Charged with a Felony? What an Attorney Can do for You

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Charged with a Felony? What an Attorney Can do for You

When you are charged with a crime, you will either be charged as committing a misdemeanor offense or as committing a felony offense. Though being charged with any crime can impact your personal and professional life, when you are convicted of a felony, the consequences are often more severe. In these cases, it is invaluable to have the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney as a criminal defense attorney can help you understand your charges, the sentencing process, and how your charges could be potentially mitigated. If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime, it is in your best interest to seek an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney to help you strategize about your case.

Felony Offenses and What We Can do for You

In Maryland, when you are charged with a felony offense, a prosecutor’s main goal is to impose the most serious punishment for the crime with which you have been charged and will seek all evidence to try and prove that you have met all of the elements of the offense. These offenses can consist of, but are not limited to:

  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Rape
  • Hit and run
  • Larceny
  • White collar crimes
  • Robbery

These crimes are considered felonies because of the nature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding the crime. If you have been charged with a felony, then legal representation should be your number one concern as an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney can help you pursue a verdict of not guilty, if you are to go to trial for your charges. An experienced attorney can also help you receive decreased penalties if it can be shown that the circumstances surrounding your case does not meet all of the elements of the crime with which you have been charged. Sometimes, instead of receiving a prison sentence, an attorney can help you negotiate a deal for probation instead of a lengthy prison sentence.

Need Legal Advice?

When you are charged with a felony, the thought of a conviction and resulting sentence can be overwhelming. If convicted, you could face imprisonment, fines, and probation, not to mention the long-lasting impact that it will have on your personal and professional life. When these charges occur, you need legal representation from an attorney who is going to take the time advocate for you. If you or a loved one have been charged with committing a crime, contact an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney at Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Baltimore Personal Injury Claims

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According to a September 2107 article in The Baltimore Sun, a driver was killed and his passenger injured in a Carroll County crash. The 29-year-old man was killed when a driver of an SUV hit his truck on a Saturday afternoon. The 38-year-old man was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban on Old Taneytown Road near Westminster. He allegedly crossed the center line and hit the 1954 Ford truck head on. The driver was killed instantly and pronounced dead at the scene. His 28-year-old passenger was flown to Shock Trauma for a head injury.

No criminal charges were filed immediately after the accident. It is not known whether the family of the driver killed will file a wrongful death claim against the alleged at-fault driver. It is also not known if the passenger who suffered the traumatic brain injury will file a personal injury claim for the injuries suffered.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury in Baltimore?

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury to a person’s head that causes brain damage or death. The injury to a person’s brain can range from mild to moderate to severe. The symptoms associated with TBI may appear immediately or may be slow to develop. For instance, symptoms of mild TBI include:

  • Headache
  • Mild confusion
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Memory loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Behavioral changes

Most Baltimore TBI Injuries Happen in Car Accidents

The majority of TBI injuries happen during car accidents. A person’s brain is not attached to any surface inside his or her head to keep it from moving. In fact, the brain is not much harder than Jell-O. Any time there is a sudden movement, a person’s brain may shake or slam against the skull. For this reason, the sudden acceleration then sudden stop during a car accident can injure the brain.

If an individual suffers a severe TBI, he or she may experience more immediate symptoms like seizures, mood swings, loss of consciousness, or slurred speech.

Other accidents that can cause an TBIs include:

  • Slip and falls
  • Intentional acts like assault or battery
  • Defective products

Contact Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA about Your Baltimore TBI Injury

Proving you sustained a TBI injury will involve proving negligence. Negligence is the failure of an individual to act like a reasonable person and protect you from harm. Whether you slip and fall or were in an accident, the person responsible breached his or her duty to protect you from harm. If you have been injured, you need someone to fight for you. We are your Baltimore injury attorneys. We will fight to get you the compensation needed to financially recover from your accident. Contact us immediately for help with your TBI injury accident.

You can Recover Damages if You are Injured in a Rear-End Collision in Baltimore

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According to an April 2017 article in The Baltimore Sun, 18 people were injured in a six-car pileup in Baltimore County on Interstate 95. At least two of the 18 people injured in the accident were taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. At the time of the report, their names and medical conditions were not released. The other 16 victims were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries. Police claim that a total of 22 people were involved in the car crash.

At the time of the accident, Maryland Transportation Authority police were conducting a traffic stop just south of Route 43. The traffic stop was on the shoulder of the highway. A black Ford Transit rear-ended a red Lincoln MKS. It was not involved in the traffic stop. The Lincoln MKS then struck a white Lexus IS30c. The Lexus hit another vehicle, and at least two other vehicles.

