Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
Earlier this month in South Carolina, four Maryland residents died after the vehicle in which they were riding was struck from behind by a semi-truck. According to an article in the Baltimore Sun, the victims included three siblings aged four, five, and seven, as well as another woman. Her relationship to the children is unknown.
The accident took place on Interstate 95 at around 4:00 in the morning. Evidently, the accident victims were heading southbound on I-95 in their 2001 Ford Taurus when an approaching semi-truck rear-ended them. The force from the collision pushed the car into a nearby ravine, where it struck several trees before coming to a rest. The truck also ended up in the ravine, falling on top of the car and trapping the occupants in the rear of the vehicle.
The driver and the front-seat passenger of the vehicle were able to escape, although they suffered serious injuries. However, all four people in the rear of the car were pronounced dead by emergency workers. The driver of the semi-truck suffered minor injuries. Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.
Accidents Involving Distracted Truck Drivers
While the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, it seems likely that the semi-truck driver was either asleep or distracted in the moments before the fatal collision. Both drowsy driving and distracted driving are common causes of truck accidents across Maryland, despite the government’s best efforts to curb these dangerous behaviors.
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and are often compensated by the mile rather than by the hour. This creates an incentive for truck drivers to spend as much time on the road as possible, even if they are tired or cannot keep their attention on the road. While truck drivers are required by federal regulations to get a certain amount of rest per day and between shifts, drivers do not always comply with these requirements.
When a truck driver causes an accident, it is important for the injured parties to determine the cause of the accident because it may enable them to obtain compensation for their injuries. In fact, most truck accidents are preventable and are a result of a truck driver’s negligence. To learn more about Maryland truck accidents, contact a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
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 to help you cover the costs associated with your injuries. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you endured in the wake of the accident. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation with a dedicated and experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand what you may be entitled to receive. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our time unless we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Plaintiff Alleging Shuttle Bus Injury Allowed to Proceed Toward Trial Against Owner Based on Actions of Third Parties, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 3, 2016.
Liability in Maryland Truck Accidents May Extend Beyond the Truck Driver, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 28, 2016.