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Over the course of the last decade, I've published in excess of 700 articles in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, workers' compensation and insurance disputes, generally. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact me to discuss the details of your case and learn how I can help.

Personal Injury Litigator in West Baltimore-Westside 21216/21217

For a variety of reasons, our venerable West Baltimore neighborhood, and its Westside district, have been the subject of some controversy.  A seasoned personal injury litigator in West Baltimore’s Westside knows that not all controversy are litigable controversies, e.g. it is not worth filing a lawsuit over. If you are injured, where you are injured matters. Is it West Baltimore? Is it Westside? Are you in 21216/21217 or 21223. It matters, but not as much as the ultimate compensation for that injury. I can assure you, whatever label we place on this neighborhood, people are injured here, hurting here, and in need of compensation, here. For them, we are here.

Where is Westside in West Baltimore in Maryland?

West Baltimore is located to the west of downtown Baltimore, bordered by Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the east, Gwynns Falls to the west, and extending northward toward Druid Hill Park. This area includes neighborhoods such as Sandtown-Winchester, Harlem Park, and Poppleton, and is bisected by major roads such as West Franklin Street and Edmondson Avenue. West Baltimore includes several zip codes, such as 21216, 21217, and 21223. These zip codes encompass various parts of the neighborhood, including residential areas, commercial districts, and historic sites. West Baltimore is notable for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and pivotal role in the city’s social fabric. Sandtown-Winchester, one of its most prominent neighborhoods, was once home to jazz legend Cab Calloway.

“Westside” is properly seen as a district with the larger neighborhood, at least according to some long time residents “The name is sometimes used to describe West Baltimore as a whole, although it is technically incorrect to use it as such.” Once known as the Garment district, “Westside” is a distinct unit within West Baltimore, generally.  According to Wikipedia:

“Baltimore’s Westside is located within the Downtown area of Central Baltimore. The Westside is generally bordered by Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the west, Mulberry Street to the north, Howard Street to the east, and Pratt Street to the south.”

West Baltimore also features historic sites such as the Pennsylvania Avenue Historic District, a hub for African American culture during the 20th century. The area has been the focus of urban renewal efforts, particularly along the Route 40 corridor, known locally as the “Highway to Nowhere.” Additionally, West Baltimore is home to several public parks, such as Carroll Park, which offers open green spaces and historic buildings, including the Mount Clare Museum House.

Is West Baltimore, or Westside, Known for Serious Car Accidents?

West Baltimore has seen its share of serious car accidents, often attributed to high traffic volume on major roads like Edmondson Avenue and North Avenue. Key roads in West Baltimore include Edmondson Avenue, North Avenue, and Fulton Avenue. Some personal injury litigators in Westside could contend the intersection of Edmondson Avenue and Monroe Street is particularly busy and prone to accidents due to high traffic volume and nearby commercial activity. Other personal injury litigators in West Baltimore might argue Franklin Street and Pulaski Street are the main accident-prone areas, exacerbated by heavy commuter traffic and sharp turns near underpasses. It has been suggested recent traffic studies show that the Edmondson Avenue corridor sees significant congestion during rush hours, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Poor road conditions, speeding, and distracted driving are common contributors. The intersection of Fulton Avenue and North Avenue has a reputation for frequent accidents due to heavy pedestrian activity. Not surprisingly, data from Maryland’s Department of Transportation may indicate a high rate of collisions involving both vehicles and pedestrians along the Route 40 corridor.

CASE STUDY: Car Accident Scenario in West Baltimore/Westside

Accident Facts: A hypothetical two-vehicle collision occurs on Edmondson Avenue not too far from the busy intersection with Monroe Street, in front of 1911 Edmondson. In this scenario, the at-fault driver strikes a vehicle parked on the side of Edmondson Avenue, careens off, and hits a second driver on Edmondson. That second driver, operating their vehicle in the oncoming lane, is forced to swerve to avoid the incident- unsuccessfully. The swerve results in a collision with a yet third vehicle, which was traveling in the same direction as the at fault driver. The not-at-fault driver suffers a fractured wrist and a concussion due to the sudden impact.

Cause Determination. After trial it is found the accident happens because the at-fault driver violates Maryland Transportation Article § 21-1104. This driver was carrying an object on their roof, which became dislodged, obscuring the view of the driver.

      (a)      A person may not drive a vehicle if it is so loaded or there is in the front seat so many passengers as to:

            (1)      Obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle; or

            (2)      Interfere with the control of the driver over the driving mechanism of the vehicle

The unique aspect of this accident lies in the violation of § 21-1104, which is not a common cause of accidents but poses significant risks in dense urban settings like West Baltimore. The unique aspects of the argument presented at trial highlight the potential need for a personal injury litigator in West Baltimore’s Westside This scenario highlights the dangers of distracted behavior, even when vehicles are parked, and underscores the importance of situational awareness on busy roads. Many personal injury litigator in West Baltimore’s Westside might simply argue it is negligent to carry something on the roof of a car, or to fail to secure it. The added extra step of identifying a specific statue, directly on point, is the type of legal argument that can carry the day.

Medical Care For Personal Injury / West Baltimore/Westside

  1. Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital:
    https://lifebridgehealth.org
  2. University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus:
    https://ummidtown.org
  3. Family Health Centers of Baltimore:
    https://fhcb.org
  4. Johns Hopkins Hospital Emergency Department:
    https://hopkinsmedicine.org
  5. Baltimore City Fire Department – EMS Services:
    https://baltimorecity.gov/fire
DIRECTIONS

How would I get from this neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland, to Eric T. Kirk / 1001 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

To travel from West Baltimore to Eric T. Kirk’s office at 1001 North Calvert Street, follow these steps:

Head east on Edmondson Avenue or West Franklin Street toward downtown Baltimore Merge onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard heading north. Turn right onto West Mulberry Street (US-40 East). Continue onto Franklin Street. Turn left onto North Calvert Street. The office is located on the right at 1001 North Calvert Street. The route covers approximately 3-4 miles and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.