Whether the victims involved the rear-end accident will file personal injury lawsuits is unknown. Police indicated that there were criminal charges pending against the driver who allegedly caused the pileup.

The Definition of a Rear-End Accident in Baltimore

A rear-end car accident occurs when a driver hits the rear end of another vehicle and can happen for many reasons. The at-fault driver, or driver who caused the accident, may have been distracted. He or she may have been following too closely to the other driver at the time of the accident. Other causes of a rear-end accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • Speeding
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Driving under the influence
  • Defective vehicle
  • Weather conditions
  • Road conditions

A Baltimore Rear-End Collision Can Cause a Variety of Injuries

Injuries in a rear-end collision can range from minor to serious, such as:

  • Neck injuries: Neck injuries occur when a person’s neck snaps backs, then forward because of the sudden impact of a car accident. This flexes and extends the person’s neck beyond the usual range of motion. The medical name for this is whiplash.
  • Face and head injuries: A driver’s face and head may strike the steering wheel or windshield during a rear-end accident. Face and head injuries can range from minor cuts on the face to brain damage.
  • Back injuries: Strains, sprains, and mid-back herniated discs can result from rear-end accidents.
  • Hand, shoulder, and wrist injuries: During a rear-end accident, a driver’s hands and arms may jam into the steering wheel and cause a minor or severe injury.
  • Airbag injuries: The airbag can deploy during a rear-end accident and cause chemical burns.
  • Seatbelts injuries: Seatbelt and shoulder can cause internal injuries and bruising.

Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA will Help You

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident in Baltimore and are thinking about pursuing compensation for your injuries. Damages you may be entitled to include compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. Contact us for help today.

Distracted Driving in Baltimore may Lead to a Personal Injury Claim

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According to WBAL, in April of 2017 two people died in a wrong way crash. At least one person was injured. The accident happened in Annapolis. Preliminary reports describe an SUV involved in the accident traveling westbound on Route 50 around 1pm. The vehicle struck another SUV head-on between Bay Dale Drive and Ritchie Highway.

A 22-year-old from Salisbury was driving the SUV and allegedly traveling the wrong way. A 14-month-old boy, a passenger in her vehicle at the time, was flown to an area hospital after the accident.

The other SUV went off road into a wooded area of the highway. According to the news report, a tow truck was able to pull the vehicle upright so first responders could rescue the man trapped in the vehicle. The 66-year-old man was trapped in the SUV from the waist down. Once rescued, he was flown to an area hospital, where he later died.

Preliminary reports from police indicate they are not sure why the accident happened. They have not ruled out distracted driving or impaired driving.

Distracted Driving is Illegal in Baltimore

Distracted driving is a general term describing a driver is doing something else while operating a motor vehicle. The could include a simple task like texting, trying to find a channel on the radio, or talking to a passenger. The distracting behavior prevents them from completely focusing on the road and putting them at risk of causing an accident.

Maryland law requires all drivers to operate their motor vehicles while paying attention to laws and other people and cars on the road. Any activity completed while operating a motor vehicle can lead to distracted driving. Conditions that lead distracted driving include, but are not limited to:

  • Auditory distraction such as listening to music, a sudden cell phone ring, or a loud horn
  • Visual distraction such as looking away from the roadway while driving to look at a cell phone or passenger
  • Cognitive distraction such as the driver letting his or her mind wander
  • Biomechanical distraction such as adjusting the vehicle’s overhead visor or dashboard controls

Contact Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA for Assistance with Your Baltimore Distracted Driving Accident

If another driver caused an accident because he or she was driving while distracted, then you can file a personal injury lawsuit on the basis that he or she was negligent. Negligence is the failure to act as a reasonable driver would in the same or similar circumstances. The at-fault driver had a legal duty to protect other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the roadway from an accident that causes harm. That driver drove while distracted, however, and caused an accident, and thus may be liable for injuries caused. Contact us for help today.

Baltimore Intersection Accidents may be Reduced with New Camera System

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Baltimore officials announced plans to add new speed and red light cameras to certain intersections, according to The Baltimore Sun. This is Baltimore’s third attempt to operate a speed camera system. The cameras were previously stopped because of accuracy concerns. If the city makes good on their announcement, the number of cameras will double. They will be located in 21 school zones instead of the current 14. If cited, a driver will receive a $40 fine.

