Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: Truck Spills
February 23, 2017
Truck accidents can cause massive property damage and severe injuries to the victims involved, largely due to the sheer size and weight of the typical truck. When the cargo inside these trucks spills out onto the highway, the situation can become even more serious, particularly if the spill involves toxic or hazardous materials. Many of these truck accidents can be avoided by driving responsibly and following some simple safety recommendations.
While there was a 33 percent decrease in fatal truck accidents from 2004 to 2009, the number of fatal truck accidents increased by 20 percent from 2009 to 2013, according to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) report. From 2013 to 2014, there was a 31 percent increase in the number of truck accidents that caused property damage, compared to the previous year. Since then, that statistic has only climbed.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
The FMCSA conducted a study to identify some of the most common causes of truck accidents. They found the below factors to be the most common causes.
Driver Error: The FMCSA identified subgroups of driver error, including:
- Non-performance: incidences where the driver fell asleep at the wheel or suffered a medical issue that affected his or her ability to drive
- Lack of recognition: incidences where the driver was distracted and not paying attention to posted road signs
- Decision-Making: includes speeding and tailgating
- Performance: includes moments when the driver panics or attempts to over-correct a mistake
Vehicle: When the vehicle is not properly maintained, it can lead to serious accidents. Also, when the cargo is loaded unevenly, it can cause the truck to tilt, or tip over due to uneven distribution of weight.
Environment: Poor weather conditions like fog, rain, snow, ice, wind, or extreme brightness from the sun can impair the driver’s vision, leading to serious truck accidents.
Tips to Avoid Truck Accidents
- Maintain a safe distance: Tailgating can be dangerous if the vehicle in front of you comes to an abrupt stop. The ATA recommends a 20 to 25 car length between passenger vehicles and trucks.
- Pass safely: Changing lanes too quickly, or without checking your rear view mirrors to make sure it is safe to pass, can lead to dangerous collisions.
- Avoid the use of cell phones and other technology: Talking or texting while driving, or using other technology like navigation devices or built-in entertainment systems, can distract your attention away from the road. It only takes a matter of seconds for an accident to occur because you were distracted.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for Victims of Truck Accidents
If you have been injured in a truck accident, the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton understand how traumatic it can be, from the damage to your vehicle to the injuries you have sustained. We will guide you through the claims process and see to it that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with one of our reputable truck accident lawyers, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
