Chances are, anyone who has spent much time driving has ended up stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, empty gas tank, or some other mechanical problem. Not only is this an incredibly frustrating experience, but it is also a very dangerous one.
While the number of accidents involving one or more stationary vehicles on the side of the road is small, these accidents represent a disproportionate number of the fatal Maryland car accidents reported each year. This is due to several reasons, but primarily these accidents are so serious because they involve one vehicle – often a semi-truck – traveling at very high speeds.
Truck drivers are often involved in roadside accidents. For one, semi-trucks spend a lot of time on the road. More important, however, is the fact that these trucks are massive, and it only takes a small misjudgment to cause what can turn out to be a serious accident. Additionally, the drivers who operate these large trucks are often doing so for hours on end with little sleep.
Two-Truck Accident Sends Two to the Hospital
Earlier this month, an accident that occurred on a Texas highway sent two men to the hospital. According to a local news report covering the accident, a semi-truck driver had pulled his rig over onto the shoulder of the road after getting a flat tire. The driver called for assistance and was waiting for the service truck to arrive when a box truck carrying large appliances that was traveling in the same direction drifted out of its lane and crashed into the rear of the semi-truck.
The box truck flipped over onto its side before coming to a rest, while the semi-truck remained upright after the collision. Both trucks were occupied only by the drivers, and both drivers were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police have begun an investigation into the accident but have not yet issued any citations, according to the article.
The Duties of Maryland Truck Drivers
Maryland truck drivers have a duty to ensure the safe operation of their vehicles. Of course, this means, at a minimum, following all traffic laws and posted traffic signs. However, it also includes exercising proper judgment when it comes to when and where to pull off to the side of the road, how far to pull off, and when to take a break to rest the driver’s eyes. Any time a semi-truck driver fails to exercise the necessary level of caution, they can be held responsible for any injuries that result from their oversight.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Semi-Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland truck accident attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing victims in a wide range of Maryland personal injury cases, including truck accidents. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule your free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Court Refuses Defense Request for Instruction on Mitigation of Damages in Recent Truck Accident Case, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published March 20, 2018.
Virginia Court Dismisses Product Liability Case Against Truck Manufacturer, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 4, 2018.