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Tractor-Trailer Crash Statistics in Maryland

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Loni Liss

.Tractor-trailer crash accidents are a significant concern on Maryland’s roadways, contributing to a notable percentage of traffic-related fatalities and injuries. The state has made progress in improving highway safety. However, the number and severity of these incidents indicate that we must remain vigilant.

If you or someone you care about is injured by a careless truck driver or trucking company, you need a highly experienced truck accident attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process.

What are Maryland’s Tractor-Trailer Crash Statistics?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Maryland reported 891 truck accidents in 2023
Resulting in 19 fatalities
257 injuries

These figures highlight the disproportionate impact of large truck collisions, given the state’s extensive network of highways and its role as a major transportation hub on the East Coast.

What are the Contributing Factors to Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Several key factors contribute to the occurrence of tractor-trailer accidents in Maryland:

Distracted Driving: Engaging in activities such as texting or using in-cab technology can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of collisions.

Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs reaction times and judgment, leading to accidents.

Given the long hours and unreasonable expectations set for truck drivers by their employers, truck drivers have a heightened risk of turning to alcohol and drugs while operating commercial vehicles on the roadway.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), roughly 33% of truck drivers killed in trucking fatalities tested positive for drugs or alcohol.

Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time, especially when operating large vehicles that require longer stopping distances.

Aggressive Driving: Behaviors like tailgating and abrupt lane changes can provoke dangerous situations, particularly when truck drivers are under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules.

Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and road traction, making it challenging for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Blind Spots: Tractor-trailers have large blind spots, increasing the risk of accidents during lane changes if other vehicles are not visible to the driver. While truck drivers are trained to properly adjust their mirrors and check for their blind spots before changing lanes, many drivers fail to take the time to ensure that the lane next to them is clear of traffic.

Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, which can contribute to accidents.

What Makes I-95 High Risk for Tractor Trailer Accidents in Maryland

Certain highways in Maryland are more prone to tractor-trailer accidents due to factors such as high traffic volume, poor road design, and infrastructure limitations.

Interstate 95 (I-95), for example, is a central trucking corridor that has experienced a higher incidence of rear-end collisions, particularly in areas with narrow or nonexistent shoulders.

With major shippers transporting freight along the East Coast between major metropolitan areas, I-95 is a high-volume corridor for regular large truck travel.

Safety Measures and Legal Considerations

To enhance safety and reduce the occurrence of tractor-trailer accidents, several measures have been put in place:

Rear Underride Guards/Mansfield Bars: These are steel guards installed on the rear of trailers to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath in the event of a collision. Maryland law mandates their installation on certain commercial vehicles.

Unfortunately, the law does not require the installation of side underride guards, and many serious injuries and fatalities occur when small vehicles slide under a trailer from the sides in scenarios such as unsafe lane changes by truck drivers.

Despite legislative efforts to prevent side underride fatalities, the trucking lobby has prevented a legislative mandate requiring side underride devices that could reduce or prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries.

Driver Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces regulations limiting driving hours to combat fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents.

Vehicle Inspections: Regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure that trucks are in safe operating condition, reducing the risk of mechanical failures.

Legal Recourse: Victims of tractor-trailer accidents in Maryland have legal avenues to seek compensation for injuries and damages, often involving complex litigation due to the involvement of commercial entities.

Why The Yost Legal Group Is Maryland’s Go-To Law Firm for Truck Accident Claims

When it comes to handling truck accident claims in Maryland, The Yost Legal Group stands out as a trusted advocate for victims and their families.

With decades of experience in personal injury law and a deep understanding of Maryland’s tractor-trailer crash statistics, our attorneys are uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of truck accident litigation.

We have successfully represented clients in cases involving serious injuries and wrongful death. Our experienced personal injury lawyers hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their actions.

Our commitment to client advocacy, combined with our comprehensive knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations. This makes us a leading choice for those seeking justice after a devastating tractor-trailer accident.

Maximize Your Truck Accident Compensation with The Yost Legal Group

Choosing The Yost Legal Group means partnering with a team that prioritizes your recovery and financial security.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. Commercial truck accident victims in Maryland have access to high-quality legal representation without upfront costs.

Let us file your truck accident case. Our semi truck wreck attorneys will fight to recover damages for property damage, all medical treatment, and more.

A serious tractor-trailer accident can lead to a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other catastrophic injuries. Filing a lawsuit with an experienced legal team will help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Our firm has a strong history of winning large settlements for truck crash victims. This shows our commitment to getting the best compensation.

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Physical and emotional therapy
Necessary home construction and buildouts
Future lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering

Seriously hurt in a tractor-trailer accident? Trust the best lawyers for truck accidents at The Yost Legal Group. We provide:

Experienced guidance
Unlimited resources
Relentless advocacy to achieve the best possible outcome
Fully integrated support team

How to Protect Your Rights After a Tractor Trailer Crash in Maryland

Tractor-trailer accidents in Maryland pose significant challenges to road safety, with various factors contributing to their occurrence.

Legislative measures and safety protocols have been implemented to address these issues. However, we still need ongoing efforts to further reduce these accidents.

Investing in infrastructure is essential. Enforcing safety rules is also crucial. Running public awareness campaigns helps too. These actions are all part of a plan to make roads safer for everyone.

Did you or a loved one suffer a serious injury in an accident with a big truck? Was the accident caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company? Call the trusted truck accident lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today.

