Experienced Suburban Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer – Fighting for You
Statistically, Maryland’s roads are relatively safe, at least if you compare them to the roads in most other states. The moment you are involved in a truck accident, however, statistics just don’t matter anymore. The moment you realize that your accident was caused by the misconduct of someone else, however, can be an infuriating moment – or it can be an empowering moment.
Of course, no one can zip you back in time to the day before the accident so that you can avoid it, as desirable as that outcome might be. What our Maryland truck accident lawyers can do, however, is offer you a claim – a legal right to full financial compensation for all of your losses, including emotional losses. The only problem is that claims don’t enforce themselves – enforcement takes time, dedication and skill.
Most personal injury claims are ultimately paid, if at all, by an insurance company that loses more money with every dime it pays you. Here at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, our Maryland truck accident lawyers are accustomed to dealing with insurance companies.
Can I Afford a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer?
Yes, you can, even if without a dollar in your wallet. There are two reasons for this – (1) we don’t charge upfront fees and (2) you pay nothing until and unless you win. By “win”, we mean that your money actually arrives. Our fee is calculated as a percentage of your damages, which guarantees that you will come out ahead. We only win if you do too.
What Our Clients Say
“We owe so much to Mr. Schloss and you for taking care of us and leading the way when times were tough. Money can’t buy that kind of dedication.” – A Maryland Client
“You have taught me so much about patience and the law. My wife and I both believe you have done an excellent job watching out for our best interests. It’s because of your hard work that we have had about the best year since the start of this whole mess.” – Another Maryland Client
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I handle my claim on my own if I plan to settle out of court?
Although you have a legal right to represent yourself, it’s not a good idea. Insurance adjustors are notoriously skilled negotiators, and they rub their hands with glee over the prospect of negotiating against an unrepresented claimant.
Why are truck accidents more dangerous than ordinary car accidents?
An 18-wheeler truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds, while a typical automobile weighs about 3,000 pounds. Consequently, the momentum of a truck carries far more destructive power than the momentum of an automobile does. Serious and even fatal injuries are all too common. Having a knowledgable and proven Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer on your side is critical.
What types of damages might I be eligible for?
Damages can be classified as follows:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost earnings, and other tangible financial losses (including anticipated future losses).
- Non-Economic Damages: Psychological damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of ability to enjoy life.
- Punitive Damages: An amount awarded to punish the defendant for “actual malice.” Most personal injury claims do not qualify for punitive damages.
How should I proceed if my loved one died in a truck accident?
If you are the spouse, parent or child of a deceased truck accident victim, you might be eligible for wrongful death damages under the Maryland Wrongful Death Act. Damages from a wrongful death lawsuit are divided among next of kin, although not necessarily in equal amounts. Contact one of our compassionate Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers to discuss your situation.
Can I win a claim against the trucking company?
It depends on the relationship between the trucking company and the driver. If the driver was an employee of the trucking company, you can win without even showing that the trucking company itself was at fault. If the driver was an “independent contractor”, however, you must prove that the trucking company itself was negligent, or you must be satisfied with suing the driver only.
Is Maryland a “fault” or a “no-fault” auto insurance state?
Maryland is a “fault” auto insurance state. If you are injured in an accident that is the other driver’s fault, you can:
- seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy;
- seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s personal assets; or
- seek compensation from your own insurance policy, if its terms so allow.
Hiring a dedicated and highly experienced Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer from our law firm can help you through this difficult time and get you the compensation you deserve.
How can I receive compensation for a “hit and run” accident if the truck driver is never found?
Maryland’s uninsured motorist policy covers hit-and-run accidents up to the limits of coverage. If your claim exceeds the limits of your policy, however, you might have trouble locating a source of compensation, since you cannot seek compensation against the missing driver’s assets.
The insurance company wants me to sign a medical records release form. Should I sign it?
No. Although you will need to provide the insurance company with a certain amount of medical information, you don’t need to grant them access to your entire medical history. They will use this access to look through your medical history for an excuse to deny your claim (a pre-existing injury, for example).
Can I claim against the manufacturer of a defective truck component if it caused the accident?
Yes, and you can also claim against a distributor of the product, even for a manufacturing defect. You will have to prove that the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous when it left the manufacturer’s hands.
We’ve Been Doing This for Decades
We exist for only one purpose – to seek justice for personal injury victims, just as we have been doing for the past 35 years. Our Maryland Truck Accident Attorneys have recovered a staggering $1 billion in compensation for our clients, including numerous multi-million dollar recoveries. After our initial consultation, a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer from our Law Firm will have a good idea of the true value of your claim – and it might be worth more than you think.
Decisive Action in a Maryland Truck Accident is What Makes Things Happen
The first case decision you make is likely to be which law firm will represent you. This decision may turn out to be the most important decision you make on your claim because the right law firm can make a tremendous difference in how much compensation you receive. If you have been injured in an accident you need a skilled Maryland Truck Accident Attorney, call us at (301) 345-5700 or simply contact us online for a free initial consultation.