby.

Mr. Abell stopped briefly for a flashing red light before proceeding left through the intersection. However, he pulled directly in front of a 2002 BMW driven by Caren Depiazza, 62, who was going through the intersection on a green light.

The BMW hit the passenger side of the Accord.

After the initial crash, Mr. Abell's vehicle continued through the intersection and struck another Honda Accord (2007) driven by Caren Milliken, 45, who was stopped at the red light.

Maryland State Police helicopters were on the scene to transport the victims to area hospitals.

Carol Abell was seriously injured and died at Calvert Memorial Hospital. Mr. Abell was in critical condition at the Baltimore Shock Trauma Center.

Depiazza, of Hollywood, Md., was listed in stable condition at Prince George's Hospital. Milliken, of Owings, was not injured.

At this time, the Calvert County Sheriff's officers believe the accident was caused by Mr. Abell's failure to yield to Depiazza, who had right of way. A Crash Reconstruction Team will still conduct a reconstruction of the accident.

Three injured in head-on collision in Anne Arundel County

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A head-on collision in the early morning hours of April 16 left one person with serious injuries and two more with minor injuries.

According to a preliminary report from the Anne Arundel County Police, Marc Blumfield, 63, of Laurel, was driving a Chevrolet Traverse westbound on Bay Front Road at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. At the same time, Adam Harman, 37, of West River, was driving eastbound on the same road in his Honda Civic.

As the vehicles traveled toward each other near the intersection of Bay Front Road and Solomon's Island Road, Harman's vehicle swerved slightly into the westbound lane, veering directly into the path of the oncoming Chevrolet.

To avoid crashing into the Honda, Blumfield swerved out of his lane into the eastbound lane. However, Harman corrected his mistake at the last second, moving back into his own lane, again directly into the path of the Chevrolet.

The two vehicles collided head-on.

Harman had to be extracted from his vehicle by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. A Maryland State Police helicopter then airlifted him to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he is currently listed in critical condition.

Blumfield and his passenger, 73-year-old Bill Garrup of Washington, D.C., suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Police officials believe alcohol was a factor in the Deale accident.

Woman dies in single-car crash on Beltway

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman died April 4 after she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a barrier along the outer loop of the Baltimore Beltway.

Mellany Jean Dudney, 40, was driving a 2007 Nissan Sentra on Interstate 695 near Frederick Road just before 7 p.m.

Witnesses told Maryland State Police officers that she appeared to be driving recklessly, making several lane changes in the few minutes before the accident.

Dudney apparently lost control of her vehicle and hit a barrier along the left lane of the highway. The car then spun out of control and crossed all lanes of traffic, ending up in the grassy ditch on the right side of the road.

Dudney, a resident of Dundalk, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

There were no passengers in the car, and police say no other vehicles were involved. There is no evidence that alcohol or any other substance abuse was a factor.

DC Government Closed Today, No Reverse-Lane Patterns on Some Roads

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

In commemoration of the day Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed slaves in the District of Columbia, the DC government and DC public schools are closed today, Friday, April 15th, 2011. DC government essential employees remain on duty.

The following DC roads will not be observing reverse-lane patterns as a result:
16th Street NW
Canal Road NW
Connecticut Avenue NW
Independence Avenue SE
Pennsylvania Avenue SE

Also note that the Department of Public Works will not be ticketing for rush hour violations today or parking violations at meters and residential parking areas. Trash and recycling pickup will resume Saturday the 16th.

Fort Washington accident leaves one dead

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

One person died and another person was hospitalized on Thursday, March 31, following a head-on collision in Fort Washington, Maryland.

According to Prince George's County police officers, the crash occurred when one driver veered off his side of the road into the path of an oncoming car.

Charlie Bryant, 49, of Temple Hills, was driving a Ford F-150 north along Palmer Road near the intersection of Tucker Road just after midnight. For reasons still unknown, he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Ford Explorer traveling south on Palmer Road.

Bryant was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The driver of the Explorer, a 76-year-old man whose identity has not been released, was considered to be in stable condition at a nearby hospital. His identity was not released because he is considered a witness to the accident.

Police are still investigating the crash, but officials say alcohol and speed are not suspected at this time.

Infant dies after being run over by car left in gear

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A car accidentally left in gear killed an infant girl and injured her brother and mother on March 25 in northern Prince George's County.

According to officials from the Prince George's County Police Department, the mother, 28, was dropping off her children at a babysitter's house around 9 a.m. in the 8300 block of Montpelier Drive when the accident occurred.

