Tragedy struck in Illinois when a tanker truck carrying toxic chemicals was forced off the road, resulting in a deadly crash that took five lives. The accident occurred when a 17-year-old minivan driver, attempting to pass the tanker, caused the truck to swerve off the road to avoid a head-on collision. The truck, carrying 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia, jackknifed and struck a utility trailer, puncturing the tank and releasing a hazardous chemical spill. The plume of toxic gas led to the deaths of five people, including three family members, and forced the evacuation of around 500 people from the surrounding area. This heartbreaking event highlights the catastrophic consequences that can occur when trucks carrying dangerous materials are involved in accidents. Understanding the legal implications of such accidents under Maryland law is essential for victims and their families, as the consequences can be devastating, both physically and emotionally.
Truck Accidents and Maryland Law
In Maryland, victims of truck accidents have the right to pursue compensation when they suffer injuries or the loss of loved ones due to someone else’s negligence. Large commercial trucks, like the one involved in the Illinois accident, carry unique risks, especially when transporting hazardous materials such as chemicals. These materials pose dangers to those directly involved in the crash and surrounding communities, as evidenced by the need for widespread evacuations in the Illinois case.
Maryland has strict laws governing the operation of commercial trucks, particularly those carrying hazardous materials. Trucking companies must comply with state and federal regulations to safely transport dangerous substances. When these regulations are violated, or negligent driving leads to an accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
In this Illinois case, negligence was apparent when the teen driver of the minivan admitted to cutting off the tanker truck, forcing it to swerve to avoid a head-on collision. In an attempt to give the minivan room to merge back into the right lane, the truck driver moved onto the shoulder, lost traction, and ultimately collided with a utility trailer that punctured the chemical tank. This series of events led to the release of a toxic gas that claimed five lives and injured many more. Similar accidents in Maryland could result in significant legal consequences for those responsible, whether it’s the negligent driver, the trucking company, or other parties involved.
How Does Negligence Play a Role in Truck Accident Cases?
Truck accidents involving hazardous materials, such as the Illinois tanker crash, often result from negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm. In the Illinois case, the teen driver’s reckless decision to pass the tanker in a no-passing zone at high speeds created the dangerous situation that ultimately caused the crash. Even though the driver may not have intended to cause harm, their lack of judgment resulted in a fatal accident.
In Maryland, negligence is critical in determining liability in truck accident cases. If a driver, like the teen in the Illinois crash, is found to have driven recklessly or violated traffic laws, they can be held liable for the damages caused by the accident. Additionally, if the trucking company fails to maintain its vehicles or properly train its drivers, it may also be held accountable.
Truck accidents are often complex because they can involve multiple parties. For example, in the Illinois crash, the teen driver was directly responsible for forcing the tanker off the road. Still, the trucking company may also be investigated for whether its driver responded appropriately or if the truck was properly maintained. In Maryland, federal regulations impose even stricter safety standards when hazardous materials are involved. A failure to follow these standards can lead to significant liability for the trucking company.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.