Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
When most people think of a truck accident, images of a massive semi-truck careening out of control down the highway come to mind. And to be sure, many Maryland truck accidents do occur at high speeds on the highway. However, there is also a significant portion of truck accidents that occur when a truck is stationary and pulled off to the side of the road.
In most cases, when a semi-truck has been pulled off the road, it is due either to a mechanical problem or the driver’s decision to pull over and get some rest. Indeed, truck drivers should pull over when they are tired to prevent the possibility of causing an accident. However, Maryland truck drivers have a duty to ensure that when they pull off the road, they are doing so in a safe manner and are not blocking the free flow of traffic. For example, truck drivers should always place warning cones or triangles along the road’s shoulder, providing notice of the truck to approaching drivers.
It is also common to see a stationary semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle that has been partially pulled off the road but is still blocking part of the lane nearest the shoulder. This puts motorists at an increased risk of being involved in an accident because even the most attentive motorist may find themselves without enough room to safely get by.
In these cases, both the truck driver as well as the company that employs the driver may be held liable for any injuries that result from the driver’s failure to safely pull off the road.
Two Killed in Accident with Unoccupied Dump Truck
Earlier this month, a mother and her eight-year-old child were killed when they were involved in an accident with a dump truck. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the collision occurred when the motorist veered into a right-turn lane and ran into the back of the dump truck.
Evidently, the dump truck was unoccupied at the time of the accident and was loaded with asphalt. Reports indicate that the truck had been partially pulled off the road; however, a portion of the truck extended beyond the road’s shoulder and into the right-turn lane. There is no indication whether crews were actively unloading the asphalt or why the truck was partially pulled off the highway. Authorities are in the midst of an investigation into the fatal truck accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience assisting victims and their families with pursuing the compensation they need and deserve from the parties responsible for their injuries. We provide high-quality legal representation that is catered to each of our clients’ diverse needs. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Roadside Accidents Involving Maryland Semi-Trucks, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 18, 2018.
Virginia Court Dismisses Product Liability Case Against Truck Manufacturer, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 4, 2018.