Earlier this month in Michigan, a truck accident involving 53 vehicles claimed the lives of three people. According to one local news source covering the tragedy, the accident occurred when a sudden snowfall caused white-out conditions on the highway. Evidently, the massive chain reaction accident began when a semi-truck jackknifed, blocking most of the lanes on the highway.
Authorities do not know exactly what happened in the moments after the initial collision between several cars and the jackknifed semi-truck, due to the number of subsequent collisions and vehicles involved. However, authorities are confident in labeling this as a weather-related accident, since the road already had a thin sheet of ice on it before it started to snow.
Witnesses to the accident told reporters that cars and trucks approaching the pile-up were applying their brakes as soon as they could see the upcoming collision, but they were often too late. Dozens of vehicles collided on the highway, and dozens more ended up off the road in an attempt to avoid what would have been a certain collision.
Weather-Related Truck Accidents in Maryland
While Maryland may not present the same weather threats that motorists in northern Michigan face, there are still several months out of the year that present challenges for motorists, especially on highways when driving near large semi-trucks. Despite the fact that semi-truck drivers have a duty to only operate their vehicles when it is safe to do so, the profession is under constant pressure to travel as many miles a day as quickly as possible. This often puts a truck driver in a position to choose between safety and efficiency.
When a truck driver is involved in an accident during inclement weather, it will not automatically be considered his fault. An investigation will be conducted, and the authorities will determine whether the truck driver should have pulled off. In some cases, a citation may be issued. However, regardless of whether a citation is issued, the truck driver may face civil liability to anyone injured in the accident. These cases are determined by the courts, rather than by police. While a police-issued citation may help a personal injury plaintiff prove their case against an allegedly negligent truck driver, it is by no means a pre-requisite to success.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland truck accident, and you believe that it was caused by a negligent truck driver, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Each year, hundreds of motorists in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. areas are victims of a truck driver’s negligence. Many later find out that they are entitled to monetary compensation to help them cover the costs associated with being an accident victim, including compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering. Call the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Calling is free, and you will not be billed for our time or services unless you are successful in recovering the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Plaintiff Alleging Shuttle Bus Injury Allowed to Proceed Toward Trial Against Owner Based on Actions of Third Parties, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 3, 2016.
School Bus Accident Kills Six Children, Driver Arrested on Vehicular Homicide Charges, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 5, 2016.