Personal Injury Law

Three Maryland Car Accident Lawsuits Sue Driver for Catastrophic 2008 Tractor-Trailer-Van Accident that Injured Six and Killed One

By Jack Lebowitz, Esq. and Vadim Mzhen, Esq.

Three of the victims of a Maryland motor vehicle accident involving a passenger van and a tractor-trailer are suing the van driver for wrongful death and personal injury. Robin Poffenberger was transporting a group of seniors to a softball tournament in Olney, when he drove a 2003 Chevrolet Custom van into the path of a tractor-trailer.

One van passenger, 72-year-old Clifford J. Rice, died from his injuries. He was sitting in the front passenger side of the vehicle when the May 21, 2008 crash happened at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Md. 66. Six other people suffered serious injuries. The impact of the collision left the truck?s cab embedded in the side of the van.

Now, three Maryland car accident lawsuits have been filed against Poffenberger. Rice?s widow is seeking $4 million for medical costs, loss of her husband?s income, funeral expenses, his pain and suffering, wrongful death, her mental anguish and emotional trauma, loss of companionship, society, protection, attention, comfort, care, counsel, love, and advice.

Another accident victim, Hagerstown resident Jack Finniff, and his wife are seeking $2 million from the van driver. Finniff was so seriously injured that he had to be flown by Medevac to Baltimore, where he was treated at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The couple?s Maryland personal injury lawsuit is accusing Poffenberger of negligent driving, which resulted in Finiff?s serious injuries. The complaint also contends that the van driver?s negligence resulted in injury to their marital relationship, loss of companionship and physical relations, and loss of society, assistance, and affection.

A third motor vehicle crash victim, Gardner L. Stewart, is seeking $3 million. Stewart says the defendant?s negligence lead to his permanent injuries, debilitating pain and suffering, severe mental trauma, serious emotional anguish care, and his need for medical attention, hospital care, and rehabilitation.

Poffenberger says he is not liable and wants to go to trial.

Lawsuits filed in fatal 2008 crash, The Herald-Mail, March 8, 2009

Several People Still In Serious Condition From Wednesday?s Route-66 Accident, Your4State.com, May 22, 2008

Related Web Resources:
Car Accidents Overview, Justia

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

Full post as published by Maryland Accident Law Blog on March 09, 2009 (boomark / email).