3 Instances When a Truck Driver is Considered Negligent—And Can Be Sued

Glen Burnie, MD—If you’re considering suing a truck driver or the company they work for over a serious or fatal truck crash, you’ll need to prove the driver was negligent in some way. The Legal Information Institute (1) defines negligence as the following: “A failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.”

For example, if a truck driver was to cause a texting while driving collision in Maryland, they would be considered negligent. However, in order to prove they were actually texting while driving, which is considered illegal, you would need a statement from the driver and/or records indicating they were in violation of the law and that is what caused or contributed to the accident occurring.

Here are a few other examples of when a truck driver would be considered negligent following an accident.

The truck driver was operating their vehicle while intoxicated.

Truck drivers have a legal obligation to both their state and employer to operate their vehicle in a safe and law-abiding manner. If a trucker violates the law and/or the employee policies they agreed to upon being hired and caused a crash, they or their employer can be held accountable for their actions.

A dump truck driver in Maryland was recently charged with multiple offenses including vehicular manslaughter and criminal negligent vehicular manslaughter after he allegedly caused a fatal accident in Glen Burnie, reports The Southern Maryland Chronicle (2).

The driver is being accused of driving up a closed exit ramp the wrong way. He had been part of an active work zone, though officials believe he may have been intoxicated. The driver was reportedly working for a sub-contractor at the time and was not an employee of MDOT SHA.

The trucker was driving for a period longer than what the law permits.

To ensure their safety and that of those around them is not put in jeopardy, truckers are only permitted to operate a large truck for a certain period of time. The hours of service regulations define how long a truck driver can operate their vehicle before they must take a break. When a trucker violates the law and causes a collision, they and/or their employer can be sued for damages.

If you were injured in a truck accident caused by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel, start searching for attorneys near me so that you can get connected with a legal expert who can explain your rights.

The truck driver was engaging in reckless behavior.

Anytime a trucker engages in reckless behavior (i.e. speeding, making sharp turns, etc.) and they cause a collision, they put themselves and their employer at risk of a lawsuit.

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck crash, a Glen Burnie car accident attorney can help you understand your right to compensation. This might include money to cover medical expenses and even lost wages.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can hold a negligent truck driver accountable for their careless choices, contact a Glen Burnie car accident attorney today. Murnane & O’Neill is one accident law firm in Glen Burnie that can determine if you have a valid case and fight for the compensation you are due.

Murnane & O’Neill is located at:

7425 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.

Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Phone: (410) 761 6800

Website: www.murnaneandoneill.com

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