One must remain alert when driving the roads even when weather conditions are perfect. Traffic signals, construction sites and, perhaps most dangerous of all, other drivers are all potential causes of auto accidents. One Maryland, in particular, was recently charged for an alleged failure to follow one of the most basic rules of road safety.
The Baltimore man was charged with reckless endangerment and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol after he allegedly slammed head-on into a van. Early reports state that the man was driving the wrong way on Van Wyck Expressway when he collided with the other vehicle. The driver remains in the hospital with major injuries including a broken leg and deep cuts to his side.
Fortunately, the driver and the thirteen teenagers in the van that was struck were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital. Despite the fact that the victims were relatively unharmed, the Baltimore man still faces reckless endangerment charges. Such charges only require that some engaged in an action likely to cause severe injury or death to others, not that actual injuries occur.
In addition to the criminal charges, the victims may choose to bring a car accident claim against the man. An experienced lawyer would agree that driving the wrong way down the road could provide strong evidence of driver's negligence. If successful, the resulting settlement could cover the costs of the teenager's medical bills as well as any pain and suffering.
Police are waiting to confirm blood tests done on the man to determine if his blood alcohol level was over the legal limit. Regardless of the outcome of that test, all should feel fortunate that only one person remains in the hospital after such a life-threatening encounter.
