Maryland Dangerous Road Attorneys

Dangerous Roadways

Big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and can tow a trailer that is between 48 and 60 feet long (48 feet in Maryland). These large and heavy vehicles require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and must be operated under strict federal regulations. Because of its size and weight, a large truck cannot drive on every road and, in many cases, is prohibited from driving on certain roads. On roadways where a big rig is allowed to travel, the road must be properly maintained and/or repaired so that hazards do not compromise a truck operator's ability to drive the vehicle.

A pothole is not just a pothole for a monstrous semi truck. A pothole can cause a tire blowout, which can subsequently cause the driver to lose control of the truck. An out-of-control big rig poses a great danger to other motorists and can cause a devastating traffic accident. Everyone has a responsibility to establish and maintain an appropriate level of road safety, including city and state road and transportation agencies and departments.

Hazardous Roadways

Oftentimes, a large truck accident is the result of driver error or negligence, or even defective truck manufacturing or design, but a crash may also be caused by dangerous roadways. There are many situations where a road is unsafe and may cause a big rig accident. Hazardous roadways may include:

• Debris;
• Potholes;
• Uneven pavement;
• Insufficient lighting;
• Steep inclines or declines;
• Excessively tight turns;
• Inadequate drainage;
• Lack of warning signs (speed or otherwise);
• Poor or unclear lane markings;
• Inappropriate speed limits;
• Improperly cordoned off construction zones;
• Illegible signs; and/or
• Lack of runaway truck ramps (for certain roadways).

Liability in Dangerous Roadway Truck Crashes

Hazardous roadways are unavoidable. Even the most experienced truck driver can lose control of his or her vehicle or be involved in a crash if a roadway is in disrepair or has any of the other conditions listed above. It is not a truck driver's responsibility to make sure the road is safe to be driven on. That is the responsibility of the city, county, and/or state department or agency that is tasked with maintaining and/or repairing that road. If a warning sign was destroyed in an accident, the responsible party must replace it; if a tree fell across the road, it must be removed; if heavy rains caused flooding, the road must be drained; if there are large potholes, they must be repaired; if the lane markings are faded, they must be repainted. The list can go on and on. If the parties responsible for the roadway do not do their duty, they may be held liable for any accident that results.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

Dangerous roadways threaten every motorist's safety, but can be especially dangerous when they cause accidents involving big rigs. At Alpert Schreyer, our experienced Maryland tractor trailer accident lawyers are committed to holding the at-fault party responsible for his or her negligence and obtaining rightful compensation for our clients. If you have been injured in a dangerous roadway truck crash, call us today for a consultation at 1 (800) 489-1577.