Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
Earlier this month, a tanker trailer overturned on Interstate 95, blocking all southbound lanes and two northbound lanes for several hours while emergency workers cleared the scene. According to an article by the Washington Post, the accident took place on I-95 South near Route 200, in Beltsville.
Evidently, the truck was heading south when another driver was speeding in and out of traffic. Somehow, the truck lost control and tipped over, perpendicular to the roadway. This caused all southbound lanes to be blocked, as well as two of the northbound lanes. In addition, the tanker-truck began to leak bio-diesel fuel all over the highway. It is estimated that by the time the wreck was completely cleaned up over 1,000 gallons of bio-diesel was spilled onto the roadway.
One driver was cited for his involvement in the accident. He is a 23-year-old man from Laurel, Maryland. Police cited him for failure to control speed to avoid a collision and reckless driving. It is unclear if the truck driver will also face any criminal charges for his role in the accident.
Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in the tanker-trailer accident. However, the road was closed for almost eight hours and resulted in a traffic back-up of three miles.
Big Rig Accidents on Maryland Highways
This accident is unusual in that the truck involved in the accident toppled over exactly perpendicular to the roadway, blocking all passing traffic. However, semi-truck and tractor-trailer accidents like this one happen every day across Maryland and the surrounding states. Many times, the truck drivers themselves are at least partially responsible for these accidents. In fact, most semi-truck or tractor-trailer accidents involve one or more of the following:
- Talking on the phone or use of the CB radio while driving;
- Groggy driving;
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Texting while driving; or
- Simply not paying attention to the road ahead.
Liability in Truck Accidents
From reading the report mentioned above, it is not absolutely clear that the police thought that truck driver was at fault in the crash. However, that doesn’t mean that someone injured in an accident should not consider naming the truck driver or trucking company as a party nonetheless.
Personal injury cases are often resolved on facts that may not be present upon first glance. For example, if the truck driver in the accident above was not cited for the accident, but still failed to avoid it, he may be held liable for injuries that resulted from the accident, as well as the other driver who police claim caused the accident. In other words, the police investigation is not the only one that matters in personal injury cases. An experienced attorney can also conduct an investigation and potentially uncover facts favorable to your case.
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 based on the truck driver’s negligence. Even if the truck driver is not cited by police for his or her role in the accident, that will not prevent them from being found civilly liable. To learn more, contact one of the dedicated and experienced attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. The skilled advocates at Lebowitz & Mzhen have decades of experience recovering for injured Marylanders. Call 610-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Several Inmates and Correctional Officers Killed in Fatal Bus Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 20, 2014.
Maryland Truck Driver Facing Criminal Charges for 2013 Fatal Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 25, 2015