Like any other driver, when a Maryland truck driver hits the road, they are expected to drive carefully, or to exercise “reasonable care.” The standard of reasonable care extends even to emergency situations. This means that when a truck driver encounters an emergency on the road, such as a Maryland truck accident, the truck driver must still exercise reasonable care. However, this standard considers the circumstances the driver is presented with and the amount of time the driver has to react.
What Does a Truck Accident Victim Need to Prove in a Personal Injury Claim?
In a Maryland accident case, a plaintiff has to show that a defendant failed to meet the standard of care. In Maryland, if a truck driver suddenly finds himself in a dangerous situation, the driver is not expected to exercise the same degree of care as a driver who has sufficient time to evaluate his or her options and decide what to do. But the driver is expected to exercise reasonable care for his or her own safety and for the safety of others. This doctrine is known as the sudden emergency doctrine. However, the truck driver cannot benefit from the doctrine if the driver is the one who caused the emergency or if the driver is not actually in a dangerous situation. So, if a truck driver damages another person or property in an emergency situation, the question is, when the truck driver was presented with the emergency, did the truck driver exercise the degree of care that a reasonable, prudent person would, given the circumstances? A jury or a judge will also take into consideration the amount of time the driver had to react and evaluate the choices. Failing to take reasonable care under the circumstances may make the driver liable for resulting damages.
Six People Killed in Crash Involving Over 100 Vehicles
Six people died in a recent crash in Texas that involved over 100 vehicles, according to one news article. Many others were trapped in their vehicles and transported to hospitals for injuries. The multi-vehicle crash occurred after icy conditions made the roads slippery. The crash involved multiple eighteen-wheeler trucks and cars, some of which were turned on their sides or piled on top of one another. The scene of the crash was about a mile long. A spokesperson for an emergency services agency at the scene said that although they train for such an event, “you never really expect it to happen.” There was a winter weather advisory for the region and the National Weather Service had warned residents of dangerous travel conditions. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Contact a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck drivers must follow strict federal and state regulations in addition to general driving principles. If a driver fails to follow regulations and a crash occurs, the Maryland truck accident lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC are here to hold the driver accountable. The truck driver’s employer also may be liable for damages and Lebowitz & Mzhen will seek the full extent of a truck accident victim’s injuries. They will pursue all parties responsible for causing a victim’s injuries. Call them to schedule a free consultation at (800) 654-1949 or contact them via their online form.