Since August of 2017, speed cameras in the city have issued more than 36,000 citations. The goal of the program is to decrease the number of pedestrian and car accidents, including intersection accidents in the city.

What is an Intersection Accident in Baltimore?

An intersection accident is an accident that takes place at an intersection. The cause of an intersection accident may be a driver running a red light, speeding, driving while distracted, or driving into oncoming traffic.

There are Different Types of Intersection Accidents in Baltimore

An intersection accident is a general term for a variety of car accidents that can happen in Baltimore, such as:

  • T-bone accident: A T-bone accident is also called a broadside accident or a side impact accident. It occurs when the at-fault driver hits the side of the victim’s motor vehicle. The impact can cause severe and devastating injuries because there is little to no cushion between the driver and/or passenger and the other vehicle.
  • Rear-end accident: A rear-end accident happens when the at-fault driver hits the back of another vehicle.
  • Head-on accident: A head-on accident occurs when the at-fault driver strikes the front of another motor vehicle. This type of accident can cause particularly devastating injuries.

Damages a Victim Can Seek After an Intersection Accident in Baltimore

Injuries in an intersection accident may vary from minor cuts to major injuries to death. A victim of an intersection accident may seek money in the form of the following damages:

  • Medical expenses
  • Prescriptions
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage (vehicle replacement or repair)

The amount of damages depends on the victim’s injuries. If the victim dies because of an intersection accident, his or her family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit for damages. The above damages may be obtained in a wrongful death suit along with funeral and burial expenses.

Contact Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA for Legal Representation

A car accident, whether it occurs at an intersection or elsewhere, can lead to severe physical injures and debilitating financial burdens. It is time to start fighting for the monetary damages you deserve. You have the legal right to hire a tough legal team to fight for you. Contact us immediately for help.

Baltimore Freeway Accidents can Lead to Wrongful Death Lawsuits

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According to a July 2017 The Baltimore Sun article, a tow truck driver was killed in an I-95 Baltimore County crash. The crash happened around 12:30 p.m. near Bradshaw Road. The tow truck driver allegedly veered off the road and struck a tractor-trailer disabled on the shoulder of the freeway. Police said it was not initially clear why the driver veered off the freeway. The tow truck driver came to a stop underneath the tractor-trailer and the driver was trapped. The passenger in the tow truck was ejected from the vehicle and the driver was killed. The passenger in the tow truck was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

According to the article, police were still investigating the cause of the freeway accident.

It is not known whether those injured in the crash will sue for personal injuries sustained. A freeway accident can easily become fatal due to the high speeds and large vehicles often involved. In this instance, a family member may sue on a victim’s behalf for the injuries the victim sustained.

What is a Freeway Accident in Baltimore?

A freeway accident is simply an accident that happens on the freeway. The accident can range from a rear-end accident to a T-bone or head-on accident. The injuries may range from minor to moderate to serious. For instance, injuries can be life-threatening or merely minor cuts.

A Wrongful Death Claim is a Type of Personal Injury Claim in Baltimore

Personal injury describes the type of lawsuit a victim can file if he or she is injured because of another individual’s negligence. Negligence is the failure to act as a reasonable driver would in the same and/or similar circumstances.

Personal injury law covers a wide range of lawsuits filed in civil court. One type of personal injury lawsuit is a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim allows an immediate family member such as a spouse to file a lawsuit for the untimely death of a loved one.

This family member can seek money, in the form of damages, for a variety of injuries. These injuries include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of income (from the loved one dying)
  • Burial expenses
  • Funeral expenses
  • Property damage

A Family Member Must Prove the Other Driver was at Fault for the Accident

It may be obvious that the at-fault driver caused the accident. However, Maryland law requires the family member to prove that negligence occurred. As the plaintiff, the family member has the burden of proving the following:

  • The defendant (driver who caused the accident) had a legal duty to the victim
  • The defendant breached that legal duty when he or she caused the accident
  • The defendant’s negligence caused the victim’s death
  • The family member is owed damages because of his or her loved one’s untimely death

Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA is Here for You

If your loved one was killed in a freeway accident, contact us immediately. We will fight for you.

Head-on Crash Injuries in Baltimore

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According to a July 2017 article in the Capital Gazette, state police identified the victim in a fatal wrong-way head-on crash in Baltimore. The car accident happened early on a Saturday morning along Interstate 97 close to the Route 50 intersection. Preliminary reports indicate that the 24-year-old driver was killed when his 2011 Nissan Sentra collided with another vehicle head-on.

