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Tractor Trailer Accidents on Maryland’s Highways

Posted on March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 by Loni Liss

Maryland’s highways are bustling with activity, serving as critical arteries for commerce and transportation. However, too many tractor-trailer accidents happen on Maryland’s roadways.

A big problem is their massive size and weight, making them a potential road hazard. Big rig accidents can lead to devastating injuries or even fatalities.

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident with a big truck that was not your fault, contact The Yost Legal Group for guidance. Our truck accident attorneys offer a Free Consultation to discuss your potential truck accident claim.

The Scope of Tractor Trailer Accidents in Maryland

Tractor trailer accidents are a serious concern across the United States, and Maryland is no exception. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks have been involved in over 450,000 crashes nationwide in recent years.

Of these accidents, approximately 4,800 were fatal, and 114,000 resulted in injuries.

In Maryland alone, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports that there are hundreds of crashes involving large trucks annually, with many leading to catastrophic injuries.

The sheer size and weight of tractor trailers—often exceeding 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—make these vehicles particularly dangerous in collisions.

When a passenger vehicle, typically weighing around 3,000 pounds, is involved in an accident with a big rig, the results can be devastating.

Victims of these accidents often face life-altering injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities.

Why Do Tractor Trailer Accidents Happen?

Understanding the causes of tractor trailer accidents is crucial for prevention and legal accountability. Here are some of the most common reasons big rig accidents occur:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers are often pressured to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading many to work long hours with insufficient rest. While federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road, violations of these rules are common. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Distracted Driving

Just like other drivers, truck operators can be distracted by texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS while driving. However, due to the size and weight of the vehicle, the consequences of a distracted truck driver can be far more severe.

Mechanical Failures

Tractor trailers require regular maintenance to ensure they are roadworthy. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues are common causes of accidents. In many cases, these failures result from negligence by the trucking company or the maintenance crew.

Improper Loading

The cargo in a tractor trailer must be loaded and secured properly to prevent shifting during transit. Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can become unstable, leading to rollovers or difficulty in braking.

Reckless Driving

Speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving behaviors are unfortunately common among some truck drivers. These actions endanger the truck driver and everyone else on the road.

Other Causes of Truck Accidents on Maryland’s Roads

Adverse Weather Conditions

Maryland’s highways are no strangers to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and ice. These factors can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles, especially if traveling at high speeds or carrying heavy loads.

Blind Spots

Tractor trailers have significant blind spots on all sides, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles. Accidents often occur when a passenger vehicle is caught in a truck’s blind spot, leading to sideswipes or collisions during lane changes.

The Devastating Impact of Tractor Trailer Accidents

The aftermath of a tractor trailer accident can be life-changing for victims and their families. Injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe and may include:

Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A TBI can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional changes.
Broken Bones: The force of a collision with a tractor trailer can cause multiple fractures, often requiring surgeries and extensive recovery periods.
Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
Fatalities: Tragically, many tractor trailer accidents result in the loss of life, leaving families to cope with unimaginable grief.

The financial burden of these injuries can be overwhelming, with accident victims facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs. This is where experienced legal representation becomes essential.

Why Choose The Yost Legal Group for Your Truck Accident Injury Claim?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor trailer accident, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of these cases.

The Yost Legal Group has a proven track record of successfully representing victims of truck accidents in Maryland. Here is why we are uniquely qualified to handle your tractor trailer accident claim:

Extensive Experience

The Yost Legal Group has decades of experience handling personal injury cases, including those involving tractor trailer accidents. Our truck accident lawyers understand the unique challenges of these cases, from investigating the accident scene to dealing with trucking companies and their insurers.

Thorough Investigations

Truck accident cases require a detailed investigation to determine liability. Our 18-wheeler injury lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts, review truck maintenance records, and examine driver logs to build a strong case on your behalf.

Knowledge of Federal and State Regulations

Trucking companies and drivers are subject to strict federal and state regulations. Our personal injury law firm has in-depth knowledge of these laws and uses them to hold negligent parties accountable.

Compassionate Representation

At The Yost Legal Group, our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a tractor trailer accident can take on a person and their family. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation, ensuring your needs are always our top priority.

No Fees Unless We Win

Our personal injury law attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront costs.

Proven Results

Our lawyers for personal injury have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every case.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

Tractor trailer accidents on Maryland’s highways can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Filing a personal injury claim will allow you to seek justice when a car accident happens because of a truck crash.

The Yost Legal Group is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or the emotional toll of an accident, our team is ready to help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor trailer accident that was not your fault, contact The Yost Legal Group today for a free consultation.

Call us at (800)-YOST-LAW, (800)-967-8549, or text us at 1-410-659-6800. You can also fill out the form on our website, and we will contact you shortly.

