Posted on January 29, 2021 in Truck Accidents

There are a number of dangerous behaviors that may count toward an aggressive driving violation under Maryland law. Examples include tailgating, speeding, running traffic lights and failing to yield. It is only when authorities observe three such behaviors that they can charge a driver with aggressive driving.

Between 2015 and 2019, motor vehicle accidents related to aggressive driving were on the rise in Maryland after a reduction from 2011 to 2015. One-third of all Maryland crashes involve driver aggression, and on an annual basis, approximately 3,000 deaths and injuries result from aggressive driving statewide.

WHAT CAUSES AGGRESSIVE DRIVING?

The causes behind the recent fluctuations in aggressive driving accidents in Maryland, a reduction in the first half of the decade followed by a resurgence in the latter half, are not entirely clear. Generally speaking, however, there seems to be a link between aggressive driving and more traffic. The theory is that people get frustrated with the congestion and begin behaving aggressively to try to get ahead of other drivers.

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 Posted on January 25, 2021 in Truck Accidents

If you have been injured as a result of the negligence of another, it is important to secure the most money possible for your claim. However, defendants often wish to pay as little as possible to resolve a matter. There are several things that residents of Maryland and elsewhere should keep in mind in order to receive the biggest settlement possible for their personal injury claim.

DON’T SETTLE EARLY

The earlier you settle a personal injury claim, the lower the settlement offer will be. Defendants often expect a premium for settling early and usually offer a smaller sum of money to settle a claim early on in the resolution process. As a result, parties hoping to secure more money for their claim should be patient and wait to be offered more money for their claim.

HIRE A LAWYER

Defendants are far more likely to offer lower sums of money to settle a claim if a party is not represented by an attorney. This is because a defendant may think that an unrepresented party does not wish to secure their rights and go the distance by hiring counsel. As a result, everyone hoping to secure as much money as possible for their claim should hire an experienced personal injury attorney.

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 Posted on January 13, 2021 in Truck Accidents

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services deliver something many customers find valuable: a convenient and often inexpensive alternative to taxis. Maryland drivers taking advantage of the opportunities rideshare services provide could make mistakes that cause accidents while working. In many ways, Uber and Lyft accidents follow insurance claims and possible litigation as found in other auto accidents, but there are also significant differences.

DIFFERENCES EXIST WITH THE INSURANCE

A driver may or may not have adequate auto insurance that covers rideshare work. If the policy covers only non-commercial activity, then the insurance would not cover the driver’s liability for an accident. However, the rideshare companies provide liability coverage for accidents caused by their driver-partners.

Terms and conditions exist with Uber and Lyft’s insurance coverage. Does the coverage come into play only after the driver’s insurance? When, where, and how did the accident take place? If an Uber driver followed all traffic laws, stopped at a red light, and an intoxicated driver rear-ended the vehicle, the negligent, impaired driver might be solely liable.

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 Posted on January 04, 2021 in Truck Accidents

Winter is in full force in Maryland, which means that a mixture of snow and rain will settle itself on the roads throughout the next few weeks. This can make driving on icy roads not only frustrating but dangerous. Understandably, people want to know how they can make driving that much safer for themselves and others on the road. Thus the following includes a list of ways you can safely navigate the icy roads of winter.

DON’T GIVE UP, STAY CALM

Unfortunately, one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents on icy roads falls to drivers panicking. Suddenly sliding on the road can be scary, but you should never give up. Staying calm and accessing the situation places you in a better position to take back control of your vehicle. The following includes a few tips on what to do if you begin to slide:

• Do not accelerate/Allow the car to slow down
• Do not brake suddenly
• Steer slowly towards the direction of the skid

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 Posted on December 16, 2020 in Truck Accidents

After suffering an auto accident injury in Maryland, you can pursue legal compensation from the at-fault driver in court. You also have the option to file a claim with the responsible driver’s auto insurance policy.

Review the common reasons for denial of an auto insurance claim in this situation.

COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE

Maryland uses the comparative negligence standard for auto accidents. Under this law, if you share any fault for the accident you cannot receive compensation. For example, the other driver’s insurance company can deny your claim if you had a headlight out when the accident occurred, even if the other driver ran a red light. In this case, you would have to file a claim with your own auto policy and pay the deductible.

