America runs on its roads, and passenger vehicles share the same roads as cargo trucks. Most of the time, trucks and cars share the roads safely, and you pay no mind to the behemoth trucks riding alongside you. Colliding with one in an accident is a different story though.

If you are a victim of a truck accident, let the Bel Air truck accident lawyers of Pinder Plotkin help you with investigating the accident, handling the other side’s lawyers, and putting together a case that gets you the compensation you deserve and need. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers has recovered millions of dollars for clients.

Call us right away at (410) 525-5337 to get started. Your initial consultation is free.

Truck Accident Statistics for Bel Air Maryland

Over 80 percent of all traffic accidents in the state of Maryland happen in the metro area that surrounds Baltimore and Washington, D.C., an area that includes Bel Air. Nearby Interstate 95, a highway used by many area residents, is considered a “Risky Road” given its propensity for many accidents.

In 2017 alone, there were nearly 800 fatal vehicle crashes. Almost 50 of them involved trucks with a gross vehicle rating over 10,000 pounds. While accounting for just over 6 percent of all fatal vehicle accidents in the state, over 70 percent of the fatalities were people in passenger vehicles, not the truck drivers. There were also pedestrians and bicyclists killed in these accidents.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?

Taking the right actions after a truck accident is important for your health and for your ability to recover compensation.

Call 911 Immediately

You should call 911 immediately to get emergency responders dispatched as soon as possible. Truck accidents often cause severe injuries that require urgent medical care. The police will prepare an accident report based on interviews of the truck driver, passengers of other vehicles, and any others involved in the accident. They will also take statements from witnesses. An accident report makes a big difference in proving your case.

Help Others

If you are not seriously hurt and can safely assist others, you should also try to help others who are injured. If someone has a serious injury, do not lift them. You should wait for the paramedics to arrive.

Exchange Information

It is important to exchange information with the other parties involved in the crash including the driver’s license number, names, contact information as well as insurance information.

Get Medical Attention

If you have visible injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Even if you do not have any visible injuries, it is important to seek medical attention as serious injuries are not always evident in such accidents. One of the most common injuries is a traumatic brain injury and that doesn’t always present immediately.

Document the Scene

While there will be a lot of information in the police report but it is also important for you to document the scene of the accident. Take your phone and take photos and videos of the accident site. Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, roads leading to the accident scene, and any other relevant information including information from witnesses.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are extremely complex due to a variety of reasons. This is why you should always hire the services of an experienced truck accident lawyer before you speak to an insurance adjuster. It is also important that you do not admit any liability without first speaking with an experienced truck accident lawyer.

How Can a Bel Air Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Truck accident lawyers can help in four phases:

Investigation

An experienced team of attorneys will conduct their own investigation. They will go through police reports, medical records, and other relevant evidence in order to determine the cause of the accident and the parties who are at fault for the accident.

Filing a Claim

A lot of paperwork is required to correctly file a claim in truck accident cases. This paperwork needs to be correct and should be filed within certain time limits. A number of documents also need to be filed along with the claim to get the compensation you deserve and an experienced attorney can help you with all these things.

Negotiations

In some truck accident cases, it is the truck company that is responsible for paying compensation to the accident victims but in most such cases, you will be dealing with the insurance carrier of the trucking company. Don’t negotiate with the insurance companies yourself! They have a high-paying team of lawyers with the single goal of keeping payouts to a minimum. Here at Pinder Plotkin, our legal team will negotiate with the insurance carriers to get you the compensation you deserve.

Litigation

If you do not get a fair settlement offer from the insurance carrier, we are prepared to take the case to trial. We will build a strong case and make sure your situation is explained in clear terms to the jury to help you win fair compensation.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

Economic damages cover things like lost income, medical bills, and anything tangible financially related to recovery from the accident; these have no hard cap in the state of Maryland. Non-economic damages do have a hard cap, which varies based on living victims versus deceased ones; these kinds of damages are usually considered to be compensation for pain and suffering.

