Any motor vehicle accident can be traumatic, sometimes causing serious personal injuries to its victim. Accidents that involve commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, however, often leave their victims with catastrophic, life-changing injuries. In the most severe cases, they can even result in the death of a loved one. Although your life may never be the same after a serious truck accident, personal injury law serves to protect your legal rights and allows you to receive compensation for the financial losses you have incurred as a result of the accident. Give Pinder Plotkin a call at (410) 525-5337. They have experienced injury attorneys in Baltimore who are here to let you know your legal rights and options. No matter what preventative measures are taken, nothing can completely protect motorists from negligence or wrongdoing from what other drivers have done. The fact is, when a driver collides with a semi-truck, there can be consequences that are not only tragic for the driver but also for his or her family.

Why Do Truck Accidents Tend to Be So Serious?

There are many reasons truck accidents cause such severe injuries. First, the sheer size, length, and weight of commercial vehicles — tending to weigh more than 10,000 pounds or more — makes them inherently dangerous on the road. Trucks are significantly longer than cars, as well, making them that much more dangerous. Truck accidents often happen on highways and freeways, meaning they often occur at a high rate of speed, which can make for more severe resulting injuries. Moreover, when a smaller vehicle is crushed by a truck, it will more than likely absorb most of the impact of the crash. And, when a truck hits a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, that impact is even more difficult to survive without serious injuries.

What are the Various Types of Truck Accidents?

The Baltimore truck accident attorneys at Pinder Plotkin assist victims involved in a broad range of accidents. As far as truck accidents, these are often classified on the way they have occurred. This is because trucks combined with dangerous driving conditions often share similar qualities that are to be classified together. For example, some accidents involving trucks get categorized by the truck driver’s failure to act. Other truck driving accidents are categorized related to a mechanical malfunction that was preventable or physical qualities such as an overload or a tire blowout. Other truck driving accidents are categorized based on the way the accidents dynamically occurred, such as jackknife or rollover accidents. Here are some of the most prevalent kinds of truck accidents that occur on the roadways of Baltimore.

• Swinging turn
• Squeeze play
• Blindspot
• Rollover
• Fatigue
• Jackknife
• Overloaded
• Bad weather
• Side impact
• Intoxication

Of course, no two accidents with a truck are the same. As a result, every accident has a unique set of characteristics that require attention apart from the simple classifications of the accidents. Baltimore truck accident attorneys at Pinder Plotkin dedicate their law practice to investigating clients’ cases to ensure the best possible representation occurs for a smooth claims process.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Baltimore

Many different things can cause a trucking accident. Generally, though, liability for a truck accident can be classified into one of the following:

• Truck driver error. Whether the driver failed to stop at an intersection, light, or stop sign, failed to check their blind spot, or was traveling too close to other vehicles, driver error is often the cause of a commercial vehicle accident. Driver error can include speeding, failing to follow traffic signals, or otherwise breaking the rules of the road. It can also include distracted, drowsy, or fatigued driving, as well as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Truck company liability. In some cases, the trucking company is liable for the accident, particularly if it has failed to properly maintain or inspect its fleet. When the truck company puts a truck on the road without proper inspection or maintenance, it is potentially liable for the injuries that can result. Moreover, the trucking company may be liable if it has failed to properly hire, train, or supervise its truck drivers.
• Mechanical defects. In some cases, such as where the truck’s brakes have failed, liability for a trucking accident lies with the truck’s manufacturer. A mechanical defect in the truck may be responsible for the truck not functioning correctly, directly leading to the cause of the accident.
• Third-party liability. Some circumstances can implicate a third party in being responsible for a truck accident. For example, a cargo company may be negligent in the way its employees load or handle cargo, or a municipality may be negligent in maintaining its roads, lights, or traffic signals.Of course, no two accidents with a truck are the same: every accident has a unique set of characteristics that require a thorough investigation, preservation of evidence, and deep review of the law and its application to the facts to establish liability. Baltimore truck accident attorneys at Pinder Plotkin dedicate their law practice to investigating clients’ cases to ensure the best possible representation occurs for a smooth claims process.

Of course, no two accidents with a truck are the same: every accident has a unique set of characteristics that require a thorough investigation, preservation of evidence, and deep review of the law and its application to the facts to establish liability. Baltimore truck accident attorneys at Pinder Plotkin dedicate their law practice to investigating clients’ cases to ensure the best possible representation occurs for a smooth claims process.

Most Dangerous Roads for Trucking Accidents in Baltimore County

According to data provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation, Baltimore County is the second most dangerous in the state, accounting for 63 fatal accidents on the county’s roads — second only to Prince George’s County. The majority of accidents occur close to city lines, and the highest number of them tend to happen in the afternoons and during the evening rush hour. I-695 is one of the roads where multiple accidents have taken place, and 44 of the 63 fatal crashes occurred on state highways.

What Types of Trucks Operate in the Maryland Area?

Commercial vehicles in Maryland take many forms, including:

• 18-wheelers
• Tractor trailers
• Passenger busses
• Flatbed trailers
• Construction vehicles, such as dump trucks
• Tankers
• Semi-trucks
• Log carriers
• Car transport trucks
• Box trucks
• Refrigerated trucks

What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Truck Accidents, and What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered?

Trucking accidents often cause very serious, sometimes catastrophic, and life-altering injuries, which in turn can lead to significant financial losses being incurred. The nature of your injuries is an essential factor that both a trial jury and the defendant’s insurance company will take into account in a truck accident that happens in Baltimore. Some common injuries in truck accidents include the following:

• Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries, sometimes including partial or full paralysis
• Head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries, sometimes including lasting brain damage
• Bone fractures, including conditions such as shoulder, hip, and ankle fractures
• Herniated discs;
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Injuries that require surgery
• Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash
• Emotional trauma and mental anguish
• Lost digits or limbs
• Ensuing movement restrictions
• In the most serious cases, the wrongful death of a loved one

How Much Is A Baltimore Truck Accident Worth?