The mother stopped the car in the driveway, which was on a slight incline, but apparently forgot to put the car in park.

Just as she finished taking the baby out of the car, she heard screams from her 3-year-old son near the back of the car and realized that the vehicle was moving.

With the baby still in her arms, the mother ran to the aid of her son, but the open driver's side door knocked her and the baby under the car.

The vehicle ran over all three family members, injuring the mother and toddler boy and fatally wounding 3-month-old Sarah Aryeequaye.

Neighbors heard the screaming and rushed to the scene. One called 911 while another immediately began CPR on the baby, but it quickly became apparent that the baby would not survive.

Cpl. Mike Rodriguez of the Prince George's County Police Department called the incident a tragic accident. Though the driveway was only slightly inclined, a police reconstruction of the Maryland fatal accident showed the car quickly picking up speed.

Police declined to name the mother or boy, who live in Laurel, Maryland. They were both taken to a nearby hospital and were expected to survive.

The personal injury attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin offer our condolences to the family of Sarah Aryeequaye.

Car Slams Into Tree Along Harrisville Road

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Mount Airy car accident involving a single vehicle leaves two men hospitalized after the driver left the road and slammed into a tree. The incident took place on Wednesday morning, March 16, 2011, along Harrisville Road.

According to Maryland State Police, a 2010 Chevrolet Camero was eastbound on Harrisville Road when the driver drove off the road and slammed into a tree head-on. The driver, Michael James Quick, 22, and passenger, Martin Luther White III, 25, both of Mount Airy, were transported by crews to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Both men were listed in critical condition.

Lt. Andrew Winner, commander of the Westminster barrack, said that police could not determine what caused Mr. Quick to drive off the road, since both men were unable to communicate with police following the accident. Police have indicated that it appears that both men were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The Mount Airy crash is still under investigation by local authorities. Anyone with information concerning the accident has been asked to call the Westminster barrack at (410) 386-3000.

First segment of toll road opens from I-370 to Olney

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A seven mile segment of Maryland's new InterCounty Connector is now open. A portion of the limited access toll road has been completed from Interstate 370 to Georgia Avenue in Olney.

The ICC, or Md. 200, has already generated plenty of traffic. More than 20,000 cars traveled the road on opening day alone.

Currently, commuters are allowed to test drive the new road with a waiver of the $3 toll. Toll waivers end April 5, at which time drivers will be required to have an E-ZPass (a device that automatically bills you as you pass through tolls) to travel the road.

Tolls will cost $1.45 during rush hour, $1.15 during off-peak times and 60 cents overnight.

All tolls are enforced electronically through overhead video operated tolling structures. Drivers who use the toll road with no E-ZPass device will receive a notice of their charges in the mail, sent to the vehicle's registered owner.

Electronic tolls are a safer alternative to cash booths, which require frequent stops and cause congestion. Electronic toll systems allow commuters to travel freely and eliminate the danger of accident-prone cash booths.

When finished, the ICC is expected to cover an 18-mile stretch of freeway through Montgomery and Prince George's counties, connecting I-270 and I-95. Transportation officials believe the Maryland toll road will greatly reduce commute times and relieve congestion on the busy stretches of Layhill, Norbeck and Muncaster Mill roads.

Prince George's County News: Pedestrian Killed in Forestville

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Lanham man is the suspect in a hit-and-run Maryland pedestrian accident that occurred in the late evening of Friday, March 4.

Dedrick Antoine Harvey, 23, was crossing Pennsylvania Avenue at 9:46 p.m. when a driver in a pickup truck struck him.

According to witnesses, the driver of the white Ford F150 was changing lanes when the accident occurred. The driver, who had no passengers in the car, did not stop to check on the victim.

Harvey, a resident of southeast Washington, D.C., was taken to a nearby hospital. Harvey succumbed to his wounds and later died at the hospital, an unfortunate aspect of this already chilling hit-and-run Southern Maryland news.

Maryland State Police stopped a truck that matched witness descriptions near the intersection of Walker Mill Road and Marlboro Pike. The driver, a Lanham man whose name police have not yet released, was arrested.

At this time, police do not believe alcohol was a factor in the accident. They do not yet know if speed was a factor. Police say there was no crosswalk in the vicinity of the accident, which occurred in the 6500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in Forestville.

The Maryland accident attorneys and Maryland wrongful death attorneys of Nickelsporn & Lundin offer their sincerest condolences to the family of Dedrick Antoine Harvey.

