Maryland Injury Attorney Blog
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that single-vehicle traffic deaths in Baltimore County, Maryland have declined in recent years — 45 deaths in 2007, as compared to 51 deaths in 2003. (Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts for Baltimore County 2003-2007).
Single motor vehicle crashes may be caused by a number of factors, including
- driving under the influence
- driving while fatigued or distracted
- exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for road conditions
- weather and road conditions
- swerving to avoid road debris, animals, or other obstacles
- swerving to avoid another driver
- errors in driver judgment causing loss of vehicle control
The Baltimore County Police Department offers maps of traffic fatalities and causes for 2002 – 2007 (see link below). NHTSA reports that overall Baltimore County traffic deaths have been on the decline — 72 deaths in 2007, down from 86 deaths in 2003.
While statistics show improvement in Baltimore County’s overall vehicle accident fatality rates, that’s of little comfort if you’re one of the unfortunate families who loses someone in a fatal car, SUV, truck accident or motorcycle crash.
Even in single vehicle collisions, another driver may be held liable if they cause you to have an accident. Actual vehicle-to-vehicle contact is not necessary. For example, let’s say someone comes barreling toward your car on a dark evening, swerves and enters your lane of travel–causing you to leave the roadway and have an accident. If this driver can be identified, they are going to held liable for causing an accident, even if they do not hit your vehicle. Even if the driver flees the scene in this scenario, you would still be eligible to file what is called a “phantom vehicle” claim with your insurance company. Your company would then “stand in the shoes” of the at-fault driver, and (hopefully) negotiate a settlement with you or your attorney.
Finally, defective automotive equipment, tires, or faulty repairs could have contributed to the accident, and if so, the mechanic or manufacturer can be held liable for their negligence. A Baltimore County accident lawyer relieves grieving families of the burden of filing claims and when necessary, litigating to bring a responsible party to justice.
Baltimore County Maryland Traffic Fatality Maps
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts: Maryland 2003-2007
Related Web Resources