Punitive damages have no cap, and you can file for them. However, these kinds of damages are rarely awarded.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

Accidents involving big trucks can mean big damages. The average jury award for a case involving an 18 wheeler is just over half a million dollars. However, the median case is worth only $90,000. Keep in mind that these averages are skewed by a mere 3 percent of cases worth over $5 million apiece.

Also, not everyone gets to access the full awards since Maryland caps various categories of damages per victim. There are caps on non-economic damages for pain and suffering. However, there are no caps for economic damages, although the projected income levels of a trucking accident victim might serve as a different kind of ceiling.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim?

The state of Maryland follows the same statute of limitations as most other states in regards to filing a truck accident injury claim in civil court. Generally speaking, you have three years starting with the date of the accident. You might be able to file a claim after three years has passed, but the odds are not in your favor of getting the case recognized by a judge. Even if you’re still in the three-year window, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. It takes time to prepare a case, so the clock is, unfortunately, ticking from the minute you are injured.

How Is Fault in a Maryland Truck Accident Determined?

It’s not easy to establish liability in truck accidents in Maryland. Things can get extremely complex in accidents involving large trucks but an experienced truck accident lawyer can investigate the accident to determine the parties responsible for the accident as well as the factors that caused the accident. A number of parties might be found liable for the accident. These may include trucking companies, truck drivers, leasing agents, receivers, shippers, truck manufacturers, parts manufacturers as well as maintenance companies, among others.

Respondeat Superior is the legal doctrine that has been adopted by the state of Maryland. In simple terms, it means that employers are responsible for the negligent actions of their employees which means the trucking company along with the truck driver bears the legal responsibility for a truck accident.

Can a Lawyer Prove the Truck Driver Was Negligent?

Proving the negligence of a truck driver is hard because truck driving companies and their insurers will do all they can to make you possibly lose your claim. The majority of modern trucks have Event Data Recorders that keep track of the speed of a truck before and during a crash, as well as other data. You should contact us as soon as you can after an accident because we need to send them a spoliation letter that demands they keep this data.

They’ll already be putting together a group of their own lawyers seeking to destroy the data and fight any claims demanding access to it. If they do destroy the data after a spoliation letter from us, we obviously won’t have the data, but we can argue in court that the data was destroyed in order to hide any evidence of their fault.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Truck drivers aren’t the only ones that might be held liable for trucking accidents. It could also be the trucking company, any company that loaded the truck, or even manufacturers of the vehicle or its individual parts.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Common causes of truck accidents include:

Distracted Driving
Driver Fatigue
Drug Use
Lack of Truck Maintenance
Equipment Malfunction
Oversized or Improperly Secured Freight
Poor Road Conditions
Poorly Trained or Inexperienced Drivers
Reckless Driving

Call Our Experienced Bel Air Truck Accident Lawyers

If you were injured severely in an accident involving a truck, then your life has been impacted in ways you probably didn’t even think possible. The setbacks and injuries you face might seem overwhelming after what you’ve been through.

You don’t have to go through it alone though. Let a veteran Bel Air truck accident lawyer who is familiar with the law handle your case. We know how to handle big insurance companies. Commercial truck drivers in Maryland, and their employers, have to follow the rules, both state and federal. This includes the requirements established for the industry by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

If you let us help you, we’ll do a meticulous and detailed investigation that includes looking into the maintenance records, logbook, and safety training of the truck driver in question.

Call us or reach out to us through our contact form. Our legal team at Pinder Plotkin is standing by to give your case a free evaluation at no obligation to you.

Are you injured in a truck accident in Parkville, Maryland? If so, you have come to the right place. Maryland law allows you to claim compensation for your injuries from the responsible party. Truck accidents are unique due to the complex laws that big commercial trucks are subjected to. Proving negligence in a truck accident lawsuit isn’t easy.