Flooding affects road travel in Frederick County

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Heavy March rains prompted road closures in parts of Frederick County and sent the county's Office of Highway Operations into a frenzy of activity to clean up debris.

Highway crews were inspecting area bridges, water pipes and roads for any signs of damage after heavy rainfall drenched southern Maryland on Thursday, March 10.

Roads closest to the Potomac and Monocacy rivers were still closed Friday, and county officials did not know when they would be reopened. Most other roads in the county had already reopened.

According to the National Weather Service, the Monocacy River was up to 16.4 feet early Friday morning, prompting minor flooding along nearby roads.

Reports of flash flooding meant delays for some MARC Brunswick Line trains, which decrease speed for safety reasons in bad weather.

Following the storm, Frederick County transportation officials were working feverishly to clean up debris (mostly tree branches) from the roads.

They were also cautioning drivers to be on the lookout for dangerous road conditions, particularly sinkholes, which often appear after a heavy rain.

County officials are encouraging drivers to report any sinkholes or other inadequate road conditions to the county office. Please provide detailed information on the nature of the issue as well as an estimated location so that county crews can be sent out for repairs.

FBI Agent Suspected in Maryland Fatal Car Wreck Identified

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Prince George's County News

Police have identified the suspect in a fatal February 7 car crash as Adrian Norbell Johnson, 37.
Johnson is an FBI agent who recently moved to Washington, D.C. for an assignment as security detail to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Prince George's County police arrested Johnson following a fatal car crash on North Keys Road in Brandywine, Md.

Eighteen-year-old Lawrence Garner, Jr. was leaving a friend's house when the car he was driving was broadsided by Johnson's SUV. Garner was rushed to the hospital along with one of his passengers, Robert Mitchell II. The accident brought with it some unfortunate Southern Maryland news- Garner died at the hospital; Mitchell remained in critical condition three days later.

A former volunteer firefighter for the county told news reporters that he had called 911 only minutes before the Brandywine car crash to report a drunk driver speeding down a nearby road.

Johnson is suspected of drunk driving and speeding at the time of the accident. His blood alcohol level shortly after the crash registered a .25, more than three times the state legal limit of .08.

Local law officials say that much alcohol could impair speech, the ability to walk or stand, and certainly one's skill as a driver.

Federal law officials say Johnson was off-duty at the time of the crash and driving his own vehicle. He has been an FBI agent for six years and was still in training for his new security assignment. Johnson has been suspended from work pending an investigation into the crash.

Following state procedure, Prince George's County police turned over the investigation to the State Attorney's Office. No charges will be filed until a formal investigation is complete, a process that could take three to six months.

Johnson could be charged with vehicular manslaughter if the State Attorney's Office finds sufficient evidence to prosecute him.

The Maryland auto accident lawyers at Nickelsporn & Lundin offer our condolences to the family of Lawrence Garner, Jr. and hope for the speedy recovery of Robert Mitchell II.

Fatal Accident Kills Man in Prince George's County; FBI Agent Allegedly at Fault

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Brandywine, Maryland, Prince George's County police are investigating a fatal accident reputedly involving an off-duty FBI agent that occurred on the night of Monday, February 7, 2011.

According to Cpl. Henry Tippett, a vehicle traveling on North Keys Road near the 10600 block crossed the center line, striking another car in oncoming traffic on the driver's side door.

Lawrence Garner, 18, of the 8700 block of Sheehan Drive, was the driver of the car that was struck. Sadly, Garner was then transported to Southern Maryland Hospital with serious injuries. It was there that he was pronounced dead.

The name of the FBI agent in the vehicle that veered over the line has not yet been released, and police said he also has not been charged.

According to authorities, excessive speed and alcohol are contributing factors in the accident, and the FBI agent is allegedly at fault.

Cpl. Henry Tippett said that information about the accident has been turned over to the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office for further investigation into the incident.

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones involved in this unfortunate accident.

Car Wrecked, Thrown into Three Other Cars in Gaithersburg, MD

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A car was struck on the South Summit Avenue tracks by a southbound freight train on the night of Friday, February 4, 2011. Two railroad crossings in Gaithersburg were closed for two hours after the incident.

The police have not yet identified the driver of the car. However, Gaithersburg Police spokesman Officer Dan Lane said that the man allegedly left his compact Toyota on the tracks and got his two children out of the car before the train struck.

The train slammed into the Toyota with enough force to knock the car into three other parked cars, Lane said. Mercifully, no injuries were reported.

The man also reportedly tried to get help to move his car off the tracks by calling a tow company before the collision, Officer Lane relayed.