The driver and passenger in the vehicle he struck, a 2015 Nissan Maxima, were both taken to separate hospitals in Baltimore. Their current medical conditions are not known. There is no indication whether they will file a personal injury claim against the driver’s estate. Depending on the facts of the case, they may have a legal right to sue for the injuries sustained in the head-on car accident.

The Definition of a Head-On Car Accident in Baltimore

A head-on car accident occurs when the front end of two moving motor vehicles hit each other. The impact of the crash is often devastating to person and property. The speed of the vehicles involved and powerful force of the impact makes head-on collisions more dangerous than other types of car accidents.

How Much is a Head-on Collision Accident Worth in Baltimore?

The exact amount of damages awarded in a head-on car accident varies. No personal injury attorney can guarantee a certain amount during the initial consultation. If an attorney tries to guarantee any money amount, do not hire that person to represent you.

An experienced attorney cannot guarantee a specific amount of monetary damages to be awarded in a personal injury claim because every lawsuit is different. The facts and circumstances vary from one case to another. Also, the amount of damages a head-on collision victim suffers may differ from someone in a similar accident. For instance, a driver in a head-on accident may suffer a broken shoulder and burns. A passenger may suffer paralysis or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

 

Typical damages incurred in a head-on collision include, but are not limited to:

  • Hospital bills
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Additional prescriptions
  • Lost wages
  • Decreased earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering

Receiving Damages in a Baltimore Head-on Collision Can Happen at Trial or Settlement

A victim of a head-on car accident can collect damages by submitting a claim to the car insurer. If approved, he or she will receive the money owed. If the claim is denied, the victim can obtain damages via trial or settlement.

During a trial, a victim of a head-on collision must prove that the other driver was at fault due to negligence. Negligence is the failure to act as a reasonable driver would in the same and/or similar circumstances. Another way is by proving the other driver violated a traffic law.

Fight your car accident claim with the help of Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA. Contact us today.

 

Receiving Compensation After a Baltimore Construction Accident

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According to CBS Baltimore, a subcontractor died recently while replacing a roof on the UMBC campus in a construction accident. The accident was reported in September of 2017. The subcontractor was identified as a 32-year-old male. The college’s vice president released a statement about the construction accident being under investigation. It is not known at this time how the construction accident happened or whether the victim’s family will pursue legal avenues toward obtaining compensation for their losses.

Common Types of Construction Accidents in Baltimore

A construction accident can happen at any time while roads, homes, or other structures are built or maintained. The most common types of construction accident include, but are not limited to:

  • Machinery malfunctions: Faulty machinery on a construction site may lead to a worker being injured or killed. Examples of potentially dangerous faulty machinery include cranes and forklifts.
  • Falls: An employee may fall because of a failure in equipment. The fall could be from a roof, scaffolding, or a ladder.
  • Excavating accident: Many employees have to work underground. This involves digging underground with large equipment. However, if the ground collapses or there is another type of failure, it could injure or kill a construction worker in the vicinity.
  • Hit by a vehicle: Construction workers are often building and repairing roadways. Unfortunately, drivers may be negligent and hit them while they are working. This can cause serious injury or death for the construction worker.

Most Common Types of Construction Site Injuries in Maryland

A construction accident can cause various types of injuries, ranging from serious to minor. The most common construction accident injuries are:

  • Limb amputation
  • Broken bones
  • Brain injury or other traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Paralysis
  • Nerve damage
  • Permanent scarring
  • Burns
  • Death

Some Construction Accidents are Covered by Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance that covers employees in case they are injured on the job. In exchange for the coverage, they are not allowed to sue. The coverage includes weekly payments and job training. An employer may choose to deny the claim, however, for a variety of reasons. When this happens, a skilled workers’ compensation attorney can help you achieve the compensation you deserve.

Independent Contractors are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Construction Accidents

Subcontractors and other independent contractors are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. They are not considered employees. However, if they are involved in a construction accident, they may have the legal right to sue to obtain compensation for damages suffered. In this case, the company they work for must have some involvement in causing the accident.

Contact Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA Regarding Your Baltimore Construction Accident

Contact us immediately if you or a loved one suffered an injury in a construction accident. We are here for you and are available to help you obtain your workers’ compensation or damages in a personal injury claim. Let’s discuss how we can help you get the money you need in a free initial consultation Contact us today for help.

