Truck Hits and Possibly Damages Overpass in Baltimore
By admin on December 15, 2011
The Baltimore Sun reported this week that a recent accident in which a large flatbed truck struck a Baltimore Beltway overpass sent debris and metal in the path of oncoming cars. The flatbed truck, owned by the company Six M Co. Inc. of Whiteford, was carrying an excavator from a nearby construction site. The southbound truck could not fit beneath the bridge, which had a clearance of 16 feet and 4 inches. A Maryland state spokesperson explained that the truck driver did not lower the equipment enough to go underneath the overpass, so the large equipment hit the structure and sent debris (including an overhead sign and chains) onto the roads and into oncoming traffic. Truck driver negligence, such as this, is often the cause of big rig accidents in Maryland.
State officials closed two of three lanes on the outer loop of the Baltimore Beltway and the two right-hand lanes of Interstate 95 southbound while the debris was cleared. The state’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is reviewing company records and reconstructing the accident to see if any charges will be filed or penalties assessed. Large trucks are required to have a state permit if they exceed a height of 13 feet, 6 inches.
Traffic accidents can be very serious and can cause life-threatening injuries to motorists involved. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) reports that each year, traffic crashes kill more people in Maryland than homicides. Large truck accidents can be especially dangerous for car or motorcycle drivers involved; due to their immense size and heavy cargo, large trucks often inflict extraordinary damage when they hit a smaller vehicle, even at slow speeds. Motorists involved in truck accidents can suffer spinal damage, brain damage, head trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, or even death.
Being involved in a large truck accident can have a devastating impact on one’s life, and compensation is needed for victims to recover from their injuries and pay for unexpected costs associated with the accident, such as medical bills or paying for vehicle damage. The experienced Maryland tractor trailer accident attorney Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” can help you receive any deserved compensation if involved in a large truck accident caused by the truck driver’s negligence. Please call (877) 228-4878 for a no-cost consultation.
How Truck Driver Negligence Can Cause Tractor-Trailer Accidents
By admin on October 13, 2011
Semi trucks travel all across the country, transporting cargo to its rightful destination. In order to transport the amount of cargo required, these commercial trucks must have the necessary size and weight capacity. It is their size and weight that makes trucks dangerous, which is why they are governed under strict federal regulations. Operating such a machine safely takes skill and alertness. Unfortunately, the safe operation of a big rig is not foremost in every truck driver’s mind. Although faulty manufacturing or defective design does play its part in truck accidents in Maryland and throughout the nation, truck driver negligence or error is the most common cause.
The most frequent form of truck driver negligence is fatigued driving. All aspects of a truck’s operation are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including how many consecutive hours a big rig operator may drive. These rules are established under the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Required daily log books are supposed to show compliance with these rules.
Although truck drivers are required to obey these rules, many don’t. Drivers usually violate HOS regulations to make unreasonable delivery schedules on time, or to earn bonuses for early delivery. Either way, it is unacceptable. Driving while drowsy or fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Both mental and physical performance is retarded when the body and mind are fatigued, causing slow reaction speeds, lane drifting, inconsistent speeds, and other dangerous consequences. Other forms of tractor-trailer driver negligence include:
- Speeding;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Driving distracted;
- Overloading the trailer; and
- Untimely or improper truck maintenance.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland big rig accident caused by truck driver negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses. Contact the experienced Baltimore tractor trailer accident attorney, Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” today at (877) 228-4878 to discuss your potential personal injury claim.
Propane Truck Accident Closes Maryland’s Route 70
By admin on January 31, 2011
An accident involving a tanker truck full of propane made authorities close down Route 70 near Mt. Airy, Maryland recently, according to ABC 2 News. The roadway was closed for nearly six hours as crews worked to clean up the accident scene.
The truck’s driver was traveling on Route 70 near the Ridge Road exits when he lost control of the truck. The truck drove into the median, where it rolled onto its drivers’ side. The truck was carrying 8,600 gallons of propane fuel at the time, but luckily, none of it spilled. Nevertheless, Route 70 was closed in both directions while crews worked on cleaning up the accident scene and removing the truck without spilling any of the flammable propane inside.
Rescue crews pulled the truck’s driver and a passenger from the cab of the truck. Both suffered injuries in the Maryland truck accident and were taken to local hospitals, where they are expected to make full recoveries.
According to the Maryland State Police, driver error is believed to have caused the crash.
Many different factors can cause a truck accident. Equipment malfunction, defective truck parts, road conditions, and driver error may all play a part in a crash. When a truck accident occurs, the injuries may be severe.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a truck accident, please don’t hesitate to contact experienced Maryland truck accident attorney Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer.” Mr. Heisler will examine your case carefully and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call 877-228-4878 today for a free and confidential consultation.
