I am  a personal injury counselor for Baltimore’s Patterson Park neighborhood – situated in the southeastern sector. This district is known to have heavy pedestrian traffic, and no shortage of automobile accidents. The area is centered around Patterson Park, one of the city’s largest public parks. I’ve led the litigation for many accidents, pedestrian, motor vehicle, and other injuries that occur here.  The neighborhood is bordered by Eastern Avenue to the north, Linwood Avenue to the east, Fleet Street to the south, and Chester Street to the west, and has a seemingly higher number of accidents than other c0mperable neighborhoods.

Table of Contents:

• • • • Notable Features of Baltimore’s Patterson Park Neighborhood
      • Patterson Park Hospitals Serving The Injured
      • Busiest Roads in Baltimore’s Patterson Park Neighborhood
      • Case Study: Patterson Park Car Accident
      • Legal Analysis: Patterson Park Neighborhood Car Crash

Notable Features of Patterson Park Neighborhood

1. Patterson Park: The neighborhood’s namesake park is a significant attraction, offering recreational facilities, historical landmarks, and scenic views.
2. Diverse Community: Known for its cultural diversity, Patterson Park hosts various community events and festivals.
3. Historic Architecture: The area features historic row houses and buildings, contributing to its unique charm.
4. Active Community: The neighborhood has an active community association and numerous local businesses, restaurants, and cafes.

Patterson Park Hospitals Serving The Injured

1. Johns Hopkins Hospital: A world-renowned medical institution located just a short distance north of Patterson Park.
2. MedStar Harbor Hospital: Located to the southwest of the neighborhood, it provides a range of medical services. Personal injury counselors for Baltimore’s Patterson Park neighborhood frequently see clients who have received treatment for their injuries here.
3. University of Maryland Medical Center: Another major hospital located west of Patterson Park.

Problem Intersections in the Patterson Park Neighborhood

1. Eastern Avenue: A major thoroughfare with high traffic volume, connecting the neighborhood to other parts of the city.
2. Patterson Park Avenue: Runs along the park and is often busy, especially during peak hours.
3. Fleet Street: A popular route for local traffic and public transportation.
4. Linwood Avenue: Another key road in the neighborhood, often used by residents and visitors to the park.

Case Study: Patterson Park Car Accident

Case Summary: For illustrative purposes let’s examine the facts of a suppositional car accident in Patterson Park neighborhood, occurring at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Patterson Park Avenue, in Baltimore, MD. The driver of the sedan contended they were stopped at the light, turning right on Eastern, when struck from behind by the SUV. The SUV driver, for her part, states that she weas also stopped at that light, when suddenly, and without warning, the sedan in front of her backed quickly into her.

1. Vehicles Involved: Two vehicles, a sedan, and an SUV.
2. Time of Accident: 3:00 PM on a weekday.
3. Conditions: Clear weather, dry road conditions.
4. Witnesses: Several pedestrians and nearby shop owners witnessed the accident.
5. Injuries: Minor injuries reported, both drivers and one passenger taken to the hospital for evaluation.
6. Police Report: Police responded to the scene, and a report was filed.

Both parties hire personal injury counselors serving  Baltimore’s Patterson Park neighborhood. Each are also appointed trial counsel by their respective insurance companies. At trial, there is testimony that the sedan driver had a package to pick up at the Ukranian American Youth Organization which she had passed, and, conceivably would have need to back up to get to.

Legal Analysis: Patterson Park Neighborhood Car Crash

The most experienced Baltimore accident or injury trial attorney in Patterson Park will be: 1] unsurprised by these facts, and would quickly 2] know the two legal principles involved from Maryland’s Transportation Code:

2023 Maryland Statutes, Transportation Title 21 – Vehicle Laws — Rules of the Road Subtitle 6 – Turning and Starting; Signals on Stopping, Turning, and Starting
Section 21-603 – Starting Vehicle, provides in pertinent part:

(a)    A person may not start a vehicle that is stopped, standing, or parked until the movement can be made with reasonable safety.

(b)    A person may not start a vehicle that is stopped, standing, or parked until, if any other vehicle might be affected by the movement, he gives an adequate signal to approaching traffic.

Title 21 – Vehicle Laws — Rules of the Road Subtitle 11 – Miscellaneous Rules
Section 21-1102 – Limitations on Backing

(a)    The driver of a vehicle may not back it unless the movement can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic.

If the jury believes the sedan drivers version, fault for this Baltimore Car accident would clearly lie with the SUV, as the driver failed to control, to slow and to stop. If, on the other hand, the jury rejects the sedan drivers version, as at least one witness testified that in fact, that person had a reason to back up, these two statues will likely work be used by the SUV operator’s Patterson Park car accident advocate to demonstrate the that the driver of sedan is at fault.