Back to School Safety: Maryland Car Accident Risks and What To Do When Injuries Happen

The end of summer is fast approaching, which means Maryland parents are busy getting children ready for school. School buses, crossing guards, student drop-off zones, and thousands of young pedestrians reappear almost overnight, and many drivers are unprepared.

Our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys explain hazards that increase crash risks and what families need to know if someone they love is injured.

Why Back to School Season Increases Maryland Car Accident Risks

The Maryland Department of Education states that while exact dates vary, most children in the state return to school by the end of August. For parents or other guardians, it’s important to be prepared.

In addition to ensuring children have backpacks and other supplies, take time to review some general safety precautions. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that children are at the greatest risk of being struck by vehicles in the hour before and after school. Many of those accidents involve drivers who are distracted, rushing, or simply unprepared for the return of school traffic patterns.

Hazards that put Maryland students and families at risk include:

• Drivers passing stopped school buses illegally and while children are boarding or exiting.
• Speeding through school zones.
• Distracted driving near school drop-off and pick-up areas.
• Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks near schools.
• Tired and inexperienced teen drivers rushing to make their classes.
• Bicyclists and child pedestrians who are less visible in early morning darkness as sunrise times shift later into the fall.

These and other factors increase the risk of car accidents in Maryland, which are capable of causing serious personal injuries to both parents and their children.

When Back-to-School Car Accidents Happen in Maryland

Car accidents in Maryland that happen near schools can cause potentially life-threatening harm to drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Unfortunately, the chaos surrounding a crash makes it harder to document what happened and gather the evidence needed to file a claim.

Taking quick and deliberate actions in the aftermath protects both your child’s health and your family’s legal rights. This includes:

• Notifying the police immediately and making sure a police report is filed at the scene before anyone leaves.
• Documenting what happened via photos and video that capture the vehicle, road markings, crosswalk signage, and any posted speed limit signs.
• Identifying witnesses, including other parents, school staff, or crossing guards, and collecting their contact information.
• Getting the victim immediate medical care and following all doctor instructions.

In the aftermath, avoid discussing fault, posting about what happened on social media, or giving statements to insurers without first consulting an experienced Maryland car accident attorney.

Speak With an Experienced Maryland Car Accident Attorney

Back to school is an exciting time for both children and parents, but it also increases Maryland car accident risks. At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we investigate these crashes, identify responsible parties, and fight for the compensation injured children and their families deserve. To speak with our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys, contact our office today and request a consultation.

Sources:

marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/school-systems/openclosingdates.aspx

acmonews.ace.aaa.com/news/as-kids-head-back-to-school-aaa-warns-drivers-to-slow-down-stay-alert