Tragically, truck accidents are not uncommon in Maryland. And when they happen, those involved often suffer life-altering injures or die on the spot. In addition to dealing with severe injuries you sustain in a truck accident, you may also be forced to follow up with insurance, which can be a frustrating process. However, you do not have to do this alone, as a Laurel truck accident lawyer can help while you take the time to recover.
It is vital to work with our Laurel truck accident lawyers as they are knowledgeable about the law and will help you determine the at-fault party. We also ensure that you or a loved one receive your rightful compensation. Our truck accident lawyers have experience dealing with similar cases and are dedicated to providing you with a fair fighting chance at getting the compensation you deserve.
Have you been involved in a truck accident recently? Let us help. We prioritize our clients’ interests ensuring they are not cheated of their rightful compensation. Call (410) 525-5337 to talk with our auto accident lawyers at Pinder Plotkin LLC in Laurel, Maryland, and set up a free consultation.
Truck Accidents Statistics
Per the NHTSA, in 2015, over 35,000 were killed in motor vehicle accidents, and 4% of these fatal accidents were truck crashes.
The NHTSA provided more statistics showing 4,067 fatalities in crashes involving trucks, the highest recorded number since 2008.
Of the 4,067 fatalities, 73.5% were other vehicle occupants, 10.1% were non-occupants, and 16.4% were large truck occupants.
Unfortunately, in trucking accidents, the drivers and passengers of other vehicles are the ones that suffer the most injuries.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Getting in a truck accident can be a scary experience that may leave you confused. Often truck accidents are complex and may involve different parties and several factors, so it is best to seek the help of a Laurel truck accident lawyer from Pinder Plotkin in Laurel, Maryland. If you are in a truck accident:
Call 911
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is vital to call 911, especially if you or the other involved parties are severely injured. Ensure you also call the police to come to the crash scene. The police will assess the accident, write a report, and tell you what you ought to do. Make sure you request a copy of the police report, as you can use it as evidence if you go to court.
Help Others
When you are involved in a truck accident and are not hurt severely, consider helping other people involved in the accident as you wait for the medical backup to get on the scene.
Exchange Info
It is vital to exchange information with the other party before any of you leave the accident scene. You need to get all their information, so it is easy to track them down and contact them when seeking compensation. Ensure you note down the driver’s name, address, email, phone number, insurance company and policy information, the contact information of their employer, and their license number.
Document the Scene/Speak with Witnesses
You must document that accident scene. Ensure you take photos of the accident scene, damage on your vehicle, and any injuries you may have sustained.
The photos you take can help to establish the party at fault. You could also document your recovery by taking photos and using them to prove how severe the injuries you sustained were and how long it took you to recover.
It is essential to check for any witnesses at the accident scene. While you can collect witness statements, it will be best to ask for their contact information, so it is easy to reach them if more details from the accident are required.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is crucial that you immediately seek medical attention. You will likely be transported to the hospital or receive treatment at the accident scene. If not, take it upon yourself to visit your healthcare provider. Even if you cannot see any visible injuries, ensure you get checked out by a medical professional as you may have internal injuries. If you do not follow through with the treatment recommendations or seek medical help, it may get in the way of you seeking compensation later.
Contact an Attorney
It will be best to contact a truck accident attorney from Pinder Plotkin in Laurel, Maryland. We will evaluate your case and ensure you get the compensation you fully deserve. You do not have to worry about following up with insurance while dealing with your injuries, medical bills, and a possibly damaged vehicle. Let our knowledgeable lawyers handle your case while you focus on your recovery.
Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability
Truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause substantial damage. There are plenty of laws regulating truck accidents, and the federal and state laws will help establish the at-fault party in a truck accident. These laws include:
- Maximum weight permitted: The truck’s size determines the weight it can haul. Overloading is dangerous and can cause an accident, making the loading a potentially liable party.
- Rest for the driver: The law regulates how long a truck driver should drive without resting or taking a break.
- Quality control of the trucks: Trucks are regulated in repair and manufacturing to ensure quality control. If the cause of a truck accident is a defective truck or part, you can file a claim against the truck’s repairer, manufacturer, or supplier.
How Can a Laurel Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Truck accidents significantly differ from car accidents, and they can be more complex to pursue. Therefore, you will need to work with an experienced Laurel truck accident lawyer. There are multiple reasons why you need to work with a truck accident lawyer after being involved in a truck accident.
Here is how truck accident lawyers can help:
Investigation
Our Laurel truck accident lawyers near you will work diligently to uncover who is responsible for causing a truck accident. As mentioned, truck accidents can be challenging as they involve different parties, including the insurance company, truck manufacturer, truck contractor, trucking company, and truck driver. We carry out thorough investigations to determine the cause of the accident so the responsible party can be held accountable.