You should always hire a Parkville truck accident lawyer to represent your case and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. While there are plenty of truck accident lawyers around Parkville and throughout Maryland, all of these professionals are not created equal. Your extensive research plays a crucial role in choosing the best personal injury lawyer to handle your case.

Pinder Plotkin Legal Team is your trusted partner in Parkville to handle your truck accident lawsuit and obtain maximum compensation from the responsible party. Pinder Plotkin is a leader in the state of Maryland for big commercial truck crashes. Our team will let you know your legal rights and options. We will help you decide who to pursue your claim against as well as negotiate with large insurance providers to get maximum benefits for your injuries.

That is why you need to rely on our expert personal injury attorneys to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Call Pinder Plotkin Legal Team at (410) 525-5337 to handle your truck accident lawsuit in Parkville, MD.

Truck Accident Statistics

There were 4,761 people killed in crashes involving large commercial trucks in Maryland in 2017. There were 49 large commercial trucks responsible for these crashes in that year. Traffic accidents involving large commercial trucks are catastrophic most of the time. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that more than 500,000 accidents involving commercial trucks occur each year across the United States.

What Should You Do After A Truck Accident?

The first step is to seek medical assistance. Your injuries can be serious even if they don’t seem that way at first. Get yourself evaluated by a doctor or medical professional and retain all the medical records to facilitate the filing of your personal injury case. Call 911 and inform them about the accident. The police report plays an important role when claiming compensation from the responsible party. Take photos or video the scene of the accident. This will help determine who was at fault when filing your case.

Help other victims if there are any. Don’t forget to collect the license, insurance, and contact details of the other driver. Write down the names, addresses, and contact details of any witnesses to the scene. The last but not least step is to call a Parkville truck accident lawyer at the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team to handle your case and obtain maximum compensation.

What Are The Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability?

Truck drivers should have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and follow all federal and state rules in Maryland. The Code of Maryland Regulations has laws for trucking-related to driver’s licenses, vehicle inspections, weight limits, and more. If any of these safety rules were violated and the accident occurred as a result of the violation, the victim can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party and claim compensation.

The Federal Motor Safety Administration requires that commercial trucks traveling in interstate commerce should carry $750,000 of insurance for bodily injury & property damage. The minimum liability insurance for commercial trucks will depend on the freight they carry. A Parkville truck accident lawyer will help you navigate these laws and ensure you have proper representation.

How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Our truck accident lawyers can help you by investigating and filing your claim. We will negotiate with insurance companies to get you the maximum amount of compensation that you rightly deserve. If the insurance company fails to award your rightful compensation, our team will take your case to trial to obtain your rightful compensation.

What Types Of Compensation Can I Receive?

You may receive compensation for your pain & suffering, past & future medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. The damages that can be easily calculated are known as economic damages while the ones that cannot be easily calculated are known as non-economic damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault party for their outrageous acts.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

The value of your claim depends on many factors such as who was at fault for the accident, the scope of your injuries, and property damages. Your personal injury lawyer is the best person to determine how much you could claim for your injuries and property damages. Schedule a free consultation with the expert lawyers at Pinder Plotkin Legal Team to know how much your claim is worth.

Is There A Deadline For Filing a Claim?

Maryland’s statute of limitations will come into effect three years from the date of the accident.

How Is Fault In A Truck Accident Determined?

Proving the negligence of the at-fault party is important to determine the fault in a truck accident. There are four important elements to prove the negligence of the at-fault party such as:

Duty of care
Breach of duty of care
Causation
Damages

Can A Lawyer Prove The Truck Driver Was Negligent?

Yes. The experienced lawyers at Pinder Plotkin Legal Team will establish the negligence of the truck driver by proving the four elements mentioned above.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Truck accidents are different from car accidents because there can be more than one party responsible for the accident. Here are the parties that can be held liable for a truck accident in Parkville.

