While semi-trucks present a serious danger on Maryland highways, the risk of a Maryland truck accident only increases when these large trucks exit the highway and begin to travel through Maryland cities on smaller and more crowded roads. In fact, each year about 450 pedestrians and bicyclists are killed in semi-truck accidents, most of these occurring on urban or suburban roads.
Semi-trucks carry large amounts of cargo long distances, and they are specifically designed for this purpose. Thus, these trucks are large, difficult to maneuver in close spaces, and have enormous blind spots when compared to passenger vehicles. This undoubtedly makes it difficult for semi-truck drivers to navigate the tight roads of Maryland’s urban hubs. However, Maryland semi-truck drivers always have a legal duty to ensure that they are safely operating their rig, regardless of the type of road they are on.
Man Run Over by Semi-Truck in Dark Parking Lot
Earlier this month, one man in Georgia was killed when he was run over by a semi-truck while walking across a dark parking lot. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the truck driver was heading into company headquarters for the night when he heard a “bump” that he initially thought was a drop in the pavement.
As it turns out, the truck driver had run over a 39-year-old employee who was working at the time. Video surveillance footage showed that the truck driver reversed over the man’s body before getting out to see what he had hit.
Authorities told reporters that the driver immediately called 911, and alerted his employer. He was reported to have been shaken up after the accident, but police do not believe that drugs or alcohol were involved.
Evidently, the accident victim was not wearing any reflective clothing, and investigators found ear protection as well as a pair of headphones near the man’s body. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun an investigation into the fatal accident.
Contributory Negligence in Maryland Truck Accidents
Maryland law is unique in that it imposes a very high burden on plaintiffs who seek to recover for injuries they sustained in a personal injury accident. Under the state’s contributory negligence law, accident victims who are found to have been at all at fault for the accident resulting in their injuries are barred from recovery. Thus, the assistance of a dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyer is crucial to ensure that a small portion of fault is not shifted onto a plaintiff, essentially defeating their entire claim for recovery.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a Maryland truck accident, the dedicated Maryland personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC can help. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we represent individuals who have suffered serious injuries in all types of Maryland truck accidents, including pedestrian accidents and on-the-job accidents. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Wrongful Death Claims Following Fatal Maryland Truck Accidents, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 26, 2018.
Liability in Maryland School Bus Accidents, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 3, 2018.