Maryland truck drivers are required to safely operate their rigs at all times. However, truck drivers are human and will frequently make mistakes or errors in judgment. One of the more common mistakes we see truck drivers make is driving while too tired. Drowsy driving is most likely to result in rear-end accidents.
According to the Center for Disease Control, drowsy driving accounts for 6,000 fatal accidents each year. The actual figure is believed to be higher due to drowsy drivers failing to disclose the actual cause of the accident, blaming it on some other factor. Regardless, drowsy driving is a significant safety concern, especially among truck drivers, who are often compensated based on each mile traveled. Maryland truck drivers are financially incentivized to drive as many hours per day so that they can more quickly reach their destination, get home, and begin another trip.
State and federal regulations require that truck drivers obtain a certain amount of rest each day, and take breaks in between long trips. For example, truck drivers can only drive 11 hours in a 14-hour period, and must take a 30-minute break such that the driver is not continuously driving form more than eight hours. Additionally, truck drivers must complete “rest logs” in which the driver documents his travel and rest hours.
Man Recovers $15 Million after Rear-End Truck Accident
In May of 2019, a man recovered $15 million after successfully bringing a lawsuit against the truck driver that rear-ended him while he was stopped in traffic. According to a local news report, the plaintiff was stopped in traffic on the highway when the defendant truck driver approached from behind. The truck driver apparently did not see the stopped traffic until it was too late, and crashed into the man’s vehicle without slowing down.
The collision totaled both vehicles. The force of the crash broke the plaintiff’s car, snapping it backward. The plaintiff needed to be removed from the vehicle by emergency responders, who used the Jaws of Life. As a result of the accident, the plaintiff was seriously injured, and now requires a walker to get around and experiences permanent nerve pain in his leg.
The truck driver told the jury that another car was about to hit him, and he swerved to avoid the collision. However, when asked what happened by the police immediately after the accident, the truck driver did not mention another vehicle. The jury returned a $15 million verdict in favor of the plaintiff, including almost $12 million in non-economic damages.
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 Maryland truck accident attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we aggressively fight for our clients, seeking maximum compensation for the serious injuries that they have sustained. We handle truck accident cases, and other motor vehicle accidents cases, across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation based on the injuries you have sustained, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation today.