Call us at 1-800-Yost-Law (1-800-967-8529) for a free legal consultation.

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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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Get Help Navigating Your Truck Accident Claim

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Loni Liss

We congratulate attorney Sam Pulver for successfully completing the Legacy Trucking Course for Lawyers!

Sam has earned an “Education and Training” certificate for completing the “Legacy Trucking Course for Legal and Administrative Professionals.” This intensive program is designed to equip attorneys with the essential skills needed to manage and build strong cases related to serious tractor-trailer collisions.

The course covered critical topics such as accident causation, truck electronics, technology, and the crucial use of electronic data recorders (EDRs).

The course also focused on Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Participants learned how to understand HOS regulations and tackle associated industry challenges.

Other key subjects included general safety principles, FMCSR/state CDL manual safety rules, the correct use of reflective safety triangles, drug and alcohol regulations, and driver medical examination protocols.

The course also addressed tire failures, preventative maintenance, and the challenges of driver visibility during nighttime driving.

What to Expect from Your Truck Accident Legal Team

This enhanced training further empowers The Yost Legal Group to manage serious truck accident injury claims. We aim to ensure our clients receive the best possible representation and outcomes.

Being injured in a motor vehicle accident is already a stressful and overwhelming experience. The stakes are even higher when that accident involves a large commercial vehicle like a tractor trailer.

Handling a tractor trailer accident claim is significantly more complex than a typical car accident claim. Numerous factors make these cases more challenging, from determining liability to navigating federal regulations.

This is why seeking guidance from an experienced truck accident law firm is crucial to handle your big truck injury claim.

The Heavy Truth: Why Tractor Trailer Accidents Are More Complex

One of the main reasons tractor trailer accident claims are more complex than car accident claims is the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles.

A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it much more dangerous in a collision. Determining liability in these cases can be highly challenging. Multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even third-party contractors.

In addition to liability issues, tractor trailer accidents are subject to specific federal regulations that do not apply to regular passenger vehicles.

Truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to strict rules regarding hours of service, maintenance of their vehicles, and proper loading procedures.

Violations of these regulations can significantly impact the outcome of an accident claim and require specialized knowledge to navigate.

Trucking Accident Claims Are Different (Here’s Why)

Another factor that complicates tractor trailer accident claims is the potential for catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Due to the size and speed of commercial vehicles, accidents involving tractor trailers are more likely to result in severe injuries or death.

A serious truck accident can result in very severe injuries, including:

– Traumatic brain injury claim

– Spinal cord injury claim

– Paraplegia injury claim

– Wrongful death claim

This means that medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages can be much higher in these cases than in car accidents.

Only an experienced truck accident law firm will have the resources and expertise to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Navigating the Legal Maze: Liability in Tractor Trailer Accidents

In these cases, hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer who can investigate the incident thoroughly to determine how it happened and who was at fault is essential.

A great lawyer for personal injury will leave no stone unturned in their investigation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

So, what exactly will a truck accident lawyer investigate to uncover the truth behind the truck accident?

Gather evidence to prove your truck accident claim.

The first step a truck accident attorney takes in investigating a truck accident is gathering evidence. This includes obtaining:

police reports
witness statements
photos of the accident scene
any other relevant documentation.

An experienced truck collision attorney may also visit the accident scene to gather additional information that could help determine what happened.

Review Trucking Company Records

In many truck accidents, the negligence of the truck driver or trucking company may be to blame. A skilled personal injury law attorney will review the trucking company’s records.

It is crucial to determine if there were any violations of federal regulations, such as hours-of-service violations or improper vehicle maintenance.

These records can provide crucial evidence to prove liability.

Examine the Driver’s History

Another important aspect of the investigation process is examining the driver’s history. This includes:

looking into their driving record
any previous accidents they may have been involved in
whether they had any prior citations for reckless driving or DUIs.

This information can shed light on whether the driver was negligent or unfit to operate a commercial vehicle.

In truck accident cases, determining if the driver was driving under the influence or was distracted while driving is essential.

A Baltimore truck accident lawyer with experience with commercial truck accidents can file a lawsuit to recover compensation.

Personal injury cases are all very unique and require the knowledge only a lawyer for semi truck accidents has.

Consult with Experts

Personal injury lawyers often work with accident reconstruction experts and other professionals to help piece together how an accident occurred.

These experts can analyze factors such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions to determine speed, braking distances, and other crucial details that can help establish liability.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Once all evidence has been gathered and analyzed, a skilled personal injury lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. This will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

An injury lawyer for car accidents will use their findings from the investigation to build a strong case.

Building a solid case will prove why you deserve the maximum recovery for your car accident case. Our accident lawyers in Baltimore will fight tirelessly for your rights.

Why The Yost Legal Group Should Handle Your Truck Accident Claim

When it comes to handling a tractor trailer accident claim, contact The Yost Legal Group at 800-967-8529 for a free case evaluation. We will listen to what happened and explain your rights.

Filing a personal injury claim for compensation will help you recover all damages incurred from the accident and for pain and suffering.

The complexities involved in these cases require specialized knowledge and resources that only a seasoned attorney can provide.

By entrusting your big truck injury claim to professionals who understand the intricacies of commercial vehicle accidents, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected and you will receive the compensation you deserve.

If you need help navigating this challenging process, contact our reputable semi-truck accident law firm today for a free consultation.

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