The incident happened just before 8 p.m., according to police reports. The railroad crossings at Summit and Chestnut avenues were not opened again until just before 11 p.m.

The same crossing was the site of the death of James T. Clemons on January 14th, when he was struck by a commuter train as he crossed the tracks to board.

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin are glad to hear that no one was injured in this unfortunate accident.

Maryland Truck Accident Causes Injuries on Interstate 70

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Mt. Airy volunteer fire department spokesman Doug Alexander stated that early on a Sunday morning in January, a truck carrying about 8,000 gallons of liquid propane fuel ended up on its side in a median on Route 70, near the exits for Ridge Road.

According to the Maryland State Police, the truck driver, James Riley Hooper, 42, lost control of the truck. It then turned onto the driver's side, as it veered out of its lane and into the median.

Thankfully, no other passenger vehicles were involved in the crash. Also, none of the liquid propane was found to have leaked from the truck.

Hazmat crews, as well as personnel from multiple fire departments and Maryland State Police, responded to the scene for evidence collection. Initial investigations found that driver error was the primary cause of the crash.

Traffic in both directions was shut down for about five and a half hours, as authorities investigated and made sure that the hazardous materials were secured. After crews cleaned up the propane truck accident, Interstate 70 in Mount Airy near Ridge Road was reopened.

The driver, Hooper, and his passenger, Glenn Arnold Novack, were taken to area hospitals to be treated for injuries.

Article

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones involved in this unfortunate accident. We wish a speedy recovery for those injured.

Severe Injuries in Prince George's County Car Accident, $3 Million Won

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Carlisa Kent won a $3 million verdict against a Prince George's County police officer, who severely injured her in a car accident. The accident involved an undercover police officer named Robert Edward Lee, 32, of the Narcotics Division, who was off duty at the time of the wreck.

Daniel Karp, an attorney for the defendant, said that Lee was on a personal errand and had just dropped off his children.

Karp also stated: "We don't know exactly what happened, but we think he was in heavy traffic on a rural road. [...] We think [...] that he hit a car that was slowing or stopping in front of him. And then that caused him to go across the center line [...]."

Bruce Plaxen, Kent's attorney, said that she fractured her right foot, left hip, and pelvic area. In addition, she had to have surgery on both knees.

Both plaintiff and defense attorneys agreed that Lee veered his car onto the wrong side of the road, and subsequently crashed into the vehicle driven by Carlisa Kent.

The $3.1 million judgment will have to be reduced to just over $2 million, because of state lawsuit damage caps.

Article

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones involved in this unfortunate accident. We wish a speedy recovery for those injured.

Man loses life in two-vehicle collision on Frederick Road.

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Patrick Kevin O'Connell, 57, of Ellicott City, was involved in a two-vehicle collision earlier this month, on January 12, 2011.

Police were called to the intersection of MD 32 and Frederick Road in West Friendship just before 10 p.m. on the night of the incident.

Preliminary investigations reportedly uncovered that when O'Connell's Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Frederick Road, a 2006 Isuzu box truck was traveling southbound on MD 32. The truck proceeded through the intersection during a traffic signal at the same time as O'Connell.

According to police, initial reports indicate that the Isuzu had the right of way. Steven Baker, 50, of Beltsville, was the driver of the Isuzu truck, and was not injured in the crash.

However, the resulting collision ended up costing Patrick Kevin O'Connell his life. He was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma from the scene of the accident, where he passed away last week.

Although the investigation is ongoing, police believe that alcohol may have been a factor in the collision.

Article

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones involved in this unfortunate accident.

Prince George County Triple Trailer Crash Kills One, Injures Others

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A crash in Prince George County involving three tractor-trailers on January 30th killed driver Lionardo S. Reina, 49, of Miami. His passenger, Domingo R. Garcia, 46, also from Miami, was injured in the collision and has now been released from the hospital.

Police Trooper A.P. Hawkins reported to the scene on Interstate 295 at around 3:50 a.m. Police say heavy fog may have been a factor in the wreck, which ended up impeding traffic on I-295 for more than 10 hours.

Preliminary investigations by authorities show that early in the morning a tractor-trailer was traveling southbound when the driver ran off the left side of the roadway.

This tractor-trailer crossed into the northbound travel lanes. One tractor-trailer in the northbound lane swerved and exited the roadway in an effort to avoid the collision, while another tractor-trailer, also traveling northbound, struck the driver who had driven into opposing traffic.

