Investigation Underway in DC Metro Crash
By injuheis on June 25, 2009
In a statement released Monday, June 22, 2009, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) declared that:
“The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a go-team to investigate the collision of two Metro trains in Washington, DC….
…Railroad Investigator Ed Dobranetski is Investigator-in-Charge and is leading the team, which includes two specialists from the NTSB Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance.
NTSB Member Debbie Hersman will serve as the on- scene spokesman. Terry Williams is the press officer accompanying the team.”
It has been reported in an article that Metro trains are equipped with a fail-safe computerized signal system that is supposed to prevent train collisions. On-board computers control the rate at which the train travels and its braking system, while another system detects the location of other trains in the area in order to maintain a safe distance between the trains. In the event that the trains get too close, the trains are supposed to be automatically stopped so as to prevent collision.
Peter Goelz, former managing director at the NTSB, discussed the crash in an online forum. Questions dealt with the cause of the Washington D.C. train accident near Maryland and which preventative safety measures should have been set in place to prevent such a crash. Goelz declared that the investigation will give a lot of attention “to the automatic train control system and the operator’s actions.”
The possibility of operator distraction was also discussed (distraction involving the use of cell phones or other electronic devices, such as MP3 players). Operator inattention is another factor being called into question (seeing that the trains are operated via computer, the train operator supposedly does little more than open and close the doors of the train). Goelz reported that the NTSB “has broad investigative power and they can secure” information such as phone records to determine if drivers were on a phone at the time of an accident.
Goelz said that the trains involved in the crash were older models that needed to be replaced. The models involved did not include “event recorders” that would have provided insight into the cause of the accident. “Metro needs to commit to an absolute timetable to replace these older cars and the city needs to commit the funding necessary to get the job done,” said Goelz.
Goelz reported that the accident’s investigation may take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
The Steve Heisler Injury Legal Team will continue to monitor this developing situation. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with the victims and families of victims of this terrible crash.
9 Confirmed Dead in DC Metro Crash
By injuheis on June 24, 2009
Authorities have confirmed that 9 passengers involved in the May 22, 2009 D.C. Metro train collision have died. Though the identities of all victims has not been revealed, the age range for those victims who have been identified ranges from age 23 to age 64.
The operator of the train, Jeanice McMillan, 42, was among those killed in the D.C. area crash. Metro spokeswoman, Candace Smith reported that, of the nine confirmed dead, seven victims were women and two were men.
It still remains unclear as to which train the deceased passengers were on – the train that was stationary or the train that was mobile.
At the time of the report, it was stated by Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty that two people, of the total 76 victims who were treated at local area hospitals, remained in critical condition. A third victim has been upgraded from critical condition.
The accident that caused these injuries resulted when two D.C. Red line transit trains collided. Though the specific causes of the accident remain unknown, it is speculated that the train’s computerized signal system failed. The system is supposed to automatically slow trains down and come to a complete stop to prevent them from colliding with other trains. The crash occurred around 5 p.m. EST on Monday, June 22, 2009.
As of Tuesday, June 23, it was reported that rescue personnel worked throughout the night in an ongoing rescue effort. According to D.C. Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin, the first car that rammed into the non-moving car was compressed by as 75 percent. A heavy crane was brought in during the night to assist with rescue efforts. The scene is still being processed as a rescue effort.
The Steve Heisler Injury Legal Team will continue to monitor this developing investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of victims of this terrible crash.
Maryland Van versus Big Rig Accident Results in Lawsuit Filed
By injuheis on June 23, 2009
A fourth lawsuit has been filed against the driver of a van that was involved in a fatal Maryland auto crash in May 2008 as it was taking a group of men in Hagerstown to a seniors softball tournament. According to this news report, the suit filed in Washington County Circuit Court, alleges that the driver, Robin Poffenberger, drove the 2003 Chevy Custom van into the path of a tractor-trailer, failing to yield right-of-way to the big rig at the intersection of Md. 66 and Interstate 70. One man, 72-year-old Clifford J. Rice, died and six other men were taken to area hospitals.
The most recent lawsuit filed by one of the victims, Gary Gruber, seeks $500,000 in damages from Poffenberger mostly for medical costs he incurred as a result of the serious injuries. Gardner L. Stewart, who was also flown to the hospital after the tractor-trailer accident in Maryland, filed a lawsuit earlier this year seeking $3 million from Poffenberger. Stewart said he suffered serious and permanent injuries, severe mental and emotional anguish and continuing and debilitating pain and suffering because of Poffenberger’s carelessness and negligence.
Maryland auto accident victims are eligible to file personal injury claims if their injuries or damages were caused by someone else’s negligence. Typically victims of auto accidents are eligible to receive compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of medication, hospitalization, therapy and other future treatment related to the injuries. Auto accident victims could also receive compensation for loss of wages, past and future pain and suffering, property damage and other associated costs. However, it is not an easy road. It takes an experienced and skilled MD personal injury attorney to fight for your rights every step of the way so you get a fair settlement – whether it’s from an insurance company or the manufacturer of a defective auto product that caused your injury. If you have been seriously injured in a Maryland auto accident, please call Steven H. Heisler for a free consultation today.