As you might imagine, such serious injuries often result in significant expenses, including medical bills, hospital stays, medical treatments, tests, imaging, prescription costs, and doctor’s visits. Victims may also incur out-of-pocket costs of nursing or home care, various types of therapy, and lost wages if they cannot work as a result of their injuries. You may have general damages, too, including pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, and an overall decline in your quality of life after experiencing life-altering personal injuries. A professional and reputable Baltimore truck accident attorney knows precisely what details to give a defendant’s insurance company regarding your injuries, along with the correct way to present those details. When the insurance company offers an unreasonably small settlement, a truck accident attorney will fight to increase that settlement value between the date of the accident and the date of your trial after accurately assessing the full value of your damages as part of their investigation. To ensure you get compensated appropriately, hiring a lawyer with experience with claims against commercial carriers is the best way to get the compensation you are entitled to and that you deserve so that they may compile your bills and records and negotiate with the insurance company for the commercial carrier on your behalf.

What Are Some Important Laws to Understand Regarding Baltimore Truck Accidents?

In Baltimore, truck drivers are required to have a Commercial Driver’s License, and they must also follow all applicable federal and state rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA covers comprehensive laws regarding the frequency of inspections for motor carriers, the number of hours truckers may drive a day, and more. Under the Code of Maryland Regulations, the laws for trucking related to driver’s licenses, weight limits, vehicle inspections, and more are included. Maryland’s Department of Transportation administers and oversees the laws and regulations that apply to commercial vehicles. Moreover, the law of negligence serves to protect victims of truck accidents, allowing them to file personal injury lawsuits to recoup compensation for their damages. If a safety rule was violated, or if the driver was unreasonably careless and directly caused the collision involving a truck, the victim may file a lawsuit against the truck driver and receive compensation. To prove negligence, you will need to prove that the other party owed a duty of reasonable care to exercise safety on the road and that they breached that duty. You will also need to prove that the other party’s conduct directly caused your injuries. Finally, you will need to prove that you have suffered damages or financial losses as a result of your injuries.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Not only can the plaintiff sue the driver of the truck, but he or she can also sue the trucking company in most cases. In Maryland, the legal doctrine of vicarious liability applies. Vicarious liability means that if an employee is negligent during his work performance, it’s equal to the employer being negligent. That means a trucking company can also be held liable for accidents that occur due to company negligence in policies or obligations or due to employee carelessness.

What Makes Truck Accident Insurance Different From Car Accidents?

Baltimore insurance coverage for commercial trucks is not the same as it is for passenger cars. The state of Maryland requires a minimum of $30,000 coverage for cars for bodily injury to a single person. A minimum coverage of $60,000 is required for two or more people. For property damage, a minimum of $15,000 is required. However, trucking limits are a lot higher. The minimum for general carrier commercial vehicles is $750,000. Under the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 387.9, a motor carrier must have a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance coverage if the motor carrier transports property in interstate commerce. That amount is raised significantly when hazardous materials are transported, involving up to $5 million in required liability insurance. When an accident involves a commercial vehicle, such as a truck, the injuries can be much more severe than those sustained in a car accident. That is why there is such a drastic difference in the minimum insurance coverage required. This is also why a commercial vehicle insurance company will investigate accidents more thoroughly than car insurance companies. When it comes to commercial vehicle insurance, these companies dig deep into the facts to discover relevant evidence regarding the accident in their efforts to skirt liability and reduce the amount of the victim’s recovery. Negotiating with commercial insurance companies can be daunting, complicated, and lengthy. You should not go it alone — an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident attorney can be invaluable in negotiating with large insurers, who often have significant resources on their side.

What Are The Steps You Should Take After a Truck Accident?

You must first seek any medical treatment needed. Your injuries could be serious even if they don’t seem so at first, so it is really important to be checked out as soon as possible. After your accident, you should visit the hospital and be evaluated by a doctor or medical professional. Be sure you preserve important information and evidence in your case. You’ll need to collect the insurance information for the commercial vehicle to file your claim. The name of the insurance company, the phone number of the insurance company, the policy number, the driver’s name, and the name of the company where the driver works will also be needed. If possible, take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle or other personal property. Get the contact information for witnesses, and if possible, collect statements from them about what they observed at the scene. You’ll also want to contact an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident lawyer for help. They will discuss your case with you, explain what your options are, and detail how things should proceed. They will investigate the facts, research applicable laws, and assess the full value of your damages. They will also negotiate on your behalf with the other party and their insurance company toward a fair and reasonable resolution, presenting your case at trial if a settlement is not possible.

Why Choose Pinder Plotkin to Handle Your Baltimore Truck Accident Claim?

When you’ve been the victim of a crash caused by a massive commercial truck, you need to know your case is being handled by a professional group of Baltimore truck accident lawyers that you can trust. The attorneys at Pinder Plotkin law firm are leaders in Baltimore for tractor-trailer and commercial truck crashes. We can help you decide who to pursue a claim against, and we help you negotiate with the large insurance companies involved. At Pinder Plotkin, we can also represent you in court in your pursuit to convince a jury to award you compensation for medical costs, pain, and suffering, emotional distress, loss of wages, or wrongful death damages. Give us a call at 410-525-5337 or fill out our online contact form. Our experienced injury attorneys in Baltimore are here to let you know your legal rights and options. No matter what preventative measures are taken, nothing can completely protect motorists from negligence or wrongdoing. Still, we can help you seek the compensation — and the sense of justice — you and your family deserve.