The truck driver
Trucking Company
The freight company that loaded the truck
Vehicle or parts manufacturers

Common Causes Of Truck Accidents in Parkville

There are numerous causes for truck accidents in Maryland. Here are some of the most common causes:

Distracted driving
Alcohol or drugs
Driver fatigue
Reckless driving
Improperly secured freight
Oversized freight
Poor road conditions
Inexperienced or improperly trained truck drivers
Speeding and overtaking
Poor maintenance of the vehicle
Equipment malfunctions

Contact a Parkville Truck Accident Lawyer Today!

When you are involved in a truck accident in Parkville MD, you need to hire the best truck accident lawyer to fight your case. Call Pinder Plotkin Legal Team at 410-525-5337 to handle your truck accident lawsuit in Parkville MD.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, you should immediately hire the services of an experienced Takoma Park truck accident lawyer at Pinder Plotkin to uphold your legal rights and to recover fair financial compensation for your injuries. Our Takoma Park personal injury lawyers are here to help!

Accidents involving large trucks have devastating consequences, especially for others. The state of Maryland witnessed 49 accident fatalities in 2017 involving trucks and 38 of those fatalities were not in the truck.

Injuries resulting from a truck accident are often severe. Trucks are large and carry a lot of weight. An average car weighs around 3000 pounds but a large truck can weigh in excess of 80,000 pounds. It is natural that when such a large mass strikes another vehicle or a pedestrian, the injuries are going to be severe and life-altering.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?

Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you need to do is seek medical attention in case you have suffered serious injuries. If you are feeling fine and are in a position to help others, you should check on others and help them. Even if you’re feeling completely fine, you should get a complete medical evaluation after being involved in a truck accident. Some injuries take some time to present themselves, especially soft tissue injuries and brain injuries. Therefore, you should always visit your doctor to make sure that you haven’t suffered a serious injury even when you are feeling all right.

Call 911

Do not make the mistake of fleeing the accident scene without calling 911. The police officers who arrive at the scene of the accident will file a police report after taking statements from drivers of the vehicles involved as well as witnesses if any. You can get a copy of this police report after a few days.

Take Photographs

Take out your phone and record the scene of the accident. Cover the vehicles involved in the accident from several angles. Make videos in order to capture the weather and road conditions. Try to capture the roads leading to the accident site. It is important to document as much information as you can immediately after the accident as you might forget these details after some time.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

You should never admit fault or sign a document without first consulting with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Anything you say or any document you sign can be used against you. This is why you should immediately call an experienced truck accident attorney at Pinder Plotkin after a truck accident. Give us a call today at (410) 525-5337 to schedule a free consultation.

How Is Liability Determined in Truck Accident Cases in Maryland?

Determining liability in truck accident cases in Maryland is a challenging task due to the sheer number of parties involved in such cases. The doctrine of Respondeat Superior comes into play in case of truck accidents which makes the employer responsible for the acts performed by their employees in the course of their employment. However, a number of things need to be proven in such cases in order to get fair financial compensation.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

An experienced Takoma Park truck accident lawyer can be of great help in truck accident cases.

Own Investigation

Help with Paperwork

Obtaining compensation in accident cases involves a mountain of paperwork, especially in truck accident cases as there are several parties involved in such cases. An experienced truck accident lawyer is aware of the deadlines and the paperwork that needs to be filled in order to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Claim Filing

Negotiating with Insurance Carriers

In some truck accident cases, it is the truck company that is responsible for paying compensation to the accident victims but in most such cases, you will be dealing with the insurance carrier of the trucking company. Don’t negotiate with the insurance companies! They have a high-paying team of lawyers with the single goal of keeping payouts to a minimum. Here at Pinder Plotkin, our legal team will negotiate with the insurance carriers to get you the compensation you deserve.

Trial

What Type of Compensation Is Awarded in Truck Accident Cases in Maryland?

There are 3 main categories of compensation:

Economic Damages

It typically includes medical expenses, loss of current wages, loss of future wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. In short, all the losses that can be calculated based on certain criteria form part of the economic damages.

