Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
Any time an accident occurs on the highway, there is a chance that the vehicles approaching the collision will not be able to see the collision until it is too late for them to safely avoid it. While the possibility of a Maryland truck accident involving a chain reaction is always present, certain factors make these accidents much more likely.For example, the weather and road conditions may result in motorists having decreased visibility. When this occurs, it is up to motorists to adjust their speed accordingly to ensure that they are driving at a safe speed for the conditions. The type of vehicle being operated also factors into the likelihood that a driver will be able to stop in time to avoid an upcoming collision.
Large trucks and buses literally weigh a ton – up to 40 tons, to be exact. Such an immense amount of weight – especially when traveling at high speeds – puts a major burden on a vehicle’s brakes. In fact, a fully loaded semi-truck traveling at just 55 miles per hour takes about 100 yards to come to a complete stop. A truck traveling at 65 miles per hour takes almost twice that distance to come to a stop.
Given the dangers that semi-trucks and other large vehicles pose to the motorists with whom they share the road, the law requires truckers to take precautions to ensure the safe operation of their vehicles at all times. Notably, this means allowing ample stopping distance. When a truck driver causes an accident due to his failure to leave a sufficient stopping distance, he may be held liable for any resulting injuries through a Maryland truck accident lawsuit.
Three Killed, 24 Injured in Recent Chain-Reaction Accident
Last month, three motorists were killed and another 24 injured in a major chain-reaction accident. According to a local news report, the accident occurred in the early morning hours and began when a car rear-ended a pickup truck. The driver of the car was thrown from the vehicle.
After the initial collision, a bus approaching the scene of the accident was unable to safely avoid both the ejected driver and the vehicles left on the highway. The bus driver lost control, and the bus flipped over after swerving off the side of the road. Moments later, an approaching semi-truck, also unable to avoid the wreckage, crashed into the bus. Police are still investigating the fatal 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. While some Maryland truck accidents are straightforward and do not present complex factual or legal scenarios, chain-reaction accidents can be tricky due to the fact that there are often many parties involved. To learn more about how you may be able to recover damages for the injuries you have sustained, call the truck accident attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC at 410-654-3600. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Court Reverses Plaintiff’s Award in Bus Accident Case Based on Improper Jury Instruction, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published June 19, 2018.
Court Upholds Multi-Million Dollar Verdict in Train Accident Case, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 7, 2018.