Legal Concepts in Truck Accident Cases

When a Freight Broker Can Be Held Responsible for a Maryland Truck Crash

August 31, 2026 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Last updated August 21, 2026 · Reviewed by Jack D. Lebowitz

A serious truck crash on I-95 or the Baltimore Beltway often produces a defendant who cannot pay for the harm done. The motor carrier turns out to be a small operation with minimum coverage, and the damages run past those limits within the first month of hospital care. For years, the company that hired that carrier and put it on the road could usually get itself dismissed by pointing to a federal statute.

The Supreme Court removed that defense in May 2026. In Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, No. 24–1238, decided May 14, a unanimous Court held that federal law does not bar state-law negligent hiring claims against freight brokers. Justice Barrett wrote that requiring a broker to use ordinary care in choosing a carrier “concerns” motor vehicles, which places such claims inside the safety exception Congress built into the preemption statute.

For a Maryland family, the practical consequence is straightforward. In a Maryland trucking accident claim where the carrier’s policy will not cover the losses, the broker that selected that carrier is now a defendant the case can reach, and Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has been building these claims around the full chain of hiring decisions rather than the driver alone.

When Recalled Brakes Cause a Truck Crash

July 30, 2026 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Last updated July 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen

Brakes are the one system on a heavy truck that everyone on the road is depending on, whether they realize it or not. In July 2026, Work Truck Online reported two recalls that drove the point home. Mack recalled model-year 2026 Granite trucks built with incorrect drive-axle brake drums that can overload the axle and raise the risk of a crash. Around the same time, Peterbilt trucks were recalled over rear brake piping that lacked proper clearance, a defect that can lead to a loss of service brakes or anti-lock function. Recalls like these are a warning about what happens when the equipment meant to stop tens of thousands of pounds does not work as designed.

What a Brake Defect Does to a Loaded Truck

Who Is Responsible When a Truck Is Left Stopped in Traffic on I-95?

June 29, 2026 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A medevac helicopter setting down on the lanes of Interstate 95 is the kind of sight that stops traffic for miles. That is what happened in Howard County on the morning of June 5, 2026, after a box truck slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer. One person was flown to a hospital, several lanes shut down for hours, and another Maryland commute turned into a trauma scene.

A Pattern Maryland Drivers Keep Seeing on I-95

The June crash was not the first of its kind on this stretch of highway in 2026. Earlier in the year, another Howard County crash on I-95 killed a driver when a truck struck the rear of a tractor-trailer stopped on the shoulder. Collisions involving a stopped, disabled, or slow-moving commercial vehicle repeat on Maryland interstates for predictable reasons. Heavy trucks accelerate and stop slowly, they sometimes pull onto narrow shoulders that leave part of the rig close to live lanes, and a driver coming up behind at 65 miles per hour has only seconds to react to a wall of steel that is barely moving.

The Underride Danger in Truck Rear-End Crashes

The height mismatch between a passenger vehicle and a trailer creates the danger of underride, where a car slides beneath the body of the truck and the trailer enters the passenger compartment. Underride crashes rank among the most lethal on the road because they bypass the bumper, hood, and crumple zones that protect occupants in an ordinary collision. Even when a larger vehicle like a box truck is involved, striking the rear of a tractor-trailer concentrates enormous force on the cab and the people inside, and survivors often face head and spine injuries, broken bones, and a long road back.

Truck Accident in Prince George’s County: Liability, Damages, and Your Legal Options

February 24, 2026 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A collision with a commercial truck on the Capital Beltway or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway can cause catastrophic injuries that a typical car accident never would. The size and weight difference between an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle means truck accident victims in Prince George’s County frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and fatal injuries. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers represents truck accident victims throughout Prince George’s County, including crashes in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Hyattsville, College Park, and Largo, and has recovered over $90 million for injured clients across Maryland.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Maryland?

Truck accident liability in Maryland frequently extends beyond the driver. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and Maryland law allow injured victims to pursue claims against multiple parties, depending on what caused the crash.

Tractor-Trailer Suspected in Serious Hit-and-Run Crash Near Bay Bridge

June 27, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A serious crash on westbound Route 50 just before the Bay Bridge has left one driver hospitalized and authorities searching for a tractor-trailer that may have triggered the collision. Maryland Transportation Authority Police responded to the scene around 6:40 p.m. and found three vehicles involved. The driver of a black Scion suffered significant injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to investigators, a tractor-trailer may have struck the Scion before continuing over the Bay Bridge without stopping. Authorities are now working to identify both the truck and its driver. While investigators search for answers, the individuals involved are left dealing with the consequences of a crash that could have been prevented.

Legal Challenges When a Commercial Vehicle Leaves the Scene

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.

