Bowie, Maryland (October 24, 2025) — Two people, including a young child, were hospitalized Friday morning following a serious crash involving a passenger vehicle and an 18-wheeler on northbound U.S. Route 301 near Queen Anne Road, according to the Maryland State Police (MSP).
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 8:16 a.m. when troopers from the MSP College Park Barrack responded to reports of a collision between a tractor-trailer and a passenger car. Investigators say the car’s driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.
A child passenger in the same vehicle was transported by ambulance to the University of Maryland Bowie Health Center with non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported among the parties involved. Portions of Route 301 were temporarily closed as emergency crews worked to extricate the victims and clear the scene. All lanes were later reopened.
Investigation: Maryland State Police have not yet released details regarding what led to the crash, which remains under active investigation. Troopers are examining roadway evidence, including skid marks and debris patterns, to determine whether excessive speed, distraction, or unsafe lane changes played a role.
Because tractor-trailers require longer stopping distances and wider turning radii than passenger cars, investigators will also evaluate whether visibility or following distance were contributing factors. The condition of the vehicles, especially the truck’s braking system and trailer load, will likely be reviewed as part of standard procedure.
Legal Considerations: Collisions involving 18-wheelers often present complex questions of liability. Trucking companies and their insurers are governed by both state and federal regulations, including maintenance requirements, driver hour limits, and load safety standards. If the investigation reveals that fatigue, equipment failure, or negligent operation contributed to this crash, the injured driver and child may have grounds to pursue a truck accident claim to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
As investigators continue their work, the findings will be vital in determining how this crash occurred and who may ultimately bear responsibility.
When a child is injured in such an incident, additional legal considerations apply regarding long-term medical monitoring and emotional trauma. Parents or guardians may also be entitled to compensation for the financial and emotional impact of their child’s injuries.
I wish the injured driver and young passenger a full and swift recovery following this frightening collision.
Source: 7News WJLA