Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
Automobile accidents involving larger vehicles such as buses can be devastating. The mass, speed, and size of larger vehicles increase the severity of collisions, turning crashes into fatal encounters. Many people have a fundamental understanding of the risks associated with driving near larger vehicles, such as semi-trucks, but not many people just how dangerous these crashes have become. 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 large trucks. A local news article discussed a recent fatal Maryland bus crash.
According to the local news article about the Maryland crash, the accident occurred early in the morning on Thursday, August 31, 2023, resulting in one dead and eighteen injured. According to authorities, a Greyhound passenger bus was traveling eastbound on Route 32 near Interstate 95 near Savage with 38 passengers aboard around 3:30 a.m. when a Buick Enclave collided with it. The Buick Enclave was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes at the time, going in the wrong direction. The man who was driving the Buick Enclave died at the scene. The bus driver and injured passengers were taken to area hospitals with injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening, police said.
Accidents involving buses, trucks, and other large-sized vehicles such as SUVs are more dangerous than other types of collisions for a number of reasons. Busses, especially very heavy ones such as passenger buses inherently result in more serious accidents when they are involved in crashes due to their weight, size, and speed. These features similarly make accidents involving SUVs more dangerous, as SUVs tend to be larger than sedans and other standard automobiles. Additionally, the conditions that many large vehicle drivers, such as greyhound truck operators, operate under force them to drive extreme distances, resulting in fatigue. Further, large emergency response trucks, such as fire trucks, are often driving at extremely high speeds and operating under different driving rules than ordinary traffic, creating more opportunities for accidents. Finally, commercial trucks also carry heavy cargo, complicating truck crashes and accidents.
Does Negligence on My Part Affect My Maryland Case?
Contributory Negligence is a legal concept that can prevent plaintiffs from receiving recovery for injuries resulting from a crash if their negligence contributed to the accident to any degree. Even if the negligence of the operator of another vehicle is in large part responsible for the accident, if the plaintiff was negligent at all, it is possible they will not be able to recover compensation. In Maryland, contributory negligence is generally interpreted very broadly, allowing extremely minor negligence by the plaintiff in personal injury cases to defeat even very strong claims.
Have You Been Hurt in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or harm from a truck accident in Prince George’s, Charles, Baltimore, or Montgomery County, contact the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen today for help. Our attorneys have many years of experience fighting for the injured and will work to provide you with the support, legal knowledge, and confidence to proceed with your claim. The costs stemming from injury or abuse can quickly become overwhelming, and having a team of experienced lawyers on your side can make all the difference. To schedule a free and confidential consultation today, contact us at 800-654-1949.