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Nearly 6,000 People Killed in Truck Accidents Annually

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Loni Liss

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Sees Rise in Accidents, Fatalities

In their Spring 2024 report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that accidents involving large trucks saw a rise in fatalities and injuries in 2022 compared to the previous year. When seriously injured in an accident caused by a commercial vehicle, make sure you hire an experienced truck accident lawyer.

With almost 3 million semi-trucks registered in the United States, more operators are on the road than ever. This increase has led to more injuries and deaths caused by tractor trailer accidents.

Dealing with a regular car accident involving a standard passenger vehicle is already challenging for the not-at-fault driver. You may have severe injuries that require medical treatment. You have insurance to deal with and lost time from work. There is a lot to manage.

Now, picture the at-fault driver in an accident with a large commercial vehicle weighing 10,000 and 80,000 pounds. Even if you’re in a pickup truck, it’s lucky if you only face minor physical, medical, and financial effects.

Truck drivers have large trucking companies behind them. This includes a team of lawyers and insurance professionals.

Contact Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys Now

After a semi-truck or tractor-trailer accident, it is vital to contact a law firm. Look for lawyers who have experience with truck accidents. Not all personal injury lawyers are the same. Not all accident and injury attorneys can maximize a truck accident insurance claim.

If you are injured in a truck accident, call the personal injury lawyers at The Yost Legal Group. Our personal injury attorneys will listen to what happened and immediately investigate your case.

When seriously injured in a car accident with a large truck, and the accident was not your fault, do not delay. The Yost Legal Group is available via call or text at 410-659-6800. All consultations are free.

Hire experienced truck crash lawyers.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Study and Findings

In “Traffic Safety Facts Research Note: Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2022,” the NHTSA found a decrease in most motor vehicle accidents involving passenger cars: “The estimated number of police-reported traffic crashes decreased from 6.10 million in 2021 to 5.93 million in 2022, a 2.8% decrease.”

As a result of the decrease in the total number of accidents, injuries and fatalities also fell across the board when accidents involved standard passenger vehicles.

However, when large trucks were involved, fatalities increased by 2.0% in 2022, a statistic that did not go unnoticed by Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) Board President Tami Friedrich, who called the data “unacceptable.”

According to the NHTSA’s report, 5,936 people lost their lives in accidents with medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Friedrich continued, “I call on Secretary Buttigieg to take action and urgently proceed with rulemaking to require the use of speed limiters and automatic emergency braking in large trucks as soon as possible.”

The Truck Safety Coalition was even more worried by the fact that 5,936 people died in large-truck crashes in 2022. This number shows a 75% increase in truck crash deaths since 2009.

Fatalities may be the most extreme outcome of a large truck accident, but they are not the only adverse effects. As noted, injuries from large truck accidents rose by 3.7% in 2022, from 154,813 to 160,608 reported injuries.

Non-fatal injuries when in a big-truck accident

Tractor trailer accidents happen more often than we realize. They are also much more dangerous than regular car crashes.

Tractor trailers dwarf regular passenger vehicles in both size and weight. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to an average passenger car’s around 3,000 pounds.

This disparity means that in a collision, the forces involved are significantly greater when a truck is involved.

The massive momentum carried by these trucks can result in devastating damage upon impact, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities for those in smaller vehicles.

This stark reality highlights the importance of increased vigilance and caution when driving near these giants. Due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability, tractor trailers can cause severe damage.

TBI accidents caused by truck accidents

One of the most common injuries sustained in these types of accidents is traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBIs occur when a powerful force jolts or strikes the head during impact, potentially leading to long-term cognitive impairments or even death.

Victims suffering from TBIs may face months or years of rehabilitation with uncertain outcomes.

Spinal cord injuries from big truck accidents

Another prevalent injury resulting from truck accident collisions is spinal cord damage. A sudden blow or trauma can dislocate vertebrae or compress nerve pathways within the spinal column.

This type of injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering an individual’s quality of life both personally and professionally.

The recovery process is often lengthy and costly, requiring extensive medical treatment and therapy sessions.

In truck-related accidents, people commonly report broken bones and fractures along with brain and spinal injuries.

Due to their strong impact, it’s common for victims to suffer fractures in different body parts. These include arms, legs, ribs, and pelvises.

Such injuries usually necessitate surgical intervention followed by a prolonged period of immobilization as well as physical therapy.

Internal injuries from truck accidents

Internal injuries represent another serious concern when involved in a crash with a large truck. These types of injuries can include damage to organs such as:

lungs (from rib punctures)
liver lacerations from seatbelt pressure during high-speed impacts
kidney ruptures due to blunt force trauma against seats/steering wheels

These all require immediate medical attention, without which they could prove fatal.

Last but crucially important are psychological impacts stemming from involvement in a big truck crash. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe consequence where survivors relive horrific experiences through flashbacks and nightmares.

This affects daily functioning capabilities unless addressed therapeutically over time under professional guidance.