Noneconomic Damages

There is an upper limit to noneconomic damages in the state of Maryland. It includes intangible items such as pain-and-suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, PTSD, disfigurement, scarring, emotional distress, and other such things.

Punitive Damages

These damages are rarely awarded in such cases. These are meant to punish the defendant and there is no upper limit on punitive damages.

What Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

Several factors affect the worth of your truck accident claim. Some of the factors that might affect the worth of your truck accident claim include insurance policy limits, medical expenses, disability claims, recurring medical bills, vehicle damage or loss of property, and a number of other things.

Give us a call at (410) 525-5337 to speak with our experienced truck accident attorney.

How Much Time Do I Have for Filing a Case in a Truck Accident Case in Maryland?

You have up to 3 years from the date of the accident to file a case. There are exceptions but in most cases, 3 years is the maximum you get for filing a case. In case you miss this deadline, it is going to be extremely difficult for you to recover any kind of financial compensation.

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident Case in Maryland?

Maryland is one of the only 4 states that still follow the at-fault doctrine. The pure contributory negligence doctrine means that the accident victim might not be eligible to receive any compensation in case they are found to be at fault, to any degree. In short, even if you are found to be 10% at fault, you might be denied compensation.

How Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Proves the Truck Driver’s Negligence?

There is a lot that goes into proving that the truck driver is at fault. Here is what a truck accident lawyer needs to prove to demonstrate truck driver’s negligence:

Duty of Care: It was the duty of the driver to drive in a reasonable manner.
Breach of Duty: It was the breach of that duty of care that caused the accident.
Causation: The victim’s injuries are a direct result of the driver’s breach of duty.
Damages: The injuries due to the truck accident resulted in damages.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case in Maryland?

A number of parties can be held liable in a truck accident case in Maryland including:

The driver of the truck
A company that owns the truck
The company responsible for loading the truck
Manufacturer of truck
Manufacturers of various parts in the truck

What Are The Various Causes of Truck Accidents In Maryland?

Truck accidents can happen due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Reckless driving
Aggressive driving
Distracted driving
Poor Road Conditions
Improper maintenance of vehicles
Improper lane changes
Lack of proper training
Freight being improperly secured
Overloading
Equipment malfunction

Contact a Takoma Park Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Accidents involving large trucks usually have devastating consequences for the victims. Victims of such accidents typically suffer serious injuries that may have a lifelong impact and in some cases, victims lose their life. Since Maryland is an at-fault state, it is imperative to prove the negligence of the truck driver to win compensation in such cases. And proving negligence is not easy.

Here at Pinder Plotkin, we take pride in helping victims of truck accidents recover fair compensation for their injuries. We have extensive experience in helping truck accident victims. We will fight for your rights. We will negotiate with insurance companies to help you get the compensation you deserve. If needed, we will take the case to trial and explain your situation in front of a jury to help recover the compensation you deserve.

Give us a call today at (410) 525-5337 to schedule a completely free consultation.

Getting fair compensation in truck accidents is challenging, to say the least. One of the reasons is that there are a number of entities involved as there are multi-tier lease agreements and a variety of insurance coverage issues. This is why you need an experienced Pinder Annapolis truck accident lawyer to represent you and to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Did you know around 72% of the fatalities in truck accidents are the riders in passenger vehicles? In 2017, almost 6.2% of the fatal accidents in the state of Maryland involved trucks. 49 people lost their lives in 2017 in truck accidents. Out of these, 9 were non-vehicular fatalities including bicyclists and pedestrians, and 29 fatalities were people in other vehicles.

In short, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries as trucks are huge and can weigh more than 80,000 pounds. If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in a truck accident, you have the legal right to get fair compensation for your injuries arising as a result of the accident.

Contact our Annapolis personal injury attorneys today to schedule a Free Case Review.

What Should You Do After A Truck Accident?