Both northbound trucks ran off the right side of the roadway. The driver of the Kenworth trailer, Laurent Beaulieu, suffered serious life-threatening injuries. He was transported from the scene by ambulance to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond.

Although weather is considered a factor in the crash, the cause of the southbound driver’s fateful swerve into oncoming traffic remains under investigation.

The attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin offer our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones involved in this unfortunate accident. We wish a speedy recovery for those injured.

Triple Fatality in Montgomery County Car Crash

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

On a Thursday morning in Montgomery County, three people were going about their daily business on State Route 47. Sadly, these three individuals never made it home.

The tragic fatalities occurred on January 20, 2011 at 9:51 a.m. on SR 47 just north of Waveland, near the Montgomery-Parke County Line.

Police records indicate that a semi tractor-trailer, driven by Shane J. Jones, 38, of Waveland, was moving northbound on State Road 47. A southbound car, driven by Anthony Suggs, 25, of Ruskin, Florida, allegedly lost control. The car then entered the northbound lane in the path of the truck, and the two collided.

Montgomery County Coroner David Hunt pronounced driver Suggs and two passengers, Logan R. Mills, 21, of Suwanee, Georgia and Amanda S. Mills, 25, of Buford, Georgia, dead at the scene of the accident.

Police say that although the roadway was snow-covered at the time of the crash, chemical testing will still be performed on the drivers of both vehicles.
Article

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones involved in this unfortunate accident. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Father and Son Fatality in Prince George's County Car Crash

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Prince George's County Fire and local Emergency Response Units, two men died while another was seriously injured after an early morning car accident in Laurel on Sunday, December 26, 2010.

The two men who were killed have been identified as a 67-year-old father and his 38-year-old son, named Jae B. Ro and Young H. Ro, respectively. The Washington Post reports that the accident happened along a stretch of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway early in the morning.

According to Park Police statements, the two men were traveling in the southbound lanes of the parkway north of Route 197 when their vehicle crossed the median and struck two vehicles traveling in the northbound lanes shortly after 1 a.m.

When emergency units and fire trucks arrived, they discovered three vehicles involved in the accident, two of which were lying over the embankment.

Jae B. Ro and Young H. Ro were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The third victim with severe injuries was airlifted to a Laurel area hospital.

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones involved in this unfortunate accident.

Driver ID'd in Prince George's County Alleged Hit-and-Run

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Prince George's County police have located the driver allegedly involved in a hit-and-run in Fort Washington that killed an unidentified woman on January 3, 2011.

The county state attorney is still determining whether to press charges against the driver, a spokesman for the attorney's office said. The driver is said to be cooperating with police, who have not yet released the driver's name, because he or she has not been charged with any crimes.

Police are still trying to identify the victim. She is described as an African American woman, 50 years of age, 120 pounds, and about 5 feet 5 inches tall.

Police found the dead woman in a grassy area on the shoulder of the highway. She was wearing blue jeans, a light blue jacket, and black shoes.

According to Cpl. Evan Baxter, a spokesman for the Prince George's County Police Department, the driver may have thought that he or she hit a deer. The vehicle actually struck and killed a woman at approximately 8 a.m. on the southbound side of Indian Head Highway/Route 210 near Old Fort Road.

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin would like to offer our sincere sympathies and condolences to the family and relatives involved in this unfortunate accident.

Maryland Car Accident at Carwash Leads to Fatality

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The family of Gavino Euseda was devastated to learn that he was killed in a fatal crash just after 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at the Flagship Carwash on Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

Police say that Julio Cesar Coreas-Portillo, a fellow employee of the Flagship Carwash, was driving a Jeep out when the accident occurred. However, no one is sure why he lost control, be it driver error, mechanical error, or other circumstances. Horrified onlookers watched as the Jeep accelerated out of control, pinning two other carwash workers.

"This was [...] something these employees were not prepared for and [...] they did not have time to get out of the way," said spokesperson for Montgomery County Police, Lucille Baur.

Police officer Chris Day was in line waiting to put his police cruiser through the car wash when he heard the call for help. His training paid off, as he was able to act quickly and help the two victims even before the truck had been stabilized.

"I first saw a gentleman saying, ‘It hurts, it hurts, it hurts,' [...] and I looked down and saw feet at an angle. So I realized I had two people pinned underneath this vehicle," said Day.

The investigation into what caused the loss of control of the Jeep is still ongoing.

The Maryland car accident attorneys at Nickelsporn & Lundin would like to offer our sincere sympathies and condolences to the family and relatives involved in this unfortunate accident. We wish a speedy recovery for those injured.

Fox News Article