Maryland families and communities in the Baltimore area have experienced a rash of deadly accidents in recent weeks. At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, we know just how emotionally devastating crashes involving fatalities can be for surviving family members. Questions always arise about medical expenses and liability in the aftermath. Any person affected by an auto accident needs to find the most experienced legal help as quickly as possible to make sense of it all. The car accident attorneys at Zirkin & Schmerling Law can help.
Hit and Run Close to Zirkin & Schmerling Law Offices
In early May, Maryland State Police were called to the scene of what was first believed to be a single-auto accident on I-795, just south of the Franklin Boulevard exit. A truck struck a tree and the driver, William Fanning, 71, of Westminster, did not survive.
However, witnesses to the crash said it was a hit-and-run accident. Another vehicle – a Nissan Rogue – sideswiped the Chevrolet Silverado, and caused Mr. Fanning to veer off course, hit a sign and drive into the tree. The driver of the car left the scene of the accident.
Later that day, police located a suspect, who was placed in custody and not identified pending an arrest. According to the Maryland State Police, “Troopers from the Maryland State Police CRASH Team are conducting the investigation and will consult with the Baltimore County State’s Attorney before making an arrest and placing charges.”
Tragedy in Cecil County
In Cecil County there was the scene of a devastating car accident in Maryland that resulted in the deaths of three young children and their uncle. On Thursday, May 23 around 9:30 P.M., a 2005 Saturn was driving south on Mechanics Road near North East when the driver lost control and spun sideways into the path of a pickup truck driving north.
The driver of the Saturn, Elkton resident Mary E. Shackelford, 53, was flown to University of Maryland Shock Trauma in critical condition. The front seat passenger, Anthony Shackelford, 34, also from Elkton, died at the scene, as did a four-year-old boy, Nolan. A 10-year-old girl, Kirsten, wass transported to Union Hospital of Cecil County where she later died. A nine-year-old boy, Talen, was also transported to Union Hospital, then subsequently flown to Johns Hopkins Hospital where he later died. A 13-year-old boy was flown to a Delaware hospital in critical condition. The driver of the pickup truck, James T. Tobin, 24, was transported to a Delaware hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Cecil County Sheriff’s office said it is not yet known what caused the Saturn to lose control, or if any of the children in the back seat were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. “Seat belts are important, whether it’s a long trip or a short trip,” Major George Stanko told WJZ News. “They’re in there for a reason.” Police remained on the scene for over 5 ½ hours investigating the accident. Cecil County paramedics, three local fire departments, the Maryland and Delaware State Police and three helicopters also responded to the scene.
Man and His Dog Killed in Owings Mills
On May 25, Zachary Pierce Friedlander of Bridle Court was turning left across Dolefield Boulevard onto Mill Centre Drive when his Hyundai Elantra was struck by a Honda Accord and pushed into a light pole. The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, as was his passenger, a black Labrador. The dog was ejected from the car during the accident.
The 18-year-old driver of the Honda was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Baltimore County police crash investigation team continues to investigate the determining factors for this fatal collision.
Cyclist Killed in Collision with RV in Princess Anne
On May 26, 62-year-old Richard L. Schrock was riding his bicycle near Route 13 and Somerset Avenue in Princess Anne when he turned into the path of an RV and crashed. He was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) where he later died of his injuries. According to Maryland State Police, it did not appear the driver of the RV, 69-year-old Daniel A. Kelley, was injured in the collision. The investigation is ongoing.
Memorial Day Accident Kills Driver in Frederick County
Scott Anthony Harris from Hagerstown was pronounced dead at the scene of a one-car accident early Memorial Day morning, May 27. Maryland State Police were called to investigate an overturned vehicle on westbound I-70 around 4:46 A.M. Mr. Harris’ 2001 Chevrolet Blazer was overturned west of exit 62 in Frederick County. Police are still determining the cause of the accident.
Have a Legal Question About Auto Accident Law in Maryland? We Have Answers.
If you or a loved one are injured in an auto accident, Zirkin & Schmerling Law is an expert at answering all your questions and guiding you through this challenging process of Maryland auto accident law. We will review your case, assess the strength of your claim and advise you on the best path forward. Contact us or call us at 410-356-4455 to set up an appointment with one of our car accident attorneys today.