Washington D.C. Metro Train Accident Kills 6, Injures Many More
By injuheis on June 22, 2009
A terrible Washington D.C. metro train accident has occurred today. The Associated Press recently reported that two, Red line transit trains collided in Washington D.C., severely injuring upwards of 70 people. At least six people have been confirmed dead as a result of the accident. Investigators have not determined the cause of the crash, although it is known that both trains were traveling on the same track. According to the D.C. Emergency Management Agency, “all passengers have been removed from the trains.”
Alan Ettner, District of Columbia fire spokesman described the event as a “mass casualty event.” Cars from one train jackknifed into the air, and fell onto the other train. The crash, which took place at the height of evening rush hour, occurred in the Washington D.C. area just outside of the Maryland border, in between the Fort Totten and Takoma Park stations. The two collided trains had to be cut apart in order to rescue passengers, many of whom were in visible shock. The crash is the deadliest in D.C. Metro history.
Passenger Jodie Wickett, a nurse and one of the passengers, remained at the scene to help out however she could. According to Wickett, “Lots of people were upset and crying, but there were no screams.” Another witness, Barry Student, was riding his bicycle near the Metro tracks when the crash occurred. He reported not seeing “any panic,” and labeled the “whole situation [as] surreal.”
John Catoe, Metro general manager, reported that at least 60 people have been rescued from the train wreckage, and could not offer any reason as to what caused the accident.
Amy Kudwa, spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, said that there is so far no indication that this incident was the result of any sort of terrorist act.
The Steve Heisler Injury Legal Team will continue to monitor this developing situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of victims of this terrible crash.
Maryland Car Accident Caused by Driver Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way
By injuheis on June 18, 2009
A Berlin man was cited for failing to yield right-of-way during a car accident in Maryland on Route 50 near the Salisbury Bypass, according to this news report. Maryland State Police officials said the car accident occurred when the driver of a 2002 GMC pickup, 52-year-old Philip Glen Massey, tried to take the ramp to the Salisbury Bypass. He did not yield the right-of-way and drove into the path of a 2003 Honda sport utility vehicle driven by 49-year-old Pamela Taylor Miller of Bethel, officials said. Both drivers sustained injuries and were treated at an area hospital. Massey was charged with failing to yield right-of-way.
Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-403 states:
- “Preferential right-of-way at an intersection may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs placed in accordance with the Maryland Vehicle Law.
- If the driver of a vehicle approaches a through highway, the driver shall: Stop at the entrance to the highway and yield right-of-way to any other vehicle approaching on the through highway.”
If you have been injured in a Maryland auto accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, please contact skilled Maryland car accident attorney Steven H. Heisler for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will assess your Maryland personal injury claim, determine the facts of the case and make sure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and loss. You may be eligible to receive compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, past and future pain and suffering, property damages and other related costs. Please call us to find out more about your legal rights and options.
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Maryland Shopping Center Gas Explosion Injures Worker and Firefighters
By injuheis on June 9, 2009
Eight firefighters and a gas company worker suffered personal injury due to a gas explosion at a Forestville, Maryland, strip mall, according to a report. Firefighters were called to the shopping center in Prince George’s County after a gas company worker was hurt while working on a gas line. Two firefighters suffered burn injuries. All others were treated and released at local hospitals. Officials suspect that the gas leak may have been caused by recent renovations in the empty storefront.
Maryland workers who suffer injuries on-the-job are entitled to workers compensation benefits. There are a wide variety of work-related injuries from construction and industrial accidents or even auto accidents on the job. When you suffer a serious injury at work, you may end up having to stay away from work for weeks or even months until you recover completely and are able to physically return to work. Such work-related accidents in Maryland that are covered by workers compensation benefits include industrial accidents such as fires, industrial explosions, gas or chemical leaks, chemical explosions and fires, gas explosions and cancer-related chemical exposure.
Maryland workers who are injured on the job are usually entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses including diagnostics; lost wage benefits; payments for permanent impairment of body parts (also known as permanent partial disability benefits); and vocational rehabilitation benefits to help injured workers reenter the job market. If you have suffered an on-the-job injury and need skilled legal representation, please call Maryland’s skilled workers compensation attorney Steven H. Heisler for a free and comprehensive consultation.
Maryland Motorcycle Accident Kills Man
By injuheis on June 2, 2009
Ryan Myers, 23, was killed in a Maryland motorcycle accident after he was run over by a tractor-trailer on Route 63 near Hagerstown, according to this news report. The fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Route 63 near French Lane when Myers was traveling north. A tractor-trailer pulled out of a truck stop into Myers’ path. Maryland State troopers said the motorcycle braked and skidded about 300 feet.
Myers was run over by one of the left rear tires of the tractor-trailer, which was reportedly being driven by 62-year-old Larry Garrett of Edmond, Oklahoma. Myers was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Myers is the son of Delegate LeRoy Myers. State police have not yet filed charges against Garrett pending a police investigation.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that more than 38,000 people died in motorcycle accidents throughout the United States between 1975 and 1999. With the growing popularity and use of motorcycles, it’s more important than ever before to understand what you need to do in case of a motorcycle accident in Maryland and how to protect your legal rights if you ever become a victim.
If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, hospitalization, pain and suffering, cost of medication, and lost wages. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a Maryland motorcycle accident, please call skilled Maryland motorcycle attorney Steven H. Heisler for a free and comprehensive consultation and case evaluation.
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