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.
How Common Are Truck Accidents?
Accidents involving trucks have increased by 52% since 2009, and 74% of all fatal passenger vehicle accidents include large trucks according to the statistical analysis organization Policy Advice. Crashes involving trucks, campers, and other large-sized vehicles are more dangerous than other types of collisions for a number of reasons. Trucks, especially very heavy ones such as semi-trucks inherently result in more serious accidents when they are involved in crashes due to their weight, size, and speed.
Many people understand that there is some increase in risk when driving around trucks, but don’t fully grasp the underlying causes or percentages for those risks. Not only do many truck drivers operate under extremely difficult conditions, such as driving extremely long distances, but they often drive at night and under intense time constraints as well. Finally, commercial trucks are also potentially carrying heavy cargo, complicating truck crashes and accidents. A recent news article discussed a fatal accident involving large vehicles.
According to the local news article, the accident occurred during Labor Day traffic and resulted in two fatalities and three people in the hospital. According to law enforcement officials, the six-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 occurred when the driver of a Chevrolet Tahoe hit the rear of a tractor-trailer that had begun to brake due to traffic. The resulting crash caused a chain reaction, with three additional tractor-trailers and a pickup truck colliding with each other. The accident resulted in a massive response, with officials stating that the state’s “Go-Team” a group of surgeons with blood units for trauma patients, was flown out to the scene. Not including police officers, it is estimated that more than 60 emergency personnel responded to the massive crash, including a hazmat team and the county’s rehab unit.
Have You Been Hurt in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or harm from a truck accident in Prince George’s, Charles, Baltimore, or Montgomery County, contact the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen today for help. Our attorneys have many years of experience fighting for the injured and will work to provide you with the support, legal knowledge, and confidence to proceed with your claim. The costs stemming from injury or abuse can quickly become overwhelming, and having a team of experienced lawyers on your side can make all the difference. To schedule a free and confidential consultation today, contact us at 800-654-1949.”>truck accident in Prince George’s, Charles, Baltimore, or Montgomery County, contact the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen today for help. Our attorneys have many years of experience fighting for the injured and will work to provide you with the support, legal knowledge, and confidence to proceed with your claim. The costs stemming from injury or abuse can quickly become overwhelming, and having a team of experienced lawyers on your side can make all the difference. To schedule a free and confidential consultation today, contact us at 800-654-1949.