Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
Collisions involving tractor-trailers are inherently dangerous, but the risks escalate when the crash involves an ambulance or fire truck responding to an emergency call. A recent accident on Interstate 795 in Baltimore County highlighted these dangers when a fuel truck struck a Carroll County ambulance, leaving paramedics seriously injured and several other people hurt. For victims, including first responders, these cases often involve unique legal issues, and consulting with an attorney can be a crucial step in protecting your rights.
The Dangers of Trucks Colliding with Emergency Responders
Emergency personnel are trained to move quickly, and ambulances often travel through intersections or stop in hazardous locations to provide life-saving care. When a large truck collides with an emergency vehicle, the size and weight of the commercial truck can cause devastating injuries. In the I-795 crash, witnesses reported the tractor-trailer traveling at high speed before broadsiding the ambulance, which was then forced into other vehicles.
These accidents are not limited to Maryland. Across the country, crashes involving fire trucks, police cars, or ambulances reveal how vulnerable first responders can be on busy roads. When an ambulance is struck while already in service, victims include not only the emergency workers inside but also the patients they are transporting and the drivers of other cars caught in the collision.
Liability Issues in Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles
Truck accidents involving ambulances often raise complicated questions about liability. Victims may wonder whether the truck driver, the trucking company, or even another motorist contributed to the crash. In Maryland, fault is determined based on negligence, which means proving that a driver failed to act with reasonable care under the circumstances.
Commercial truck drivers are required to adhere to strict federal and state regulations, including hours-of-service rules and cargo safety standards. When a truck driver speeds, becomes distracted, or fails to yield to emergency vehicles, those actions may form the basis of liability. At the same time, insurers for trucking companies may argue that the urgency of an ambulance’s response contributed to the collision. Sorting out these disputes requires careful investigation and often input from accident reconstruction experts.
What Special Risks Are Faced by Paramedics and Firefighters?
Paramedics and firefighters face unique occupational hazards, but that does not mean they lose the right to seek compensation when harmed in preventable crashes. Workers’ compensation may provide benefits, but in cases involving negligence by a trucking company or third party, injured first responders may also have grounds to bring a personal injury claim. This allows them to pursue damages that go beyond basic wage replacement, including pain and suffering and future medical care.
Families of responders killed in these crashes may also pursue wrongful death claims. These claims can help cover funeral costs and provide support for children or spouses left behind. The law recognizes the sacrifice of first responders, but it also ensures accountability when another driver’s negligence leads to tragedy.
How Truck Accident Cases Affect Multiple Victims
The I-795 crash also shows how multi-vehicle truck accidents can affect many people at once. In addition to the ambulance crew, other drivers on the road were injured when the impact pushed the emergency vehicle into stopped cars. These types of collisions often result in multiple claims being filed against one trucking company. Insurers may try to minimize payouts by spreading responsibility across victims or arguing about comparative fault.
In Maryland, contributory negligence remains a significant barrier, as any finding that a victim contributed to the accident can block recovery. That makes it vital for victims to work with attorneys who understand the local law and how to challenge insurer tactics.
Preventing Similar Collisions in the Future
Truck crashes involving emergency vehicles often spark discussions about prevention. Safety advocates call for more driver training, stricter enforcement of speed limits, and greater public awareness about moving over when emergency vehicles are present. Technology also plays a role, with some companies installing collision-avoidance systems that can detect flashing lights or sudden stops.
For now, victims and families must focus on recovery and holding negligent parties accountable. Civil claims not only provide compensation but also encourage trucking companies to adopt safer practices, which can help reduce future accidents.
Contact Lebowitz and Mzhen After a Maryland Truck Accident
Collisions between large trucks and emergency vehicles can leave victims facing long recoveries and mounting medical bills. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Maryland, you may have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen have decades of experience representing victims in complex trucking cases, and we are prepared to investigate, negotiate, and fight for the recovery you deserve. Call us today at (800) 654-1949 for a free consultation.