Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

Amazon Truck Driver Hits Pedestrian and Flees in Baltimore Suburb

March 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A horrifying hit-and-run incident in a Baltimore suburb has raised serious concerns about commercial driver accountability after an Amazon delivery truck ran over a woman crossing the street. Security footage captured the moment a dark blue Amazon van struck the pedestrian at the intersection of E. Pratt and S. Chester Street, rolling over her body and dragging her several feet before the driver briefly stopped. Rather than offering assistance, the driver accelerated, running over the woman a second time before leaving the scene.

The crash occurred just before 9:30 p.m. when the driver, who had been stopped at a red light, moved forward on the green signal without noticing—or choosing to ignore—the pedestrian in the crosswalk. Her screams were caught on camera as the truck crushed her beneath its wheels. Bystanders quickly arrived to assist, and one person was heard stating they had captured an image of the truck, which could prove crucial in identifying the driver.

The Consequences of Commercial Truck Hit-and-Runs

The driver’s decision to flee instead of offering aid has intensified concerns about road safety, particularly for commercial vehicles. Maryland law imposes severe penalties for hit-and-run offenses, especially those involving serious injury. A driver who leaves the scene of a crash involving bodily harm can face steep fines and years in prison. When a commercial vehicle is involved, the driver and the employer may be liable for damages.

Amazon has confirmed that the driver has been temporarily suspended pending further investigation. The company stated it is working with the driver’s employer and local law enforcement to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. However, questions remain regarding Amazon’s oversight of its contracted delivery workforce and whether drivers are receiving adequate training in pedestrian awareness and accident response.

Fatal Truck Accidents Are Increasing on Maryland Roads

March 2, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

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.

Who Is Responsible After a Maryland Truck Accident?

January 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Accidents involving large commercial vehicles often result in devastating injuries or fatalities. In Maryland, trucking laws impose strict responsibilities on drivers and companies to minimize risks to others on the road. A recent fatal collision in Florida between an International truck and a Mack semi-truck illustrates the significant dangers posed by tractor-trailers. While this case occurred out of state, examining Maryland’s regulations provides insight into how similar accidents are handled locally.

Truck Driver Obligations Under Maryland Law

Maryland enforces stringent requirements for commercial drivers, emphasizing safe operation and regular inspections. Commercial truck operators must adhere to state and federal laws, including compliance with hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue. When a driver fails to meet these obligations, accidents can lead to liability for the individual operator and their employer.

Understanding Liability and Establishing Fault After a Snow Plow Accident

December 21, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Snow plow accidents, like the recent fatal collision in Perth East, highlight the unique dangers associated with winter road maintenance vehicles. In this case, a 33-year-old driver tragically lost their life after a plow truck collided with their passenger vehicle. While investigating this specific accident continues, snow plow incidents often raise challenginglegal questions about liability and fault. These cases are distinct from typical vehicle collisions due to the roles and responsibilities of snow plow operators and the challenging conditions in which they operate.

The Dangers of Snow Plow Accidents

Snow plows are essential in maintaining road safety during winter, but their operation carries inherent risks. These large, heavy vehicles often operate during severe weather conditions, reducing visibility and increasing the likelihood of collisions. Additionally, snow plows frequently maneuver in ways that may be unexpected to other drivers, such as reversing, crossing lanes, or spreading materials like salt or sand. The size and weight of a plow truck can significantly increase the severity of an accident, particularly when passenger vehicles are involved.

Who Is Liable in Fatal Maryland Truck Accidents Like the Recent I-95 Crash?

November 25, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Earlier this month, a devastating crash on Interstate 95 in Belcamp claimed the life of a pickup truck driver after rear-ending a parked tractor-trailer on the shoulder. The collision, which led to a fire requiring hours of cleanup and traffic rerouting, has raised important questions about liability in truck accidents involving parked vehicles. Understanding your legal rights after such incidents is critical for victims and their families.

Liability Issues in Truck Accidents Involving Parked Vehicles

In accidents like the I-95 crash, determining liability often hinges on the circumstances surrounding the tractor-trailer’s presence on the shoulder. Maryland law imposes strict requirements on commercial truck drivers to ensure the safe operation and parking of their vehicles. Tractor-trailers parked on the shoulder must comply with federal and state regulations, including using reflective warning devices and ensuring that cars are visible to oncoming traffic. Failure to adhere to these rules can make the driver or trucking company liable for contributing to a collision.

Driver Dies in Single-vehicle Dump Truck Crash in Prince George’s County

October 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Large commercial vehicles can do a lot of damage in a traffic accident, wrecking passenger cars and other trucks, and possibly injuring or killing multiple victims. Due to the extreme weight of many semi tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks, the occupants of relatively smaller passenger cars can be severely or fatally injured even in vehicles with advanced safety features. Riding in an airbag-equipped vehicle and wearing safety belts may not always protect passengers whose vehicle is crushed between two massive commercial trucks during a highway collision.

