With the many highways across the State of Maryland, one need not look too long to find a semi-truck. More so than other smaller vehicles, semi-trucks are capable of causing mass destruction when they are involved in an accident. This is especially the case when the other vehicles involved in the accident are smaller cars, trucks, or motorcycles.
Since they are operating such dangerous machines, semi-truck drivers are under a duty to always safely operate their vehicles. Of course, this means remaining free from the intoxicating effects of drugs or alcohol, but it also requires more than just that. In fact, semi-truck drivers must follow many different state and federal regulations in order to be in compliance and legally operate their trucks on the nation’s highways.
One area of regulation that is often disregarded by truck drivers is the federal resting requirement. Under federal law, semi-truck drivers can only be on the road for so many hours each day before taking a rest. Additionally, truck drivers may only be on the road for a certain number of hours per week. Truck drivers who cause an accident and are in violation of this regulation may be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages they caused.
One possible example of a truck driver operating his vehicle out of compliance was reported earlier this month in Texas, where two Georgia residents were killed after the vehicle they were riding in was struck by a semi-truck. According to one local news source, the accident took place when a California truck driver inexplicably crashed into the vehicle being operated by one of the victims.
Evidently, the victims were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by emergency responders. Police cited the driver of the semi-truck with two counts of vehicular manslaughter. At the time of the article’s publication, there was no evidence suggesting that the driver of the vehicle was intoxicated. As a part of the investigation, police told reporters that they will look into whether the driver was intoxicated and also how long the truck driver had been on the road at the time of the accident.
Holding a truck driver responsible for negligent driving can be a complex task, depending on the specific circumstances giving rise to the accident. Potentially further complicating things is the fact that the truck driver’s employer may also be liable. To learn more about truck accidents, and when an innocent victim may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries, contact a dedicated Maryland truck accident attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious Maryland truck accident, you should seek out a dedicated attorney to discuss your case immediately. Every case is subject to a statute of limitations, which can act to prevent an injured motorist from recovering the compensation they deserve. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation with a knowledgeable advocate at the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. The compassionate and skilled attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen have decades of experience bringing cases on behalf of injured Marylanders and would be happy to speak with you about your case. Call today.
More Blog Posts:
Bus Involved in Fatal Accident: One Dead, 13 Injured, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 4, 2015.
Weather Blamed for Recent Semi-Truck Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 7, 2015.