Car Accident

In the state of Maryland, whoever caused the car accident is responsible for paying for the damages. To win compensation, you have to prove that the accident was the other driver’s fault. Maryland is known as an “at-fault state.” If you are the victim in a car accident and are seeking financial compensation, you have […]

There are hundreds of reasons car accidents happen, but one of the leading causes is shocking. It’s sleep deprivation. According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Sleep Deprivation, not getting at least 7 hours of sleep can raise your car crash risk significantly. Driving drowsy has the same impact on you […]

It’s common to experience frustration and anger at some time or another when driving. Running late, heavy traffic, and getting cut off are all instances that can incite anger in a driver. Road rage is aggressive or angry behavior exhibited by motorists. It is usually a defense mechanism to retaliate against being wronged by another […]

With poor weather, especially during the winter and early spring months, comes bad driving conditions. All car accidents are stressful but being involved in a pile-up means there are multiple cars involved and liability is often disputed. What do you do if you have been in a pile-up crash? A pile-up accident is the result […]

After you’ve been in a car accident, walking away with no injuries is always ideal. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sustaining a spinal injury is one of the most severe types of injuries that can result from a car crash. If you’ve suffered an injury to the spinal region, you won’t only experience pain […]

Have you been in an accident with a vehicle that is from another state? While it is not all that common, it can be very off-putting, and panic can set in. So, what steps should you first take?

Most companies want you to believe that they are your friend and that they will do everything in their power to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The reality is that oftentimes they have their own best interests in mind, not necessarily yours.

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car crashes. Injuries sustained from a collision can vary based on vehicle speed, size, and road conditions among other things. Whether the injury is minor or severe, it can have lasting effects on the victim and their loved ones. It is important to seek the right […]

Despite major advances in car safety in recent years, car accidents remain among the leading causes of accidental injury and death in America. When a car stops suddenly because of an accident or collision, the vehicle’s occupants will remain in motion until they hit a safety restraint or the structure of the car. Unrestrained passengers […]

For drivers, sharing the road begins with the understanding that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. They also face unique safety challenges, such as being smaller and less visible. To maintain a safe coexistence, motorists must act with added care and respect for outlined rules and regulations when it comes to sharing […]

Roadways can be a dangerous place. Regardless of where you live, or why you’re on the road, the risks seem to be increasing each year. By participating in distracted driving behaviors, your risk of hurting yourself or someone on the road around you increases instantly. Driving while distracted is much more dangerous than you may […]

Car accidents can generate a heavy financial burden, especially if you are forced to take time off work to recover from your car accident. If you’ve been injured by another driver in an accident, you may be eligible for multiple types of compensation. Many different expenses can arise from being affected by a car accident. […]

In 2018, more than 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes, resulting in an estimated $433.8 billion in total cost from damage to motor vehicles including medical expenses, damage to property for motor vehicles, loss of wages and productivity, workplace costs and administrative expenses. In Maryland alone, there are estimated to be over 100,000 car […]

Sometimes holiday plans can become very hectic, especially when prepping to have loved ones over, or cooking food to bring to a holiday party. This could mean that your holiday party prep becomes rushed, and important tasks, such as forgetting to turn a stove off, can occur. It’s important to ensure that you prepare and […]

For many people, holidays involve traveling to celebrate with family or friends. Though this is a joyous time of year, it can also become dangerous. When traveling, it is important to make sure you are always keeping safety in mind when on the road.   Keep spirits high and everybody safe with these winter holiday […]

IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Delays are Caused by Victims False – Most delays are due to the crowded court dockets, while some are due to the insurance company hoping that the victim may tire and give up over time. Also, a victim is only allowed to have one jury trial. That’s why it’s important to […]

For many of us, the holidays involve traveling to spend time with family and friends. While this can be a joyous time full of parties and fun, driving to and from your holiday destinations can become dangerous, stressful, or even potentially deadly. It is important to focus on safe driving practices during this time of […]

To win an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you’ll need evidence to support your liability and injury claims. One of the largest determining factors for the outcome of your personal injury lawsuit is the determination of fault. In order to effectively fight for your rights in a personal injury lawsuit, it is imperative that […]

