Rear-end accidents refer to incidents when a rear vehicle’s front bumper collides into the back of the vehicle in front of them. While most Maryland rear-end accidents tend to occur at low speeds near stop signs, congested traffic, or stop signs, they can occur in any traffic scenario. Studies suggest that four primary factors, driver, vehicle, road, and environment, influence the likelihood and severity of a rear-end accident.
Driver factors include physiological and psychological characteristics that may affect the driver’s conduct. Vehicle factors include the performance and braking style of different types and grades of cars. The driving environment also impacts a drivers’ reaction time and visibility. Finally, road factors such as the maintenance and surface of roadways can impact the likelihood of a rear-end accident.
Fatal rear-end accidents include additional factors that may influence the likelihood of these incidents. For example, accidents involving improperly restrained occupants are more likely to result in a fatality. Additionally, the higher velocity of the subject vehicle at the time of the collision correlates with a higher fatality rate. Further, post-crash fires are linked to more fatalities.
Recently, a Maryland news report described a tragic rear-end accident. According to police, both drivers were traveling east when the rear driver slammed into the front driver while going through an intersection. Emergency responders transferred both drivers to a hospital; the rear driver suffered severe injuries, while the forward driver died at the hospital. Police indicated that the case is still under investigation and criminal charges have not been ruled out.
After a fatal Maryland rear-end accident, family members may recover financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. Under Maryland law, immediate family members of the victim have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The wrongful death statute allows them to recover damages for their pain and suffering and the economic loss resulting from the victim’s death.
Moreover, Maryland law permits the decedent’s estate to pursue a survival action. Under these lawsuits, the representative files a lawsuit on behalf of the deceased victim. Damage determinations in these cases look at the actual economic loss the victim suffered before their death. Additionally, the representative may claim damages for the victim’s pain and suffering. It is vital that claimants contact a Maryland personal injury attorney to discuss their rights and remedies.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Rear-End Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or died in a Maryland or Washington, D.C. car accident, contact the Schupak Law Firm for immediate assistance. Our firm’s reputable injury lawyers have extensive experience successfully representing Maryland and Washington D.C. accident victims in their claims for compensation. In addition to rear-end accidents, our firm handles cases involving medical malpractice, slip and falls, product liability, nursing home neglect, police misconduct, wrongful death, construction defects, vehicle accidents, birth injury, and medication errors. We provide our clients with respect and compassion and represent their claims with integrity. Contact our office at 240-833-3914 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.