Maryland Personal Injury Protection, also known as Maryland PIP, is a type of insurance policy used to pay medical bills, lost wages and other expenses of people who are injured in car accidents. Maryland PIP can be collected whether you caused the accident or not. It is not fault based. It starts as a part of every vehicle insurance policy in Maryland. However, it can be waived by an express written waiver. Not paying for PIP is not enough to waive the policy. An auto accident attorney should … [Read more...]
Maximum Speed Limits
December 29, 2011 By
Did you know that even where a speed limit sign is not posted, you are expected to know how fast you are legally allowed to drive? Maryland law provides a list of maximum lawful speed limits throughout the state. Here they are: 15 miles an hour in alleys in Baltimore County 30 miles an hour on: All highways in a business district; and Undivided highways in a residential district 35 miles an hour on divided highways in a residential district 50 miles an hour on undivided … [Read more...]
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
December 29, 2011 By
In Maryland, a person cannot recover damages simply because they sustain an injury on someone else’s property. Maryland property owners are only responsible if they were negligent. Under Maryland personal injury law, a property owner must have either known, or should have known, about the danger and still failed to correct the danger or to warn the now-injured person about it. If you are injured on someone else’s property in Maryland, it is best to contact a Maryland slip-and-fall attorney … [Read more...]
What is Whiplash?
December 29, 2011 By
Whiplash is a term used to describe neck pain following an injury to the soft tissues of a person’s neck. It is caused by an abnormal motion or force applied to a person’s neck that causes motion beyond its normal range of motion. The most frequent cause of whiplash is car accidents. It occurs when a vehicle is struck from behind, and the person’s head and neck are jerked back and forth. This causes the stretching, and sometimes tearing, of the soft tissues and nerves in the neck. … [Read more...]
Married and Filing for Bankruptcy
December 29, 2011 By
If you are married and filing for bankruptcy, it is important to think about how it will affect your spouse. When a person is married, then both that person and their spouse are basically co-signers on any credit cards and bank accounts held jointly. So, if your spouse files for bankruptcy, then you are both affected by the consequences. For example, if one spouse files for bankruptcy, and his or her debts are discharged, it is possible for creditors to look to the non-bankrupt spouse to collect … [Read more...]
Tailgating: How Close is Too Close?
December 29, 2011 By
Most people become nervous when a car or truck is following them too closely while driving on the highway. In fact, it is against Maryland law for a driver to not leave enough distance between his or her vehicle and the vehicle in front. However, what that means is not very clear. Maryland law states that a vehicle may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. However, what is reasonable and prudent to one person may not be to another. Maryland courts have held that … [Read more...]
Delegate Seeks to Expedite Emergency Care
December 29, 2011 By
The following is an article from The Gazette newspaper about a new program that Del. Kevin Kelly (D-Dist. 1B) of Cumberland would like to see instituted throughout the state of Maryland. It is meant to be a way to help emergency responders provide better medical attention to people hurt in vehicle crashes. Do you think the program is a good idea? Would you participate? by Steve Kelly, Staff Writer A western Maryland delegate wants to see the state institute a program that he says would … [Read more...]
Cause for Holiday Cheer: Drunk-Driving Arrests Down in Maryland
December 29, 2011 By
This is an article in The Gazette newspaper this week concerning some good news about drunk driving statistics. Do you think the decline will last? by C. Benjamin Ford, Staff Writer Two Hyattsville women killed in early morning crash in Silver Spring Year in Review: Financial strides highlight 2011 for Frederick city Pipeline fixes along Indian Head Highway set for spring to curb main breaks One dead, at least 10 injured in Bethesda bus accident Montgomery schools officials seek reprieve … [Read more...]
One Dead, Several Hurt After Metrobus Crash
December 29, 2011 By
The following is an AP story posted today on The Capital newspaper’s Website. BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — One person was killed and nearly a dozen people were injured in a collision involving a Metrobus and a pickup truck in Bethesda. Capt. Oscar Garcia, a spokesman for the Montgomery County fire and rescue department, says 11 people were evaluated after the crash, which occurred about 4:15 p.m. Wednesday. He says eight people were taken to the hospital with injuries. Garcia said the … [Read more...]
The Duty to Help Someone Injured in an Auto Accident
December 29, 2011 By
If you are involved in a vehicle accident in Maryland that results in an injury, you are required to help the injured party. Maryland law requires the driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury or death or in damage to an unattended vehicle or other property to render reasonable assistance. If the injured party requests medical treatment or if it is obvious that medical treatment is required, then it is up to the driver of each vehicle involved in the accident … [Read more...]