There are benefits and drawbacks to having two sports stadiums located in the downtown area. Although there are positive effects on the local downtown economy, moving stadiums into the central part of the city, as Maryland did in the 1990s, can also mean increased traffic congestion in an already busy area. Accordingly, there is a higher risk of car accidents in the Camden Yards area when a sporting event brings a lot of weekend traffic. If you have been injured in one of these crashes, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Where Is the Traffic Congestion in the Area of Camden Yards?
Traffic coming into Camden Yards can cause significant congestion, regardless of the direction. Many motorists who are approaching downtown Baltimore from I-395 find themselves having to make sudden turns and lane changes to anticipate different traffic flows. Similarly, motorists who are approaching the stadiums from Russell Street also experience heavy traffic. If you find yourself in this traffic, whether you are attending a game or not, you are at an increased level of risk.
There Is an Elevated Risk of DUI Accidents
Whether the stadium event is an Orioles or Ravens game, there are increased risks of DUI accidents. Recently, in an effort to spur concession sales at Camden Yards, the Orioles have reduced prices on certain types of beer. The Ravens are also known for a vibrant pregame tailgate scene, and fans continue to drink when they are inside the stadium.
The result is that too many motorists get into their cars after the game when they are impaired. Drunk drivers can cause risks to others when they are in any type of traffic, and the dangers are even more elevated in periods of heavy congestion.
What Are Other Factors Causing Car Accident Risks Near Orioles and Ravens Games?
Local motorists often cite their frustration with how traffic is managed in the vicinity of Camden Yards on game days. Motorists come out of the stadium parking lots onto local streets, such as Ostend, Russell and Conway, and there is an extreme amount of extra congestion downtown. There are also significant delays on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and I-95 prior to and after games.
Motorists who are trapped in traffic, either before or after the game, may be subject to short tempers and perhaps road rage. Their judgment could be affected to the point where they make a mistake behind the wheel, or they react aggressively.
Drivers heading to and from the stadium may also be distracted, either by their impending plans at the game or by other things. They may be fiddling with their GPS, or they are on their phones for other reasons. Distracted drivers raise the risk of a car accident because they are not fully focused on the road.
Legal Cases for Compensation After a Car Accident in the Vicinity of Camden Yards
If you have been injured in an accident in the vicinity of Camden Yards on game day, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Most often, you would pursue the other driver by either filing a claim against their car insurance policy or a lawsuit against them in court. Depending on the circumstances, there could be other defendants whom you could name in a lawsuit.
For example, if the car accident resulted from poor traffic control in the area, you may be able to sue the Baltimore city government. If an accident occurred in the Camden Yards parking lot, you may be able to sue the Orioles or Ravens in a premises liability lawsuit. Always check with an experienced car accident lawyer to determine whether you have a potential legal case after the crash.
Contact a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer at Garner Legal to Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Car Crash Injuries
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash in the vicinity of Camden Yards, speak to a Baltimore car accident lawyer at Garner Legal. For a free consultation, submit our online contact form or call us today at 443-899-1758. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.