Severe, non-fatal injuries as a result of a truck accident include, but are not limited to:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injury
Paraplegia injury
Fractures and broken bones
Internal injuries
PTSD

Many of these types of injuries will not heal with time. They cannot be cured with modern medicine. These are the kinds of significant injuries that can lead to long-term disabilities, requiring a lifetime of care.

They are emotionally, mentally, and financially draining.

Why are there so many accidents with semi trucks?

Difficulty maneuvering a semi truck on the road

One critical factor contributing to the danger posed by tractor trailers is their limited maneuverability. Due to their length and structure, these vehicles require much more space and time to come to a complete stop or execute evasive maneuvers like swerving or changing lanes quickly.

In emergency situations where sudden stops are necessary—whether due to traffic jams or unforeseen obstacles—a truck’s inability to halt abruptly can lead directly to catastrophic pile-ups involving multiple vehicles.

Numerous blind spots when driving a big truck

Numerous blind spots surround large trucks—areas known colloquially as “No Zones.” These blind spots exist on all four sides of a truck but are particularly pronounced on its right side and directly behind it.

Cars lingering in these zones risk going unnoticed by truck drivers who might inadvertently change lanes or make turns without realizing another vehicle’s proximity.

Avoiding prolonged periods within these blind spots significantly reduces accident risk.

Weather conditions play a major role in causing serious accidents.

Weather conditions further compound the dangers associated with large trucks on roads. Rainy weather makes it harder for all vehicles to stop. This effect is even more significant for tractor trailers.

They are heavier, which means they need more time to brake. This is true even in normal conditions. In bad weather, like rain or snow, the risk increases.

If not driven carefully, these trucks can skid off the road. Experienced drivers are needed to handle these challenges safely. This helps keep everyone on the road safe too!

Driver fatigue causes many semi-truck crashes

Lastly—and perhaps most alarmingly—is driver fatigue. Long-haul operators can spend countless hours traversing miles of road daily.

They become susceptible to:

exhaustion-induced errors
slower reaction times
impaired judgment from drinking and driving

Navigate Complex Claims with Experienced Accident Lawyers

Receiving maximum compensation after a motor vehicle accident can take a long time and be challenging. Hiring the best personal injury lawyer for the job is critical.

A top personal injury law attorney will work with insurance adjusters, handle the entire claims process, and work on a contingency fee basis. All truck accident claims and car accident claims are handled by our top-rated injury accident attorneys.

We will explain the process of building your case and filing a claim as we fight to seek the best result. Truck accident cases are more complex than regular car accident cases. They require a knowledgeable legal team to recover the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced truck accident lawyers understand the law and will immediately start investigating your accident claim.

An experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyer can calculate the extent of your damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical needs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a big truck, semi-truck, or tractor trailer, there is no time to delay. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.

The Yost Legal Group will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 410-659-6800 today for a free consultation.

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Safe Driving Tips from Truck Accident Lawyers

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Loni Liss

Have you ever seen a semi-truck stopped in the roadway or pulled off to the shoulder and thought, “That doesn’t look safe”? Well, that’s because it isn’t. Semi-trucks stopped on the roadway are like an accident waiting to happen. As truck accident lawyers, we’ve seen it all.

According to the Department of Transportation, 6% of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred when a truck was stopped in the roadway.

Between 2013 and 2022, in the United States, there were 48,308 reported fatalities in crashes involving large trucks.

In other words, in approximately a decade, close to 2,898 people were killed in collisions where large trucks were stopped in the roadway.

Promoting Safety in Commercial Motor Carriers

There are many ways commercial motor carriers can minimize scenarios when large trucks break down or are carelessly stopped on the roadway.

It is their responsibility to properly train all drivers of big rigs.
It is critical to maintain their vehicles and equipment in top working condition.
They should be engaging in thoughtful and safe route planning.

Promoting safety in commercial motor carriers is a collective effort that requires proper training, vehicle maintenance, route planning, and technology implementation.

By prioritizing safety at every level of operation, commercial motor carriers can reduce the risks associated with large trucks on the roads. They have a responsibility to protect both their drivers and other road users.

Remember – safe driving practices benefit everyone on the road!

Importance of Truck Driver Training

Driver training is vital to ensuring safety in commercial motor carriers. It involves providing drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate large trucks safely on the road.

This includes understanding traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, vehicle maintenance procedures, and emergency response protocols.

Proper driver training can help prevent accidents caused by human error, such as fatigue, distracted driving, or reckless behavior.

It also promotes compliance with federal regulations and industry standards, reducing the risk of penalties and legal consequences for companies.

How Truck Companies Can Minimize Truck Breakdowns on the Road

Commercial motor carriers can minimize truck breakdowns by conducting regular maintenance checks on all vehicles and equipment. This includes checking the tires, brakes, lights, engine components, and other crucial parts of the truck.

