A family and neighborhood in Middle River, Maryland, are in mourning after a beloved 9-year-old girl was struck down and killed by a car while crossing the street. Car accidents that take the lives of pedestrians often include children or the elderly. In this incident, the parents assert that the child had carefully looked both ways as she had been taught to do before attempting to cross the road.
Law enforcement officers investigating the accident reported that the driver did stay on the scene, and they are continuing to look into why the tragedy occurred. As of now, no charges or citations have been issued for the driver. Some neighborhood residents are pointing to the child’s death as a mandate for installing speed bumps in the residential area.
Emergency personnel were summoned to the scene, but their efforts to save the life of the severely injured child were unavailing. Her brother described it as very painful to him to see his little sister lying on the ground. The speed limit in the residential area, which is typically full of children, is 25 mph. Baltimore County Police did not say how fast they believe that the driver was traveling or what caused the accident to occur.
In many instances, cars accidents that cause serious injuries or deaths are caused by speeding, driver abuse of alcohol or drugs, or various things that can distract a driver’s attention from the road, such as sending or receiving text messages or talking on cell phones. Those injured in car accidents due to the negligence of others can pursue personal injury claims against responsible motorists, and surviving family members of those killed in such accidents can pursue wrongful death claims. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney after an accident is the best way to know what your rights are and if you are entitled to compensation.