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...]
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...]
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...]
Baltimore County Police Officer Hurt in Crash with Tractor-Trailer
December 29, 2011 By
The following article appeared in The Baltimore Sun yesterday: By Arthur Hirsch, The Baltimore Sun 2:47 p.m. EST, December 28, 2011 A Baltimore County Police officer and two other victims are being treated for injuries they suffered after the officer's cruiser was struck by a tractor-trailer on the Baltimore Beltway in Towson late Wednesday morning, forcing police to temporarily close the highway. Detective Cathy Batton said the officer, who was the only person in the patrol car, … [Read more...]
What to Do If You are Involved in a Car Accident
December 29, 2011 By
Whether it is a minor fender bender or a multi-car crash, being involved in any type of vehicle accident can be scary. However, it is important that you cover all of your bases immediately to make sure that you are taken care of later. The first thing that you should do is call the police regardless of whether the accident resulted in any apparent injury. If someone is obviously injured, ask for an ambulance as well. Make sure that you get the number of the police report so that you can obtain a … [Read more...]