Truck accidents happen every week all across the country, including many accidents in Maryland. These accidents vary in severity—some may be minor, leaving drivers with minor injuries, if any at all. Others may be more serious, leading to severe bodily injury or even death. Every so often, a particularly horrendous truck accident makes national headlines. Just this month, one of those accidents occurred on the highway in Southern California. The New York Times reported on this devastating accident, which was responsible for at least thirteen deaths.
According to the New York Times’ coverage, the accident occurred early one Tuesday morning. The crash was shocking. According to officials, a Ford Expedition S.U.V. was driving along the highway, traveling west, with twenty-five people packed inside of it. The S.U.V. pulled in front of a tractor-trailer, headed north, in an intersection, causing a collision that led to the S.U.V. almost wrapped around the front of the truck. By the time emergency crews arrived at the scene, twelve people were already dead. Some had been ejected from the S.U.V. due to the force of the collision and were on the pavement. Others were inside the vehicle. Several people were taken to the hospital with injuries, and one later died. The victims from the crash ranged in age from 20 to 55. Officials still are not sure what exactly caused the crash, or why the S.U.V. pulled in front of the truck. They are also concerned about how many people were inside the S.U.V., which has a maximum legal capacity of seven or eight.
This accident shows how just one reckless action—in this case, pulling in front of another vehicle in an intersection—can have devastating consequences. Over a dozen people lost their lives, presumably because of one driver’s actions. Accidents like this are on the severe end of the range of Maryland truck accidents that occur each year, but still raise awareness of how devastating the actions can be.
What Damages Can Truck Accident Victims Recover Through a Personal Injury Claim?
Each Maryland resident should remember that when they are injured in a truck accident, big or small, the state’s law allows them to file a personal injury lawsuit against whoever was responsible. These lawsuits can result in significant monetary damages awarded to crash victims, to compensate them for their pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and more. In fatal crashes like the one above, families may be able to recover that on behalf of their deceased loved ones. These lawsuits cannot undo the damage done in Maryland truck accidents, but they can provide families with monetary compensation to assist them in their recovery.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you’ve recently been injured in a Maryland truck accident, you know firsthand how difficult and expensive recovery can be. Let the personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen help you to pursue the monetary compensation you’re entitled to through a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys are available for virtual consultations, free of charge, to discuss your case and your legal options with you. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-654-1949.