An Elkridge resident was trapped in her apartment after a pickup truck crashed through the sliding glass door of her apartment on Sunday, July 26.  According to Howard County police, the collision occurred around 9:30 a.m. on the 6800 block of Old Waterloo Road. The 40-year-old driver of the pickup truck was attempting to back out of a covered parking space, but then drove through the apartment, seriously injuring the 40-year-old tenant.

According to police, the victim, who was trapped in the apartment, was flown to Shock Trauma in Baltimore where she was listed in stable condition. The truck driver is facing charges for driving without a license and negligent driving. He was not injured in the collision.

Although the driver in this case was illegally behind the wheel without a license, it is likely that this collision was caused by a pedal error. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 16,000 auto accidents each year are a result of a pedal error, which is when a driver mistakes the accelerator for the brake.

These preventable accidents can present serious risks to vehicle occupants, surrounding property and pedestrians. The NHTSA notes that these pedal error collisions occur most often at low speeds in parking areas. Drivers recognize the pedal error as soon as it happens, but are unable to correct it in enough time to prevent the crash. On average, about 44 pedal error incidents occur each day. Studies show drivers under the age of 29 or over the age of 65 experience pedal error accident about four times more often than other age groups.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a collision caused by a negligent motorist, contact the law offices of Goldberg Finnegan. Our team of personal injury lawyers have a track record of success and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.