Severna Park Maryland Legal Blog

When sharing the road with commercial trucks, there are several key steps you must take to maintain a high level of safety. With the appropriate level of caution, you'll feel better about your ability to prevent an accident that could result in serious injury, death and extensive property damage.

Here are five things you can do:

• Don't drive aggressively: Even if you're driving in close proximity to an aggressive trucker, don't assume that you have to adjust your style accordingly. Remain defensive at all times, as it's the best way to protect against trouble.
• Stay in your lane: Don't make it a habit to change lanes too often, as doing so is a common cause of highway truck accidents. Know where you need to be and stay there for as long as possible. Generally speaking, try to avoid the left lane unless you're passing another vehicle.
• Use your turn signals: Give those around you, including truckers, a clear idea of the turn or lane change you want to make, as far in advance as possible. Using your turn signals is not optional, it's the law.
• Avoid blind spots: Commercial trucks have many blind spots, including the area directly behind and next to the vehicle. You can't avoid these spots entirely, but you shouldn't spend an excess amount of time here. If a trucker doesn't know you're in their blind spot, the chance of them causing a crash is much greater.
• Keep your distance: For instance, if you spot a trucker who is texting, let them drive up the road ahead or safely put them in your rearview mirror. Either way, when you create distance, you lessen the likelihood of an accident.

There are many people in Maryland that work in the construction industry. Construction jobs often pay well but they are also among the most dangerous jobs a person can have. Most construction companies understand the importance of worker safety but occasionally a serious accident occurs that injures a worker.

A recent accident occurred in Maryland that seriously injured a construction worker. The worker was in Silver Spring near the District Court on a construction site when he was hit by a moving crane. The worker was transferred to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. The Maryland Occupational Safety Hazard division has been notified of the incident and will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The most typical worker injuries during the cold weather months include those suffered in slips, trips and falls. Although these are common worker accidents throughout the year, icy conditions make them more likely to happen in Maryland winters. However, slips and falls are not the only incidents that take place. Hypothermia, frostbite and wind burn are also likely to injure workers.

One way employers should ensure fewer slip and fall accidents during winter is by spreading de-icer quickly after a winter storm takes place. Employees should also be told how to recognize cold stress, which is a drop in skin temperature, resulting in a decrease in internal body temperature. Wind chills and wetness can make heat leave the body quickly. Trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia are just some examples of cold stress. Trench foot is caused by extended exposure to wet and cold conditions and can cause numbness and blisters. Frostbite can even cause permanent damage to the body.

Even though you do your best to avoid trouble on the road, you're only one mistake away from a car accident that can cause serious injury and extensive damage to your vehicle.

If another person causes a car accident, it's critical to remain calm and take the necessary steps in the proper order. Here's what you need to do:

• Move your vehicle to safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic before you do anything else. This reduces the risk of another accident. If you're unable to move your vehicle, such as the result of your injuries, stay inside until help arrives. Getting out in close proximity to fast-moving traffic increases the chance of being struck by a vehicle.
• Call 911: Even if you think you can manage the scene on your own, it's best to call 911. The responding paramedics can examine you for injuries and transport you to a local hospital for treatment. Also, the responding police officer can create a police report, which you'll need when it comes time to file an insurance claim and seek compensation.
• Document the scene: Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to take photos of the scene, damage to your vehicle and personal injuries. This is also a good time to collect witness statements and contact information.
• Follow the advice of your medical team: Neglecting to follow through with treatment of an injury can result in additional bodily harm. Follow their advice until you regain your former level of health.
• Contact your insurance agent: You want to do this as soon as possible, but don't rush. Your health comes first. The moment you get a chance, contact your agent to put the wheels in motion. Keep in mind that you don't want to say too much, as your insurance company is always seeking ways to save money.