That said, passenger car occupants are not the only ones at risk in a serious commercial truck wreck; truck drivers themselves can often be hurt or killed as a result of a bad tractor-trailer collision, or even a crash involving a smaller commercial truck. In mid-August this past summer, a single-vehicle trucking accident in the Carriage Hill area of Prince George’s County ended with the driver dying at the scene after the dump truck he was operating left the roadway and drove into a stand of trees.

Even without heavy cargo, a large commercial vehicle like a dump truck still has a great deal of mass. Hitting a fixed object, such as an overpass abutment or large-diameter tree can cause the cab of the vehicle to be crushed by the rear-most portion of the truck during the collision. While truck cabs are designed to withstand crashes of some magnitude, if the vehicle’s speed is high enough, the structure may not be able to fully protect the occupants. Once cargo or a utility trailer has been added into the equation the forces involved in a high-speed trucking accident can easily result in a fatal outcome.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Maryland Truck Accident Involving Hazardous Materials

October 28, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Tragedy struck in Illinois when a tanker truck carrying toxic chemicals was forced off the road, resulting in a deadly crash that took five lives. The accident occurred when a 17-year-old minivan driver, attempting to pass the tanker, caused the truck to swerve off the road to avoid a head-on collision. The truck, carrying 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia, jackknifed and struck a utility trailer, puncturing the tank and releasing a hazardous chemical spill. The plume of toxic gas led to the deaths of five people, including three family members, and forced the evacuation of around 500 people from the surrounding area. This heartbreaking event highlights the catastrophic consequences that can occur when trucks carrying dangerous materials are involved in accidents. Understanding the legal implications of such accidents under Maryland law is essential for victims and their families, as the consequences can be devastating, both physically and emotionally.

Truck Accidents and Maryland Law

In Maryland, victims of truck accidents have the right to pursue compensation when they suffer injuries or the loss of loved ones due to someone else’s negligence. Large commercial trucks, like the one involved in the Illinois accident, carry unique risks, especially when transporting hazardous materials such as chemicals. These materials pose dangers to those directly involved in the crash and surrounding communities, as evidenced by the need for widespread evacuations in the Illinois case.

Maryland School Bus Accident Highlights Legal Challenges

September 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

School buses are common on Maryland’s roads, ensuring children get to and from school safely. Unfortunately, school bus accidents can and do happen, just like any other vehicle. While the recent school bus crash in Chillum, Maryland, involved no injuries or children, it highlights the potential dangers posed by school buses and the importance of understanding your legal rights if you’re involved in such an accident.

Due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved, school bus accidents in Maryland are similar to truck accidents. Both can cause severe damage, especially when smaller passenger cars are involved. Maryland personal injury law allows school bus or truck accident victims to seek compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and other losses. However, these cases can be more complicated when they involve public entities like school districts, which specific legal doctrines, such as governmental immunity, may protect.

Understanding how Maryland law applies to your case is crucial if you’ve been injured in a school bus accident. Here’s what you need to know.

Maryland State Police Investigate Fatal Truck Crash in Frederick County

August 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Tractor-trailer accidents are among the most serious on the road, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Various factors, including driver error, mechanical failures, or hazardous road conditions, can cause these accidents. Under Maryland law, determining who is responsible for a tractor-trailer accident is crucial for ensuring that the victims or their families receive the compensation they deserve. Liability can often extend beyond the driver, including trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, or maintenance providers.

Fatal Tractor-Trailer Crash in Frederick County

Maryland State Police are currently investigating a fatal crash involving a tractor-trailer that occurred on Tuesday morning near the Washington-Frederick County line south of Cascade. The incident happened around 7:40 a.m. when the tractor-trailer driver lost control of the vehicle on Raven Rock Road, also known as Md. 491. The truck overturned, and the driver, who was trapped inside the car, tragically died at the scene.

Tragic Multi-Vehicle Accident in Montour County

July 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A devastating accident earlier this summer in Montour County resulted in the deaths of two individuals and significant injuries to another. This four-vehicle crash involved a dump truck loaded with stone material traveling at an unsafe speed. The dump truck swerved into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with a tractor-trailer, which led to a chain reaction involving two more vehicles. The collision caused the dump truck and the tractor-trailer to catch fire, and the fuel from these trucks ignited one of the cars involved. The drivers of the dump truck and the tractor-trailer died at the scene, while the driver of the burning car was rescued but sustained serious injuries. This tragic event underscores the severe dangers and legal challenges associated with multi-vehicle truck accidents under Maryland law.

What Are the Dangers of Large Truck Accidents?

Large truck accidents, such as those involving dump trucks or tractor-trailers, pose significant dangers due to their sheer size and weight. When a truck loses control or collides with other vehicles, the impact can be catastrophic, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Trucks carrying heavy loads, like the dump truck in the Montour County accident, can cause even more destruction due to their increased momentum and potential for hazardous spills.