Any time a motorist’s vehicle breaks down on the highway, it’s a stressful occasion. The first thought in most motorists’ minds after a breakdown is ensuring that they are able to stop the car safely and park it in a secure location. After that, however, a motorist’s attention likely shifts to the logistics of how to get the car to a repair shop, gas station, or back home.
Leaving a vehicle on the side of the highway, of course, is very dangerous. Passing motorists may not be paying attention and can run into a roadside vehicle, even if it is not blocking a lane. In fact, each year there are hundreds of Maryland roadside accidents involving parked or disabled vehicles on the side of the road.
Determining fault in a roadside accident can be tricky. For instance, if the motorist was safely parked on the side of the highway and was not obstructing any of the lanes, the passing motorist may be at fault. However, if a driver leaves a portion of their vehicle protruding into a lane of travel the passing motorist may not be at fault. These cases depend heavily on the specific facts surrounding the accident.
Truck Collides with Broken Down Motorhome, Killing Two
Earlier this month in Australia, a mother and her young son were killed when the motorhome they were in was struck by a passing semi-truck. According to a recent news report, the motorhome had run out of gas earlier that day, and the woman’s husband left to go get gas. As he was gone, a semi-truck towing two trailers slammed into the rear of the motorhome, causing massive damage to both vehicles.
At the time of the collision, the mother and four of the couple’s children were inside the motorhome. The mother and her 10-year-old son were killed in the collision. The three other children were all taken to the hospital with various injuries. The husband was later found by authorities about five miles from the scene of the accident.
The truck driver was arrested and charged with several serious crimes, including dangerous driving resulting in death and dangerous driving causing serious bodily injury. He has since been release after posting bail, but was ordered not to leave Western Australia or get within two miles of an airport or train station.
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, LLC have extensive experience representing injury victims in a wide range of Maryland truck accidents. To learn more about how we can help you pursue your claim for compensation, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
More Blog Posts:
Court Reverses Plaintiff’s Award in Bus Accident Case Based on Improper Jury Instruction, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published June 19, 2018.
Court Upholds Multi-Million Dollar Verdict in Train Accident Case, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 7, 2018.