Truck drivers operate some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road, and as a result they have a heightened duty to those with whom they share the road. One of truck drivers’ most obvious duties is to safely operate their vehicles while on public roads. This includes remaining free from the effects of drugs or alcohol, getting enough rest to be fully aware while driving, and also paying full attention to their surroundings.
When a truck driver fails to live up to this standard, the likelihood of causing an accident greatly increases. When an accident does occur, the accident victim may be entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries from the truck driver and potentially the driver’s employer.
Trucking companies are not liable in every truck accident case; however, they can often be named as additional defendants when the accident victim can show that there was some negligence on the employer’s part, or the truck driver was acting within the scope of his employment at the time of the accident. This may also be appropriate when the truck supplied by the employer had a dangerous defect, or the employer failed to conduct an adequate background check of the employee prior to hiring him.
Naming additional defendants in truck accident cases is important, since it may be that the truck driver himself does not have adequate assets or insurance to cover the damages caused by the accident.
Truck Driver Runs Red Light, Killing One
Earlier this month, a truck accident in Georgia killed one man as he was crossing through an intersection with a green light. According to a local news source, a semi-truck ran a red light and struck a car that was crossing the intersection. After that initial collision, the truck continued into opposing traffic, where it struck a small pick-up truck, dragging it off the road and into the nearby woods. One person was taken to the hospital in serious condition, and another was killed as a result of the accident.
Police are currently conducting an investigation into the fatal truck accident and have not determined whether the driver of the semi-truck will face any criminal charges for his role in causing the accident.
Have You Been Involved in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a Maryland truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing injured clients in a broad range of personal injury actions, including those arising from truck accidents. To schedule a free consultation with a dedicated and experienced attorney to discuss your case, call 410-654-3600 today. Calling is free and will not result in any obligation unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Truck Accidents Caused by Government Agencies, Employees, or Contractors, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 24, 2017.
Court Reversed Default Judgment Against Allegedly Negligent Truck Driver, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 3, 2017.