One of the reasons that tractor-trailers and other large trucks are prone to getting involved in serious accidents is the fact that they require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. This is true even with an empty trailer, but when a truck is fully loaded, it can take up to three times the distance to come to a complete stop, compared to other, smaller vehicles.
It is for this reason that in geographical areas where visibility may be limited for one reason or another, truck drivers need to take extra precautions. The limited visibility may be due to fog or other weather conditions present on the road, but it may also be a function of the road itself. For example, winding roads that travel through heavily forested areas, as well as roads through the hills with peaks and valleys, present difficulties for truck drivers.
Notwithstanding the difficulty of operating a truck in these conditions, it is the truck driver’s duty to ensure the safe operation of his vehicle at all times. This often means researching a route in advance, slowing down to below-posted speeds, or even calling ahead to make arrangements with local law enforcement for safe passage.
Multiple Semi-Trucks Involved in Highway Accident
Earlier this month in Missouri, several trucks were involved in a serious accident when one truck came over a ridge at a high speed and was unable to slow down for traffic that had built up at the top of the hill. According to one local news report, there were three trucks involved in total, one of them carrying hazardous materials.
Evidently, one of the trucks approached the ridge at a high speed, where traffic had backed up for an unknown reason. That truck driver was unable to avoid a collision with another truck that was stuck in traffic. That collision then caused a third truck to be struck. Two of the three trucks caught fire, but thankfully no one was seriously hurt as a result of the accident. Due to the fact that one of the trucks was carrying hazardous materials, roads remained closed for over a day while teams ensured they were safe to travel.
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, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for all you have endured. Truck drivers have a duty to the public to operate their vehicles in a safe manner at all times, but sometimes the pressure of the job gets to a driver, and poor decisions are made. You should not have to be the one to pay for these lapses in judgment. Call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland truck accident attorney at the personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen today. Calling is free and will not result in any obligation on your part unless we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Truck Driver Rear-Ends Amish Buggy, Killing One, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published March 24, 2016.
Accident Involving Truck and Minibus Results in 12 Fatalities, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 6, 2016.