Head-On Accidents

What Maryland Drivers Should Know After the Fatal Head‑On Crash in Fort Washington

July 22, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A fatal head-on collision on Allentown Road in Fort Washington on June 20, 2025, left one person dead and two others injured after a vehicle reportedly crossed into the opposite lane. Incidents like this raise difficult legal and practical questions for those affected, including how fault is determined and what recourse may exist under Maryland law.

When a serious crash occurs, especially one involving a fatality, issues of liability, insurance, and recovery often follow quickly. In Maryland, understanding how civil claims work after a collision can help clarify what steps are available in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

Why Head‑On Crashes Cause Such Severe Consequences

Car Accidents in Maryland Often Leave Lasting Impacts

April 30, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

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.

Head-On Collision on Route 23 Leaves One Dead

November 30, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In a tragic incident on a Tuesday morning, a head-on collision claimed the life of one driver and left another seriously injured. The accident occurred on Route 23 at Morse Road in the Jarrettsville area. According to a local news report, the accident involved two vehicles, a Hyundai Accent, and a Nissan work van. Maryland State Police stated that the Hyundai was traveling east on Route 23, attempting to pass multiple vehicles within a designated passing zone. Meanwhile, the Nissan van was heading west, ultimately leading to a devastating head-on collision. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, though it appears that an unsafe attempt to pass other cars may have played a role in the accident.

The Importance of Safe Passing in Maryland

Passing zones are designated areas on the road where it is legally permitted to pass slower-moving vehicles. These zones are marked with road signs and dotted or solid lane markings to ensure safe overtaking. While passing zones allow faster-moving vehicles to overtake slower ones, it is essential to exercise caution and adhere to safety rules. Passing zones are typically created on straightaways or sections of the road with good visibility. They are intended to minimize the risk of head-on collisions and should be used judiciously. Drivers should not attempt to overtake other vehicles in no-passing zones, curves, or intersections.

Wrong-Way Accident Leads to One Dead on Maryland Highway

July 5, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When it comes to driving, there is no question that paying close attention to road signs, traffic signals, and your surroundings is essential to road safety. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), wrong-way driving involves “vehicular movement along a travel lane in a direction opposing the legal flow of traffic on high-speed divided highways or access ramps.” Furthermore, according to NTSB, wrong-way collisions occur infrequently, accounting for only about 3 percent of accidents on high-speed divided highways, but these collisions are much more likely to result in fatalities and serious injuries compared to other types of highway accidents. Wrong-way collisions are most often head-on collisions.

In a recent news report, a two-vehicle crash in Prince George’s County, Maryland resulted in one woman dead. The accident took place on I-495, and involved a Lincoln Navigator traveling southbound in the northbound lanes. The Lincoln crashed into a Buick Enclave that was traveling south in the southbound lanes. The driver of the Buick was found dead at the scene, and when troopers arrived at the screen, one vehicle was on fire. The driver of the Lincoln was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment of her injuries. At the time of the news article, no charges have yet been filed and an investigation into the accident was taking place.

What Are the Common Causes of Wrong-Way Collisions?

Driving in the correct direction is one critical component of driving and something that all drivers on the road should take care in doing. There are a few reasons why wrong-way accidents may occur. According to the NTSB, one of the most common reasons drivers find themselves heading in the opposite direction of traffic is because of entering an exit ramp. Also, alcohol or driving under the influence has been found to be a cause of serious accidents. Additionally, driving in conditions where visibility may be obstructed can lead to these types of accidents. For example, driving in poor weather conditions, or having difficulty with vision at nighttime may be a cause of wrong-way accidents. It is important for all drivers to consider the conditions for driving that may help keep everyone safe while on the road, and to pay close attention to road signage.

