We all share Maryland’s roads with trucks. These vehicles play a major role in the country’s economy and ensure we get the goods we need. Although trucks are essential to modern commerce, they pose a risk to other motorists. Because of their size and weight, trucks are inherently more dangerous if they become involved in a collision but a truck accident lawyer in Maryland can help after a crash. They can cause considerable property damage and catastrophic injuries under any circumstances. However, if the driver is negligent or the truck is in poor condition, the resulting accident can be even more serious. Let’s look at some of the trucks which you may encounter before discussing the most common types of truck accidents.

Types of Trucks You’ll Find on Maryland’s Roads

When you know what to look out for, you can reduce the risk of getting involved in a serious accident. Some of the trucks you will share the roadways with include:

Tractor-Trailers

These are also known as big rigs, semi-trailers or 18-wheelers and they are used to haul cargo. Tractor-trailers have blind spots and their high center of gravity makes them prone to rollovers. Since many drivers of 18-wheelers drive for hours at a time, these vehicles can be very dangerous.

Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks haul liquids and gases that can be hazardous in some cases. Large tankers are also prone to rollovers because of their size and shape. Accidents involving tanker trucks can be very dangerous if the materials are flammable or toxic fumes are released.

Dump & Garbage Trucks

Dump trucks can pose risks to people walking, driving or cycling nearby. The vehicles often pass through residential areas carrying waste, debris, dirt, gravel and other types of construction materials. Sometimes, the loads are top-heavy and this can create large blind spots for the driver. The load may also tip over or debris may fall from the truck.

Tow Trucks

Tow trucks weigh more than 10,000 pounds and they are often operated by drivers who aren’t properly trained. The combination of weight and driver inexperience can be especially dangerous. If you get into an accident with a tow truck, you need to contact a Maryland truck accident lawyer.

Flatbed Trucks

Flatbeds are designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo, so they have a long, open trailer. If the cargo isn’t properly secured, it can fall off the truck and hit other vehicles.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

As noted above, some types of trucks are vulnerable to rollovers. That’s when a truck slides and rolls over on its side. However, there are other types of truck accidents. These include:

• Rear-end crashes. Rear-end collisions are common among all types of vehicles. Often, they’re just fender benders. However, when a heavy truck is involved, the crash can result in catastrophic injuries and even loss of life.

• Head-on collisions involving tractor-trailers and other trucks can be devastating. They are often fatal.

• This usually occurs when a driver suddenly brakes hard. The cab and the trailer go in different directions and the cab forms a 90-degree angle with the trailer.

• Tire blowout. Tires can blow out on any vehicle. However, if a truck’s tires blow out, this can send a very large vehicle into the path of other vehicles.

• Wide turn accidents. Truck drivers often need to swing left to make a right turn. If the driver is unaware of traffic behind them or to their right, they can trap vehicles or pedestrians.

• T-bone accidents. These often occur at intersections when one driver runs a red light or stop sign and hits another perpendicularly.

• Lost load. When freight isn’t properly loaded and secured, it can fall off and strike nearby vehicles. In some cases, multi-car pile-ups can

• Underride accident If a truck stops too quickly, smaller vehicles behind it can get lodged under the trailer.

Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Bad weather
• Road conditions
• Untrained or inexperienced drivers
• Overloaded cargo
• Poor maintenance
• Negligent driving
• Unsafe and careless driving
• Speeding

Discuss Your Car Accident Case with the Team at Pinder Plotkin LLC

Regardless of which type of truck caused your accident or how the crash occurred, you need a lawyer. The commercial trucking industry is governed by both state and federal laws. These cases are more complicated than a regular car accident so you need a competent law firm to handle your case. You need to hire an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney to represent you. When you contact the team at Pinder Plotkin LLC, you’ll improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free initial consultation today.