While auto accidents are often stressful and scary situations, there are procedures in place to help us deal with the events; however, not all drivers choose to comply with these procedures. In the event the other party involved in the accident intentionally leaves the scene without providing their correct identity and contact information, they are essentially guilty of a “hit-and-run.”

Hit-and-runs can occur with another moving vehicle, a parked vehicle, a pedestrian or bicyclist, or an inanimate object.  According to a study done by AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than one hit-and-run crash occurs somewhere in the United States every minute. The number of hit-and-run incidents continues to rise on a yearly basis.  Over 2,000 hit-and-run fatalities were reported in 2016.

As a result of the commonality of these types of accidents, it’s important to understand your rights under Maryland laws that are in place to protect victims of hit-and-runs.  And while it’s a good idea to know what you should do if you’ve been in a hit-and-run, it’s even more important to know what not to do.

When two or more road cross, the risk of motor vehicle collisions increases. This is especially true when you add rush hour traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Drivers often need to be hyper aware of their surroundings when driving through busy intersections. Even a mere second of distraction can have serious consequences.

The Federal Highway Administration recognizes that part of addressing road safety involves improving intersection travel and reducing the number of conflicts. While there are discussions about geometrically designed road markings and the application of additional traffic control devices, intersection safety often boils down to drivers yielding and stopping when they’re supposed to.

Emergency medical technicians are responsible for responding to emergency injuries. They provide critical treatment and transportation to patients who experience a health crisis or injury. These first responders have tough jobs and do amazing work.

But what happens when a paramedic makes a mistake or acts negligently while treating or transporting patients? Unfortunately, not all EMTs live up to the standard of providing excellent care.

First Responder Responsibilities

The core duties of paramedics include:

• Evaluating patients for injuries and life-threatening conditions
• Preparing patients for transportation
• Providing prompt and safe transportation to a nearby hospital or another medical facility
• Giving necessary care to patients until they arrive at the hospital

Falls make for great slapstick moments in movies, but they work much differently in real life. Slip-and-fall accidents often result in severe injuries for victims. From broken bones to head trauma, recovery from these accidents can be time-consuming and financially draining. However, most victims in Maryland can achieve compensation for their injuries if their fall occurred on another person’s property.

One of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents comes from slippery or otherwise ill-maintained floors. However, the simple existence of a spill, wax or crack does not necessarily mean that a property owner is liable for another person’s injuries. Instead, courts will look at whether the owner took steps to adequately warn others of potential dangers. For instance, was there a sign for a spill or did the owner rope off an area of floor that was recently treated with wax?

You regularly see emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and fire trucks, their sirens blaring as they rush to accident scenes or transport injured people to the hospital.

In a twist of irony, though, emergency vehicles can be at higher risk of involvement in a vehicle crash. High speeds and the element of surprise for other drivers make for a dangerous combination. So, emergency personnel who are helping someone could end up hurting or killing someone else.

If one strikes and injures you, do you have legal recourse? In many cases, yes, you do.

Walking is a great form of exercise for most Maryland residents. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Although most people take great care to look both ways before crossing the street and stick to well-lit areas, they are simply no match for large motor vehicles. Because of this, virtually anyone can be at risk for a pedestrian accident.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, pedestrians are the most susceptible group on the road. This includes children in strollers and individuals who use wheelchairs. On average, approximately one pedestrian is killed every two hours and around 430 more seek treatment in emergency departments for every 24 hours. In 2013, this totaled to over 156,000 visiting ERs and 4,735 fatalities.

You’re in downtown Baltimore, riding in the bike lane with traffic, when a guy in a Jeep sideswipes you. The driver says he was on his way to the Orioles game and was running late. That would explain why he was speeding through a 25 mph zone and endangering everyone in the vicinity, including cyclists like you.

Speeding – especially aggressive driving by people in a hurry – is frequently a root cause of traffic accidents. And innocent people pay the price for those negligent drivers who are always behind schedule.

Whether faced with the wrongdoing of another, a criminal charge or a serious injury, heading to court is a nerve-wracking experience. Most people in Maryland do not take on this experience alone. Obtaining the guidance of an experienced lawyer is often your best option for achieving the best possible outcome for your unique situation, but what if someone drops the ball? In the face of legal malpractice, you might feel understandably lost.

Millions of dollars are spent on campaigns against texting while driving. But texting is just one form of distraction. Eating. Smoking. The radio. Pets. Or simply zoned out.

According to federal traffic data, the most common cause of distracted driving deaths is …. daydreaming at the wheel. Are you paying attention to the road? What dangerous things are your fellow drivers doing?

Professionalism in the work place can be much more than just a point of company pride — it can be the difference between life and death. An out-of-state dermatologist was recently accused of behaving inappropriately in the operating room, causing severe injuries to her patients. She is currently facing at least five medical malpractice lawsuits, which Maryland victims of malpractice may also choose to utilize when seeking justice.

Nearly three years ago, a soon-to-be married bride sought help from the self-proclaimed “leading cosmetic surgeon” in the area. Although the bride was only seeking a minor cosmetic correction surgery, the surgeon convinced her to undergo an additional surgery to make her stomach flatter. After eight hours of surgery, the bride stopped breathing. Although the attending staff phoned 911, the damage was already done by the time they arrived, and the bride suffered permanent and irreversible brain damage. The victim is now cared for full-time by her adult son.