Equipment failure is a major cause of Maryland truck accidents. Earlier this month, an accident between a dump truck and several other vehicles sent seven people to the hospital – three in critical condition. According to a local news report covering the accident, the collision occurred in the morning hours as the truck was hauling burn debris away from a recent wildfire.
Evidently, the dump truck was traveling downhill when it failed to stop at a red light at the bottom of the hill. The dump truck collided with a total of 10 vehicles as it careened through the intersection. Seven of the 10 vehicles caught fire, requiring a total of seven motorists to be taken to the hospital. Of the accident victims, three were admitted in critical condition.
The dump truck driver remained on the scene and has cooperated with police. When asked, the driver told police that he tried to apply the brakes, but the truck would not stop or even slow down. However, police have yet to label the cause of the accident as equipment failure and are conducting an in-depth investigation.
In the wake of the accident, all 200 trucks used to haul away debris from the area had to undergo mandatory brake checks to ensure that this type of accident does not occur in the future.
Maryland Truck Accidents Caused by Equipment Failure
The accident discussed above is not unique. Each year, over 60 people in Maryland are killed in truck accidents. Many of these accidents are due to equipment failure. The most common equipment failures involve braking systems, steering systems, and tires. When these systems give out, truck drivers are likely to lose control of the vehicle, which may result in a truck accident.
To help prevent these accidents, truck drivers are required to take adequate precautions before they embark on a trip. This may mean conducting a quick walk-around each time the driver gets out of the vehicle, as well as performing all necessary maintenance as specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer. When a Maryland truck accident results from a driver’s failure to take adequate precautions, the accident victim may be able to obtain monetary compensation for their injuries from the truck’s driver, and potentially the trucking company.
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 attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing accident victims and their families in a wide range of truck accident cases. We provide Maryland accident victims with a free consultation to discuss their case and ask any questions about the process. Call 410-654-3600 today to schedule your free consultation. Calling is free, as is the consultation, and we won’t bill you for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Establishing Liability in Maryland Chain Reaction Truck Accidents, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 17, 2018.
Truck Driver Is Investigated Following Deadly Train Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 5, 2018.