Even a moment’s lapse behind the wheel can change lives forever. In Maryland, car crashes cause thousands of injuries and deaths every year, leaving families grappling with sudden loss and overwhelming uncertainty. If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a Maryland motor vehicle accident, taking immediate action to protect your rights can make a meaningful difference in the road ahead.
A tragic accident in Carroll County recently highlighted how quickly devastation can unfold. Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 97 where a Volkswagen collided head-on with a Chevrolet truck. The truck’s driver, a 78-year-old Westminster resident, was rushed to Carroll Hospital but did not survive. The Volkswagen driver was airlifted to a trauma center with serious injuries. As the Maryland State Police Crash Team continues its investigation, questions remain about what caused the crash and whether charges will be filed.
How Is Liability Determined in a Maryland Car Accident?
In Maryland, every driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle with care and attention. If a driver becomes distracted, fatigued, impaired, or behaves recklessly, and a crash occurs as a result, they can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages they cause.
Although the Carroll County crash remains under investigation, many head-on collisions are linked to drivers veering out of their lanes, often due to inattention or speeding. Maryland law allows victims, or families in fatal accident cases, to pursue claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages when another driver’s negligence causes injury or loss.
Why a Prompt Investigation Matters After a Maryland Car Crash
Delays after a serious accident can make it much harder to build a strong case. Critical evidence, such as crash scene photos, eyewitness statements, and vehicle data, does not last forever. In the Carroll County crash, Maryland State Police moved quickly to investigate, but police reports rarely tell the whole story. Private investigators and accident reconstruction experts often uncover key facts that might otherwise go unnoticed.
If you or a loved one is involved in a crash, reaching out to an attorney early gives you the best chance to protect your rights. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and allow you to focus on recovery while the legal side is handled..
Common Causes of Serious Car Accidents in Maryland
While the precise cause of the Carroll County crash has yet to be determined, several factors frequently contribute to major collisions across Maryland, including:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or other distractions can cause drivers to drift into oncoming lanes.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction times and increase crash severity.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and coordination, making accidents more likely.
- Fatigue: Drowsy drivers are prone to drifting and delayed reactions.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or ice can cause vehicles to lose control if drivers fail to adjust their speed.
Identifying the cause is critical in establishing liability and pursuing fair compensation for injured victims or grieving families.
Families Deserve Answers and Accountability After a Fatal Crash
Losing a loved one in a preventable crash leaves families searching for answers—and often facing financial uncertainty. Maryland’s wrongful death laws provide a legal path for families to seek damages that can cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the deep emotional pain that follows a sudden loss.
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, pursuing a claim helps hold negligent drivers accountable and can ease the financial burden on surviving family members. In tragic cases like the Carroll County crash, working with a dedicated attorney ensures that your family’s voice is heard and that justice is pursued fully.
Speak with a Trusted Maryland Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a Maryland car accident, Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help you seek justice. Our firm has recovered over $90 million for clients, earned a 10/10 rating on the Justia Lawyer Directory, and is recognized by Super Lawyers in 2024 for outstanding service to injury victims. We know how to handle complex accident cases and are committed to fighting for the full compensation our clients deserve.
Call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers today at (800) 654-1949 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you move forward after tragedy with the strength, experience, and support your family deserves.