Authorities are investigating a crash involving four vehicles that occurred Tuesday evening on westbound Route 50 near the Bay Bridge in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. Maryland Transportation Authority Police responded to the scene around 6:40 p.m. and found three vehicles damaged, including a black Scion whose driver sustained serious injuries and had to be flown to a nearby hospital. Investigators believe that a tractor-trailer played a role in the crash by striking the Scion and continuing over the bridge without stopping. Police are currently working to identify the truck and its driver.
When a commercial vehicle is suspected in a crash and doesn’t remain at the scene, it raises immediate questions, not only about responsibility, but also about whether the driver even realized a collision occurred. In my experience, some of the most critical early steps in these investigations involve locating the vehicle as soon as possible to examine potential damage, preserve evidence, and secure driver logs and onboard data before they’re lost or altered.
Why Identifying the Truck Is Critical
Because the truck allegedly left the scene, investigators have a limited window to gather critical information. Reviewing traffic and toll plaza surveillance footage from the Bay Bridge, collecting witness accounts, and locating any dashcam or roadside camera footage will be essential. Once the truck is found, authorities can inspect it for physical evidence of the collision and begin piecing together how it might have contributed to the crash. There may also be valuable data stored in the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which can show speed, braking patterns, and steering input in the moments leading up to the incident.
Were Distraction or Fatigue a Factor?
Even though the semi-truck reportedly didn’t stop, investigators will likely examine whether the driver was alert and attentive before the crash occurred. Fatigue and distraction are two of the leading contributors to serious crashes involving large trucks, especially during long hauls. A driver who’s drowsy or looking away from the road may not register a collision or may misjudge how much room they have when changing lanes. If the driver was inattentive, even momentarily, it could have created a situation where they drifted into the Scion’s path or misjudged traffic conditions, contributing to the crash.
Why Every Detail Deserves Careful Examination
It’s especially important to approach situations like this with a clear, fact-based investigation. A commercial vehicle suspected of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injuries should be located quickly so that physical evidence and driver information can be secured. The earlier that happens, the more likely it is that investigators can uncover what happened and why.