A Baltimore County teenager was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident on March 17 as she and a friend were walking on Holabird Avenue close to Searles Road in Dundalk.  A red Mercedes struck the 13-year-old and sent her flying into the air. She suffered serious injuries, including a fractured hip, and was taken to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, but is expected to survive. Though the driver left the scene of the accident, the police later recovered the vehicle they believe was involved. Witnesses unsuccessfully attempted to stop the vehicle, which was reportedly being driven by a man with a female passenger.

This intersection has been the site of multiple pedestrian accidents, many involving local children. Cars are often seen speeding through the crossing, so Dundalk residents hope that a crossing guard will be hired to protect the area’s youth from this type of accident. But until that happens, pedestrians remain at risk. And drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents, despite the severe penalties they face if caught and convicted, continue to make walking more dangerous for everyone.

Leaving the scene of an accident

Under Maryland law, it is against the law for a driver to leave the scene of an auto accident. Drivers must stop their car as close to the scene as safely possible and render reasonable assistance to the injured. The duties of a driver involved in an accident also include arranging transportation for the injured, if necessary.

Those who flee the scene of an accident, when they have reason to know that a serious injury has occurred, can be found guilty of a felony and face up to five years in prison.

If you have been injured by a driver who left the scene of the accident, you have rights. To learn more about proving liability after a serious auto accident in Southern Maryland, contact the experienced La Plata personal injury lawyers at Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, P.A.