The steps you take after being involved in a truck accident will have a serious impact on your case. Here’s a list of the things you should do after a truck accident:

The first thing you should try to do is get medical attention if you’re injured. If you’re relatively fine, you should try to get the truck and other vehicles in the accident to the side of the road and turn on their hazard lights.

Call 911

You should call the police as soon as possible. They will prepare an accident report based on interviews of the truck driver, passengers of other vehicles, and any others involved in the accident. They will also take statements from witnesses. Don’t make the mistake of leaving the accident scene without filing an accident report. It will go a long way in proving your case.

Help Others

You should also try to help others who are injured. If someone has a serious injury, do not lift them. You should wait for the paramedics to arrive.

Exchange Information

It is important to exchange information with the other parties involved in the crash including the driver’s license number, names, contact information as well as insurance information.

Medical Attention

Document the Scene

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

What Are the Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability in Maryland?

It’s not easy to establish liability in truck accidents in Maryland. Things can get extremely complex in accidents involving large trucks but an experienced Annapolis truck accident lawyer can investigate the accident to determine the parties responsible for the accident as well as the factors that caused the accident. A number of parties might be found liable for the accident. These may include trucking companies, truck drivers, leasing agents, receivers, shippers, truck manufacturers, parts manufacturers as well as maintenance companies, among others.

How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Here are some of the ways an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you with your truck accident case:

Investigation

An experienced lawyer will examine the medical records, police reports as well as other documents related to the accident. They will also conduct interviews with the witnesses to find relevant evidence.

Paperwork

When you need to file a claim, there is a lot of paperwork involved. If the paperwork is late or isn’t filled out properly, it could seriously affect the amount of financial compensation you can recover. An experienced attorney can help make sure that all the paperwork is filed on time and is filled out correctly.

Filing a Claim

An attorney will help you file a claim for damages. You need an experienced attorney who is aware of the legal issues involving truck accidents in order to ensure the correct filing of the claim.

Negotiations

In most truck accident cases, it is the insurance carrier who is responsible for paying damages to the victims and they will try everything to pay as little as possible. This is where the skills of a seasoned truck accident attorney can be of great help. They have the necessary experience and knowledge to deal with big insurance companies and help you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Litigation

Sometimes, insurance carriers don’t want to settle or their settlement offer is far below a fair offer. In such cases, you need to go to court, and an experienced truck accident will help in building a strong case to explain your situation in clear words to the jury.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

Types of compensation that can be recovered in a Maryland truck accident case can be grouped into 2 main categories including economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages: These are the damages that can be easily quantified. Some of the common examples include loss of wages, medical expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Noneconomic Damages: These are difficult to quantify and include mental anguish and suffering, physical pain-and-suffering, scarring or disfigurement, emotional distress, permanent impairment, depression, anxiety, PTSD as well as various other psychological injuries.
Punitive Damages: These damages are meant to punish the negligent party and are awarded rarely. There is no cap on punitive damages in the state of Maryland.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

There is no standard answer to this question as every case is different. The amount of compensation that can be recovered depends on a lot of factors including the parties responsible for the accident. Give us a call at (410) 216-5873 to schedule a free consultation and to know more about your legal rights in a truck accident case.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim in the State of Maryland?

The statute of limitations in Maryland in case of truck accidents is 3 years from the date of injury. In simple terms, you have up to 3 years from the date of the accident to file a case.

How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined in Maryland?

Maryland is an at-fault state that follows the pure contributory negligence doctrine. It simply means that if the other party is able to prove that you contributed to the severity of the accident, you may not receive any compensation. This is why you need to have an experienced attorney by your side to prove that the at-fault driver was completely responsible for the accident.

Can a Lawyer Prove the Truck Driver Was Negligent?

It is difficult to prove the negligence of the truck driver. In order to prove negligence, it needs to be shown that the truck driver had a duty of care and their failure directly resulted in the accident, and the injuries happened as a result of the accident. All this needs to be demonstrated in order to prove the truck driver’s negligence.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case in Maryland?

