Maryland car accidents could lead to civil case

Accidents happen. Unfortunately, car accidents can happen at any place at any time of the day. Apparently, fatal car accidents can happen even when there is no driver in the car. One accident in Maryland allegedly caused by a car with no driver could potentially lead to civil litigation after a woman was killed.

In late February, a 73-year-old woman was walking down a hill near Anne Arundel. Police allege that the owner of a sports car had failed to properly park his vehicle. As a result, the car began to drift down the hill behind the woman while the owner was in a nearby house. The car struck the woman, causing her to become trapped underneath it.

Ignorant of the woman’s location, the car owner noticed his car had moved and went to retrieve it. He started his car and began to back up. Although the woman was transported to Anne Arundel Medical Center, she later died from her injuries. Although the incident remains under investigation, reports indicate that the accident is being blamed on the car owner’s failure to engage the parking brake and turn the vehicle’s wheels toward the curb.

While seemingly a freak accident, it appears that this woman’s death could have easily been prevented. Because of the car owner’s alleged failure to use basic safety measures, a Maryland family is now facing life without their loved one in addition to the financial ramifications of her death, including medical and funeral expenses. Victims of car accidents in Maryland have the option of pursuing civil action. If the accident victims, or their families in the case of a fatality, can provide evidence to prove that someone’s negligence caused their injuries or their loved one’s death, the court could award monetary damages as provided by state law.

Source: Eye On Annapolis, Edgewater woman killed by runaway car, No author, Feb. 25, 2014