Truck drivers are trusted to operate some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. And while most tractor-trailer drivers take their job seriously and would not intentionally do anything to put themselves or other motorists at risk, there are some exceptions. Some semi-truck drivers place more importance in getting to their destination quickly than getting there safely.
There are many causes of truck accidents. However, distracted and drowsy driving are two causes that are disproportionately represented among all fatal Maryland truck accidents. Truck drivers are compensated by the mile, so the more mileage a driver can cover in a day, the more money they will make. As a result, some drivers ignore the signs of fatigue or try to delay tiredness from setting in by taking both legal and illegal substances.
While it is not against the law for a truck driver to have a legal substance such as caffeine in their system, it can contribute to the driver feeling jittery and may impact their judgment. In addition, when the effects of the caffeine wear off, the driver may experience a significant drop in their energy level, increasing the likelihood that they will doze off while behind the wheel.
After a truck accident, those injured as a result of the collision can pursue a claim for compensation against the driver and potentially the trucking company that employs the driver. To succeed, an injury victim must be able to establish that the truck driver was legally negligent. Evidence that a semi-truck driver was tired, under the influence, or distracted at the time of the accident can be used to establish a claim of negligence.
Fatal Chain Reaction Accident Claims Two Lives
Earlier this month, two people were killed and several others injured in a chain-reaction truck accident. According to a local news report, the accident occurred in the morning hours when a box truck approached slowed traffic on the highway. The driver of the box truck failed to slow the vehicle, which crashed into two cars before spinning out of control and slamming into a third. The truck eventually came to a rest, pinning another vehicle against the guard rail.
In all, two people died and five people were hospitalized, including a 15-year-old boy, who was admitted in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the accident, and noted that the number of lanes on the highway decreases near the area where the accident occurred. They believe that this is what caused the slow down leading to the rear-end collision.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland truck accident, contact the dedicated personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. At the Maryland truck accident law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, we work closely with accident victims and their families, helping them pursue claims for financial compensation from those who are responsible for their injuries. To learn more, and to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney today, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation.