Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
Fatal truck accidents have surged nearly 50% over the past decade, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The most recent statistics reveal an alarming increase in deadly collisions involving large trucks, with 5,837 such crashes recorded in 2022 alone. This trend highlights the growing risks motorists face on Maryland highways and rural roads.
Due to their size and weight, trucks pose a significant threat in any collision. The majority of fatalities in these crashes involve occupants of smaller vehicles, making it critical to examine why these incidents are increasing and how they impact Maryland drivers.
Increased Truck Traffic Brings Greater Risks
Maryland’s major highways, such as I-95, I-70, and the Capital Beltway, see heavy truck traffic daily. Large commercial trucks transport goods across the region, often traveling at high speeds and covering long distances. The more trucks on the road, the greater the likelihood of accidents, particularly when drivers exceed speed limits, operate under fatigue, or fail to account for blind spots.
Recent data from the NHTSA reflect these dangers. Over 120,000 trucks were involved in injury-causing crashes in 2022, an 18% rise since 2016. The number of fatal truck accidents has climbed steadily, with passenger vehicle occupants suffering the most severe consequences.
Maryland Drivers Face Heightened Dangers in Rural and Highway Crashes
Although urban congestion contributes to accidents, NHTSA data shows that most fatal truck crashes occur on non-interstate roads. Maryland’s mix of rural and suburban highways presents unique hazards, as truck drivers may encounter unexpected curves, intersections, or reduced visibility.
High-speed impacts are particularly deadly. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it difficult to stop suddenly. When a collision happens, the force exerted on smaller vehicles leads to catastrophic outcomes. In 2022, over 70% of those killed in truck crashes were in other vehicles, highlighting the devastating impact on passenger cars.
Why Fatal Truck Accidents Keep Increasing
Several factors contribute to the rise in fatal truck crashes. Increased freight demands mean more trucks on the road, leading to higher accident rates. Driver fatigue remains a significant concern, as long hours and tight deadlines push truck operators past safe limits. Even though federal regulations restrict driving time, violations still occur, putting others at risk.
Distracted driving also plays a role. The demands of operating a commercial truck, with GPS use, mobile devices, and communication with dispatch, can divert attention from the road. When a truck driver is distracted, reaction time slows, and avoiding sudden hazards becomes nearly impossible.
Legal Challenges for Victims of Truck Accidents
Survivors and families of those killed in truck crashes often face significant legal hurdles. Unlike standard car accidents, truck collisions involve multiple parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and insurance carriers. Each of these entities may attempt to shift blame or minimize liability.
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if a victim is found even slightly responsible for an accident, they may be barred from recovering damages. This legal standard makes it critical to gather substantial evidence, such as black box data, truck maintenance records, and driver logs, to establish fault.
How Can You Hold Negligent Truck Drivers and Companies Accountable?
When a truck driver’s reckless behavior leads to a fatal crash, accountability extends beyond criminal charges. Families may pursue wrongful death claims against drivers and the companies that employ them. Trucking companies may often be held responsible for negligent hiring, poor training, or failure to enforce safety regulations.
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Legal action can provide financial relief for medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income. More importantly, it reinforces the need for stricter enforcement of trucking safety laws, helping prevent similar tragedies.
The growing number of fatal truck crashes demands attention. As these collisions continue to rise, drivers in Maryland remain at risk. Holding negligent parties accountable is essential to making roadways safer for everyone.
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.