Over the next several months of winter, Maryland will likely see numerous rain and snow storms. Indeed, the average amount of snowfall in Maryland as a whole is over 20 inches per year. In some areas of the state, the average reaches above 100 inches per year. It will come as no surprise to motorists to hear that the road conditions after a snowstorm can be extremely dangerous for all motorists. This is especially the case for those operating large semi-trucks or tractor-trailers.
Commercial drivers who operate these large trucks are considered professional drivers and are required to obtain a certain amount of training. However, no amount of training can substitute for the good judgment required to safely operate a large truck on slick and icy Maryland roads after a snow storm. Not all truck accidents are avoidable, but there are certain things that all truck drivers should do in order to ensure safe travel during inclement road conditions:
- Ensure that all tires are in good condition and are properly inflated;
- Double-check the braking systems before each trip;
- Ensure adequate stopping distance by not following too closely;
- Always remain distraction-free; and
- Maintain a safe speed given the conditions.
When a truck driver fails to take the weather conditions into account, he places motorists around him at a greater risk of serious injury or death. Anyone injured in a Maryland truck accident should seek out a dedicated personal injury attorney to determine if they have a right to recover compensation for their injuries against the truck driver responsible for the accident.
Truck Carrying Livestock Misses Turn and Slides Off the Highway
Earlier this month in Minnesota, a semi-truck carrying hogs slid off the road as it was attempting to make a turn into its final destination. According to a local news source covering the single-vehicle accident, as the driver attempted to turn into the farm, the truck slid on the icy road, eventually rolling over in a roadside ditch.
The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital, where he was admitted with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Thankfully, no other vehicles were involved in the accident. Police told reporters that there were 35 other accidents on that same stretch of highway that same day, most due to adverse weather conditions.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. While not every accident is avoidable, many are, and when a truck driver could have taken action to avoid an accident but failed to do so, they may be held liable for the injuries caused as a result. To learn more about Maryland truck accidents and how you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries, call 410-654-3600 to speak with a dedicated Maryland truck accident attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Mass Transit Accidents in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. Areas, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 18, 2017.
Semi-Truck Drivers and the Responsibility They Owe to the Public, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 4, 2017.