Earlier last year in June, a Maryland man was killed when he was struck by a van being driven by a Pennsylvania man. According to one local news source, the accident occurred very close to the Pennsylvania/Maryland border on Baltimore Pike near Garret Road.
Evidently, the van was traveling south when it crossed over the median and struck the motorcyclist that was heading in the opposite direction. After the collision, the van burst into flames and caused a very serious accident scene that took emergency workers hours to clear.
The motorcyclist, a 64-year-old man from Westminster, Maryland, died from the injuries he sustained in the accident. The driver of the van sustained minor injuries. He also faces criminal charges for his involvement in the accident.
According to the news report, he was charged with several serious charges including causing an accident resulting in death while not properly licensed, careless driving resulting in unintentional death, and vehicular homicide. Earlier this month, the man plead guilty to several of the offenses in a Pennsylvania criminal court. His sentencing is scheduled for mid-April.
Criminal Versus Civil Liability in Maryland Personal Injury Accidents
While the criminal and civil justice systems are completely separate in Maryland, oftentimes cases overlap. For example, in the case described above, the driver of the van was found guilty of a criminal act for his involvement in the accident. He may also face civil liability for his role if the family members of the deceased accident victim choose to file a wrongful death suit against him.
Wrongful Death Cases in Maryland Courts
A wrongful death case is appropriate when brought by a primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is either a wife, husband, parent, or child of the deceased. If there is no primary beneficiary in existence at the time, then a secondary beneficiary may file suit. A secondary beneficiary is anyone related to the deceased accident victim by blood or marriage.
Once it is determined that the proper plaintiff has filed the lawsuit, the plaintiff must then establish that the defendant’s negligent act or omission caused the death of their loved one. This can be done a number of ways, depending on the facts surrounding the accident. To learn more, contact a dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorney.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you have recently lost a family member or another loved one in a fatal Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary damages through a wrongful death action. Keep in mind, however, that personal injury law can be very complicated and, at times, downright confusing. It is easy to make a mistake when dealing with the unique issues at play. Therefore, consulting with a dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorney can be helpful in putting many of your fears to rest. Call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation with a dedicated and experienced Maryland personal injury attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Episcopal Bishop Asked to Resign After Involvement in Fatal Bicycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 26, 2015.
Motorcycle Accident on Inner Loop Injures One, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 21, 2015.