Legal Concepts in Maryland Truck Accident Lawsuits

June 24, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Being involved in a truck accident or losing a loved one in such an incident can be devastating. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we understand the pain and confusion you may be experiencing. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing some basic legal concepts can help you navigate through this difficult time.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Liability is a crucial concept in truck accident lawsuits. Unlike car accidents, truck accidents can involve multiple parties who may share responsibility. Here are some potential parties that could be held liable:

Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as driving under the influence or being distracted, they can be held responsible for the accident.

Serious Multi-Truck Crash Shuts Down Northbound I-95 Lanes

May 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The danger of not wearing your seatbelt is compounded when a truck or other large vehicle is involved in the crash. That goes for people in the truck as well as others on the road. Large commercial vehicles like trucks are on the road to transport heavy items over long distances. That means that trucks can become difficult to maneuver under the best of circumstances. This danger is compounded in emergency situations, preventing truck drivers from turning or stopping suddenly due to the weight of their vehicle and cargo.

Even without heavy cargo or large trailers, trucks are heavy, making accidents involving them inherently more dangerous than collisions between two smaller vehicles. Additionally, truck drivers are under extreme pressure to spend long hours on the road, as they often need to meet delivery or cargo deadlines. This can lead to exhaustion and impaired judgment on the roads. Tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes when driving, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This is why you often see semi-trucks pulled off on the side of the road, as drivers will sometimes take naps or rest in the midst of their long-haul rides.

According to a recent news article, Maryland State Police said a tractor-trailer was stopped on the right shoulder around 6:10 a.m. in the northbound direction near the Beltway exits in Rosedale. According to a preliminary investigation, a second tractor-trailer rear-ended the stopped tractor-trailer. The driver of the second tractor-trailer was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Their condition was not immediately released. Police did not specify whether the other driver was injured. The express toll lanes were shut down at Interstate 895. The left two main travel lanes were shut down on northbound I-95 at the site of the crash. The scene was cleared by the afternoon. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Maryland Truck Accidents

March 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Truck accidents can occur for a number of reasons. From drivers’ negligence to a faulty vehicle part, there are several issues that can lead to a truck accident. No matter the cause of the accident, it is important to understand your options for recovery if you have suffered serious injuries. A Maryland truck accident attorney can help you gather evidence and develop the strongest possible argument to recover damages.

According to a recent news article, a Maryland truck accident shut down all lanes of southbound I-95. The crash involved a car and a tractor-trailer, which was parked on the shoulder when the accident occurred. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported.

What Are the Causes of a Maryland Truck Accident?

A Maryland truck accident can have several overlapping causes. First, a truck driver may have negligently operated their vehicle. In general, distracted driving is a common cause of auto accidents. When drivers fail to pay attention to the road, they may fail to respond to traffic patterns or lose control of their vehicle. Due to the size of a typical truck, truck drivers must stay extra vigilant and minimize distractions to avoid causing a serious crash. When a truck driver fails to exercise reasonable care, their negligent behavior may lead to an accident. On the other hand, a distracted driver may crash into a truck, which occurred in the accident discussed above. Consequently, staying focused on the road can help both car and truck drivers avoid an accident. In addition to drivers’ negligence, a truck accident can result from a manufacturing or design defect in a piece of equipment. For example, a truck’s braking system may have a design flaw that prevents truck drivers from braking quickly in the event of an accident. Alternatively, a mechanic’s shop may have negligently repaired the brakes. Finally, a local government may have negligently maintained the roads, resulting in an increased risk of an accident.

Maryland Pedestrian Fatally Struck by Truck on I-95 Shoulder

May 31, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Shoulder lanes are emergency stopping lanes that are reserved by the verge of a road and on the right side of the road. Shoulder lanes are typically not used by moving traffic, but instead used in the event of an emergency, such as a vehicle malfunctioning or becoming disabled. In some cases, tow providers may be en route to assist a driver of a disabled vehicle, or working on moving a disabled vehicle from the shoulder. Shoulder lanes also may be used by emergency vehicles, such as an ambulance or police cars, in order to bypass traffic. However, in some unfortunate incidents, shoulder lanes may become the scene of accidents.

According to a recent news report, a 22-year-old was fatally struck by a vehicle on I-95 in Maryland. A vehicle drove on the right side of the shoulder and struck a pedestrian who was outside of their tractor-trailer on the shoulder. The vehicle was disabled and parked on the shoulder with hazard lights on. It is unclear what caused the driver to travel out of lane three onto the shoulder.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety data found that among drivers who do not comply with Move Over laws at all times, 42 percent thought the behavior was somewhat or not dangerous at all to roadside emergency workers. In some instances, these shoulder lane accidents may occur because of distracted driving.