Driving at night can become dangerous if you are not prepared. It can be much riskier for both motorists and pedestrians during this time. Visibility is significantly decreased, leading to more factors that may pose a risk of causing an accident. According to The National Safety Council, “Traffic death rates are three times greater at […]

With summer comes the joy of family vacations and warm, sunny weather. However, summer also brings along a new set of issues to be cautious of. When it comes to driving during the summer season, it is best to be prepared for any situation that may arise and practice behaviors that will keep everyone safe […]

When you think of auto-accidents, the first instance that comes to mind is not often one that involves pedestrians. 2017 marked the second year in a row for the highest amount of pedestrian fatalities since 1990. Nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in 2017, most being children and the elderly. Though there is no specific evidence […]

It often seems that as soon as we think better weather is right around the corner, we are then hit with more extreme weather, such as sudden temperature drops or massive amounts of rainfall in a short period of time. Situations like this make it more difficult to drive and complete our day to day […]

Source: CNBC | Phil LeBeau The number of pedestrians killed along U.S. roadways last year climbed to the highest level since 1990, according to a new report. An estimated 6,227 pedestrians were killed in 2018, an increase of 250 from 2017, the Governors Highway Safety Association said Thursday. The association based its estimate on data […]

With literally tens of thousands of car accidents in the United States every year, one can only hope not to be involved in one. Regardless of practicing safe driving habits, sometimes a car accident is unavoidable. If you have the misfortune of being involved in a crash, it can sometimes be a small comfort to […]

Did you know that more than 116,000 Americans are injured and 1,300 are killed per year due to snowy road conditions? Maryland winters are known to bring severe inclement weather to the area. Even the smallest amount of snow, sleet or ice can make driving hazardous. To ensure that you are not negatively affected by […]

Source: 4 WBZ, CBS Boston The majority of 2018 model cars come with inadequate headlights and most “good-rated” headlights are optional or bundled to cost more money, a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found. “Consumers shouldn’t have to buy a fully loaded vehicle to get the headlights they need to safely […]

Thanksgiving in Maryland and the rest of the United States is traditionally the heaviest travel period of the year. Not only do airports get crowded, but the roadways get pretty busy too as people hit the road to visit family and friends. If you plan on driving to reach your destination for Thanksgiving dinner this […]

Not getting enough shut-eye each night can be detrimental to your health. It can also affect your ability to drive, according to a new report. Over the past several years, numerous studies and public health and safety campaigns have focused on reminding us just how dangerous driving while tired can be. Although fatigue and a […]

We’ve all heard Halloween horror stories. What’s even scarier, however, is when stories like these involve you or a loved one. While this holiday can be a lot of fun for all ages, it’s important to make sure that you take a few simple precautions in order to mitigate potential safety risks. Unattended candles, dangerous […]

Source: Deb Belt, Patch National Staff A Calvert County woman died in a weekend Severna Park crash when a pickup crossed the center line and hit her car, police say. SEVERNA PARK, MD — A Calvert County woman died Saturday when the car she was driving has hit by a pickup truck that crossed the […]

Source: Eye on Annapolis | Staff Maryland State Police are investigating a crash in which two people died early Sunday morning in Anne Arundel County. Shortly after 12:50 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Annapolis Barrack responded to eastbound U.S. Route 50 at Ridgely Avenue on a report of a two-vehicle crash. According to […]

Anne Arundel County Police are looking for the driver who hit a woman and her dog, injuring both, Friday morning in Odenton. Source: By Deb Belt, Patch National Staff ODENTON, MD — Anne Arundel County Police are looking for the driver who hit a woman and her dog, injuring both, Friday morning in Odenton, and […]

Summer is the perfect time of year to take full advantage of the outdoors. This being said, the warmer weather does tend to bring out more motorcycle riders than any other time of year. With the increased number of motorcycles on the roadways comes an increased number of motorcycle accidents. Understanding the risks associated with […]

