Help After a Serious Truck Accident in Maryland
If you were injured in a truck accident in Maryland, the situation can quickly become complicated. Collisions involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles often cause severe injuries and involve multiple companies, insurers, and federal trucking regulations.
Truck accident cases are different from most vehicle collisions. Evidence may include driver logbooks, black box data, inspection records, and company safety policies. Preserving this evidence early can be critical to understanding what caused the crash.
The Maryland truck accident attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP help injured victims investigate serious crashes, deal with trucking companies and insurance carriers, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries. Truck accident claims are typically handled under Maryland personal injury law, which governs how victims recover compensation after serious accidents.
If you have questions about your situation, a short conversation with an attorney can often help clarify your options and protect your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident claims can arise in many situations involving commercial vehicles.
You may have a truck accident claim in Maryland if:
- The crash involved a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, delivery truck, or other commercial vehicle
- The truck driver was fatigued, distracted, speeding, or impaired
- The trucking company failed to properly maintain the vehicle
- Cargo was improperly loaded or unsecured
- The accident caused injuries requiring medical treatment
- Multiple vehicles were involved in the crash
- The insurance company contacted you quickly after the accident
While some collisions involve large commercial trucks, others involve standard passenger vehicles. In those situations, the case may fall under a typical Maryland car accident injury claim, which involves a different type of investigation and liability analysis.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical vehicle crashes.
Large commercial trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic injuries. At the same time, trucking companies must follow strict safety rules enforced by federal regulators such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
These cases often involve issues such as:
- driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
- improper vehicle maintenance
- overloaded or unsecured cargo
- unsafe driving practices
- violations of federal trucking regulations
Because trucking companies operate under complex safety rules and corporate structures, investigating these accidents often requires gathering specialized evidence.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law
Maryland has one of the strictest accident liability rules in the country.
Under Maryland’s contributory negligence law, an injured person may be barred from recovering compensation if they are found even slightly responsible for the accident.
Insurance companies are well aware of this rule and often attempt to shift partial blame onto injured victims. Because of this, evidence collection and accident investigation are particularly important in Maryland truck accident cases.
Who May Be Responsible for a Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases often involve multiple potentially responsible parties.
Liability may include:
- the truck driver
- the trucking company
- a cargo loading company
- a vehicle manufacturer
- a maintenance contractor
- another driver involved in the crash
In many cases, trucking companies can be held responsible for the actions of their drivers under a legal principle known as respondeat superior, which allows employers to be liable for employee negligence.
Determining who is responsible requires a detailed review of evidence and company safety records.
Evidence That Can Strengthen a Truck Accident Case
Truck accident investigations often rely on evidence that does not exist in ordinary car accident cases.
Important evidence may include:
- driver logbooks
- electronic logging device (ELD) data
- truck “black box” information
- maintenance and inspection records
- cargo loading documentation
- surveillance or traffic camera footage
- witness statements
Because trucking companies and insurers may begin investigating immediately after a crash, preserving this evidence early can be important.
How Insurance Companies Handle Truck Accident Claims
Commercial trucking companies typically carry large insurance policies, often with minimum coverage requirements of $750,000 or more depending on the type of cargo being transported.
After a serious accident, insurance adjusters may contact victims quickly.
Common tactics include:
- requesting recorded statements
- offering quick settlements before injuries are fully known
- disputing liability
- minimizing injuries or treatment
Because trucking insurers often begin building their defense immediately, it is important to understand your rights before providing statements or signing documents.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
Common injuries include:
- traumatic brain injuries
- spinal cord injuries
- fractures and crush injuries
- internal bleeding
- severe soft-tissue injuries
- long-term disability
These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Truck accident victims may be able to pursue compensation for damages caused by the crash.
Potential damages may include:
- medical expenses
- rehabilitation and therapy costs
- lost wages
- reduced earning capacity
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
If a truck accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim under Maryland law.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Maryland?
In most cases, Maryland statute of limitations allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Missing this deadline may prevent a claim from moving forward, which is why speaking with an attorney early can be important.
How Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis Can Help
Truck accident cases often involve complex investigations and large insurance companies.
Our attorneys help clients by:
- investigating the cause of the crash
- preserving critical evidence
- working with accident reconstruction experts
- handling communications with insurance companies
- pursuing compensation through settlement or trial
We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation.
Contact Our Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers Today
A serious truck accident can leave victims facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future.
Speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and determine what steps to take next.
Contact the Maryland truck accident lawyers at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP today to schedule a free consultation.