Many Baltimore residents who have been in a car accident know of the hassle that can be involved. From documenting the accident to dealing with insurance claims, even simple accidents can turn into prolonged events.

However, the annoyances involved in paperwork and the like are trivial when someone is injured in an auto accident. In those instances, the health of the person becomes paramount.

A great example of this was provided by an unfortunate accident that recently occurred in a small Maryland community. A former Towson newspaper editor and lifelong Towson resident sustained serious injuries in the accident, which occurred when the man's vehicle collided with another vehicle. Since the accident, an outpouring of community support has been expressed for the man, who remains in critical condition.

To date, there has been no finding of fault in this serious car accident or any indication of what caused the accident. When a car accident occurs, however, a personal injury claim may be warranted if the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver. Typically, when an injured person brings a successful lawsuit to recover compensation for a car accident, the person may obtain damages based on a number of different factors. Often, a crucial aspect of such lawsuits is damages not only for medical expenses but for pain and suffering. Such damages are based on a person's past and future physical pain.

Thus, for the man above, who has been fighting in the hospital to regain his health, an award for pain and suffering may be appropriate. Ultimately, the award of damages will depend on the facts of each case.

After a sudden unexpected event like a car crash, many Baltimore residents may be confused and not thinking clearly. This is particularly understandable for those who are injured in an auto accident. However, after health concerns are taken care of, individuals should take certain steps, which can be essential in a later personal injury suit.

As many would expect, preserving evidence remains a top priority after a car accident. To begin, individuals can obtain the names and contact information of the others involved. Another effective measure after a car accident is to take photographs and write down events. The documentation should continue when medical bills, hospital visits and lost wages come into play.

If law enforcement is involved after an accident, officers will conduct an accident investigation. Individuals are entitled to receive a copy of a police report that is prepared, which can provide a great deal of information about the circumstances of the accident.

For instance, police are currently investigating a car accident that recently occurred after a vehicle left the roadway and hit a house. The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital, as was a passenger who was also treated for his injuries. Charges are pending in the case as officers are still gathering information.

Like other police reports, the report concerning the above accident may contain a preliminary assessment of fault based on the officer's impressions. At the least, the report should contain essential information about the parties involved and any potential witnesses as well as their account of the accident. This information can be vital to a personal injury suit, even if the report itself is not admissible in civil court proceedings.

A car crash can leave people with devastating injuries. In addition to broken bones, cuts and scrapes, a car accident can also cause head injuries and even death. People in Baltimore never expect to be in a car accident. Sadly, one person's negligent behavior can leave many people suffering.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released some disturbing numbers. According to their estimates, more than 7,600 people died in traffic accidents during the first quarter of the year. In comparison to last year, that's a 13.5 percent increase. It's also the "second largest year-to-year quarterly increase" since 1975.

Officials say the warm winter may have contributed to the increase in traffic fatalities. People tend to travel less during the winter months. However, the unseasonably warm temperatures this past winter meant that more people hit the road. In fact, Americans traveled close to 10 billion more miles during the first quarter of this year compared to last.

This kind of information is disheartening. Despite the warnings, it appears that distracted and impaired driving remain major problems on our roadways. When people are inattentive, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failing to obey traffic laws, terrible tragedies can occur.

When family members lose a loved one in a car accident, the emotional pain and anguish they feel can be overwhelming. Fortunately, they have legal recourse. They may choose to pursue a civil lawsuit against any negligent parties. Drivers who are reckless and cause harm to others should be held responsible.