A man was left with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a car while crossing a road, and Maryland State Police have asked for the public's help in tracking down the hit-and-run driver responsible. The accident occurred at about 10 p.m. on a recent Friday, right in front of a Starbucks coffee shop near the intersection of Route 50 and Elm Street in West Ocean City.
Witnesses told police they saw a red Ford pick-up truck strike the pedestrian and then continue eastbound on Route 50. Police said the truck likely has damage to its driver side front fender and headlight area. They are asking anyone with information about the accident or the driver to contact Maryland State Police at the Berlin barrack.
When Maryland residents are injured in a car accident caused by another negligent driver, they may be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages through a personal injury lawsuit. This becomes more difficult after hit-and-run accidents when the driver responsible cannot be found. However, with the public's help, and with various technologies available, Maryland police often - if not always - can find the responsible driver. And when the police do find them, hit-and-run drivers face criminal penalties.
To be compensated in a personal injury lawsuit, those injured in a traffic accident must show that their damages were the result of the other person's negligence. Drivers act negligently when they fail to exercise the same level of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. The fact that a driver fled the scene of an accident can be used as evidence to support a finding of negligence. Maryland residents who have been hurt due to another driver's negligence should get help understanding how the laws apply to their unique set of circumstances
