Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
A fatal crash occurred on July 15, 2025, along US-301 in Charles County when a vehicle rear-ended a stopped tractor-trailer. The driver of the smaller car died after becoming trapped beneath the freight truck. If your family is facing the sudden loss of a loved one after a similar collision, Maryland law may allow you to pursue a wrongful death claim. Legal action can help you hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation to support your household. You do not have to handle the aftermath alone. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and take steps to protect your family’s future.
Understanding Liability in Rear-End Collisions Involving Commercial Trucks
People often assume the driver in the rear holds full responsibility in these cases. That assumption does not always hold when one of the vehicles is a commercial truck. Tractor-trailers are required to follow strict federal and state safety guidelines. These rules govern how and where they may stop, what markings they must display, and how quickly they must respond to traffic.
When a large truck comes to a stop in an active lane or low-visibility area without appropriate hazard signals, the risk of a deadly collision increases. If the truck did not have working lights, reflective tape, or flares, the company or driver may be considered negligent. Your attorney can investigate whether poor decisions, improper equipment, or careless behavior played a role in the crash.
How Can Wrongful Death Claim Support Grieving Families?
Losing a loved one in a violent crash creates both emotional trauma and financial strain. Maryland’s wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to bring a legal claim for losses they suffer as a result. If your spouse, child, or parent was killed in a rear-end truck crash, you may be eligible to recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical care provided before death, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
This type of claim also allows your family to pursue justice and hold the responsible party accountable for preventable harm. Even if the at-fault driver avoids criminal charges, a civil case may still succeed with the right evidence and legal guidance.
What Evidence Helps Strengthen a Truck Crash Case
Your attorney will focus on gathering proof that shows the truck driver or company failed to meet legal obligations. That evidence may include dashcam video, traffic surveillance footage, crash reconstruction reports, vehicle maintenance logs, and witness testimony. These materials help show whether the truck was stopped legally and whether its lights and reflectors functioned as required.
The earlier you speak with a lawyer, the better the chance of preserving valuable information. Trucking companies often act quickly to limit exposure after a fatal crash. Working with a firm that knows how to investigate commercial vehicle cases gives your family the best chance at recovering full damages.
Why These Collisions Are Often So Devastating
Tractor-trailers sit higher than standard vehicles, creating a known hazard when a smaller car strikes them from behind. If underride guards are missing or damaged, the smaller vehicle may slide beneath the trailer, crushing the roof and causing catastrophic injury. These crashes leave little room for survival, especially at highway speeds.
Families deserve answers when a preventable design flaw or equipment failure contributes to a fatal collision. Holding the company or driver responsible helps promote safer practices and supports future efforts to prevent crashes across Maryland and beyond.
Why Your Family Should Not Wait to Speak with a Lawyer
When you are grieving the sudden loss of someone you love, calling an attorney may feel like the last thing you want to do. But taking that step can help protect your family’s future. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of preserving the evidence needed to hold the right people accountable. Photos fade. Witnesses forget. Trucking companies move fast to shield themselves from liability.
You should not have to rush through your grief, but you also should not lose your chance to pursue justice. A lawyer can take over the legal burden, handle the investigation, and give your family the space to focus on healing. That conversation could make a meaningful difference in how your case progresses and in the support your family receives moving forward.
Call Lebowitz & Mzhen to Discuss Your Family’s Legal Options
If your loved one was killed in a rear-end collision with a commercial truck in Charles County, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. Speak with an attorney who understands Maryland law and has experience handling serious truck crash cases. Contact Lebowitz & Mzhen personal injury lawyers at (800) 654-1949 to schedule your free consultation today.