Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog

November 19, 2025

Maryland Multi-Vehicle Crashes In Charles County and How Victims Protect Their Injury Claims

A recent multi-vehicle wreck in Charles County shows how fast a routine drive can turn into a life-changing event. Local reporting described a fatal crash near Mechanicsville that involved several vehicles, severe roadway damage, emergency medical response, and a complete reconstruction by investigators. News outlets noted that one victim died at the scene and others required hospital care after the chain-reaction collision. Situations like this highlight how multiple drivers, high speeds, and limited visibility create risks you cannot control. If you or a loved one gets caught in a crash of this nature, you face decisions about medical care, insurance claims, and evidence preservation long before you have processed what happened.

Multi-vehicle collisions often create questions about fault. Maryland’s approach to contributory negligence adds another challenge, since any finding that you shared responsibility can block financial recovery. Understanding how these cases unfold helps you take steps that protect your claim from the first day forward.

How Multi-Vehicle Crashes Unfold On Maryland Roads

Maryland roadways carry heavy commuter traffic, and multi-vehicle impacts tend to occur during peak flow or when drivers react suddenly to road hazards. Emergency responders in Charles County often describe a chain of events in which one vehicle loses control, another swerves to avoid impact, and a third arrives with little time to react. These crashes generate conflicting accounts from witnesses, uncertain timelines, and widespread damage across multiple lanes.

October 2, 2025

Maryland Boardwalk And Promenade Injuries: What Property Owners Owe You Under Premises Liability

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

A fall on a waterfront promenade or boardwalk can change your life in seconds. These public walkways look like parks, but they often function as critical commuter routes with heavy foot and bike traffic. That distinction matters for your claim. Recent Maryland appellate guidance shows how courts analyze duty, notice, and statutory defenses when someone is hurt on a brick walkway, bulkhead edge, or similar path in a public space. If you were injured on a store’s sidewalk, a marina promenade, or a city-maintained path, you should understand how liability works and which defenses property owners try to raise.

Premises Liability In Maryland and The Duty to Keep Walkways Safe

Property owners in Maryland must use reasonable care to keep walkways safe for guests. That duty includes regular inspection, timely cleanup of spills or debris, repair of broken surfaces, and warnings when dangerous conditions cannot be fixed immediately. On public promenades and boardwalks, the same core principles apply, but disputes often center on whether the area is a “recreational” space or a transportation corridor. If the location functions as a public sidewalk or shared-use path, courts are more likely to treat it like any other thoroughfare, which keeps the property owner’s or municipality’s duty firmly in place.

September 17, 2025

Prince George’s County Hit-and-Run Sparks Questions About Wrongful Death Liability

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

You may still have legal options even if the driver who struck your loved one has not yet been identified. Maryland law allows families to pursue wrongful death claims after a fatal pedestrian crash, including those involving a hit-and-run. The recent fatal collision on Route 202 near Upper Marlboro illustrates the real impact these tragedies have, and how civil action can still move forward.

In this case, a man died while crossing the road just before sunrise. Investigators believe the vehicle that hit him was a 2012-2014 GMC Terrain or Chevrolet Equinox. Rather than stay at the scene, the driver left the victim behind. Authorities are working to identify the vehicle and its operator, but legal rights under Maryland civil law do not require a criminal case to be resolved first.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fleeing Driver Crash

You do not need to wait for an arrest to file a wrongful death claim. Maryland allows surviving relatives to sue based on civil liability, which is distinct from any criminal charges that may or may not follow. If a fleeing driver caused the fatal crash, their absence does not block your ability to pursue compensation.

August 31, 2025

When a Public Walkway Injury Becomes Grounds for a Premises Liability Claim in Maryland

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

If you were injured while walking or cycling on public property, you may assume the city cannot be held responsible. That is not always true. A recent Maryland Supreme Court case, Mayor and City Council of Baltimore v. Wallace, confirms that cities cannot automatically escape responsibility by claiming the area was “recreational.” If the space functions as part of the public’s transportation network, the municipality may still face liability for your injuries.

You should be aware that you may still have a case even if the injury occurred in an area commonly used for leisure activities. What matters most is how the property serves the public and whether the city failed to maintain it safely.

Court Confirms City’s Responsibility When Walkways Serve Transportation Needs

July 31, 2025

Tractor-Trailer Rolls Into Median on I-95 in Howard County, Slows Traffic and Raises Safety Concerns

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

A tractor-trailer crash on July 10, 2025, turned Interstate 95 into a scene of confusion and gridlock just outside Elkridge in Howard County. The incident occurred near Montgomery Road when the truck veered out of its lane and overturned in the median. Multiple lanes were shut down for hours while crews worked to remove the truck and clear debris.

The driver became trapped inside the cab but was eventually rescued and taken to the hospital with injuries that authorities described as not life-threatening. Other drivers on the road avoided direct impact but remained stuck in traffic for several hours. The situation served as another reminder of just how quickly a large commercial vehicle can disrupt not only traffic but lives.

Maryland Truck Accidents Often Involve Layers of Fault

June 22, 2025

Motorcycle Crash During Tourist Event Leaves Maryland Teen Critically Hurt

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

Tourist season in Ocean City transforms the town into a hub of activity. Popular events, such as Bike Week, draw visitors from across the region, filling the streets with motorcycles, vehicles, and pedestrians. While these gatherings bring energy and economic benefits, they also raise serious safety concerns. Increased traffic, unfamiliar drivers, and crowded roadways create a perfect storm for accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians.

