The danger of not wearing your seatbelt is compounded when a truck or other large vehicle is involved in the crash. That goes for people in the large vehicle as well as others on the road. Large commercial vehicles like trucks are on the road to transport heavy items over long distances. That means that large automobiles can become difficult to maneuver in emergency situations, preventing drivers from turning or stopping suddenly due to the weight of their vehicle and cargo. Even without heavy cargo or large trailers, big vehicles are heavy, making accidents involving them inherently dangerous.
What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Additionally, long-distance drivers are under extreme pressure to spend significant hours on the road, as they may have to meet delivery deadlines. This can lead to exhaustion and impaired judgment on the roads. Tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes when driving, increasing the likelihood of accidents. It is vital to wear your seatbelt while on the road and stay aware of large vehicles that could be merging onto your road. A recent news article discussed a massive multi-vehicle accident on a Maryland bridge.
According to the local news article, the accident happened around 8:00 am on January 27, when a chain-reaction crash involving 23 vehicles was followed by “a series of secondary crashes” involving another 20 cars. The crash happened just before early in the morning on the westbound span of the Bay Bridge in Maryland according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). Thirteen people were taken to the hospital, including two with serious injuries. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, according to the MDTA. The eastbound span, which is two lanes wide, carried all traffic in both directions while authorities investigated for hours and worked to clear the wreckage. Eastbound and westbound traffic alternated on the eastbound span, because “two-way operations are prohibited due to fog/limited visibility,” the MDTA said. The cause of the crash is not yet clear. Nearly five hours after the crash, cars involved in the pileup clustered together in the middle of the bridge were still visible as emergency responders continued to clear the lanes of debris.
Maryland maintains minimum insurance requirements for drivers in the state. Minimum insurance requirements are designed to ensure sufficient compensation is available to victims of car accidents should it be required. As a result, Maryland drivers are required to purchase at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Have You Been Hurt in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident in the Prince George’s, Baltimore, Charles, or Montgomery County region, let the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen help you recover the damages you deserve. Expenses and injuries from a motor vehicle accident can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced team of lawyers by your side can make all the difference. Our Maryland attorneys have successfully represented car and truck injury victims at every stage of the process, ensuring that they obtain the proper damages. With our team, you can have faith that your claim is being pursued properly. If you have questions about your case, call us today at 800-654-1949 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a Maryland injury lawyer at our office.