Four Maryland Drivers Dead After Head-On Collision

February 8, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Although car accidents can be deadly in a number of ways, potentially the most dangerous type of collision is a head-on crash. When two vehicles are going in opposite directions at high speeds and crash directly into each other, serious and fatal consequences ensue. Because many times these accidents take place because of the negligence or recklessness of another driver, it is crucial to understand how to recover from subsequent injuries, property damage, or in extreme crashes, the death of loved ones.

According to a recent local news report, a deadly two-vehicle crash left four individuals dead. Local authorities reported that on the Bel Air Bypass on Route 1 near Rock Spring Road, a Toyota was heading north when it tried to pass another vehicle and crossed into the southbound lane. A Honda was traveling southbound and the Toyota crashed into the Honda head-on. After the initial crash, the Toyota rolled over onto its side and caught on fire. By the time troopers arrived, they had to extinguish the flames and evacuate the driver of the Toyota and its passengers. The driver and passenger of the Honda were both pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota and her passenger were airlifted to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries. The Toyota’s passenger later died from her injuries. The accident remains under investigation by Maryland state police.

Head-on crashes take place because of a number of reasons but are commonly associated with negligent or reckless drivers or maneuvers. Distracted driving involving talking on a cell phone or texting, for example, is one of the most common ways that head-on collisions take place. Other times, drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also cause them to veer into oncoming traffic. Driving the wrong way, drifting into the opposite lane caused by fatigue or drowsiness, speeding around curves, and improper passing are also common causes of head-on accidents.

Using Police Reports as Evidence in a Maryland Car Accident Case

January 25, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Establishing fault after a Maryland car accident is critical to recovering damages for an injury victim’s losses. Under Maryland’s strict negligence laws, accident victims face the burden of establishing the other party’s fault, but they must also refute any claims of contributory negligence. Meeting this high threshold requires a significant amount of evidence in conjunction with a compelling argument.

While Maryland law does not require accident victims to report every accident to the police, police reports are a crucial piece of evidence. Moreover, certain circumstances mandate a police report. These situations involve incidents where:

A driver or passenger is hurt;

Maryland Wrong Way Crash Leaves Three Hurt

October 11, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Maryland residents frequently use highways and roadways in their lives. From commuting to work to doing daily errands, roadways are the easiest way to get places. But roads also pose risks for life-altering car accidents. Even if you are an alert driver, the risk of a distracted or inhibited motorist sharing the road increases the chance of being involved in an accident. An uncommon, but dangerous type of accident can come from a “wrong-way” driver. Wrong-way accidents can be sudden and traumatic, with a motorist intentionally or unintentionally speeding toward oncoming traffic. Because wrong-way accidents can be head-on and sudden, drivers may not have time to react. The results can often be deadly. The legal and medical impacts of the accident may not be immediately clear. These results can outlast the initial shock of a crash and make it crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney.

Recently, a wrong-way driver caused a crash involving three cars in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Fortunately, the crash was not fatal. However, three people were injured. The accident started when a driver traveled the wrong way in the westbound lane and hit two vehicles driving the right way in the lane. It is unclear what caused the driver to drive in the opposite direction of traffic.

What Are the Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents?

A report from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found some factors for increasing the risk of a wrong-way crash. Older drivers are more likely to be wrong-way drivers, with the risk increasing significantly if they are over 70 years old. Alcohol impairment of the driver also makes it more likely that they will become a wrong-way driver. The report also shares that having a passenger in the car can reduce the risk of wrong-way crashes.

The Dangers of Maryland Head-On Collisions

September 9, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Although rarer than fender-benders or sideswipe style crashes, head-on car accidents are frequently the deadliest types of car accidents that a driver could experience. Drivers should not underestimate the severity of these crashes, especially because they often have devastating and fatal consequences.

Often, these collisions take place unexpectedly and leave very little time or response for victims to swerve out of the way to avoid the accident. Because these crashes are so unpredictable, it is crucial that drivers take all the steps available to them to best protect themselves, which means exercising care while driving, but also making sure that their vehicle is well maintained and properly insured based on state requirements.

