Earlier this month in North Carolina, an accident between a large truck and an Amtrak train sent 62 people to the hospital with minor injuries. According to a local Washington DC news source, the accident occurred near Halifax, North Carolina.
Evidently, a large semi-truck was traveling with an escort vehicle when the truck got struck attempting to maneuver across the tracks. It seems that the truck driver was attempting to make a turn over the tracks when the truck got stuck and couldn’t free itself. Roughly 15-20 minutes later, an Amtrak train with 212 passengers and eight crew members aboard slammed into the immobilized truck. In all, 62 people were sent to the hospital with minor injuries.
As more information was discovered about the crash, it seems that the truck driver had access to a number to call when such unusual situations arise on or near railroad tracks. The number, if he had called it, would have alerted the train’s conductor that there was a problem ahead and likely would have avoided the accident. As it turns out, the number was posted at the very crossing where the truck got stuck.
Truck Driver Negligence on Maryland Roads
Most truck drivers, including those traveling across the State of Maryland, are not required to plan in advance the route the truck will take over railway crossings. However, in allowing truck drivers this freedom, lawmakers contemplate that truck drivers will act responsibly when situations like the above do arise. In the situation discussed, it seems as though there was no excuse for the driver of the truck to overlook calling the number that was posted at the very intersection where he was stuck.
In fact, according to the article, truck drivers are actually provided training on this exact topic and should be familiar with what to do.
Accidents Caused By Maryland Truck Drivers
Under Maryland State law, a negligent truck driver can be held liable in a Maryland court for any accident occurring in the state. This applies regardless of where the truck driver is from, where the truck is registered, and even where the accident victim resides. As long as the accident occurred on a Maryland road, the case can be filed in Maryland.
Maryland law protects the innocent victims of truck accidents by allowing them to seek monetary compensation from the responsible truck driver, if they can prove that their injuries were a result of the truck driver’s negligence. Proving this is best done with the assistance of a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a truck accident on a Maryland road or highway, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, keep in mind that the truck driver, the owner of the truck, and their respective insurance companies will likely fight you on the issue of liability, hoping to evade responsibility. Make sure you do everything you can to hold the responsible party accountable. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a meeting with a dedicated and experienced Maryland personal injury attorney.
More Blog Posts:
Several Inmates and Correctional Officers Killed in Fatal Bus Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 20, 2015.
Maryland Truck Driver Facing Criminal Charges for 2013 Fatal Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 25, 2015.