Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
Despite strict DUI laws, Maryland drunk driving crashes and fatalities continue to occur at a startling rate. Maryland’s Drunk Driving Reduction Act went into effect in 2016. Under the Act, anyone convicted of driving under the influence must have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle. The device prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has a certain level of alcohol, based on a breath test. However, despite this, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation, in 2018 there still were about 7,000 crashes involving the driver’s use of alcohol or drugs in the state.
New information was uncovered in a recent DUI crash involving a 23-year-old commercial truck driver who killed seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire. According to a news report, the driver, who crossed a double-yellow line on a highway, was high on drugs and reportedly was reaching for a drink just before the crash took place. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a report that was obtained by the media. He had previously been arrested for drug-related and driving offenses in five other states. His license commercial license should have been suspended the month prior due to another drunk driving charge, according to the state motor vehicle department.
The report showed that the driver tested positive for a narcotic or amphetamine, which rendered him incapable of safely operating the truck. The report also indicates that the driver admitted to investigators to reaching for a drink before the crash. The crash revealed that the driver was first charged with drunk driving in 2013 in Massachusetts, and his license was suspended, but he was still able to obtain a commercial license. An investigation into the crash showed that in addition to the driver, over 1,600 Massachusetts drivers should have had their licenses revoked due to out-of-state infractions, but were not processed.
The motorcyclists who were killed were part of a group made up of Marine veterans and their spouses. Despite his history, the driver was allowed to leave the scene of the crash, but was arrested three days later. The driver was charged with seven counts of negligent homicide. The National Transportation Safety Board is reviewing the crash, and the trucking company that employed the driver is also being investigated.
Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Maryland truck crash involving drunk driving, you may be able to hold the person at fault and recover financial compensation for your injuries. The dedicated injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC are ready, willing and able to help truck crash victims across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Our attorneys have two decades of experience representing accident victims throughout the area, and look forward to meeting with you to discuss your case. Lebowitz & Mzhen LLC takes pride in advocating for the rights of accident victims, and understands the complex issues that can come up in personal injury cases. To learn more about how we can help you and your family, call 410-654-3600 to arrange a free initial consultation. You can also contact us online.