According to a recent news report, a fatal head-on collision left one woman dead and several injured. Based on a preliminary investigation by local authorities, a Chevrolet was traveling westbound when it crossed the center line and struck a Hyundai head-on. Investigators noted that the driver of the Chevrolet crossed the center line for unknown reasons. The driver of the Hyundai was transported to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries. Two minors traveling in the Hyundai were also sent to the hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet refused medical treatment and investigators do not believe that drugs or alcohol were a factor in causing the crash at this time.

Wrong-Way Driver Causes Fatal Maryland Car Accident

July 25, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent car accident tragically resulted in the death of a 55-year-old man dead at the scene and left the other driver with non-life-threatening injuries. According to a local news report, a Nissan was traveling in the wrong direction early on one Sunday morning when it collided with another vehicle. The fatal accident occurred on Route 340 west near St. Mark’s Road. Preliminary accident reports indicate that the 24-year-old woman who was driving the Nissan may have been under the influence of alcohol. The accident resulted in a road closure for approximately four hours.

While alcohol may have played a role in this accident, head-on collision crashes could happen because of a variety of reasons. Whether a driver is distracted, fell asleep at the wheel, was driving aggressively, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, physical evidence typically will be found at the scene of head-on collisions. This physical evidence must be gathered promptly in order to be used in lawsuits against the driver-at-fault. In Maryland, if the driver acted negligently or in a reckless manner, filing a personal injury wrongful death lawsuit may be an option. These claims can be filed for financial compensation to assist families who are grieving the loss of their loved one and/or to assist a family with financial obligations. Because wrongful death lawsuits have a three-year statute of limitation, claims must be filed within three years of the date of the deceased’s death.

Is Maryland a Contributory Negligence State?

Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means under Maryland law, if the plaintiff was even slightly at fault for the accident, they will not be able to recover anything from the lawsuit. As a result, defendants may work diligently to prove that the other party was not completely in their own lane at the time of the crash, for example. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side could be the difference between being able to successfully recover and being barred from recovery. Wrongful death claims can be tricky. Potential plaintiffs should work with dedicated attorneys who are ready to build the strongest case for their clients and get the optimal result for victims who have suffered injury or lost a loved one.

Police Chase Leads to Tragic Head-On Car Accident, Highlighting Danger to Maryland Drivers

March 26, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Most people never expect that they will get into a head-on Maryland car accident. These accidents—where the front ends of two vehicles collide—are always shocking and can be incredibly dangerous. By following the basic rules of the road and driving in the proper direction and in the correct lanes, most drivers can avoid these collisions. But sometimes, circumstances outside of the driver’s control occur, and they find themselves hit head-on by another car. In many circumstances, because these accidents involve hitting vehicles close to the driver’s and passenger’s seats, these accidents can be fatal or result in life-changing injuries.

Take for example a recent fatal crash on I-95 implicating four vehicles, and killing three people. The crash was caused when one vehicle went to great lengths to avoid the police during a police chase. According to a local news article, a Dodger sedan, traveling north on the interstate, reached speeds as high as 80 miles per hour when state troopers tried to pull the vehicle over. However, the driver of the Dodge sped away, and police eventually ended their pursuit due to the significant traffic on the interstate. The Dodge continued north, and ultimately entered the Express Lanes only open to southbound traffic by breaking through three lighted Express Lanes gates. While in the Express Lanes, the Dodge hit a pickup truck head-on, causing it to flip over the guardrail. Two other cars then crashed into the Dodge, which caught on fire.

In the aftermath of this tragic accident, three people were reported dead. The driver of the Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 26-year-old woman, died after being ejected from the car. Additionally, a 61-year-old man driving one of the other vehicles involved in the accident also died at the scene. Other drivers and passengers involved suffered injuries, with one being transported to the hospital for treatment. The aftermath of the crash was so intense that portions of the interstate were shut down for almost seven hours, causing major traffic delays.