When a driver sped away from police who were attempting a traffic stop in Prince George’s County, the sedan sped and drove along the shoulder of a road, where a pedestrian was ultimately hit and killed. It was another in a host of fatalities linked to speeding in the state.

Maryland Numbers

Speeding in Maryland is a serious problem. In 2020 alone, 57,000 citations were issued for drivers traveling at 20 MPH over the posted limit. That’s a serious problem, since stopping distances quadruple each time speed doubles. Over half of the drivers who were killed as a result of speeding were under 35 years old. With over 8,000 collisions occurring due to speeding in 2020, there were over 3,300 injuries and nearly 100 fatalities—all because people were driving too fast.

Civil Charges 

While criminal charges may be an option to penalize reckless drivers, they don’t do much to help the families of innocent victims who are seriously harmed or killed at the hands of a reckless or careless driver. There’s nothing that can completely erase the pain and trauma involved in these situations, but there may be a way to be awarded damages to address funeral costs, medical costs, lost present and future wages, and much more. Maryland statute requires the case to be filed within three years of an accident. Plaintiffs must show the defendant was at fault by a preponderance of evidence. Among the evidence provided in a personal injury case these items would likely be included:

1. Witness statements;
2. Police reports;
3. Photos and/or videos;
4. Therapy and long-term care costs;
5. Doctors’ testimony;
6. Medical documents;
7. Projections of future medical costs and earnings losses;
8. Family members’ testimony on the impact of the accident.

Fighting for You 

The experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers at The Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes are here to help in the aftermath of a serious accident. Contact us today for help.

Source:

zerodeathsmd.gov/road-safety/aggressive-driving/