LAPSED POLICY

If you file a claim but the responsible driver failed to pay the insurance premium on time, he or she may not have a valid policy at the time of the accident. As a result, the insurance adjuster will deny your request for compensation even if you are clearly free of fault. You can still sue the other driver for damages, however.

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 Posted on December 12, 2020 in Truck Accidents

We’d all like to think that people are honest and have our best interests at heart, but this sentimentality flies out the window when it comes to vehicle accidents. You have to expect that the other driver will do anything they can to counter claims that they were driving negligently.

CONSIDER THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THOSE IN AN ACCIDENT

You have to understand the mentality of someone who has been in a car accident. The other driver will be worried about the cost of repairs and their car insurance premiums increasing. The jarring nature of a collision can cause angry reactions and fear that may result in aggression. Maybe the other driver even sees this crash as an opportunity to get compensated even if their injuries aren’t severe.

A claim’s outcome can be in their favor if they pretend that you were the negligent party. This outcome is common sense, but very few drivers take the necessary precautions to ensure their side of the story is supported by real evidence. Here are some of the essential types of documentation drivers should take after an accident:

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 Posted on December 07, 2020 in Truck Accidents

Being involved in an auto accident in Maryland is certainly an unpleasant thing to go through. However, it can be a downright nightmare if you find out that the accident was your fault. The following includes further information about how you can tell if you’re at fault in an accident.

YOU HIT THEM FROM THE BACK

In a car accident where you were the one who hit the other party from the back, the fault is likely to fall on you. Yes, this can be a very frustrating ruling as there are plenty of drivers who suddenly brake or don’t turn on their blinker at the right time. However, the attorney or the judge may tell you that you were the one with a clear view and should have seen the potential of a car accident occurring.

YOU WERE TURNING LEFT

Much like hitting a car from behind, you may be at fault if you were involved in an accident while turning left. The courts will likely tell you that you should have yielded to oncoming vehicles, so the fault is placed on you.

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 Posted on November 11, 2020 in Truck Accidents

Many insurance companies in Maryland try to appeal to their customers with humorous commercials and friendly mascots. While they might act like they’re on your side, the fact is that insurance companies aren’t here to help you. Instead, they’re here to make a profit. If you get into a car accident, it’s important to keep this fact in mind while dealing with the other driver’s insurance company.

HOW CAN PEOPLE ENSURE THAT THEY’RE GETTING THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION?

If you’ve suffered from a motor vehicle accident, you probably want to get the matter settled as quickly as possible. For this reason, it might be tempting to take the insurance company’s first offer. However, you should avoid taking this offer for two reasons. One, the insurance company is probably intentionally offering an amount that’s much lower than what you deserve; two, if you accept that amount, you won’t be able to pursue the maximum compensation in court.

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 Posted on November 06, 2020 in Truck Accidents

The results of a recent study suggest that drivers in Maryland and around the country would be wise to pay particular attention during the first few minutes after getting behind the wheel. After analyzing more than 3 million car trips made by 40,000 drivers over a two-year period, researchers from a company that provides telematics services to insurance companies found that accidents most often occur during the first six minutes of driving.

SHORT TRIPS CAN BE DANGEROUS

When the researchers looked at data gathered during trips lasting up to 10 minutes, they found that almost one in four of the accidents that occurred took place during the first three minutes of driving and almost 40% of the crashes happened during the first six minutes behind the wheel. They also noticed that almost 90% of the trips lasted less than half an hour. One of the data scientists involved concluded that road users could reduce their chances of being killed or seriously injured in car accidents by completing short trips on foot or on bicycles.

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 Posted on November 05, 2020 in Truck Accidents

Speeding and distracted driving, such as participating in virtual meetings while driving, have been on the upswing this year. Knowing what to do after motor vehicle accidents can protect your safety and your ability to pursue a lawsuit.

IMMEDIATELY

If you can, immediately pull your vehicle over to a safe and illuminated place where bystanders can see you and the other motorist. Do not leave young children, pets, or adults with disabilities in a hot and locked vehicle.

Young children should stay in their car seats until a first responder assesses them for injuries. Children and non-ambulatory elderly adults should remain in the vehicle if it is not hot.

After you park, see if you or your passengers have injuries. Call first responders immediately if anyone has even minor injuries. If you do not know the location, have someone provide it when you call 9-1-1. Stay on the call until the dispatcher says you can hang up.

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