Truck drivers have an enormous responsibility. With loaded rigs weighing up to 40 tons, the trucks these drivers operate are massive, difficult to steer, and prone to causing mayhem if not properly controlled. For these reasons, federal and state laws act to regulate the trucking industry, requiring drivers to obtain special licenses, register their cargo and route, and constantly ensure that their rig is in safe working condition. In addition, truck drivers must also follow the rules of the road that apply to all motorists, such as refraining from drunk or distracted driving.
When there is a lapse in judgment, or an oversight on the part of a truck driver, the driver may be held liable in a Maryland personal injury lawsuit. These lawsuits, brought under the theory of negligence, require an accident victim to show that there was some negligent act or omission that caused the accident that resulted in the victim’s injuries. If this is successfully proven, an accident victim may receive compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering they endured as a result of the accident.
Truck Accident Caused by Sleeping Driver
Earlier this month in North Carolina, 50,000 pounds of potatoes spilled onto the road after a semi-truck driver crashed into a barrier and rolled the truck onto its side. According to one local news source covering the accident, the truck driver was traveling on Interstate 77 at around 2 a.m. when the accident occurred.