In March of this year, a Maryland traffic accident involving a semi-truck killed two and injured four. According to a recent news report covering the tragic accident, the driver was using his cellphone while driving a truck in rush-hour traffic one morning. Evidently, the truck crashed into a line of other vehicles, bursting into flames as it came to a stop. Debris from the accident covered the highway for at least a quarter of a mile, and the road was subsequently closed for most of the day.
Two individuals were tragically killed as a result of this crash: a 65-year-old man and a 7-year-old boy. Additionally, four others were seriously injured. Law enforcement recently charged the truck driver responsible for the fatal accident with two counts of gross negligence manslaughter by motor vehicle, two counts of criminal negligence manslaughter by motor vehicle, and four counts of causing serious injury while using a cellphone while driving. The case is still under investigation.
Unfortunately, distracted driving and truck crashes are not uncommon. Truck drivers often drive for long hours, leading to boredom or fatigue, which truck drivers may attempt to remedy by looking at their phone. Other common causes of distracted driving include watching television, talking to passengers, eating, grooming, and texting.
Distracted driving is a major cause of truck accidents in Maryland. When a crash occurs as a result of a distracted driver, criminal charges are always possible. Criminal charges may carry potential fines and jail time for the driver. However, the filing of criminal charges does little to help accident victims deal with the expenses they incurred as a result of the accident.
While nothing can bring back a lost loved one, Maryland law allows for the surviving family members to seek compensation for the tragedy through a Maryland wrongful death case. Under Maryland Code section 3-904, the surviving family members of a deceased accident victim can pursue a wrongful death claim. Typically, these claims are brought by a primary beneficiary, such as a spouse, child, or parent of the deceased, However, in certain situations, other family members may be able to bring suit.
Maryland wrongful death plaintiffs must prove negligence on the part of the driver. Additionally, they must show that the defendant’s negligence caused the victim’s death. This process can be difficult without the aid of an attorney, especially while still grieving the loss of a loved one. Thus, those considering a Maryland wrongful death case should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney for assistance.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you recently lost a loved one in a Maryland truck accident, contact the dedicated attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping the families of Maryland accident victims pursue wrongful death claims against negligent drivers. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we handle accident cases arising in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. If successful, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for your loss. To learn more about how we can help, call 800-654-1949 today to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online through our online form.