Side Impact Car Accidents in Baltimore

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Man of Maryland’s roads were recently paralyzed by multiple motor vehicle accidents that occurred on a single day, according to a WDEL May 2017 article. Several vehicle accidents turned a normal Wednesday a deadly one. A chain reaction motor vehicle crash happened in Arundel County around 1:30 p.m. Not far away, a vehicle hit another one head-on while traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Route 50.

Another two-vehicle crash happened on northbound Interstate 495. One driver in the accident allegedly failed to notice a disabled Mack trash hauler and struck it. Her vehicle was lodged underneath the truck for a short time.

In another accident near Delaware, a driver allegedly failed to yield to oncoming traffic. The driver of an Eclipse allegedly struck another vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, on its left and rear sides. The Eclipse was also broadsided by another vehicle that attempted to avoid the accident.

What is a Side Impact Accident in Baltimore?

A side impact accident, also called a broadside or T-bone accident, occurs when one vehicle hits another on its side. The impact of such an accident can cause serious injuries to the driver and/or passengers depending on which side the accident occurs.

Aside from head-on collision accidents, side impact accidents are often the most devastating. The sides of a motor vehicle often have little to no physical protection. Thus, there is no cushion between the driver or passenger and the impact or another object striking the vehicle.

A Side Impact Accident in Baltimore can be Caused by Many Different Things

When filing a side impact accident claim in Baltimore, a victim needs to show a lot of things to be successful. One thing a victim will need to show is how the accident happened. A side impact accident may happen in any of the following situations:

  • The at-fault driver ran a red light or tried to run a red light or stop sign
  • The at-fault driver made a left turn and T-boned the victim’s vehicle
  • The at-fault driver pulled into oncoming traffic and hit the side of the victim’s vehicle

Let Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA Represent You in Your Baltimore Side Impact Accident Lawsuit

The driver who injured you was most likely negligent. The driver may have violated a traffic law or failed to act as another driver would have in the same and/or similar situation. The problems are that you were injured and now have damages like lost wages, medical bills, vehicle and property damage, and pain and suffering.

Seek the help of experienced personal injury attorneys for legal representation right away. Whether you want to settle a claim or pursue your rights in court, you have the right to do so. You also have the right to access a tough legal team ready to fight for you. Contact us today for help.

Car Accidents in Baltimore

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At least 18 people were taken to the hospital after a multi-vehicle car crash, according to Fox 45’s April 2017 report. The accident happened in While Marsh and was considered a “mass casualty incident” by local first responders. The accident involved six vehicles in northbound traffic on I-95. No life-threatening injuries were reported, but 18 people were transported to five different area hospitals. One driver involved in the accident, a 36-year-old from New York, was criminally charged in the crash.

The crash occurred around 1:50 p.m. Police were conducting a traffic stop on the left shoulder of the highway prior to the accident. Traffic moved slowly because of the traffic stop. The 36-year-old driver, operating a 2016 black Ford Transit, allegedly hit the rear of a red 2009 Lincoln MKS. The impact pushed the Lincoln into another vehicle, a white 2011 Lexus IS30C.

The crash ultimately involved two other vehicles. The first four vehicles blocked two highway lanes. The highway was closed for about 30 minutes while they waited for first responders.

It is not known if the victims of the multi-vehicle accident have filed a personal injury claim against the driver for their injuries.

Negligence in a Car Accident in Baltimore

A car accident can happen for any reason, but most often, a Baltimore car accident is the result of negligence. Negligence is the failure of a driver to act like a reasonable driver would in the same and/or similar circumstances. A “reasonable driver” is one who always does the right thing while operating a motor vehicle in order to prevent causing an accident. If an accident victim can prove negligence, then he or she can usually obtain damages. Damages refers to money paid to the victim to compensate for accident-related expenses like:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Medical bills

Part of successfully proving that a car accident happened because of another driver’s negligence involves showing that he or she caused accident. The other driver must either directly or indirect cause the car accident and the resulting injuries. Causation can happen in variety of ways, such as:

  • Distracted driving
  • Texting while driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Head-on collisions
  • Side-impact collisions
  • Rear-end collisions
  • Sideswipe collisions
  • Single-car accidents
  • Rollover accident
  • Speeding

Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA are Your Baltimore Car Accident Attorneys

A car accident can happen at any time and for any reason. The cause of the accident is one way to prove the other driver was at fault. For instance, you have to prove the driver had a legal duty to protect you from the accident. You then have to prove that the driver breached that legal duty.

After proving causation, you are allowed to present damages. Let us do the work for you. Contact us today.