Speeding

Speeding is one of the most dangerous behaviors exhibited by truck drivers, leading to severe accidents on Maryland roads, including in Prince George’s County. The immense size and weight of commercial trucks make excessive speed even more hazardous, reducing a driver’s ability to stop, maneuver, or avoid collisions. These high-speed crashes often result in devastating injuries and damage. A dedicated Prince George’s County truck accident attorney can help determine if speeding played a role in your accident and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand the devastating consequences of speeding-related truck accidents. Speeding often compounds other risks, such as wide turns or overloaded trucks, further endangering others on the road. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case and work to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today to get started.

Truck drivers may speed for various reasons, many of which stem from the demands of the trucking industry. Tight delivery schedules often pressure drivers to meet deadlines, leading them to exceed speed limits to avoid penalties or maintain customer satisfaction. Fatigue can also contribute, as drivers nearing the end of long shifts may speed to reach their destination faster. In other cases, inadequate training may leave drivers unaware of the risks and consequences of speeding in large commercial vehicles. Regardless of the reason, speeding significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in areas like Prince George’s County, which accounted for 19 percent of Maryland’s speed-related fatal crashes.

Speeding in trucks often leads to severe and life-altering accidents. One common type is rear-end collisions, where a speeding truck cannot stop in time to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead. These accidents are particularly dangerous for occupants of smaller vehicles due to the significant weight disparity. Another common crash involves jackknifing, when a truck traveling too fast for road or weather conditions loses control, causing the trailer to swing sideways. Speeding also contributes to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers, as the high center of gravity of large trucks makes them more prone to tipping. These types of accidents are not only devastating but also disproportionately affect metropolitan areas like Baltimore and Washington, where 85 percent of Maryland’s speed-related crashes occur.

The injuries sustained in truck speeding accidents are often catastrophic. Victims frequently experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries, all of which require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation. Broken bones and severe lacerations are also common, particularly in high-impact crashes. In many cases, these injuries lead to permanent disabilities or fatalities, as evidenced by the 12,151 people killed in speed-related crashes nationwide in 2022. The severity of these injuries underscores the importance of holding negligent parties accountable to prevent further harm.

Determining liability in truck speeding accidents often involves examining the actions of the driver and their employer. Drivers are directly responsible for adhering to posted speed limits and adjusting their speed based on road and weather conditions. However, trucking companies can also share liability if they contribute to unsafe practices. For example, employers who pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines or fail to enforce speed compliance policies may be held accountable. Additionally, inadequate training programs or failure to monitor drivers’ performance can indicate negligence on the part of the employer. A comprehensive investigation is crucial to uncovering these factors and establishing liability.

Speeding in trucks poses a significant threat to Maryland residents, particularly in areas with high traffic density. Between 2017 and 2021, Baltimore County accounted for 18 percent of the state’s speed-related crashes, while Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City collectively accounted for half of all speed-related fatal accidents. These statistics highlight the disproportionate impact of speeding on urban and suburban communities, where heavy truck traffic often intersects with passenger vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Addressing this issue requires stricter enforcement of speed regulations and accountability for violations.

Preventing truck speeding accidents begins with enforcing existing regulations and implementing proactive safety measures. Employers must prioritize driver education, ensuring that their teams understand the risks associated with speeding and the importance of compliance. Fleet monitoring technologies, such as GPS tracking and speed governors, can help enforce speed limits and alert companies to unsafe driving practices. Additionally, regular audits of delivery schedules can ensure that drivers are not pressured to prioritize speed over safety. Combined with rigorous oversight, these measures can reduce the prevalence of speeding-related crashes and save lives.

Speeding reduces a truck driver’s ability to react to road conditions, often causing severe accidents with devastating consequences. Victims of speeding-related crashes deserve a legal team that prioritizes their recovery. Foran & Foran, P.A. has years of experience handling these complex cases, helping injured individuals seek justice and fair compensation. Our Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys are accessible by Metro, and we offer free consultations to discuss your case. Contact us at 301-441-2022 or through our secure online form to get started today.