Crashes involving large seized vehicles such as trucks or RVs and campers are inherently more dangerous for a number of reasons. Trucks, especially semi-trucks or 18-wheelers are heavier and larger than standard passenger vehicles, resulting in more serious accidents when they are involved in crashes. Additionally, the conditions that many truck drivers operate under force them to drive extreme distances, resulting in fatigue. Finally, shipping trucks are also potentially carrying hazardous cargo, complicating truck crashes and accidents. While many people intuitively understand the greater risks involved in truck accidents, they may not know that according to the statistical analysis organization Policy Advice, truck accidents have increased by 52% since 2009, and 74% of all fatal passenger vehicle accidents include a large truck. A recent news article discussed a local fatal truck crash.
According to the news article about a recent local truck crash, the accident occurred in the evening around 8:26 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, when an RV and a tractor-trailer collided on Interstate 66. A preliminary investigation by the Virginia State Police has resulted in the arrest of the RV driver, a 25-year-old male from Houston, on charges of reckless driving and driving without a license. The authorities have further stated that the crash reportedly caused the RV to slide down an embankment into several trees after driving off the road and hitting a guardrail. Two passengers in the RV died at the scene, with an additional passenger suffering life-threatening injuries, and the driver and four other passengers suffering minor injuries. It is reported that none of the passengers in the RV were reportedly wearing seatbelts. The driver of the tractor-trailer was also transported to the hospital for treatment for minor injuries sustained in the crash. The police have stated that there is an active investigation into the accident.
Does Negligence on My Part Affect My Maryland Case?
Contributory Negligence is a legal concept that potentially prevents plaintiffs in an accident case from receiving recovery for injuries resulting from a crash if their negligence contributed to the accident to any degree. Essentially, even if the negligence of the operator of another vehicle is largely responsible for the accident, if the plaintiff was even a little negligent, it is possible they will not be able to recover compensation. In Maryland, contributory negligence is interpreted very broadly, allowing minor negligence by the plaintiff in personal injury cases to defeat even very strong claims.
Have You Been Hurt in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured or died in a Maryland truck accident, let the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen help you recover the damages you deserve. Expenses and injuries from a motor vehicle accident can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced team of lawyers by your side can make all the difference. Our attorneys have successfully represented injury victims at every stage of the process, ensuring that they obtain the proper damages. With our team, you can have faith that your claim is being pursued properly. If you have questions about your case, call us today at 800-654-1949 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a Maryland injury lawyer at our office.