Cecil County Tractor Trailer Accident on I-95 Involved 3 Trucks
By injuheis on September 23, 2010
Three tractor-trailers collided on I-95 recently, according to Maryland CBS affiliate WJZ. The crash caused an early-morning shutdown of the northbound side of the interstate in Cecil County, stopping traffic for several hours before police and rescue workers managed to open the left lane. At least one of the truck drivers was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Police are still investigating what caused the three trucks to crash. At the time of the Maryland truck accident, one of the trucks had jackknifed, while the other two had taken damage to their fuel tanks and were leaking diesel fuel onto the highway. Due to the size of the accident and the difficulty of cleaning up the road to make it safe for motorists, police could not at the time of the accident estimate when northbound I-95 would be fully reopened.
The large size of tractor-trailers makes both visibility and emergency stopping serious concerns for truck drivers. Visibility is a problem especially when traveling around passenger vehicles. Drivers can help protect themselves from truck accidents by making sure they can always see the truck’s mirrors and by never cutting in close in front of a truck. Trucks cannot brake quickly, and forcing a trucker to slam on the brakes may cause the truck to skid, jackknife, or even roll.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, please contact experienced Maryland truck accident attorney Steven H. Heisler. Mr. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” will examine the details of your case and help you seek compensation from all parties that were responsible for your accident. Call 877-228-4878 today for a free case evaluation.
Bicyclist Killed in Maryland Truck Accident
By injuheis on August 27, 2010
A 51-year-old Carroll County, MD resident died recently after being struck by a tractor-trailer while riding his bicycle in Union Bridge, the Baltimore Sun reported. The cyclist was riding along Shepherds Mill Road when he was struck.
According to police, the accident occurred when the truck’s 37-year-old driver was making a right turn onto Route 75. The truck pulled out in front of the cyclist, hitting him. The Maryland State Police cited the truck driver for failing to yield to the bicyclist, who had the right of way. The cyclist died at the scene. The police do not believe alcohol, high speeds, or road conditions played any part in the accident.
Due to their large size, tractor-trailers often limit the driver’s ability to see road hazards clearly. They also require more time to stop, start, and turn. A truck’s large size also means it can do much more damage in an accident than a passenger car or bicycle. Even a small mistake on a truck driver’s part can result in tragedy for a bicyclist, motorist, or pedestrian unlucky enough to be involved in the Maryland truck accident.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Maryland tractor-trailer accident lawyer. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” can help you protect your rights after a truck accident and seek the compensation you deserve, including payments for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses related to your accident. Call our office today at 1-877-228-4878 for a free and confidential consultation.
Maryland Van versus Big Rig Accident Results in Lawsuit Filed
By injuheis on June 23, 2009
A fourth lawsuit has been filed against the driver of a van that was involved in a fatal Maryland auto crash in May 2008 as it was taking a group of men in Hagerstown to a seniors softball tournament. According to this news report, the suit filed in Washington County Circuit Court, alleges that the driver, Robin Poffenberger, drove the 2003 Chevy Custom van into the path of a tractor-trailer, failing to yield right-of-way to the big rig at the intersection of Md. 66 and Interstate 70. One man, 72-year-old Clifford J. Rice, died and six other men were taken to area hospitals.
The most recent lawsuit filed by one of the victims, Gary Gruber, seeks $500,000 in damages from Poffenberger mostly for medical costs he incurred as a result of the serious injuries. Gardner L. Stewart, who was also flown to the hospital after the tractor-trailer accident in Maryland, filed a lawsuit earlier this year seeking $3 million from Poffenberger. Stewart said he suffered serious and permanent injuries, severe mental and emotional anguish and continuing and debilitating pain and suffering because of Poffenberger’s carelessness and negligence.
Maryland auto accident victims are eligible to file personal injury claims if their injuries or damages were caused by someone else’s negligence. Typically victims of auto accidents are eligible to receive compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of medication, hospitalization, therapy and other future treatment related to the injuries. Auto accident victims could also receive compensation for loss of wages, past and future pain and suffering, property damage and other associated costs. However, it is not an easy road. It takes an experienced and skilled MD personal injury attorney to fight for your rights every step of the way so you get a fair settlement – whether it’s from an insurance company or the manufacturer of a defective auto product that caused your injury. If you have been seriously injured in a Maryland auto accident, please call Steven H. Heisler for a free consultation today.
Maryland Fatal Big Rig Crash
By injuheis on May 21, 2009
A truck driver was killed in a Maryland auto accident, the Indian Gazette reports in an article. The accident took place as 60-year-old Raymond Joseph Doland Sr., was coming through a curve on Route 75 in Frederick County. Police say Doland’s southbound tractor-trailer rig veered off the road and overturned striking a utility pole, a parked sport utility vehicle and an apartment building. However, no one else was hurt in this truck accident. Doland was hauling a load of powdered cement when the accident occurred.