By identifying potential issues early on, carriers can address them before they become major problems that could lead to breakdowns on the road.

They must also invest in quality equipment and parts. While using cheap or substandard parts may save money in the short term, they can lead to costly breakdowns and repairs down the line.

By investing in quality equipment and parts from reputable suppliers, carriers can ensure that their vehicles are less likely to experience unexpected failures.

Regularly monitoring vehicle performance data can also help commercial motor carriers identify potential issues before they escalate into breakdowns.

By tracking metrics such as fuel efficiency, engine performance, and maintenance history, carriers can proactively address any anomalies or trends that could indicate impending issues with their vehicles.

Driver Assistance Tools Can Help Prevent Accidents

Implementing technologies such as GPS tracking systems or driver assistance tools can also enhance safety in commercial motor carriers.

These technologies can provide real-time information on vehicle locations, speed, and driving behavior, allowing companies to monitor their drivers’ performance and address any concerns proactively.

Additionally, driver assistance tools like lane departure warnings or collision avoidance systems can help prevent accidents by alerting drivers to potential hazards on the road.

Truck Safety Means Proper Use of Hazard Signals

Sometimes emergencies happen, and a driver may have no choice but to pull their semi-truck off to the shoulder or stop in the roadway.

In those scenarios, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations provide guidance to commercial drivers on exactly what to do to reduce the chances of a collision.

Specifically, under 49 CFR 392.22, whenever a commercial motor vehicle is stopped on the roadway for any purpose other than a necessary traffic stop, the driver SHALL immediately activate their vehicular hazard warning signal flashers. They must also continue the flashing until the driver can place down the appropriate roadway warning devices.

Those warning devices, which consist of three reflective orange triangles, are to be placed behind the vehicle at distances of 10, 100, and 100 feet (for a total distance of 210 feet). This will provide drivers with adequate warning of the hazard created by the stopped truck (See figure below).

Why Hazard Signals Matter for Semi-Trucks

As we navigate the highways and roads of our daily commute, we often encounter tractor trailers sharing the road with us. These massive vehicles play a crucial role in transporting goods across the country.

But, when they fail to activate their hazard warning signals or set up proper warning devices when stopped, they pose a significant danger to all motorists.

The size and weight of semi-trucks make them inherently more dangerous than smaller vehicles on the road. When a big truck stops on the highway or shoulder without activating its hazard warning flashers or setting up warning devices such as reflective triangles, it becomes a hazard to other drivers.

With these visual cues, approaching motorists may realize that the truck is stationary when it’s too late, leading to potential collisions, serious injuries, and fatalities.

When motorists are unable to clearly identify a stopped vehicle as a potential hazard, they may not take appropriate precautions, such as changing lanes or reducing speed.

This lack of awareness can result in dangerous situations where accidents are more likely to occur.

How to Avoid Tractor Trailer Accident Collisions

If you see a stopped semi-truck on the roadway or shoulder that has failed to activate its hazard warning signal flashers, be careful. If a big rig is on the side of the road without the appropriate warning devices, it is putting your life in danger.

By recognizing the risks and dangers posed by unsafe truck drivers, we can work together to hold them accountable and make the roads safer for ourselves and our loved ones.

All drivers must be vigilant and aware of their surroundings while on the road. If you see a stopped semi-truck without its hazard warning flashers activated or proper warning devices in place, it’s crucial to proceed with caution.

Slow down, change lanes if possible, and give the truck plenty of space to prevent potential accidents. Taking proactive measures like these can help mitigate the risks posed by unmarked semi-trucks on the road.

Hire Experienced Truck Crash Lawyers

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, but when it involves a large commercial vehicle, the stakes are even higher. If you are seriously injured in a car accident with a tractor trailer, seek legal guidance from an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer.

Our truck accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of tractor trailer accident claims. The Yost Legal Group will fight for the justice you deserve.

Truck accident claims are not like regular car accident claims. Commercial vehicles have rules that apply to them. If there is an accident, the truck driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer could be responsible.

An experienced tractor trailer accident attorney will know how to investigate the accident thoroughly, review all the evidence, and determine who should be held accountable for your injuries.

Our experienced truck collision attorneys have a proven track record of successfully handling complex tractor-trailer accident claims.

We will work tirelessly to seek justice for you and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Call experienced 18 wheeler accident attorneys at 800-967-8529 for a free case evaluation.

Recovering the Right Compensation for your Catastrophic Injury

At The Yost Legal Group, we understand the severe impact a truck accident can have on your life. Despite strict regulations, many people are seriously injured or killed due to driver mistakes, vehicle defects, and company negligence.

Since 1985, our commercial truck accident lawyers have been dedicated to securing fair compensation for those injured in truck accidents. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial hardships.

Let our car accident law firm file a personal injury case on your behalf. We will stand by you every step of the way.

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