Maryland Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Truck Accidents the Most Dangerous Types of Crashes?
Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them far more destructive than passenger vehicles in a collision. The size and force of semi-trucks cause severe, and often fatal, injuries, multi-vehicle crashes, and extensive property damage, especially at highway speeds.
What Types of Truck Accidents Does the Law Offices of Duane O. King, Esq. Handle?
Washington, D.C. truck accident lawyer, Duane O. King, Esq., handles all types of commercial truck and tractor-trailer crashes, including:
- Blind-spot Collisions
- Head-on Collisions
- Jackknife Crashes
- Rollover Accidents
- Side-Impact “T-Bone” Crashes
- Tire Blowouts
- Underride Accidents
How Do Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents?
Truck accident claims are more complex as they typically involve severe or fatal injuries, multiple responsible parties, federal and state trucking regulations, extensive multi-faceted investigations, and expert testimony.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Maryland?
Truck accidents occur for many reasons, often involving both driver error and equipment issues. Some of the most common causes include:
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Brake or tire failure
- Distracted or drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Mechanical failure
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes or turns
- Weather or road conditions
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injuries, severe burns, and wrongful death. Even non-fatal injuries can lead to long recoveries and permanent conditions.
Is the Trucking Industry Federally Regulated?
Yes, the trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets rules for driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo weight to promote highway safety and reduce accidents.
Maryland also enforces its own trucking laws on weight limits, hazardous material transport, and commercial driver licensing. State and local police regularly inspect trucks for compliance, and violations can help establish fault after a crash.
Do I Need to Call the Police After a Truck Accident in Maryland?
You are required to call the police after a truck accident in Maryland if anyone is injured, killed, or a vehicle cannot be safely moved from the road. Even if the crash seems minor, it is still a good idea to contact law enforcement so an official report can be made. Additionally, a police report is an important part of your claim. It provides an official record of the crash, documents details about the vehicles and drivers, and may include the officer’s observations or citations issued at the scene. Insurance companies and lawyers often rely on this report to determine fault and verify key facts about the accident.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Truck Accident?
Several parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, or maintenance providers, depending on the circumstances of the crash. For instance, if a defective part is responsible for the crash, the manufacturer may be liable. Determining fault requires a detailed investigation of company records, vehicle data, and crash evidence.
What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Truck Accident Claim?
Fortunately, evidence is generally more plentiful in truck accidents, largely due to trucking regulations requiring extensive record-keeping and the truck’s onboard technology. Important evidence includes police reports, photos of the scene and vehicles, witness statements, medical records, driver logbooks, the truck’s electronic data recorder (black box) information, and trucking company maintenance records.
What Damages Can I Seek After a Truck Accident in Maryland?
Compensation in truck accident cases is typically significant, and the amount you recover depends on the severity of your injuries and how the crash has impacted your life. In most cases, you can seek damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
If the crash results in a fatality, surviving family members may be eligible to file a “wrongful death claim” for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Maryland uses “contributory negligence,” meaning you cannot recover damages if you are even 1% at fault for the crash. With such strict rules on compensation, it is crucial to consult an experienced Maryland truck accident lawyer as soon as possible following a crash to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident is three years from the date of the crash.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Maryland?
After a truck crash, call 911 to report the accident and any injuries. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries, and collect contact information from the truck driver, their employer, and witnesses. Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine, since some injuries appear later. Keep all records related to the crash and contact an experienced Maryland truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and explore your legal options.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
Hiring skilled legal representation is especially crucial after a truck accident. Trucking companies have legal teams and insurance adjusters ready to defend them and having skilled legal representation to help you navigate the challenges is critical. An experienced Maryland truck accident lawyer can protect your rights, investigate the crash, collect vital evidence, and pursue the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Seek Justice Today With a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer, Duane O. King, Esq., at the Law Offices of Duane O. King
Nearly half a million truck crashes occur each year in the United States, causing devastating, and often life-altering, injuries. After a crash, you need the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Maryland truck accident lawyer, Duane O. King, Esq., on your side to help you seek justice. To schedule a free consultation, call the Law Offices of Duane O. King at 888-740-KING (5464) or submit the provided online form. With office locations in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, we proudly serve clients throughout the tri-state area.