What Caused the Fatal Semi Truck Accident in Olney, MD?

Our Maryland truck accident lawyer discusses this tragedy, and answers common questions about personal injury cases arising from truck crashes.

Speak to a Maryland Truck Accident Attorney Now: 301-790-3600

On Friday, February 28 2025, a tractor-trailer collided with a passenger vehicle at a busy intersection in Olney, MD. The truck dragged the Kia Seltos several hundred feet at the intersection of Norbeck Road and Layhill Road before coming to a stop. First responders found the car driver dead at the scene; no other injuries were reported.

The event was first reported to X by Pete Piringer, Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County (MD) Fire & Rescue Service, shortly before 1 PM on February 28.

Photo: Gabby Allen/dcnewsnow.com

As Maryland truck accident attorneys, the Poole Law Group understands how dangerous trucks can be—even in low-speed crashes. In cases where speed may be a factor, semi trucks can cause tremendous damage when they collide with small passenger vehicles, as happened in this case.

Video Courtesy of dcnewsnow.com

While accident reconstructionists and forensic experts seek answers as to what caused this tragic case, we offer answers to some of your commonly asked questions about truck accident cases.

If you have been injured in a truck crash, you’ll need a dedicated truck accident law firm in your corner. We will research the accident and relevant laws, negotiate with your insurance company, and help secure compensation for your medical expenses.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, call the Poole Law Group for your free consultation: 301-790-3600.

What's the main cause for most semi accidents?

The primary cause of most semi-truck accidents is driver error, according to the FMCSA. Key driver-related factors include fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, and inexperience. Fatigue is especially prevalent due to long hours on the road, despite hours-of-service regulations that limit driving time. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distances for heavy trucks, while distractions such as phone use or eating further impair a driver’s ability to respond to road conditions.

Additionally, inexperienced drivers may lack the necessary skills to safely handle unexpected situations. These errors are exacerbated by improper vehicle maintenance or cargo loading, which can lead to equipment failure or instability during transit.

Speak to a truck accident lawyer to learn how these factors may impact your claim: 301-790-3600.

Does a truck driver get in trouble if they get into a wreck?

Yes, a truck driver can face serious consequences if they are involved in a wreck, depending on the circumstances and their level of fault. If the driver is found negligent—in violation of traffic laws, shirking federal trucking regulations, or engaging in reckless behavior—they may face personal liability for damages, including lawsuits from truck accident victims seeking compensation for injuries or property damage.

Additionally, truck drivers may experience employment repercussions, such as suspension, termination, or revocation of their commercial driver’s license (CDL), particularly if the accident involves fatalities or severe violations. In some cases, criminal charges like vehicular manslaughter may be filed if reckless or illegal actions caused the crash. Even when not at fault, drivers are required to comply with legal procedures like reporting the incident and undergoing drug and alcohol testing to avoid further penalties.

How much compensation can I get from a truck accident?

The amount you could receive from a truck accident settlement varies widely depending on factors: severity of injuries, property damage, negligence, and so forth. Notably legal representation has been widely shown to increase case value.

Nationwide, the average settlement for truck accidents typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000, though less severe cases may result in lower payouts. Severe cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can venture into the tens of millions of dollars.

Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning you cannot recover compensation if you are even 1% at fault for the accident. Settlements typically include economic damages (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering), with a cap on non-economic damages set at $935,000 as of 2024.

The most recent studies suggest that a median settlement for rear-end truck accidents is approximately $95,000, while average payouts can range between $150,000 and $200,000 depending on injury severity. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death may result in higher settlements, sometimes exceeding well over $1 million. Analyzing the case correctly to determine all root causes of the crash, the various parties that could be responsible, and the amounts and types of insurance that are available are the keys. However, each case is unique, and consulting an experienced truck accident attorney is critical to maximizing compensation.

Speak to a Maryland Truck Accident Attorney: 301-790-3600

What is the cause of most truck and car crashes?

Most truck and car crashes are caused by driver-related factors: fatigue, speeding, and distracted driving.

Fatigue is particularly common among truck drivers due to long hours on the road, often exceeding legal limits, which impairs reaction times and decision-making. For this reason, the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) institutes hours–of-service regulations that limit the number of hours that may be worked consecutively.

Speeding is another major factor, as it reduces a driver’s ability to stop or react to unexpected situations, especially given the size and weight of trucks. Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or failing to check blind spots, also significantly contributes to accidents. Other causes include improper vehicle maintenance, aggressive driving, poor weather conditions, and inexperienced drivers.

In many cases, the root cause of a trucking accident may not be known in the moments after an accident. Cargo loading issues, driver error, or even driver intoxication will require accident reconstruction analysis, which can take days or weeks to conclude.

Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that you will not be able to receive compensation after an accident that was even 1% your fault. For this reason, always be careful what you say to the trucking company’s insurance carrier.

Always speak to a Maryland truck accident attorney before accepting a settlement. Call The Poole Law Group to speak to a Maryland truck accident lawyer: 301-790-3600.

Whose fault is it in a chain reaction car accident?

In a chain reaction car accident, the driver who caused the initial collision is typically considered at fault. Their negligence can be considered the initial trigger for the subsequent crashes. However, fault can also be shared among other drivers if their actions—following too closely, failing to react appropriately, or violating traffic laws and so forth—contributed to the chain of events.

For example, if multiple drivers were speeding or distracted, liability may be distributed among them. Determining fault in such accidents requires a thorough investigation of evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle conditions to assess each driver’s role in the crash. In some cases, liability may be split based on each party’s degree of negligence.

If you were involved in a chain reaction accident or multi-car pileup, always speak to a personal injury attorney to preserve the full value of your claim. Never agree to a settlement without speaking to a Hagerstown car accident lawyer first.