Hartford County Crash Claims Life of 79-Year-Old Man

Incident Information

A Harford County crash left a 79-year-old man dead and sent two passengers — including a 4-year-old boy — to the hospital by helicopter following a head-on collision, Maryland State Police reported.

Troopers from the Bel Air Barrack responded to the 1800 block of Baldwin Mill Road, west of Putnam Road in Forest Hill, at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, after receiving a report of a serious crash, according to authorities.

State police said a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling east on Baldwin Mill Road when, “for reasons unknown at this time,” it crossed the double yellow line and collided with a westbound 2004 Toyota Prius.

The Prius driver, 79-year-old Kingsville resident Charles Bender Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel. Two passengers in Bender’s vehicle — a 76-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy — were airlifted by Maryland State Police Aviation for treatment of their injuries.

The driver of the Silverado, a 66-year-old woman from Jarrettsville, was taken by ambulance for medical care.

Maryland State Highway Administration crews assisted with closing the road for more than three hours while state police crash investigators worked at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Reach Out to a Maryland Car Accident Attorney Promptly

After a car accident, your health and safety should come first. Call 911 immediately so emergency personnel can provide medical care and secure the scene. Once you’ve been treated, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

A skilled car accident lawyer can collect critical evidence, prove driver negligence, and build a strong foundation for your insurance claim or legal case.

At Zirkin & Schmerling, we understand how stressful the aftermath of a crash can be. Our Baltimore-based team has extensive experience helping clients across Maryland pursue the compensation they deserve. To schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated car accident attorneys, contact us today or call (410) 753-4611.