Misinterpreting signs of certain disabilities as evidence of DUI
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
1M ago
Driving under the influence is a serious offense in Maryland. However, individuals with certain disabilities may face unique challenges when interacting with police. This can lead to potential misunderstandings during traffic stops. Speech and motor impairments People with speech or motor impairments, such as those linked to cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, may show behaviors that police officers misinterpret. Officers could erroneously attribute slurred speech or difficulty with motor skills to alcohol or drug impairment. Nervousness and anxiety Individuals with mental health conditions ..read more
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What if an underinsured motorist causes me injuries?
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
4M ago
In the event of an accident caused by a driver with insufficient or no insurance coverage in Maryland, it is important to understand your options and the challenges that may arise. Without adequate insurance, recovering your losses can be a daunting task. Uninsured motorist coverage Maryland law mandates that all drivers have insurance coverage, but not everyone complies. If you sustain injuries by an uninsured driver, your first recourse may be your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage helps protect you if involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. It can h ..read more
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3 FAQs about a second or third DUI conviction
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
8M ago
While people hope to learn from their mistakes, that does not always happen. When it comes to a second or third DUI arrest, that mistake may have far-reaching consequences. In the first six months of the year, the State of Maryland saw 4,296 DUI arrests. If you fall into that category and already had a conviction in the past five years, you may have questions regarding your options and the consequences that may follow. 1. Do I have defense options? The state takes second and third DUI offenses seriously, but that does not mean you have no potential defense options. Like the first offense, the ..read more
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Tips for recognizing the symptoms of a TBI
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
1y ago
An accident can be life-changing, especially if you suffer physical harm. Injuries to your brain or spinal cord could be particularly difficult to deal with. Knowing the signs of a traumatic brain injury can help you to spot one quickly. Faster treatment may result in better outcomes. Watch for physical symptoms Some of the first symptoms that you notice may be physical ones when it comes to a TBI. Things like headaches and visual changes are common. Pain and disorientation are also possible with any injury to the brain. Stimuli such as light and noise may bother you, and you might become dizz ..read more
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Can pedestrians be at fault for accidents with vehicles?
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
1y ago
As a pedestrian injured in an accident with a motor vehicle, you may believe that you can automatically recover damages from the car’s driver. However, this is not always the case. In fact, in Maryland, if you share any fault for the accident, you cannot sue for injuries sustained because of this incident.  Here are some scenarios in which the person on foot could be partially responsible for accidents. 1. You crossed outside of a crosswalk If you crossed a street or a road outside of a clearly marked crossing area and a vehicle struck you, you are partially at fault for the incident. 2 ..read more
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Can Maryland drivers challenge a DUI breath test?
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
2y ago
The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility reports that Maryland outpaces the nation in the percentage of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. In 2019, 32.1% of the state’s fatalities were due to alcohol-impaired driving compared to 28.1% for the nation. Officers use breath tests to catch inebriated drivers, but the devices and operators are not without flaws. Devices not infallible An officer may request a driver suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence to submit to a preliminary breath test (PBT). The devices for such tests are not employed in controlled conditions and a ..read more
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3 ways bicyclists can act to avoid a vehicle accident
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
2y ago
Riding a bicycle is a healthy and convenient way to get around. However, sidewalks and bicycle lanes are by no means places where you are immune from accidents involving automobiles. When you are sharing the road with larger vehicles, or are even near the road, there are certain safety practices you should follow as outlined by the Maryland Department of Transportation. Knowing some of the most common and effective bicycle safety measures will help you stay protected from catastrophic injuries while cycling. 1. Use hand signals It likely goes without saying that drivers are less likely to hit ..read more
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Speeding continues to take lives on Maryland roads
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
2y ago
Following posted speed limits is one of the most fundamental rules of the road. Unfortunately, whether due to impatience, distraction or simple recklessness, too often motorists endanger themselves and others by driving too fast. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, speeding is a major factor in more than one-third of U.S. auto crashes. In Maryland, speeding and aggressive driving contributed to over 1,000 crash injuries and over 60 fatalities in 2020 alone. Why speeding is so dangerous When a driver is behind the wheel, the difference between 40, 50 or 60 miles per hour may ..read more
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What you need to know about distracted driving in Maryland
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
2y ago
Distracted driving is a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents and related fatalities nationwide and in Maryland. Maryland has laws aimed at preventing distracted driving. The state recognizes that driving is a complex operation requiring your full attention to the operation of the motor vehicle and changing road conditions. Distractions to driving occur in three categories: visually, manually and cognitively. Laws against distracted driving Maryland law bars using a cell phone with your hands while driving. You can talk on your phone if you use a hands-free device. To get a ticket for i ..read more
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How pedestrians can protect themselves against motor vehicle accidents
The Law Office of Matthew E. Bennett Blog
by bkabritsor
2y ago
When it comes to getting from point A to point B, nothing beats walking. The fresh air and health benefits make going for a stroll highly pleasurable. The drawback is that leg power is much slower than horsepower. Cars are still our primary mode of transportation. Drivers near walkers make this joyous activity much more dangerous. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian deaths from crashes are increasing. People moseying near traffic must decrease their chances of getting hurt. Avoiding harm is always better than needing a personal injury professional. Dress for visib ..read more
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