One man is dead and another was injured in a serious accident involving a box truck that occurred in Beltsville, Maryland, about 25 miles southwest of Baltimore. According to ABC affiliate WJLA News Channel 7, Prince George’s County police responded to a call of a crash between a passenger vehicle and a truck just before 11:00 a.m. on February 6, 2018. When they arrived at the scene, first responders discovered an adult male in critical condition after crashing his car into the commercial box truck. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died of his injuries. The driver of the box truck was also hurt, but the injuries were not reported as life-threatening. Investigators continue to investigate the details of the collision, as Maryland auto accidents involving box trucks present several unique hazards.
Operators do Not Need a Commercial Driver’s License
Perhaps the most problematic issue that makes box trucks a hazard is that an operator does not need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in order to drive one. Obtaining a CDL requires significant training and there are ongoing requirements to maintain it. Anyone with a personal driver’s license can rent a box truck, and many do: U-Haul, Penske, and other companies are popular for renting their box trucks for residential relocations. Their lack of experience with handling such a large vehicle can lead to accidents.
Delivery Drivers are Often on a Time Crunch
Though not required to have a CDL, many commercial enterprises, such as delivery companies, do make this license a condition of employment for drivers. Still, delivery drivers who are in a rush to complete their routes tend to be more careless behind the wheel of a box truck. Their negligence may lead to crashes with other vehicles sharing the road.
Box Trucks Have Multiple Blind Spots
Their design makes box trucks ideal for transporting large items, but the structure also means there are more blind spots than in a typical passenger vehicle. Even experienced drivers may overlook these factors, so they may not be able to react to avoid an accident.
Box Trucks are High Profile Vehicles
The design of a box truck is also an issue considering the height. High profile vehicles can be difficult to maneuver in windy conditions, and they can even tip over when taking turns too quickly.
They are Heavier and Larger Than Passenger Vehicles
While box trucks are considered light as a commercial vehicle, they are still quite hefty as compared to a passenger car. Depending on the load, they may weigh up to 33,000 pounds. A light truck that may top out at just over 5,000 pounds, but more passenger vehicles range between 3,000-4,000 pounds. The size differential means that victims in the car are much more likely to suffer serious injuries in an accident.
In many ways, box trucks are different compared to cars and light trucks, but they are also similar in one key respect: Operators can still drive negligently and cause risks to anyone on the road. If you were injured in a collision with a box truck, you need an experienced Maryland auto accident attorney to fight for your rights. Please contact the Baltimore County, MD law office of Michael A. Freedman to schedule a consultation.
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