One incident during the 2024 Bike Week illustrated how quickly a celebration can turn tragic. A teenager crossing Philadelphia Avenue in a marked crosswalk was struck by a fast-moving motorcycle. The rider fled, and the teen was left with life-threatening injuries. Although the driver was later located and sentenced, the lasting impact of that night lingers far beyond the courtroom. For families affected by similar incidents, consulting with an attorney can be a crucial step toward understanding your options and holding the responsible party accountable. Events like this raise important questions about road safety during peak travel weekends and what victims can do when accidents happen.

Why Tourist Events Increase the Risk of Serious Crashes

May 22, 2025

The Dangers of Trucks Carrying Improperly Loaded Cargo

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

A tragic collision involving three tractor-trailers shut down eastbound I-70 near Route 32 in Howard County, drawing renewed attention to the dangers of cargo hauling and commercial truck traffic during early morning hours. According to reports, one of the trucks rear-ended another, triggering a chain reaction that involved a third vehicle and left debris, specifically wooden roof trusses, strewn across multiple lanes.

The crash claimed the life of one truck driver and led to extensive delays during the morning commute. While the investigation continues, this accident highlights underappreciated risk factors that make early morning freight transport particularly dangerous for truckers and motorists.

Unsecured or Shifting Cargo Can Escalate the Severity of a Crash

April 22, 2025

How to Protect Your Rights After a Loved One Is Killed in a Crash

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

Losing someone in a violent car crash is one of the most challenging moments a family can face. When that crash involves a head-on collision, the impact is often deadly. If your loved one died in a crash that may have involved driver error, you have the right to pursue legal action. That includes the right to file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for both financial loss and emotional pain.

Maryland State Police are still investigating a fatal crash that occurred just after 2:00 p.m. on Route 97 in Carroll County. According to early reports, a southbound vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a pickup truck head-on. The driver of the pickup was taken to Carroll Hospital and later died. The other driver was airlifted to a trauma center. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be reviewed by the State’s Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed.

Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland After a Car Crash

In Maryland, families may file a wrongful death claim when someone dies due to another person’s careless or reckless behavior. These claims can help recover damages for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional loss that comes from losing a close relative. You don’t have to wait for criminal charges to be filed to start this process.

March 15, 2025

Avoiding Weather-Related Accidents on Maryland Roads

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

Winter driving in the Maryland, Virginia, and DC area brings a unique set of risks—partly because of the weather itself, but also because of the fast-paced, high-pressure nature of life in this region. When snow and ice hit, roads become slippery, visibility drops, and stopping distances increase dramatically. But instead of slowing down and adjusting, too many drivers act like it’s just another day, rushing to work, cutting off other cars, or tailgating despite the dangerous conditions. That combination of bad weather and reckless decisions leads to entirely preventable accidents, and as this winter season wraps up, we’ve already seen the consequences play out on our roads.

Take what happened in Bailey’s Crossroads, where a single-vehicle crash into a power pole shut down Leesburg Pike. While no injuries were reported, it’s a clear example of how losing control on slick roads can cause major disruptions—and in worse cases, serious harm. Then there was the overturned car in Saint Mary’s County, one of 14 crashes that happened in less than three hours during the height of the storm. Three of those crashes resulted in injuries, proving how quickly things can go wrong when drivers fail to adjust their speed or driving habits for the conditions. Also, there was a salt truck that hit downed wires, closing a major stretch of 16th Street in Maryland during the morning commute. Even vehicles meant to help with road safety can become hazards when winter weather mixes with negligence or poor decision-making.

The law is clear: drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, and that means slowing down, increasing following distance, and staying alert when roads are icy or snow-covered. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions—not for storms. If someone ignores that responsibility and causes an accident, they can and should be held accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

February 28, 2025

Seeking Justice After a Deadly Crash in Virginia

by Sidney Schupak, Esq.

A tragic accident in Parkville has left families mourning and searching for answers. In the early morning, a vehicle lost control went over a curb, and crashed into a parked tow truck. The impact resulted in two fatalities, leaving behind grieving loved ones who now face not only emotional devastation but also financial and legal uncertainty. In Virginia, personal injury law provides a path for families to seek accountability and compensation when a fatal crash occurs.

Wrongful death claims allow immediate family members to recover damages for funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship. Virginia law sets specific guidelines for who may file a claim, how liability is determined, and what compensation may be available. While legal action cannot undo the tragedy, it can offer financial relief and hold negligent parties responsible. Understanding these legal options is critical for those left behind.

Determining Who Bears Responsibility

Establishing fault in a fatal crash is rarely straightforward. Many assume that the driver must be responsible if only one vehicle is involved. However, road hazards, poor maintenance, and mechanical failures can all contribute to an accident. If a government agency failed to maintain a safe roadway or neglects to warn of dangerous conditions, liability may extend beyond the driver. The manufacturer may be responsible if a defective vehicle component caused or worsened the crash.

Proving negligence requires a detailed investigation. Crash reports, roadway conditions, and witness statements all help determine what went wrong. In some cases, expert analysis is needed to reconstruct the sequence of events. Virginia’s contributory negligence rule makes this process even more critical. Under this law, if a victim is found to be slightly responsible for the crash, their family may be barred from compensation. Insurance companies use this rule to deny claims, making legal representation essential.