Filing a Claim
The truck accident lawyers at Pinder Plotkin in Laurel, Maryland, will help you file your truck accident insurance claim and lawsuit. Our team closely works with other experts to ensure your claim contains all the information about the losses and injuries you got from the accident. We handle all the necessary information and paperwork needed to file your claim. We will prepare and put together all the necessary information to help you build a successful case.
Negotiations
You can rest assured that we will prioritize you and represent you well during negotiations. We know the law and truck accidents cases, so we will carry out negotiations on your behalf and ensure you are fully compensated.
Litigation
Our Laurel truck accident lawyer will help guide you through the whole legal process while looking out for your best interests. We answer all your questions and develop strong claims with evidence. Having someone on your team who knows the law makes navigating the process much easier. We ensure you follow the appropriate legal procedures and submit your claim on time.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
Truck accident claims can involve three different forms of damages.
Economic
Calculating economic damages is a more straightforward process as they have a conclusive monetary value. Economic damages can be calculated from factors like your medical records and include loss of earning capacity, damage replacement cost, lost income, and medical expenses.
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages are challenging to quantify financially. They often include mental anguish, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
Punitive
Punitive damages are only awarded in situations where the defendant acted with malice. In other words, the defendant intended to harm the victim. This type of compensation is intended to deter the public and defendant from engaging in similar conduct. Maryland has no statutory cap on punitive damages. Punitive damages can be as high as three to ten times the total sum of compensatory damages.
What Are Truck Accident Claims Worth?
There is no standard value of how much your truck accident claim is worth. However, our truck accident lawyers at Pinder Plotkin in Laurel, Maryland, can help you establish your claim’s worth depending on your case. Several factors will determine how much your claim is worth. For instance, how much damage you suffered, the extent of your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and the estimated loss of future income.
You cannot possibly calculate how much your claim is worth. All truck accident cases are different, so when making decisions about your claim, ensure you consult with our Laurel truck accident lawyers. We will help you calculate the value of your damages to get your rightful compensation.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim?
According to the law – statutes of limitations – in Maryland, the deadline for filing your truck accident claim is three years from the time of the accident. Our truck accident lawyers at Pinder Plotkin in Laurel, Maryland, can help you file your claim.
How Fault in a Truck Accident Is Determined
You can only win a truck accident case when you prove that the other parties involved were at-fault. There are several ways of determining fault in a trucking accident. However, it will be best to speak to your truck accident lawyer and let them investigate to prove that the other parties are at fault. Evidence submitted by state agencies and police can also help determine fault in a truck accident.
For instance, you can prove the other party is at fault if the truck company hired an unqualified driver, the truck driver ran a red light, or the trucking company failed to maintain their truck correctly.
Can Lawyers Prove a Truck Driver Was Negligent?
The lawyers at Pinder Plotkin in Laurel, Maryland, can investigate your case to prove the truck driver’s negligence and liability for your injuries.
We are thorough with our investigations and always have your best interest at heart to ensure you recover physically and financially. We can use experienced investigators and other experts to prove that a truck driver was negligent and is liable for your losses. Our lawyers will prove all four elements of negligence and get you the justice you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Several parties can be held liable in a truck accident. These include:
Truck Driver
A trucker may be held liable if their actions contributed to or caused your injuries. For instance, they may be held liable if they were distracted, driving recklessly, driving under the influence, speeding, in violation of federal driving regulations, or not acting safely.
Trucking Company
The trucking company may be held responsible depending on whether their actions contributed to the accident. Our truck accident lawyer will examine the trucking company’s practice to determine if their actions contributed to the collision. A trucking company will be held liable if they pose unsafe drivers’ demands, have improper safety procedures, and incomplete equipment inspections.
Company Who Loaded the Truck
Trucks should be loaded in a specific way that ensures the cargo is well-secured for safe travel. Overloading and improper loading of cargo can cause a truck accident. So, if a truck accident happens due to improper loading or overloading, the company that loaded the truck may be held liable for resulting damages.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer
The parts or vehicle manufacturer can be held liable if a truck accident happens because of a defective vehicle part or the vehicle. A defect can occur from aftermarket or original parts, resulting in an accident even if a truck is properly maintained and built appropriately.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Different factors contribute to a truck accident, like drivers being under pressure to deliver loads in a short period and overloading cargo. Other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drug use
- Oversized or incorrectly secured freight
- Inexperienced/poorly trained drivers
- Equipment defect
- Unsafe road conditions
- Lack of truck maintenance
Most truck accidents can be prevented or avoided. Our Laurel truck accident lawyer can help investigate your case and determine who is at fault.
Let Our Legal Team Help Make It Right
The Pinder Plotkin legal team in Laurel, Maryland, can help you and your loved ones after a truck accident. We understand that it can be overwhelming to pursue an insurance claim while juggling medical bills and recovery. Our experienced Laurel truck accident lawyers will speak with you for free and help you with every aspect of your case, including determining all potentially liable parties, filing your claim, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one are involved in a truck accident, call (410) 525-5337 for a free case evaluation with the Pinder Plotkin legal team in Laurel, Maryland. Let us help!