Source: http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2018/05/16/identities-in-triple-fatal-crash-with-dump-truck/ Maryland State Police identify two of the three victims who died in a triple fatal crash in Charles County Tuesday. The preliminary investigation into the crash indicated a dump truck was traveling eastbound on Maryland Route 234 and Penns Hill Road shortly before 3:00 p.m. when an SUV failed to stop at the […]

Source: http://www.eyeonannapolis.net/2018/05/6-in-hospital-after-4-vehicle-crash-on-aris-t-allen-blvd-on-saturday/ On May 12, 2018 at approximately 6:41 pm officers responded to a multi vehicle crash on Aris T. Allen Blvd (MD-665) at Riva Road in Annapolis. Investigation showed a Ford Raptor was traveling eastbound on MD-665 when it crossed the median into the westbound lanes striking a GMC pickup, Dodge pickup, and a […]

Being involved in a car accident can be an overwhelming experience to say the least. Not only are you dealing with the initial shock, but you may also have to deal with months of relative difficulties, such as injuries, insurance claims, and vehicle repairs. In order to minimize the stress associated with the aftermath of […]

It can seem next to impossible to move forward after the death of a loved one. When a wrongful death has occurred, family members are often inclined to pursue justice. Potter Burnett Law has been there for clients in the aftermath of a tragedy that could have been avoided. Our attorneys make sure that Maryland […]

In the aftermath of a car wreck, the value of your vehicle becomes immediately lower. This is called diminished value, and it is something individuals do not often consider when an accident occurs. Diminished value is the perceived loss in value of a vehicle following a car crash. This ultimately means that if your car […]

This might shock you but you should be prepared in case someone texting while driving causes you to run off the road and hit a power line pole. If those live wires fall onto your car or the area surrounding it you need to be aware of what to do to ensure your safety. The […]

  Truck accidents can be very serious situations. These accidents often occur at high speeds and involve a collision with a vehicle much larger in size than your own, causing a more serious impact than one that may occur in another type of auto accident. Accidents even at low speeds with such heavy vehicles, such […]

  By: Heather Cobun Daily Record Legal Affairs Writer   A Charles County jury has awarded $1.1 million to a Friendship man who sustained a permanent lower back injury in a vehicle collision in 2015. Steven Mudd was driving on Route 925 in Waldorf on May 21, 2015 when he collided with a vehicle turning […]

If you are involved in a car accident, it’s important you maintain appropriate communication with your insurance company. However, what you must be cautious of in the beginning of the process is to not disclose too much information. The best thing to do is to talk to an attorney before you disclose information to your […]

Did you know that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous holidays to travel? According to a study provided by the University of Alabama, the three days leading up to Thanksgiving are the most dangerous days to be on the road. In 2015, there was a daily average of 460 crashes on Monday, Tuesday, and […]

Did you know one of the most dangerous highways in Maryland might be a route you’re all too familiar with? Indian Head Highway (Route 210) is one of the deadliest roads in Prince George’s County. About 60 lives have been taken on this deathly highway over the past decade triggering local authorities and members of […]

  Here at Potter Burnett Law, we always encourage safe defensive driving but in the spirit of Halloween, we would like to remind all drivers to be aware of trick-or-treaters. Here are five driving safety tips to help protect all drivers and pedestrians celebrating All Hallows Eve. Drive slowly in neighborhoods and DO NOT pass […]

A 26-year-old Clarksburg man who lost an arm and a leg after his Ford pickup truck “burst into flames” in a collision on Georgia Avenue last year was awarded $26 million in damages yesterday by a Baltimore jury.

