Maryland Family Files Suit After Helicopter Accident Kills Teen

The family of a Maryland teenager who died in a helicopter crash in 2008 is suing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), claiming that the air traffic controllers at Andrews Air Force Base gave negligent instructions that caused the helicopter to crash instead of landing safely, according to a recent article in The Southern Maryland News.

The teenager was a passenger in a Medevac helicopter that was transporting her and a friend to Andrews Air Force Base for medical treatment after they were in a car accident. According to the teen’s mother, the girl had asked not to be taken to the hospital via helicopter, but her mother had reassured her that the emergency medical personnel would take care of her.

According to documents filed in the lawsuit, foggy weather and broken equipment at Andrews caused the helicopter pilot to miss the landing, instead crashing the helicopter in Walker Mill Regional Park. The helicopter’s pilot and the emergency medical personnel also died in the aviation accident. The teen’s friend survived, but lost her right leg. The families of the living teenager and the families of the deceased crew have also filed suit against the FAA.

The unexpected loss of a loved one is often devastating for those left behind. Medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses associated with a fatal accident can be staggering, but they often pale in comparison to the loss of a family member or friend. When it is found that another’s negligence was a factor in a deadly accident, it can make it all the more painful.

If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Maryland that was caused because of someone’s wrongdoing, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Maryland wrongful death attorneys at Alpert Schreyer. We have the resources and experience to fight for the compensation your family deserves to help you through this difficult time. To schedule a free consultation, call Alpert Schreyer today at 301-932-9997.

Montgomery County Traffic Official Urging Mandatory Seat Belt Law

A Montgomery County Police Captain is urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would require anyone who rides in a car in Maryland to wear a seat belt. The official’s 15 year old son was killed in a car accident two years ago. The bill is being heard in a House committee, according to myfoxdc.com.

Under the law, car passengers in Maryland could receive a $25 ticket for failing to buckle up. The police officer could use discretion in deciding whether to ticket the driver, the passenger or passengers, or both. Police officers would be allowed to pull over vehicles for the sole reason that someone in the car is not buckled in. Currently, there are already 20 states, plus the District of Columbia, that require anyone who rides in a car to wear a seat belt.

Seat belt use is at an all-time high in this country, with about 88 percent of people buckling up regularly. However, some groups are still less likely to wear seat belts, including teens. Studies have shown that seat belts are the single best traffic safety device for preventing death or injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Seat belt use can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50 percent.

Have you been injured in a Maryland automobile accident caused by a negligent driver? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call the Maryland car accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC today at 301-932-9997 for a free consultation about your accident. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients hold negligent parties liable.