Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog

Deadly Aftermath of Washington D.C Hit-and-Run Accidents

March 10, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Washington D.C. hit-and-run accidents refer to collisions where a driver fails to stop after striking another vehicle or person. The failure to render assistance and report the accident increases the likelihood of serious injuries and fatalities. In an effort to reduce the rate of hit-and-run rashes, researchers and safety agencies across the world have studied the factors contributing to these incidents. While hit-and-run accidents often involve the complex interplay of various factors, most incidents stem from improper driving.

Even though Washington D.C. lawmakers consider hit-and-runs a severe crime, these accidents remain increasingly high. For instance, a recent article described a fatal Washington hit-and-run accident involving multiple vehicles. According to police, a driver’s Hyundai was stuck in a travel lane after he hit a parked car. While stalled, a Chevrolet slammed into his car at high speed. The collision caused the Hyundai to spin and slam into another parked car. The Chevrolet driver sped away from the scene and hit three more vehicles before the driver, and a passenger fled the car. Emergency responders could not revive the Hyundai driver, and they are still looking for the Chevrolet driver and passenger.

Research indicates that hit-and-run accidents involve one or more types of improper driving. These factors include:

Local Washington, D.C. Crash Near School Has Community Demanding Change

February 28, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When we send our children to school, we expect that they will be safe and taken care of. Whether your children ride the school bus every day, walk, or get to school another way, there are always risks on the commute. When those risks, however, are created by negligent or reckless drivers, those who are responsible must be held accountable for their actions.

According to a recent local news report, a two-car accident near a local Washington, D.C. school has led to the community demanding change. Just inches from Kimball Elementary School, local authorities reported two cars colliding, which shut down nearby roads for several hours. The accident took place at a five-point intersection right next to the school. Two people were transported to a local hospital for treatment, but the severity of their injuries is unknown.

Witnesses and long-time residents of the neighborhood around the school claimed that crashes and speeding have been an ongoing issue for decades. While Washington, D.C. police have yet to release specifics on how the crash took place, neighborhood residents have been demanding speed bumps and speed camera installation for years to lower the prevalence of crashes. Fortunately, no students were outside at the time of the crash, but community members warn that it is only a matter of time before another accident takes place. The accident remains under investigation.

Rate of Washington D.C. Accidents Involving Older Adult Drivers

February 22, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed in their last reporting year there were more than 45 million drivers over the age of 65. Washington D.C car accidents are a significant health concern as they account for several deaths and hundreds of injuries every year. While driving is a rite of passage for younger adults and a source of independence for older adults, these two populations are at an increased risk for accidents.

Many health and safety agencies have conducted research to assess how driver characteristics impact the likelihood of an accident. Historically, studies showed that younger and older drivers have a higher risk of fatal and non-fatal accidents than other age groups. Additionally, some studies suggest that drivers between 70-74 years old exhibit less crash risk than drivers between the ages of 75 and 79. However, the highest risk tends to be to drivers aged 80 and older. In addition to age, research studies found that generally, female drivers are considered safer motorists compared to men. However, although women tend to have fewer fatal crashes, their risk of injury crashes may be higher than males.

A recent Washington Post article regarding the death of an 82-year-old driver illustrates the aforementioned statistic. According to reports, the man was driving north when his car slammed into a Jeep driver who veered into oncoming traffic. The 82-year-old man then slammed into another vehicle. Tragically the emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene and transported the other three drivers to a local hospital.

Why Criminal Charges Do Not Guarantee Compensation Following a Washington, D.C. Car Accident

February 15, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When you are the victim of a Washington, D.C. car accident, it may be difficult to navigate the legal fallout following the incident. For many people who are unfamiliar with the legal system, they may wrongly assume that if the at-fault party who caused their injuries is criminally charged, they will automatically receive compensation as the victim also. This is not the case.

According to a recent news report, a Washington Commanders player is now facing involuntary manslaughter charges following a fatal car accident. Local authorities reported that the player was driving more than 90 miles per hour in an area where the speed limit was 45 miles per hour when his car swerved off the road and flipped. The passenger in the car was a 29-year-old woman, who died following the accident.

In Maryland, like other states, personal injury claims are considered to be a civil issue, rather than a criminal one. Thus, just because the at-fault party may have been charged criminally, does not mean that you will automatically receive compensation. To receive compensation, potential plaintiffs will have to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit that is separate from the state’s criminal charges against the at-fault party.

Washington, D.C. Broadcaster Charged After Crash

February 8, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Following a major car accident, it is often customary for the parties to contact the local authorities or police so that an official report can be generated. Contacting law enforcement can also be helpful to establish a paper trail so that the victims of the accident have official documentation of the how, where, when, and why associated with the crash that took place. In the event of any injuries, local authorities can also assist those who have been hurt on the scene. At-fault parties, however, are also required to remain on the scene following an accident. In the event that this requirement is not fulfilled, it could lead to serious legal consequences.

According to a recent local news report, a longtime local Washington, D.C. news anchor was arrested and charged after a weekend car accident. Local authorities reported that the man rear-ended another vehicle, which caused that vehicle to collide with a third car. Following the accident, no one was seriously injured. Police noted, however, that when they arrived, the news anchor attempted to leave the scene and subsequently failed a sobriety test. His breathalyzer test determined that his blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit. After the crash, the anchor was charged with six misdemeanors relating to the collision, including driving under the influence, driving while impaired by alcohol, attempting to elude the police, attempting to drive while impaired, and two separate charges related to failing to stay on the scene of the accident. An investigation into further details surrounding the accident is ongoing.

