Dangerous Roads in Odenton

Odenton, Maryland, has become a hub for military families, commuters, and local residents due to its proximity to Fort Meade, the MARC rail system, and major state highways. While many aspects of Odenton are appealing to travelers and residents, certain routes throughout the area have become known for motor vehicle collisions. Specifically, dangerous roads in Odenton, Maryland, like Maryland Route 175, Piney Orchard Parkway, and the intersections surrounding Odenton Road and Town Center Boulevard, are increasingly the location of collisions. Such crashes are often the result of numerous factors, including careless driving and poor road design, and the parties who contribute to such collisions may be deemed civilly liable for any harm that arises. If you were hurt in a crash in Odenton, it is wise to talk to an attorney about what claims you may be able to pursue. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our skilled Prince George’s County car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of negligence seek redress for their losses, and if you hire us, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf.

After a car accident in Odenton, it is important to obtain a copy of the police report, especially if you plan to pursue a claim for damages. These reports often include detailed descriptions of how the accident occurred, the names of the involved drivers and witnesses, any citations that were issued, and the responding officer’s preliminary assessment of fault. Odenton falls under the jurisdiction of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, which responds to most traffic incidents in the area. Individuals can request a police report by contacting the Records Section of the department or by submitting an online request through their official portal. Reports are typically available within a few business days of the accident and can be obtained for a nominal fee. Requesters should be prepared to provide identifying information such as the date and location of the crash, the names of the drivers involved, and the case number if it is known.

People hurt in crashes on dangerous roads in Odenton will often pursue damages from the parties that brought about the collision. In most instances, a plaintiff in a car accident case will set forth negligence claims against one or more defendants.

In Maryland, negligence comprises four components: duty, breach, causation, and damages. The plaintiff must prove each of these to recover damages. The first of these, duty, refers to a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. All drivers on Maryland roadways are obligated to follow traffic laws and drive in a way that avoids putting others at risk. In some cases, state or local governments may owe a duty to properly design, maintain, and repair roadways so they do not create unreasonable hazards for motorists.

Once a duty has been established, the next step is proving breach. A breach occurs when the defendant fails to act in accordance with the required duty of care. On dangerous roads in Odenton, a breach may occur when drivers fail to slow down in congested zones, ignore signage, or make unsafe lane changes in poorly marked intersections. Government entities may breach their duty by failing to correct dangerous conditions such as obstructed views, malfunctioning traffic lights, or deteriorating road surfaces.

After proving duty and breach, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the breach caused their injuries. In Maryland, causation requires proof of both actual and proximate cause. Actual cause means that the injury would not have occurred but for the defendant’s actions. Proximate cause requires a showing that the harm was a foreseeable consequence of the conduct at issue.

The final element in a negligence case is damages. A plaintiff must show that they suffered actual harm as a result of the defendant’s conduct. Maryland law allows plaintiffs to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include costs such as hospital bills, physical therapy expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Non-economic damages may include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, permanent disability, or loss of enjoyment of life.

Motor vehicle collisions on dangerous roads in Odenton can leave victims struggling with painful injuries, lost income, and uncertainty about their future. If you were injured in an accident was caused by another driver’s negligence or the failure of authorities to address known roadway hazards, you may be entitled to compensation, and you should confer with an attorney about your options. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our trusted Prince George’s County car accident attorneys help clients throughout the region pursue justice for injuries sustained in serious car accidents, and if you hire us, we will diligently pursue any damages you may be able to recover. Our office is located in Greenbelt, and we proudly represent clients in Odenton, Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, La Plata, Waldorf, Rockville, Frederick, Silver Spring, and throughout Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, Charles County, and across the state of Maryland. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation by calling (301) 441-2022 or reaching out through our online form.