Maryland tractor-trailer accidents are on the rise, increasing 10 percent over the last decade. Accidents, such as this tractor-trailer crash, are dangerous not only to the truck driver but also other motorists because of the size and weight of these big rigs. Big rig accidents are also legally more complicated to handle because typically, they involve multiple parties such as the driver’s company, the truck owner, and the truck manufacturer. Some of the most common causes for tractor-trailer accidents include driver fatigue, overloading, fuel fires, rollovers, jackknifing and brake malfunctions (could be caused by overloading or poor vehicle maintenance). Because of the size and weight of these trucks, property damage and injuries can be significant or even catastrophic when a trucking accident occurs.
Due to the complex nature of these cases, it is very important that you get in touch with a knowledgeable and experienced Maryland truck accident attorney if you have been seriously injured in a big rig accident. A good big rig accident attorney can help facilitate communication between the different parties involved and help you get the best possible compensation in your case. Maryland personal injury attorney Steven H. Heisler specializes in Maryland truck and tractor-trailer accidents. If you have been serious injured in a tractor trailer accident in Maryland, please call Steven H. Heisler for a free and comprehensive consultation.
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Baltimore County Tractor-Trailer Accident Injures Driver
By injuheis on March 19, 2009
The Baltimore News Channel WJZ reported in a story that shortly after 5 pm on March 9, 2009, a tractor-trailer overturned on I-695 in Rosedale, Baltimore County, causing a backup that lasted for hours. The driver of the tractor trailer was taken away in an ambulance to a nearby hospital. No word has yet been released on the cause of the accident, but it is known that no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Fortunately, this particular accident did not present any fatalities or serious injuries; however, too often incidents involving overturned and jackknifed tractor trailers also involve personal injury in Maryland when passenger vehicles are included in the equation.
Experienced Maryland tractor-trailer accident attorney Steven H. Heisler reminds all drivers to stay safe by driving alert and cautiously, especially on state highways and interstate roads, where tractor trailers tend to dominate.
If you have been a personal injury victim in an incident involving a tractor trailer, it is wise to seek legal counsel to help you navigate the legal course to justice. Mr. Heisler has been helping Maryland personal injury victims for many years and has the experience and resources to help you seek justice after you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident. For a free consultation with skilled Maryland truck accident lawyer Steven H. Heisler, call him today at 877-228-4878 to get the monetary compensation you deserve for your injuries or loss.
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TEN SAFETY TIPS TO HELP YOU AVOID DEADLY CAR CRASHES IN SNOWY WEATHER
By Steve Heisler on January 20, 2009
Two people lost their lives and approximately 12 were severely injured as a result of a massive auto and tractor-trailer pileup on Interstate 70 in rural Washington County, Maryland on January 19,2008.
The Maryland auto accident involved 42 vehicles and authorities are in part blaming the incident on the snowy weather conditions.
There is no dispute that driving in snowy and icy conditions is a serious hazard. Here are ten safety tips for driving in snow and ice, courtesy of Mac Demere of Edmunds.com (www.edmunds.com).:
- If driving on snow, use snow tires! To have sufficient snow traction your tires should have at least 6/32-inch deep tread.
- Be sure to keep your windows clean. Replace your windshield wipers and make sure the windshield wiper system works and the anti-icing fluid is topped out.
- Use the air conditioner to remove frost and ice from the windows. The air conditioner can be set to “hot”.
- Make sure your headlights are functioning properly and free of snow.
- Be sure to learn how to properly use anti-lock brakes. Think stomp, stay and steer Stomp on the brake “as if you were trying to snap it off”. “Stay hard on the pedal. Steer around the obstacle”, says Demere.
- Keep an eye out for black ice. Black ice may appear to be a harmless puddle but it can be deadly. Demere says to “…test the traction with a smooth brake application or slight turn of the wheel”.
- Don’t forget that bridges and intersections tend to ice up. Look for water that runs across the road.
- If your front tire loses traction due to an icy patch on the road DO NOT continue to turn the steering wheel. The car will turn whichever way the wheels are pointed and you could end up striking a vehicle coming in the opposite direction.
- Make sure your back tires have as much tread as your front. Select a car with ESC (Electronic Stability Control). ESC will be mandatory on all 2012 vehicles.
- Don’t be tricked that technology will always save you from an accident. All Wheel Drive and Electronic Stability Control are important but do not guarantee your safety. Drive cautiously in snow and ice.
Should you find yourself involved in a Maryland Tractor-Trailer Accident, feel free to contact me by e-mail (sheisler@injurylawyermd.com) or by phone at 877-228-4878.
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