Earlier this week in Dundalk, a four-year-old boy was killed when he was hit by a tow-truck driver in an alley near his home. According to one local news report covering the tragic incident, the collision took place on the 1900 block of Jasmine Road at around one o’clock on a Sunday afternoon.
Evidently, the boy was playing in an alley near his home when the tow-truck driver came speeding down the alley. The boy was struck, and moments later his mother arrived on the scene, finding him dead. The driver of the truck remained on the scene and cooperated with police. He was not arrested immediately after the accident, however, and the investigation is ongoing. Police do not believe that drugs or alcohol was involved in the fatal accident.
One person on the scene told reporters that it is too common to see drivers speed down the alleyways in the neighborhood. He explained that people “don’t watch out for these kids; they are in just a hurry, and they don’t slow down.”
Truck Accidents on City Streets
Large trucks spend most of their time on the highway, with fairly straight roads, clear lines of sight, and usually an ample amount of time to react to upcoming road hazards. However, an entirely different set of skills is required to operate a large vehicle, such as a semi truck or tow truck, on city streets. In these situations, drivers of large vehicles need to be even more careful and aware of their surroundings.
Given the inherent limitations of large trucks, such as their increased stopping distance, large blind spots, and wide turning radii, what may be normal driving behavior for an operator of a car could be considered negligent for a truck driver. One such example is traveling on a narrow street. When a car is traveling down a narrow street or alley, the driver likely has a full range of vision and can stop in time if anything – such as a child or a pet – should hop out in front of them. However, with the limitations of a large truck, the driver should travel much more slowly to give himself more time to slow down as well as to give nearby pedestrians a chance to know he is approaching. A truck driver’s failure to reduce his speed in this situation may give rise to civil liability.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Maryland truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. It is important for accident victims to keep in mind that just because police do not arrest or cite a driver after an accident does not mean that the driver cannot be held responsible for any injuries resulting from an accident. With the help of an attorney, it is possible to prove to a judge or jury that you are entitled to compensation based on the driver’s negligence. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to speak to an attorney. Calling is free and will not cost you anything unless you receive compensation for your injuries.
More Blog Posts:
Bus Involved in Fatal Accident: One Dead, 13 Injured, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 4, 2015.
Weather Blamed for Recent Semi-Truck Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 7, 2015.