City streets can be difficult to navigate, even for those motorists who are driving small vehicles and who are accustomed to driving on them. However, the difficulties of traveling on city streets increase exponentially when the vehicle being driven is a large truck. For example, the driver of a large truck may have difficulty seeing pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists in his blind spot. Similarly, some smaller city streets may require a trucker to make a multi-point turn just to safely navigate his route.
Despite the difficulties truck drivers have when operating their rigs in the city, it is a critical part of their job, and they should be able to operate their vehicles safely on all roads. When a truck driver fails to take into account the size of his rig or is negligent in the operating of the vehicle, a serious injury or death can result. In these cases, a Maryland personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may be used by the aggrieved victims to seek compensation for their injuries or losses.
Flat-Bed Truck Strikes and Kills Cyclist on City Street
Earlier this month in Chicago, a bicyclist was killed when she was struck by a flat-bed truck. According to one local news report covering the tragic accident, the young woman was riding her bicycle on the side of the road, between the truck and the curb, when the accident occurred.
Evidently, the truck was traveling north with the bicyclist on the driver’s right. As the truck attempted to make a right-hand turn, it struck the bicyclist, knocking her to the ground. Witnesses to the accident told police that it seemed as though the truck driver did not see the bicyclist as he attempted the right turn. Across the intersection from where the fatal bicycle accident took place is a sign that reads: “Shared Lane Yield to Bikes.”
Witnesses also told police that the driver of the truck was so distraught that he had to be taken away in an ambulance. Police have not released any information regarding the status of their investigation or whether the truck driver will face any criminal charges. If this accident had occurred in Maryland or Washington, D.C., the family of the deceased young woman would have three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the truck’s driver.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a Maryland or Washington, D.C. truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to help you cover the costs of your injuries or loss. The skilled personal injury attorneys at the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience helping their clients recover financially after serious truck accidents. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up your free consultation. Calling is free and will not result in any obligation to pay for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the recovery you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Court Determines Insurance Contract in Trucking Accident Was Not Ambiguous, Finding in Insurance Company’s Favor, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 7, 2016.
Court Interprets “Good Samaritan Law” Broadly in Truck Accident Case, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 21, 2016.