Maryland Personal Injury Blog

Maryland Bicyclist Killed in Collision

By injuheis on May 26, 2009

An Elkton, Maryland bicyclist – Mark D. Schaumann, 50 — has died from injuries he suffered in a car crash in Glasgow, Delaware. The car was driven by Marcelle A. Williams, 44, of Perryville, Maryland, according a report from the Newark Post . Delaware State Police officials said that a 2008 Scion driven by Williams was traveling on Route 40 westbound in the right lane.

Schaumann was traveling westbound on Route 40 on the shoulder. Police said the Scion drifted on to the shoulder and struck Schaumann. The impact from the crash ejected the bicyclist from his bike and onto the ground. Williams has not been charged pending an investigation. Authorities say alcohol was not a factor in this fatal car accident.

Auto versus bicycle accidents could occur for many different reasons. In this particular case, police say alcohol was not involved. The driver may have been distracted or simply inattentive to the surroundings. It appears, based on this news report, that this fatal Maryland bicycle accident was the fault of the driver.

If you were involved in a Maryland auto accident and have questions about whether or not you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, please call skilled Maryland auto accident attorney Steven H. Heisler to find out about your legal rights and options. In cases where someone’s negligence or wrongdoing causes a death, the family of the deceased may be able to file a Maryland wrongful death claim to get compensation for medical/funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other related costs. Please call Steven H. Heisler for a free consultation today.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death |

Maryland Fatal Big Rig Crash

By injuheis on May 21, 2009

A truck driver was killed in a Maryland auto accident, the Indian Gazette reports in an article. The accident took place as 60-year-old Raymond Joseph Doland Sr., was coming through a curve on Route 75 in Frederick County. Police say Doland’s southbound tractor-trailer rig veered off the road and overturned striking a utility pole, a parked sport utility vehicle and an apartment building. However, no one else was hurt in this truck accident. Doland was hauling a load of powdered cement when the accident occurred.

Maryland tractor-trailer accidents are on the rise, increasing 10 percent over the last decade. Accidents, such as this tractor-trailer crash, are dangerous not only to the truck driver but also other motorists because of the size and weight of these big rigs. Big rig accidents are also legally more complicated to handle because typically, they involve multiple parties such as the driver’s company, the truck owner, and the truck manufacturer. Some of the most common causes for tractor-trailer accidents include driver fatigue, overloading, fuel fires, rollovers, jackknifing and brake malfunctions (could be caused by overloading or poor vehicle maintenance). Because of the size and weight of these trucks, property damage and injuries can be significant or even catastrophic when a trucking accident occurs.

Due to the complex nature of these cases, it is very important that you get in touch with a knowledgeable and experienced Maryland truck accident attorney if you have been seriously injured in a big rig accident. A good big rig accident attorney can help facilitate communication between the different parties involved and help you get the best possible compensation in your case. Maryland personal injury attorney Steven H. Heisler specializes in Maryland truck and tractor-trailer accidents. If you have been serious injured in a tractor trailer accident in Maryland, please call Steven H. Heisler for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Tractor-Trailer Accidents |

Maryland Pedestrian Accident Kills Two

By injuheis on May 19, 2009

A teen and a 7-year-old boy were killed in a Maryland pedestrian accident when they were struck by an automobile on the night of April 19, 2009, according to an Associated Press news report. Maryland State Police officials said 19-year-old Larenta McFarland of Cheverly and 7-year-old Richard Young of Largo were hit by a sport utility vehicle in Largo on Central Avenue near Campus Way. The two were among five people crossing Central Avenue.

McFarland was pronounced dead at the scene. Richard Young died a few hours later at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington. Officials are still trying to determine whether the injured victims were in a crosswalk at the time of the pedestrian accident in Maryland. Authorities have not yet pressed charges against the driver of the SUV pending an investigation, the news report states.

Maryland law requires motorists to stop and slow down at crosswalks where pedestrians are crossing the street. In this case, it appears that the driver of the SUV did not see five people who were crossing the street at that location. If the pedestrians were in a crosswalk, crossing the street legally, the driver of the SUV could be held civilly and criminally responsible for the deaths of McFarland and Richard.

If you have been seriously injured by a negligent or reckless driver, please consult with experienced Maryland car accident attorney, Steven H. Heisler, for a free consultation. Steven H. Heisler and his team have years of experience representing auto accident victims and securing them the compensation they rightfully deserve. Call injury attorney Steven H. Heisler to find out how he can help you with your Maryland auto accident case.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents |

Hyundai Vehicles Recalled in West Virginia for Corrosion Damage

By injuheis on May 7, 2009

West Virginia is one of the states where Hyundai is recalling three of its vehicle models because of possible corrosion damage. Nationwide, the auto maker is recalling 175,765 model year 2001-2004 Sonata and model year 2001-2004 XG300 and XG350 originally sold in 20 states including West Virginia and the District of Columbia, according to an article in the Toledo Blade. During the winter months, large quantities of salt are used to de-ice the roads in these states. The road salt may result in damage to the sub-frame steel in these vehicles.

According to the report, the corrosion damage is usually quite visible and can be detected during routine maintenance. Owners of these vehicles may also hear noises or notice tire misalignment and steering pull. These are symptoms that indicate that the vehicle needs to be serviced. The front wheel may make contact with the fender of wheel wall, increasing the possibility of a crash. To get more information about this recall, owners should contact the Hyundai Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151.

Thousands of fatal auto accidents in the United States are caused by defective vehicles and faulty automobile design. Often, when a vehicle has an inherent product defect or a mechanical malfunction that is triggered by a product defect, the potential for a crash increases.

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident caused by a defective auto, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering. Please call the West Virginia auto accident attorneys at the law offices of  Steven H. Heisler for a free evaluation of your personal injury claim.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Defective Products & Drugs, Personal Injury |