Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Maryland and Who’s Liable In A Claim

Maryland motorists are accustomed to sharing the road with tractor-trailers. These massive vehicles move goods across I-95, I-70, and other major highways that crisscross the state. Unfortunately, when something goes wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Maryland tractor-trailer truck accidents often impact other drivers on the road and can cause severe, life-threatening personal injuries. Our Maryland truck accident attorneys explain common reasons for these crashes and who can be held liable in a claim.

Common Reasons For Tractor-Trailer Truck Accidents In Maryland

In September 2025, a tractor-trailer truck accident in Montgomery County left multiple motorists injured. WJLA News reported it happened on Interstate 495, near the American Legion Bridge. The police are investigating and haven’t released the underlying causes or who was to blame.

Unfortunately, these types of crashes happen regularly throughout the state, often with life-threatening outcomes. While truck drivers are trained professionals, the size and weight of a tractor-trailer make even minor errors dangerous.

Tractor-trailer truck accidents in Maryland are often preventable and typically happen due to unsafe practices. Among the most common causes are:

• Driver fatigue, such as when truckers exceed hours-of-service limits;
• Distracted driving, including cell phone use or in-cab systems;
• Speeding or aggressive driving, which makes stopping harder for heavy trucks;
• Improper loading of cargo, leading to rollovers or jackknife crashes;
• Mechanical failures caused by lack of maintenance, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.

Who Is Liable After a Maryland Tractor-Trailer Accident?

Because of their sheer size, tractor-trailer accidents in Maryland can cause devastating harm to nearby motorists. Determining liability is often more complicated than in other claims, as multiple parties may be responsible. This often includes:

• The truck driver, if fatigue, distraction, or reckless driving caused the accident;
• The trucking company, due to over-scheduling drivers, poor hiring practices, or inadequate training;
• Cargo loaders, if unsecured or overloaded cargo played a role in the accident;
• Maintenance providers, for neglecting to inspect or repair the tractor-trailer properly;
• Other motorists, if their negligence played a role in causing a tractor-trailer crash.

Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law creates additional challenges. If you are found even somewhat at fault, it can prevent you from getting compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, property damages, and other costs. Getting professional legal representation in the immediate aftermath should be a top priority.

Injured In A Tractor-Trailer Crash? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Truck Accident Attorneys

Tractor-trailer truck accidents in Maryland are common and can cause potentially catastrophic injuries to motorists. Navigating Maryland’s complex negligence laws and dealing with trucking companies or insurers makes these cases more complicated.

At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we provide the professional legal representation you need and protect your rights in a claim. Our experienced Maryland truck accident attorneys can investigate, gather evidence such as logbooks and black box data, and take other actions to build a strong case. To get the compensation you need to recover, contact our office today and request a consultation.

Sources:

wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-beltway-crash

dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf