Many of the large trucks on Maryland roads are operated by state and local government agencies or are working under a government contract of some kind. These include garbage trucks, fire trucks, mail vehicles, and utility vehicles. Like all other truck drivers, those who operate city, county, or state-owned vehicles owe a duty of care to those around them.
Normally, when a driver violates this duty of care by engaging in some kind of negligent act, that driver can be held liable for any injuries that occurred as a result of their negligence through a Maryland personal injury lawsuit. Indeed, this may also be the case when the operator of the vehicle is a government employee, but issues of government immunity will likely arise.
Historically, governments have been immune from liability stemming from accidents caused by government employees. However, over time, states have enacted laws that “waive” this governmental immunity in some cases. In Maryland, lawmakers passed the Maryland Tort Claims Act, which waives governmental immunity in certain circumstances. Generally, in order for a government employee’s actions to qualify for a waiver of immunity, the allegedly negligent actions must have taken place in the performance of the employee’s duties.
It is also important that potential plaintiffs keep in mind that Maryland personal injury lawsuits against government agencies and officials must comply with very strict notice requirements, or the accident victim runs the risk of having their case dismissed before it is heard.
Two Killed in Accident with Government Vehicle
Earlier this month, two people were killed and two others injured in an accident involving a pick-up truck and a local government utility vehicle. According to a local news report, the utility vehicle collided with the passenger side of the pick-up truck, cutting the truck in two. Of the three people inside the pick-up truck, two died from their injuries, and a third was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The driver of the utility vehicle suffered a broken pelvis but is expected to make a full recovery.
Details of the accident are sparse, since there was only one known witness at this time, who arrived shortly after the collision. However, the accident remains under investigation.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of truck accident cases, including those naming government employees and agencies as defendants. We are familiar with the complex laws that govern these cases, and we can ensure that our clients’ cases comply with all procedural and court rules. To learn more, and to speak with a dedicated Maryland truck accident attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 to schedule your free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Maryland Underride Accidents and How They Can Be Prevented, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 19, 2017.
Trucking Industry Opposes New Regulations Requiring Electronic Rest Logs, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 4, 2018.