A recent report from the Maryland government roadway fatality reduction initiative, Zero Deaths Maryland, indicates that Maryland is currently on track for a higher number of roadway fatalities in 2023 than in 2022. At this time last year, Maryland had 321 roadway fatalities reported, while currently Maryland has 353 roadway fatalities reported. Since 2018, the number of fatal crashes in Maryland has gradually increased year by year. In 2018, there were 485 fatal crashes, but the total rose to 546 by 2020.
There are various causes of fatal automobile accidents, including the size of the vehicles involved and whether any of the vehicle operators were impaired. According to Zero Deaths Maryland, the state has been relatively stable when it comes to fatal car accidents involving driver impairment and overall accidents involving impaired drivers. In 2017, Maryland had 170 driver-impaired fatal crashes while in 2021, the state had 154 driver-impaired fatal crashes. Similarly, in 2017 there were 6,654 total driver-impaired crashes, while in 2021 there were 6,522.
Accidents involving large seized vehicles such as trucks or RVs and campers are also inherently more dangerous than other types of crashes for a number of reasons. Trucks, especially semi-trucks or 18-wheelers are heavier and larger than standard passenger vehicles, resulting in more serious accidents when they are involved in crashes. Additionally, the conditions that many truck drivers operate under force them to drive extreme distances, resulting in fatigue. Finally, shipping trucks are also potentially carrying hazardous cargo, complicating truck crashes and accidents. While many people intuitively understand the greater risks involved in truck accidents, they may not know that 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 a large truck. A recent news article discussed a local fatal truck crash.
Does Negligence on My Part Affect My Maryland Case?
Contributory Negligence is a legal concept that potentially prevents plaintiffs in an accident case from receiving recovery for injuries resulting from a crash if their negligence contributed to the accident to any degree. Essentially, even if the negligence of the operator of another vehicle is largely responsible for the accident if the plaintiff was even a little negligent, it is possible they will not be able to recover compensation. In Maryland, contributory negligence is interpreted very broadly, allowing minor negligence by the plaintiff in personal injury cases to defeat even very strong claims.
Have You Been Hurt in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured or died in a Maryland truck accident, 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 attorneys have successfully represented 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.