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05/21/25   |   By

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY — Fatal Car Crash Into Trees off Capital Beltway in College Park

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD (May 21, 2025) – A person died in a car crash along the Capital Beltway on Monday, May 19.

Maryland State police were dispatched at 10:30 a.m. to Interstate 495 south, near Riggs Road.

A 2013 Hyundai Sonata swerved off I-495. The car struck multiple trees before stopping on a hill. The driver was killed in the collision.

The crash remains under investigation.

Fatal Car Accidents and Legal Action in the DC-Maryland Area

Every year, around 530 people die on Maryland roads, with Prince George’s County having the highest number at about 91 deaths. Men are involved in these tragic accidents much more often than women (77% compared to 22%), and almost half of all deadly crashes occur on state highways.

After losing a family member in a car crash, you have two main legal paths. You can file a wrongful death claim as a close family member seeking compensation for your loss. Or the person’s estate can file a survival action for the suffering your loved one experienced before passing away.

There are important limits to know about. Maryland only requires drivers to have $30,000 in insurance coverage, which often isn’t enough. There are also caps on compensation for emotional suffering, though this amount increases by $15,000 yearly. You must start your lawsuit within three years of the death, and quick action helps preserve vital evidence.

During this difficult time, speaking with a lawyer who specializes in wrongful death cases can help you understand your options and get fair compensation.

Deadly Hazards on Maryland Roadways

Maryland’s tree-lined roadways can become deadly hazards when vehicles leave the road. These accidents frequently occur on rural and suburban roads in counties like Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Charles.

Tree collisions are particularly fatal because:

  • Trees provide no energy absorption compared to safety barriers
  • Impact forces concentrate on a smaller vehicle area
  • Rural locations often delay emergency response

Common contributing factors include excessive speed, poor weather, driver distraction, and nighttime conditions.

Legal Considerations in Maryland

While driver error is common, other liability factors may include:

  • Inadequate roadway design or missing guardrails
  • Improper maintenance of roadside clear zones
  • Failure to remove hazardous trees

Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law presents unique challenges, potentially preventing recovery if the victim is found even partially at fault.

Steps to Protect Your Rights

If you’ve lost a loved one:

  • Seek legal representation immediately
  • Document the accident scene
  • Obtain all official reports
  • Investigate potential roadway defects

How Regan Zambri Long Can Help After Fatal Collisions

Our experienced attorneys work with accident reconstruction specialists and highway safety experts to build strong cases for families affected by these tragedies. We’re committed to securing the compensation you need while you focus on emotional recovery.

Contact us for a free consultation to understand your options under Maryland law.

If you were involved in a traumatic accident in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the College Park accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in the DC Metro area. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Regan Zambri Long as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.

Disclaimer: Images used in this post are not from the scene of the accident. All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.

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