Head-On Collision Accident in Car Leaves Driver Dead
A driver driving the wrong way on Interstate 70 in Howard County collided head on with another vehicle on Friday, June 15, 2012. According to The Baltimore Sun, Taurence McDonald of Catonsville was driving a 2007 Dodge Dakota pickup east in the westbound lanes when he struck a 1998 Buick Regal head-on. The collision resulted in the death of the Buick’s driver, Timothy Constantinides, of Damascus, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Maryland State Police believe alcohol was a factor in the crash; criminal and traffic charges are pending.
Maryland Fatal Car Accidents
Tragically, the most recent government statistics available indicate that there were 547 traffic fatalities in Maryland annually. Behind these numbers are families who have lost loved ones. Often, this horrible result is caused by another driver’s carelessness. It is difficult to understand how a driver could travel the wrong way on any road, but particularly a major, divided interstate such as I-70 in Howard County.
Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Car Crashes
Some fatal car accidents result in criminal charges, but this usually involves alcohol and/or excessive speed. Without a substantial aggravating factor, many wrongdoers only face minor traffic charges. This is difficult for the families of lost loved ones to understand, and often prevents them from feeling that justice was done.
There are other options to hold a negligent driver responsible if they cause another’s death. While nothing can replace a lost loved one, the law does provide for legal claims for wrongful death of a loved one in a fatal car accident. A wrongful death lawsuit includes the right to request compensation for:
- Medical Expenses.
- Funeral Bills.
- Lost income or earnings.
- The victim’s injuries, and pain and suffering, before their death.
- Family members’ loss of the relationship, including emotional pain and suffering, and loss of companionship, advice, counsel, and comfort.
Howard County Wrongful Death Attorney
Jonathan Scott Smith is a top-rated car accident lawyer, with over 30 years of courtroom experience. As you can see by his background, Mr. Smith is an experienced, respected, and credentialed trial attorney. He has successfully handled wrongful death cases, including fatal car accidents, for over three decades. He fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him.
Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in fatal car accidents and other cases — has earned him the recognition of his peers, with an AV® Preeminent™* Peer Review Rating in the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating process, and a 10.0 Superb AVVO rating. These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.
Ellicott City and Columbia Car Accident Attorney
If a driver’s negligence or carelessness has caused injuries to, or the death of, a family member in a fatal car accident in Howard County, you need an experienced wrongful death lawyer and car accident attorney. Jonathan Scott Smith will help guide you through this tragic loss, and help you obtain justice and closure. Call (410) 441-5054 now, or fill out our intake form, to schedule a consultation.