Maryland Truck Accidents: Common Causes and How to Protect Yourself
Truck accidents in Maryland are common on major highways throughout the state and pose a significant threat to motorists. Crashes involving tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, or other big rigs can impact drivers in surrounding lanes and can cause potentially devastating injuries.
Our Maryland car accident attorneys fight to get victims and their families compensation in these cases. Find out the common causes of these crashes and how to protect yourself when traveling on local roads.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents In Maryland
The National Safety Council states that truck accidents in Maryland account for nearly 10 percent of all crashes throughout the state. As semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles can span more than 70 feet, with weights up to 80,000 pounds, accidents involving big rigs can impact multiple motorists and often result in life-threatening injuries.
There is no avoiding large trucks when travelling on I-95 and other major roads and interstates throughout the state. Understanding how Maryland truck accidents happen can reduce the risks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that common causes include:
- Driver fatigue due to long hours on the road, impacting the trucker’s reaction times and decision-making abilities;
- Distracted driving, such as texting, talking to dispatch, and adjusting GPS settings;
- Speeding, tailgating, and other reckless and aggressive driving behaviors;
- Mechanical failures, such as brake problems, engine seizing, and tire blowouts;
- Improper loading, increasing the risk of rollover truck accidents.
Heavy traffic, bad weather, and rough road conditions can also make truck accidents in Maryland more likely to happen.
Precautions Motorists Can Take To Reduce Maryland Truck Accident Risks
Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries, but there are ways drivers can reduce the risks. Knowing how these crashes happen, being mindful of the impact on motorists in surrounding lanes, and taking precautions can help protect yourself and others in your vehicle. These include:
- Give truckers plenty of space on the road and avoid tailgating or cutting them off while passing;
- Stay out of truck no-zones, which are large blind spots surrounding the rig in which motorists disappear from the trucker’s view;
- Obey posted speed limits and avoid driving distracted or other reckless driving behaviors;
- Use extra caution in bad weather and near road construction areas;
- Watch for wide turns, and do not try to squeeze by truckers at highway entrances, exits, or intersections.
Even with these precautions, Maryland truck accidents can still happen. If you get hurt in a crash, protect your rights and prioritize safety. Inform law enforcement immediately, get contact information for everyone involved, and seek medical attention right away.
To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Experienced Maryland Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents in Maryland can cause devastating injuries and often impact multiple drivers on the road. If you or a loved one is hurt, Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP provides the professional legal representation you need.
We stand up to trucking companies and fight to get you the maximum compensation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Maryland truck accident attorneys.
Sources:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts
