Truck Accidents Statistics

Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland share a unique traffic challenge. Several major highways connect within a 50-mile radius, making the area a primary focal point for the trucking industry – as well as the main transport for millions of commuters. Variable weather conditions and ongoing construction often create road hazards and delays. These factors combine to create a difficult and dangerous atmosphere for deadly accidents involving large trucks.

Interstate 95 is a primary route for truckers bound for the northeast. Other major highways, including I-70, I-97, I-66 and I-83, are often heavily congested with commuter and commercial traffic. U.S. 301 South in Maryland has the highest percentage of annual daily truck traffic – more than 40 percent of all vehicles. The Port of Baltimore feeds directly into the trucking and rail system, contributing significantly to the cargo loads traveling on large 18 wheelers.

Industries including transportation, service, government and medicine are all located within the metro areas of D.C. and Baltimore. High housing costs have driven more workers into the suburbs, creating longer commutes for an increasing number of drivers. During winter, snow and ice can quickly cripple the roadways, turning traffic delays into traffic tie-ups that can last for hours. Long-term construction projects including the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the Mixing Bowl provide further obstacles.

While ordinary commuters may become frustrated and impatient when facing such conditions, truck drivers are under additional pressure to make delivery deadlines that fail to account for normal city traffic delays. A trucker's pay is based upon timely deliveries, and an impatient or fatigued driver is more apt to ignore the rules of the road.

According to a 2007 federal study, speeding, roadway problems and driver fatigue were among the top 10 factors in large truck accidents. During 2007, there were more than 2,900 injuries sustained in crashes involving large trucks in Washington, D.C. In Maryland, there were 739 such injuries.

If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt by a trucking accident in Washington D.C. or Baltimore, Maryland, you already know the dangerous nature of the region. What you may not know is that the laws governing the trucking industry are complicated and regulatory violations can be difficult to prove. Trucking accidents may involve negligence on the part of the driver and the trucking company, and only an experienced attorney can effectively argue for compensation on your behalf.

At The Abelson Law Firm, we will promptly investigate a crash, determine fault and seek to recover all legal damages. Insurance companies protect their interests by investigating the accident immediately after its occurrence, and key evidence is often lost or destroyed without prompt legal action.

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If you have been injured in a truck accident, please contact us online or toll free at 1-888-797-4242 for a free consultation.

See Also:
Truck Accidents Statistics Washington and VA Statistics Maryland Statistics