The holiday season is a time for celebrations and enjoying time with friends and loved ones in Maryland. The parties and celebrations may cause one to be out later than normal, and one may also drink more alcohol than one may be accustomed to. Fatigue, alcohol, holiday stress or a combination can increase one’s likelihood of being involved in motor vehicle accidents.

A fatal crash occurred near Forestville on the outer loop of Interstate 495. A Toyota was traveling on the outer loop and hit the rear end of a Kia Optima travelling in the same direction. The impact from the collision caused both vehicles to end up in the meridian between the inner and outer loop of 495. The driver of the Toyota, along with his female passenger, received minor injuries. The driver of the Kia did not survive.

The driver of the Toyota was arrested at the hospital after reportedly attacking a security guard. He was charged with disorderly conduct. It is not known if speed or alcohol contributed to the cause of the accident. The crash remains under investigation.

Sadly, motor vehicle accidents have become a fact of life as there are so many more vehicles on the roads in Maryland and around the country. There is never a good time to lose a loved one in a car crash, but it can be particularly devastating during the holiday season. Nothing can undo what has occurred, but a civil suit against the party or parties deemed responsible for an accident can provide compensation for medical costs, final costs and other verifiable losses.