Causes of a Semi Truck Accident 
Truck drivers are often pushing the pedal to the metal, literally. They are under pressure to deliver their goods within a certain time frame. And even though Federal regulations limit truckers to 11 hours’ drive time in a 14-hour time period, which must be followed by at least 10 hours’ rest, many drivers ignore the rules.
Truckers may be tired, driving 18 or more hours a day. This level of fatigue can lead to falling asleep at the wheel or inattention, which can lead to serious semi truck accidents, and often fatal accidents.
Serious Semi Truck Crashes on I-95
Just this past August, a trucker heading north on Interstate 95 in Baltimore struck a barrier wall at the Interstate 395 exit. The impact caused two tanks of fuel on the truck to catch fire and the truck’s cabin went up in flames. The driver was also killed. In another August semi truck accident, a truck driver was injured after his tractor-trailer crashed on Interstate 95, spilled oil and fuel across the highway. Two lanes were closed while Hazardous materials teams from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Special Operations Team and the Maryland Department of the Environment worked to clean it up. Causes of both crashes are being investigated.
Investigating Cause of Semi Truck Accidents
Semi truck accidents can be complicated and challenging to investigate. There can be many contributing causes to a truck crash, each of which must be investigated. In any personal injury accident case, all potential sources of liability must be tracked down. Investigators must look into the role played by:
- The driver of the truck
- The tractor-trailer owner
- The trucking company
- The auto shop that maintained the truck
- The warehouse responsible for loading the 18-wheeler
- The manufacturer of the truck, the brakes, the tires, or other parts that failed
If you have suffered an injury as a result of an accident involving a truck, an attorney who is knowledgeable in the rules and regulations governing the trucking industry may be able to help you find out what caused the accident and whether you have grounds to sue for personal injury or wrongful death.
Top-Rated Columbia and Ellicott City Truck Accident Lawyer
Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced Howard County truck accident lawyer. Mr. Smith represents clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases involving trucking accidents in Maryland and the Baltimore area. He is a top-rated semi truck accident lawyer, with over 30 years of courtroom experience.
As you can see by his background, Mr. Smith is an experienced, respected, and credentialed trial attorney. He has successfully handled personal injury and wrongful death cases, including Howard County truck accidents, for over three decades. He fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him.
Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful Past Results— has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:
- Maryland Super Lawyer.
- “10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
- “AV-Preeminent™*” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
- “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
- 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Howard County, Maryland
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury in a truck or car accident that was caused by negligence, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights to seek compensation to recover from your injuries. To schedule an appointment with experienced semi truck accident lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith in Columbia, Maryland, call 410-740-0101 or contact us online.