Like other parts of the country, Washington, D.C. has specific rules and laws governing the responsibilities of drivers and parties after an accident. When someone flees the scene of an accident in D.C., local authorities may charge them with a misdemeanor. In hit-and-run situations, violators could face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Liability for Fatal High-Speed Police Chases in Maryland

January 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

High-speed chases are a controversial issue that involves complex public policy and safety issues. While there may be a need for a high-speed police chase, these events can lead to severe injuries and death for Maryland motorists. The balance between apprehending those accused of a crime and the potential risk to the public is a challenging task; however, ultimately, public safety is paramount. Various studies have examined the impact of these cases, finding that high-speed police pursuit nearly 300 people each year. Of these fatalities, about two-thirds were traveling in the fleeing vehicle, while an overwhelming 30% were not involved in the chase. As such, many fatalities involve innocent Maryland motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.

Recently, Maryland news reports described fatalities stemming from a fatal-single vehicle crash occurring during a police pursuit. A motorist fled after police attempted to stop him for a traffic stop. While under pursuit, the driver lost control of their vehicle and crashed. Emergency responders transported one of the vehicle’s passengers to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; however, the second occupant suffered fatal injuries. State officials are continuing to investigate the accident.

Maryland maintains various rules that regulate the responsibility of local and state governmental entities. Under Maryland law § 19-103, police officers are not liable for injuries that stem from a police pursuit or any emergency. However, the immunity does not cover situations where the police officer was grossly negligent. Gross negligence refers to an “intentional failure” to perform a duty in the “reckless disregard” of the consequences of their actions. In other words, gross negligence occurs when an individual acts with wanton and willful disregard for the care and safety of others.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires and Explosions Pose a Danger to Washington, D.C. Residents

January 25, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Battery explosions and subsequent fires can occur because of a variety of reasons. Those who suffer injuries because of a defective or dangerous product should consult an experienced Washington D.C. personal injury lawyer. Lithium-ion batteries present specific and serious hazard potentials. These batteries possess high voltage and stored energy in addition to a reaction component. Some lithium-ion battery companies implemented an additive membrane to reduce the dangers of these batteries; however, there remains a risk of explosion.

Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

Yes, while lithium-ion batteries have some features to protect from overheating during use, there are specific reasons why a defective battery can cause an explosion and fire. These batteries have unique safety issues because their materials are flammable and unstable when they reach an elevated temperature. As such, lithium-ion batteries possess all the elements to self-sustain a fire.

Avoiding Injuries During Inclement Washington, D.C. Weather

January 17, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Although Washington, D.C. experiences less snow than many other cities and states along the eastern seaboard, it certainly is no stranger to the occasional icy road from sleet or snow or slippery sidewalk from rain. During the winter months when it gets particularly chilly, sometimes ice forms on common walkways or on the road, which creates slippery conditions. Pedestrians and commuters who walk to work must remain vigilant to prevent any accidental slips, falls, or trips in wet or icy weather.

Slipping and falling most commonly takes place when the weather is icy or rainy, when visibility and weather conditions are poor, and when the pedestrian is hurrying or fails to pay attention to their surroundings. If a pedestrian is on their cell phone, in a rush, and wearing poor footwear while attempting to walk on the ice at night, for example, combining any of these factors could also significantly increase the risk of injury.

Slips and falls are more common than you may assume. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips and falls account for over a million visits to the emergency room and falls account for more than eight million hospital emergency room visits every year. Falls continue to be the leading cause of emergency room visits.

Hundreds of Drivers Stuck Overnight on Interstate Near D.C.

January 10, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Ice and snow swept across the east coast and mid-Atlantic earlier this week, and Washington, D.C. was no exception. Although officials were initially expecting only a few inches of snow, the snowstorm brought in more than a foot instead. Blanketing everything outside in a layer of white, the snow may have been pretty to look at and play in initially—but posed some significant safety and visibility concerns for drivers.

According to a recent news report, the recent snowstorm in Washington, D.C. left hundreds of vehicles stuck overnight on I-95 south of Washington. I-95—a 40-mile stretch of highway—is one of the busiest travel corridors in the United States. The highway came to standstill overnight after a snowstorm swept through and led to hundreds of accidents.

While some people abandoned their vehicles, others spent the night on the highway instead. Over the course of 24 hours, state troopers moved from vehicle to vehicle, providing supplies. Tow trucks also helped by dragging disabled vehicles out of the snow. Among the drivers who stayed, many were trapped without any food and water and only in the clothes they had in the car. Others chose to abandon their vehicles, walking about a quarter-mile from the highway to nearby businesses for relief. Authorities responded to more than 1,000 crashes and 1,000 disabled or trapped vehicles.

Holiday Mailbox Recall May Affect Washington, D.C. Residents

December 31, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

This holiday season, families who celebrate or observe Christmas, many families get their children to participate in holiday activities or traditions such as writing letters to Santa about their holiday wish lists. What happens, however, when a cute idea or activity turns into a dangerous hazard?

According to a recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a “letters to Santa” mailbox sold at Target was recently recalled. On December 10, 2021, the CPSC recalled the Bullseye Playground brand letters to Santa mailbox, citing that the mail slot on the box could be sharp and pose a laceration hazard. According to the agency, roughly 174,300 were sold in stores and consumers can seek refunds directly from the store. Across the country, Target received nine reports of sharp mail slot openings and seven incidents of lacerations. Of these seven incidents, three lacerations required medical attention.

Unfortunately, because these mailboxes were sold nationwide, Washington, D.C. residents should remain vigilant if you or your loved ones or friends purchased these items. Because many items in addition to these mailboxes often also have faulty designs or manufacturing defects that could cause injury to consumers, it is important to know what your options are if you are ever injured by a product you purchase.