Common Causes and Consequences of Auto Accidents

1. VEHICLE ACCIDENTS IN
MARYLAND
Common Causes
and Consequences
of Auto Accidents

2. DRIVING IN MARYLAND
Every year in Maryland, vehicles travel over 56 billion miles.
Perhaps it is no surprise that there are around 500 fatalities and
more than 40,000 injuries in Maryland vehicle crashes every
year. There has been an increase in the number of traffic
fatalities in recent years that is understandably causing concern
among drivers and safety advocates. But by knowing how these
crashes happen, we might be better equipped to avoid them in
the future.

3. HOW CRASHES
HAPPEN
No two crashes are the same. However, most have
one thing in common: Around 94 percent of vehicle
crashes are the result of human error. When people
make mistakes behind the wheel, those mistakes can
be costly for everyone they share the road with. Let’s
look at a few examples of reckless driving...

4. DRUNK DRIVING
In 2015, the most recent year for which
statistics are available, there were 159
alcohol-related vehicle fatalities in Maryland.
Drunk driving accidents accounted for nearly
one-third of all vehicle fatalities in the state.

5. DISTRACTED DRIVING
 Mobile devices
 Too many passengers
 Maps or navigation devices
 Car stereos
 Eating or drinking
 Looking in the mirror
Every year in Maryland, 185 people are killed and 27,000
are injured because of a distracted driver. Drivers can be
distracted by:

6. AGGRESSIVE DRIVING
Around 50 people lose their lives and 3,800 are
injured because of aggressive driving every year in
Maryland (not including speeding). Aggressive
driving might include:
 Following another vehicle too closely
 Running red lights
 Improper shifting of lanes
 Weaving
 Failing to yield to stop signs or signals.

7. SPEEDING
Speeding contributes to around 120 deaths
and 8,000 injuries every year in Maryland.
While speeding includes exceeding a posted
speed limit, it also means driving too fast for
the conditions, like hazardous weather or
heavy traffic.

8. EXAMPLES OF SERIOUS
INJURIES IN AUTO
ACCIDENTS
While minor accidents may result in few to no injuries, more
serious crashes can lead to debilitating injuries, such as:
Loss of limbs
Whiplash
Wrongful death
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Multiple broken bones
Internal damage

9. OTHER
CONSEQUENCES OF
AUTO ACCIDENTS
In addition to the serious injuries we’ve listed, a
vehicle crash can also pose many other challenges.
Crashes can result in a great deal of pain, suffering
and property damage. Crash-related injuries can
also require expensive medical treatment, time
missed from work, lost income and a diminished
quality of life.

10. UNDERSTANDING
NEGLIGENCE
When a driver fails to drive responsibly and causes a
crash, they can be held accountable for any injuries that
they cause. Driving irresponsibly is a form of negligence,
which means that a reckless driver could be responsible
for the costs of their victim’s injuries. If you’ve been hurt
by a negligent driver, you can file a personal injury claim
to recover any damages you are facing.

11. NEED HELP? CALL THE
INJURY LAWYER
Steven H. Heisler represents those who have suffered injuries in
Maryland vehicle accidents. He fights to make sure that his
clients get the compensation they deserve. Whether it is holding
a negligent driver accountable or standing up against insurance
companies, Steven H. Heisler has a track record to prove that he
delivers results for his clients.
Contact us today by filling out our online form or calling us at
(410) 625-4878.