Automobile accidents involving larger vehicles and cars such as trucks and pickups can be devastating. The size, mass, and speed of larger cars and automobiles increase the severity of collisions, often turning crashes into fatal incidents. Many people have a basic understanding of the risks associated with sharing the road with larger vehicles, such as pickup trucks, but not many people comprehend just how dangerous these crashes can become. According to the statistical analysis organization Policy Advice, truck accidents have increased by 52% since 2009, and 74% of all fatal passenger vehicle accidents include large trucks.
Accidents involving pickups, trucks, buses, and other large-sized vehicles such as pickup trucks are more dangerous than other types of collisions for a number of reasons. The conditions that many large vehicle drivers, such as greyhound truck operators, operate under force them to drive extreme distances, resulting in fatigue. Further, large emergency response trucks, such as fire trucks, are often driving at extremely high speeds and operating under different driving rules than ordinary traffic, creating more opportunities for accidents. Finally, commercial trucks also carry heavy cargo, complicating truck crashes and accidents. A local news article discussed a recent fatal Maryland crash involving a pickup truck.
According to the local news article about the fatal Maryland multi-car crash, the accident occurred on the 2600 block of Chillum Road near 21st Place a few blocks away from Queens Chapel Road around 5 pm. Authorities called it a mass casualty incident. According to Prince George’s County Fire & Rescue, eight adults and four children were transported to area hospitals with a range of life-threatening to non-life-threatening injuries. Four adults and one child were ultimately reported dead following the incident. According to Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue spokesman, a white pickup truck traveling west on Chillum Road struck a Cadillac and continued on its course with one of its tires on fire. The pickup truck careened down a road and struck a van head-on. The van caught fire after the crash. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Does Negligence on My Part Affect My Maryland Case?
Contributory Negligence is a legal concept that can prevent plaintiffs from receiving recovery for injuries resulting from a crash if their negligence contributed to the accident to any degree. Even if the negligence of the operator of another vehicle is in large part responsible for the accident, if the plaintiff was negligent at all, it is possible they will not be able to recover compensation. In Maryland, contributory negligence is generally interpreted very broadly, allowing extremely minor negligence by the plaintiff in personal injury cases to defeat even very strong claims.
Have You Been Hurt in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or harm from a harmful truck accident in Prince George’s, Charles, Baltimore, or Montgomery County, contact the Maryland injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen today for help. Our Maryland attorneys have many years of experience fighting for folks injured in car and truck accidents and will work to provide you with the support, legal knowledge, and confidence to proceed with your injury claim. The costs stemming from automobile accidents can quickly become overwhelming, and having a team of experienced Maryland lawyers on your side can make all the difference. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Maryland injury attorney today, contact us at 800-654-1949.