Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
Truck accidents involving hazardous materials do more than block highways. When a crash spills fuel or other chemicals onto a busy roadway, the risk extends beyond the immediate collision. Nearby residents, commuters, and workers may face exposure to fumes or contaminated water and soil. If you live near the Beltway in Montgomery County, the recent tractor-trailer collision on I-495 shows how a single truck crash can trigger widespread consequences.
In July 2025, two tractor-trailers collided on the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway near Georgia Avenue. According to reports, the impact caused a fuel spill that closed all lanes of traffic for several hours. Drivers sat in backups that stretched for miles, and emergency crews spent hours containing the leak and clearing the scene. While most news coverage focused on traffic, few are talking about the public health risk that follows a spill like this.
If you live or work near a highway where toxic materials spill, you need to know what rights you have under Maryland law. Exposure to hazardous substances, even for a short time, can lead to real harm. A truck crash can become a community health crisis, and the trucking company may be liable for the damage.
Health Risks for Those Near Hazardous Truck Spills
Trucks carry more than just retail goods. Many transport industrial chemicals, fuel, cleaning agents, and agricultural products that are dangerous when released into the air or water. A crash like the one on I-495 may release:
- Gasoline or diesel fuel;
- Brake or transmission fluid;
- Solvents or corrosives; and
- Fertilizers or pesticides.
Exposure to these substances can lead to respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, skin irritation, and other acute symptoms. In some cases, longer-term health effects may follow if the chemical reaches drinking water supplies or soil where children play.
You do not have to be in the crash to suffer harm. If you breathed in fumes while walking or driving nearby, or if you experienced symptoms after exposure, you may have a valid personal injury claim. Even if you were not diagnosed with a condition yet, an attorney can help you document symptoms and monitor your health in the days ahead.
When Is a Truck Company Responsible for an Accident?
Under Maryland law, trucking companies and their drivers are required to handle hazardous materials with extreme care. They must follow both state and federal safety regulations, including proper labeling, containment, and emergency procedures. When a crash occurs because of reckless driving, poor maintenance, or failure to follow protocol, the company can be held accountable.
This includes claims from individuals harmed indirectly by the crash. You do not have to be a driver or passenger. If you are a pedestrian, a homeowner, a business owner, or a worker near the site, you may qualify for compensation.
To pursue a claim, you will need to show:
- That the trucking company or driver was negligent;
- Whether the chemical spill resulted from the crash or poor safety practices; and
- That you suffered harm or had to take costly precautions as a result.
Examples may include medical expenses, missed work due to illness, or needing to leave your home or close your business because of air quality concerns.
What to Do If You Were Affected by a Nearby Truck Crash
If you live near the area where the I-495 fuel spill occurred, take steps now to protect your rights. First, document any symptoms you experienced. Keep a journal of headaches, breathing issues, or skin irritation, and see a doctor if symptoms persist. Second, photograph or record any physical changes near your property, such as odors, visible residue, or dead vegetation.
You should also request any public records about the crash. Maryland agencies may release information about cleanup efforts, chemical testing, or health advisories issued after the event.
These records help support your claim if you later pursue legal action.
Finally, talk with a lawyer who has experience in truck accident cases and environmental exposure claims. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, relocation costs, emotional distress, and more.
Talk to a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand that truck crashes affect more than the drivers involved. If you live or work near a highway where toxic materials spilled during a collision, you may have a legal right to seek compensation for any harm caused. Our team investigates these cases closely and works with medical and environmental experts to build strong claims for our clients.
You do not need to handle this on your own. Contact Lebowitz & Mzhen personal injury lawyers at (800) 654-1949 to schedule a free consultation. We will help you understand your options and pursue the support you need to move forward.