Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
A serious crash on westbound Route 50 just before the Bay Bridge has left one driver hospitalized and authorities searching for a tractor-trailer that may have triggered the collision. Maryland Transportation Authority Police responded to the scene around 6:40 p.m. and found three vehicles involved. The driver of a black Scion suffered significant injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to investigators, a tractor-trailer may have struck the Scion before continuing over the Bay Bridge without stopping. Authorities are now working to identify both the truck and its driver. While investigators search for answers, the individuals involved are left dealing with the consequences of a crash that could have been prevented.
Legal Challenges When a Commercial Vehicle Leaves the Scene
A crash involving a commercial truck can be devastating on its own, but the situation becomes even more complicated when the car does not stop. Maryland law requires all drivers to remain at the scene after a crash. When the vehicle in question is a tractor-trailer, that obligation extends not just to the driver but potentially to the trucking company as well.
Commercial trucks are often equipped with GPS devices, cameras, and tracking logs. However, these tools are only helpful if investigators can identify the company responsible for the vehicle. When a truck flees the scene, it can delay or even derail a personal injury claim unless further evidence surfaces. Eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and data from nearby toll systems may play a critical role in narrowing down the search.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hit-and-Run Truck Crash?
If the tractor-trailer is eventually identified, multiple parties could be held accountable. The truck driver may face criminal penalties for leaving the scene, but a civil lawsuit can also target the trucking company that employed the driver. This is particularly true if the company failed to train the driver properly, ignored safety violations, or encouraged unsafe driving practices to meet delivery deadlines.
If the truck is never located, the injured person may still have options through their own uninsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance is designed to help victims of hit-and-run accidents recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. However, filing an uninsured motorist claim is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies may attempt to dispute the severity of the injury or question whether the unidentified vehicle caused the crash at all.
Truck Collisions Often Cause Catastrophic Injuries
The driver injured in the Bay Bridge crash required air transport, a sign of the severity of the injuries involved. Large commercial trucks can cause serious harm even at moderate speeds. Collisions with passenger vehicles often result in head trauma, back and neck injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding. In many cases, victims face a long road to recovery, including surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care.
In addition to medical bills, many victims experience a sudden loss of income. They may be unable to work, care for their family members, or perform basic daily activities. The emotional and psychological toll of a serious crash can also be long-lasting. These are all factors that deserve consideration in any legal claim, whether the responsible truck is found or not.
Talk to a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Case
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, you should not have to wait for police to find the driver to get help. The truck accident lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen understand how to investigate these incidents, build strong claims, and pursue compensation through every available path. Whether the truck is located or remains unidentified, you still have rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.