As the second most populated county in Maryland, Prince George’s County sees more than its share of car accidents. In fact, according to 2023 data from the Maryland Department of Transportation, there are more car accidents in Prince George’s County than in any other county in the state.
Every accident takes a tremendous toll, not only on the lives of the victims but also on the lives of those who care about them. In addition to the financial setbacks that naturally come to be as a result of missed work and mounting medical bills, accident victims and their families often experience emotional and psychological hardship due to the drastic and sudden changes in their day-to-day lives.
At the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, our Prince George’s County car accident attorneys have extensive experience helping accident victims recover meaningful compensation for what they’ve been through. We understand the challenges you face, the frustrations you’re dealing with, and the impact that an uncertain future can have on your life; and we’re here to help make you whole.
Prince George’s County Car Accident StatisticsPrince George’s County rests at the western edge of Washington, D.C., and includes some of Maryland’s busiest roads and highways, including the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Interstate 495 and Route 50. Not surprisingly, more car accidents occur in Prince George’s County than anywhere else in Maryland.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (“MDOT”) keeps detailed records of all motor vehicle accidents. MDOT also maintains a database of Maryland car accident statistics, which was most recently updated in 2022.
There were 19,722 Prince George’s car accidents in 2022. Of these, 116 collisions were fatal, resulting in 121 deaths. Another 5,576 people were seriously injured in 3,855 accidents.
To put this in context, in all of Maryland, car accidents were responsible for 40,707 injuries and 564 fatalities. Thus, one in five fatal car accidents and about one in seven injury accidents occurred in Prince George’s County.
In terms of the specific roads where Prince George’s County car accidents occur, the following roads and intersections are among the most dangerous:
Maryland Route 110 Southbound
In Prince George’s County, the vast majority of car accidents resulting in injury or death are the result of just three potential causes: distracted driving, speeding and driving under the influence. However, adverse weather conditions and reckless driving are also responsible for a significant number of crashes.
Distracted DrivingDistracted driving plays a role in about half of all injury crashes and a third of all fatal accidents, making this the most common cause of car accidents in Prince George’s County. Distractions can come in many forms, including texting, making phone calls, using navigation systems, eating, or even engaging in conversations with passengers. Distractions of any kind divert drivers’ attention from the road, increasing their reaction time, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of an accident.
SpeedingSpeeding is cited as a cause in about eight percent of all injury crashes but about a quarter of all fatal accidents in Prince George’s County. Exceeding the speed limit compromises a driver’s ability to safely navigate around curves or objects and potential hazards on the road. Speeding also reduces the effectiveness of protective equipment like airbags and seatbelts in the event of a crash, making victims’ injuries more serious and increasing the risk of a fatal car accident.
Driving Under the InfluenceWhile impaired driving is listed as a cause in just five percent of all injury crashes, DUI accidents account for over 20 percent of all fatal accidents. Thus, DUI accidents are responsible for a disproportionate number of fatal accidents in Prince George’s County. Alcohol and drugs severely impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times. This impairment can lead to poor decision-making, such as misjudging distances, failing to recognize traffic signs, or reacting slowly to traffic changes. Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the impaired driver's reduced ability to control their vehicle.
To combat drunk driving in Prince George’s County, law enforcement conduct routine DUI checkpoints. Common places for DUI checkpoints are on Oxon Hill Rd., off I-495, near Andrews Air Force Base, and Second Street in Laurel, MD.
Weather ConditionsWith an average of 110 rainy days per year that dump more than 44 inches of rain, Prince George’s County receives nearly 20 percent more rain than the U.S. average. The area also sees an average of more than a foot of snow. Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, fog, and ice dramatically increase the risk of accidents. These conditions can lead to slippery roads, reduced visibility, and the need for longer braking distances. Drivers often underestimate the impact of weather on road safety, failing to adjust their driving speed and style to the conditions, leading to loss of vehicle control or collisions.
Reckless DrivingThis includes a range of dangerous behaviors like tailgating, erratic lane changes, ignoring traffic signals, and aggressive driving. Such actions not only put the reckless driver at risk but also endanger other road users. Aggressive drivers often make unpredictable moves, leaving little time for others to react, which can quickly lead to accidents.
Prince George’s County Pedestrian AccidentsGiven that Prince George’s County spans more than 27 municipalities, pedestrian accidents are a major area of concern. In fact, according to the most recent data from the Maryland Department of Transportation, there is an average of nearly 50 pedestrian injuries per 100,000 residents in Prince George’s County. That means that if PGC has a total of roughly 955,000 people, there are approximately 475 pedestrian injuries. On top of these, Prince George’s County is known as one of the deadliest counties for pedestrians, with about 25% of all Maryland fatal pedestrian accidents occurring in Prince George’s County.
How Can You Get a Copy of a Prince George’s County Accident Report?When law enforcement officers respond to the scene of an accident, they create an accident report. Accident reports provide some very basic information about the collision, such as the parties and vehicles involved, the time and location of the incident, the responding officer’s information and a brief summary of what was reported to the officer.
To obtain a copy of a Prince George’s County accident report, you must know the case number as well as the name of at least one of the parties who were involved. Requests can be made at any Prince George’s County Police station. The cost is $10 per report. Prince George’s County Police have stations in the following cities:
You can also visit the police department’s website for specific, up-to-date instructions on how to obtain an accident report electronically.
Speak with a Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case TodayIf you or someone you care about was recently injured in a car accident, the team of attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen are here to help. We understand what you’ve been through in the aftermath of a serious accident and what it will take to make you whole. For more than 20 years, our Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers have helped countless families recover meaningful compensation, ensuring they are not left to deal with the financial burden of an accident that wasn’t their fault. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our Prince George’s County car accident attorneys, give Lebowitz & Mzhen a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.
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