Maryland Accident Law Blog
A recent five-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 in Washington County claimed the life of one person and left several others injured. The accident occurred when a tractor-trailer failed to slow down in heavy traffic, causing a deadly chain reaction. While this incident highlights the devastating impact that negligence behind the wheel can have, it also brings attention to Maryland’s laws designed to prevent such tragedies and protect victims.
When accidents like these occur, Maryland’s legal system allows victims and their families to seek justice and compensation for the harm caused. In cases where negligence or recklessness plays a role, legal claims can help hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that victims receive the support they need during a difficult time.
Maryland’s Legal Framework for Vehicular Manslaughter and Negligent Driving
Under Maryland law, reckless or negligent driving can lead to serious criminal charges, especially when it results in injury or death. In the Washington County accident, the driver of the tractor-trailer faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and homicide by motor vehicle, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
Vehicular manslaughter in Maryland applies when a driver causes the death of another person due to gross negligence or impaired driving. This can include driving under the influence, distracted driving, or failing to follow traffic laws. In cases where impairment is a factor, as it may be in this incident, the penalties can be severe. In addition to criminal consequences, those affected by the crash can pursue civil claims to recover damages for their losses.
While criminal charges can lead to justice for the state, they don’t always address the financial and emotional needs of victims and their families. That’s where Maryland’s civil legal system comes into play.
When Can You File a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim?
Maryland law allows families to file wrongful death claims when a loved one is killed due to another party’s negligence or recklessness. In the case of the Washington County crash, the family of the deceased can pursue compensation for the financial and emotional toll the loss has caused. Wrongful death claims can cover a wide range of damages, including funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
For those injured in the crash, personal injury lawsuits offer a way to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. Maryland law supports the rights of accident victims to pursue these claims, ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
It’s important to note that Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule. If the injured party is found even partially at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. This makes it critical to gather evidence and build a strong case to establish the full extent of the other party’s negligence.
The Role of Commercial Vehicle Regulations in Maryland
Commercial vehicles, like the tractor-trailer involved in the Washington County crash, are subject to strict regulations under both Maryland and federal law. These regulations are designed to ensure that drivers of large trucks operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Maryland law requires that commercial truck drivers undergo regular inspections, follow strict hours-of-service rules, and adhere to load and weight restrictions.
In addition, truck drivers must remain alert and aware of changing traffic conditions. As in the recent crash, failing to slow down in heavy traffic can result in severe accidents. Truck drivers who violate these regulations or act negligently can be held liable for the resulting damage.
In many commercial vehicle cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company. If a company fails to properly maintain its vehicles, doesn’t provide adequate training for its drivers, or encourages unsafe driving practices, it could be held responsible for accidents caused by its vehicles. Victims of these crashes may be able to seek compensation from both the driver and the company. Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.