Medical Emergency Blamed For Fatal Car Accident In Maryland
Car accidents in Maryland caused by speeding, texting, or intoxication regularly make headline news. However, in some cases, crashes are not caused by negligence, but rather by unexpected medical emergencies.
Unfortunately, a medical emergency is blamed for a tragic fatal crash in St. Mary’s County. Our Maryland car accident lawyers explain more about conditions that can impact your driving and how to protect yourself and others on the road.
How Medical Conditions Can Cause Car Accidents in Maryland
A 53-year-old man was recently killed in a fatal car accident in St. Mary’s County, MD. According to a May 21, 20235 Bay Net news report, the crash happened when another driver, who was traveling northbound on Point Lookout Road, crossed the center line and collided head-on into the victim’s vehicle. Investigators say that a medical emergency may be the cause.
A variety of health problems can interfere with driving ability. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), medical conditions that increase the risk of car accidents in Maryland include:
- Seizures and epilepsy can cause a sudden loss of consciousness or muscle control behind the wheel;
- Heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiac events can cause confusion, paralysis, or fainting while driving;
- Diabetic emergencies, such as fluctuating blood sugar, can lead to blackouts or impaired judgment;
- Dizziness or fainting, which can result from various underlying disorders;
- Sleep disorders, which can cause drowsy driving.
Prescription side effects also pose risks. Maryland law requires drivers to be medically fit, and certain conditions must be reported to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). In some cases, failing to do so may create liability if a crash occurs.
How to Prevent Medical Emergency Car Accidents
Drivers with health conditions need to be proactive in protecting themselves and others on the road. Not every medical episode is preventable, but many are, especially with appropriate care, communication, and planning.
Here are steps drivers can take to reduce the risk of a car accident in Maryland due to a medical emergency:
- Get regular check-ups and follow all treatment plans for chronic conditions.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your condition and whether it’s safe to drive.
- Do not drive if you feel unwell, dizzy, lightheaded, or have skipped meals or medications.
- Report qualifying conditions to the Maryland MVA as required by law, and follow any driving restrictions.
- Install medical alert tags or devices in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
- Have a backup plan if you experience symptoms that could impair your driving.
Our Experienced Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help
If you were hurt in a crash involving a driver who suffered a medical emergency, you may still be entitled to compensation, especially if that driver failed to take reasonable precautions.
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we help clients in these complex cases and fight to get them and their families the compensation they need to recover. To get the professional legal help you need, contact our office. Schedule a consultation with our Maryland car accident lawyers today.
Sources:
thebaynet.com/update-medical-emergency-may-have-caused-fatal-leonardtown-crash-police-say/
nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/medical20cond2080920690-8-04_medical20cond2080920690-8-04.pdf
mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/info/26200/26200-11T.aspx