A Baltimore Circuit jury yesterday gave one of the largest damage awards in the history of the city court — $26 million — to a Frederick man who claimed he lost his arm and leg in an accident because Ford Motor Co. failed to install a $1 safety device on his pickup truck. Read the […]

School is back in session and new teenage drivers are ready to hit the road. While most teen drivers are overjoyed to have reached this new milestone, their parents may feel uneasy about the transition and slightly concerned for their child’s safety. If your child is driving to school this year, share the following safety […]

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there is an average of nearly 96,000 crashes in Maryland every year. While driving often seems like a mundane task for most, injuries and fatalities can be sustained at any time. It is important to know some of the most common causes that lead to injury-related car accidents. […]

What is medical malpractice? Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider neglects to provide a patient with an appropriate treatment or gives substandard treatment that leads to injury or death. In Maryland, a health care provider can be medically negligent if they injure or treat a patient below the industry standard of care. In […]

Summer is here and many of us are packing up for much-needed vacations. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a vacation and forget that accidents and injuries can happen anywhere at anytime. Be sure to take the appropriate actions if an injury or accident occurs while you’re out of town. […]

With the end of summer, and the start of a new school year sneaking up, it is important to educate both you and your children on important school bus safety. School bus-related accidents are very common and typically occur when kids are boarding or leaving the bus. Whether you are a driver or a parent of […]

There are many different elements that can increase your risk of being involved in a car accident—including inclement weather and high-traffic volume. Although both factors are major accident contributors, the likelihood of car accidents skyrockets when there is an increase of alcohol-impaired drivers on the road. According to the NHTSA, “A higher volume of holiday […]

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic has increased by 11% in the last year, equating to nearly 6,000 fatalities. Leaving 2016 the biggest single-year increase in pedestrian fatalities in history, and the highest number in more than two decades. Statistics like this are nothing short of horrifying. […]

Thousands of truck accidents occur every year. A truck accident is a vehicle collision that includes tractor-trailers, 18- wheelers, and semi-trucks. Most truck accidents lead to lengthy traffic jams, expensive insurance claims, and even injuries or fatalities. While all automobile collisions can be traumatic, truck accidents tend to be more catastrophic. Here are a few […]

You’re driving on a highway en route to home, after a long day and you hear the familiar buzz of your cell phone. Is it a text from someone important, a news update, or a notification from Facebook? You’re itching to see what was sent and the anticipation is killing you. You contemplate taking a […]

Bowie, Maryland (April 24, 2017) – Potter Burnett Law is pleased to announce a $1.12 Million verdict in Harford County Circuit Court on Friday. The Plaintiffs, Joseph and Jodi Glaser filed suit against Allmerica Financial Insurance Company, seeking underinsured motorist benefits. Jodi Glaser was in a collision on June 28, 2012, and suffered permanent injuries; […]

Imagine you’re running your weekly errands. Although running errands isn’t your favorite activity, it is a warm spring day and you’re feeling productive and cheerful. The grocery store is the last stop on your list and afterward, you plan to go home and enjoy the sunset on your back porch. As you park your car […]

According to a study conducted by The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, young driver fatalities have increased by 75% from 2014 to 2015. [1] Lack of experience, driver distraction, and understanding of the true dangers that come with the responsibility of driving are most likely contributing to the increasing car accidents within their age group (18 […]

There’s no way to truly prepare for a car crash . When you’re in an automobile collision you will most likely be hit with a wave of emotions including shock, fear, and disorientation. These overwhelming feelings can sometimes distract you from taking the proper steps immediately after the incident has occurred. If you are ever […]

The cold winter months have finally arrived and inclement weather is likely around the corner putting many at a greater risk of experiencing an automobile collision. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 6,000 people are killed and over 445,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year. Inclement weather can severely affect a […]

All automobile collisions have one thing in common – they are completely unexpected. Car crashes can happen to anyone and cause costly damages and impact your future and quality of life. Within the past year, automobile collisions have increased over 16 percent [1] in the state of Maryland. Potter Burnett Law has proudly represented countless victims […]

When facing some of life’s unexpected curveballs you are expected to choose a law firm that can assist you with the particular curve ball that has been thrown your way. Choosing a law firm can be the difference between a positive and negative experience. Here are a few tips on how to choose a law […]

The state of Maryland prohibits the use of handheld phones while driving, yet distracted driving is still a massive contributor to an average of 500 collisions [1] on our state’s roads and highways in 2015 alone. Three general driving distractions, due to the use of a mobile device, include: Visual ­– looking at something other than […]