The day after Christmas, a 34-year-old Pennsylvania resident was killed in a crash on I-95 in Baltimore County, according to CBS. What happened?
The accident’s sole victim, Alexander Mitchell, had stopped his car in the northbound travel lane of the highway when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. Mitchell died in the hospital soon after the accident. The two passengers in Mitchell’s car suffered minor injuries.
Avoid a car accident
Why Mitchell was stopped on I-95 isn’t known. Being in the highway’s traveling lane and not on the shoulder, he was in a very vulnerable position. Thinking about what could go wrong on the road is not pleasant, but it’s important to remind yourself that driving can be dangerous, and there are ways to protect yourself and those with whom you are traveling.
Geico and Consumer Reports offer some tips on how to prevent a car accident.
- Drive sober or don’t drive at all. Even if you think you’re just a little bit buzzed and are okay to drive, the fact is that if you’re affected by alcohol or drugs at all, your judgment is impaired and your reflexes slow. Have a designated driver.
- Don’t speed. Really, there is no excuse for speeding. When you make the decision to go over the speed limit, you put yourself and others at risk. When you drive at an inappropriate speed, you have less time to react if you see an object, pedestrian, animal, or (in this case) a stopped car in the road.
- Don’t drive distracted. As highlighted in a recent case and numerous times on our blog, limit cell phone use to absolute emergencies, and don’t eat in the car.
- Drive a safe car. Make sure you maintain your vehicle well, and when winter is approaching make sure your tires are still good. If you are thinking of getting a new car, check out the safety ratings.
In the event of an accident, get help. Some accidents can’t be prevented, but some can. Negligent drivers make the roads an even more dangerous place. If you are a victim in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, there’s help.
From personal injury to wrongful death, if you or someone you know has been injured or otherwise hurt by an accident that you believe was the result of someone else’s negligence, there is no time to waste. In case of injury, always seek medical attention first. Then it is time to take action by contacting the experienced Maryland personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers. Tell us your story, give us the facts and let us fight for the rightful compensation you deserve.