State trooper injured in a construction zone accident

Road construction is often done at night to avoid rush-hour traffic, but people who do not obey the roadwork signs pose a risk to police officers and construction workers. Maryland law requires drivers to move to a lane farther away or slow down considerably. It is intended to prevent accidents and injuries to law enforcement officers, tow truck drivers, and other workers.

On Oct. 16, a Maryland State Police trooper was in his car with the emergency lights flashing on I-95 while helping to close lanes for repairs to the road. The area was a construction zone with lights and marked with road work signs. A driver did not slow down at all when he hit the police car from the rear. The state trooper was injured and airlifted to Shock Trauma at the hospital. The man who ran into the police car did not sustain any injuries.

The driver who caused the car accident was arrested for negligent driving, driving through a safety zone, failure to obey traffic control device, possessing a suspended license, displaying a suspended license, driving on a suspended out-of-state license and drug possession. He possessed over 10 grams of what is believed to be Ecstasy and marijuana. It is not known if he was under the influence at the time.

People who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident often need extensive medical care and treatment, and many lose the ability to get a paycheck when they are recuperating. If it can be determined that the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, an attorney could assist in seeking compensation for those and other losses through a personal injury lawsuit filed against that motorist.