Fatal Maryland car accident near ravine kills 3, injures 2 others

Determining the cause of collision is an important part of the accident investigation. Not only does it provide those involved in the accident an explanation of what occurred, it can help identify who is liable for paying medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages that may result. Unfortunately, not all accidents that occur in Maryland provide clues that make it easy to figure out what happened. In some extreme cases it can be difficult to determine if driver error was at fault or did a defective automobile or part cause the accident.

Investigators are trying to piece together the events that resulted in a serious car accident that left three people dead and two others injured. The crash occurred close to Prospect Road and Mill Green Road in Street, Maryland. From what investigators were able to figure out so far the driver lost control of the vehicle then the car became airborne and hit a tree causing it to split in half. One half of the vehicle fell into a nearby ravine and the other half was reportedly found more than 100 feet away.

The two injured victims of the single car crash were transported to the Shock Trauma. The names of victims are not being released pending notification of family members. Police would only say it appears they were all in their late teens to early twenties, were from Hartford and Baltimore Counties, and were most likely friends. In many instances the driver of a vehicle, if deemed responsible in causing the crash, can be held liable for injuries suffered by his or her passengers in a single-car accident such as this.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident, according to police. At this time, the cause of the collision remains unknown as investigators try and piece together facts and interview any witnesses. Any number of causes could be attributed to this accident, including a distracted driver who may have missed signs of a road hazard or upcoming curve and reacted too late. Until investigators determine a cause, family members of those killed are left to grieve their loss.

Source: ABC 2 News, “3 dead after car plunges into ravine,” Nov. 18, 2012