A truck accident case is complex as several parties might be involved in the process. A number of parties can be held liable in a truck accident case including:

Trucking company
The driver of the truck
The company responsible for loading the truck
Vehicle manufacturer
Vehicle parts manufacturers

What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are caused due to a number of reasons. Here’s a list of some of the most common causes of truck accidents:

Improperly secured freight
Drug use by drivers
Distracted or reckless driving
Driver fatigue
Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
Malfunctioning equipment
Truck not being maintained properly
Poor road conditions

Contact an Annapolis Truck Accident Lawyer at Pinder Plotkin for a Free Consultation

Proving a truck driver’s negligence is essential to getting fair compensation in a truck accident case. However, it is extremely difficult and this is why you need to hire an experienced truck accident at Pinder Plotkin.

Here at Pinder Plotkin, our legal team has helped many of our clients to recover fair compensation in truck accident cases. We will help determine the parties to pursue a claim against and we will also negotiate with big insurance companies, on your behalf, to help you get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call today at (410) 216-5873 to schedule a completely free consultation.

Truck accidents are typically catastrophic. Many of these accidents happen in Maryland due to the presence of lots of trucks. This more so applies to Prince George and Ellicott City Counties. Severe injuries happen when truck accidents occur. Road users may also pass on. The weight of the materials being transported and the size of the trucks are significant factors leading to the high fatality rates and severe injuries. You should reach out for help when you are involved in such an accident. It is your right.

You deserve to be compensated for all injuries and damages. Remember, accidents involving trucks can severely alter your life. The best action for you during such situations is to find a competent Ellicott City Truck Accident Lawyer to represent you while you take some time off to recover.

What Should You Do Once You Are Involved In A Truck Accident?

Our personal injury lawyers are aware of how difficult it can be to remain calm once an accident has occurred. Nonetheless, the actions that you take in the aftermath can severely determine the outcome of the case. So, it is important that you understand what needs to be done amidst the tension and chaos. Never drive away regardless of how undamaged your car is. Leave it within the scene of the accident. Remember to call the police. The documentation of whatever transpired during the accident is done by the police. This is what the jury uses when awarding compensation.

Always try to help other victims if you are unharmed. It’s the compassionate thing to do. Simple actions such as dragging other victims from damaged cars can go a long way to saving their lives. Still, don’t forget to find out more information from the other motorists, including their driving license and insurance coverage details. Ask any witnesses around about what happened as you take note of their contacts.

Never assume that you are fine just because you came out unscathed in a truck accident. Seek the advice of a medical professional to ascertain whether you have any internal injuries. Lastly, reach out to your Ellicott City truck accident lawyer. This will ensure everything is up to speed in regards to your claim.

What Are the Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability?

Victims of truck accidents in Maryland have several ways in which they can recover from any incurred losses. This is in accordance with the law. There are various state rules and regulations that trucking companies are required to follow. These rules involve route restrictions, load limits, and working hour limits that drivers should comply with. If any of these laws are not adhered to, it leaves a loophole for a solid legal claim.

For instance, a contributory negligence rule exists in Maryland. The rule forbids plaintiffs from being awarded compensation if they are liable for any fault. This translates to even if a 1% chance of their actions led to the accident. Still, this rule doesn’t apply to any injuries. It only applies to truck accidents. A motorist who hasn’t worn a seatbelt can be injured when an accident occurs. However, this doesn’t fall under the category of contributory negligence since the driver wasn’t at fault for the accident.

There are other laws that apply for these accidents including:

Statute of limitations explaining the time limits for filing claims
The responsibility to stop and share information after the accident
The duty to offer reasonable assistance at the scene of the accident to any victims, including assistance to transfer them to the nearest medical facilities
The obligation to inform the authorities about any accident involving fatalities or bodily harm
Licenses and registration being suspended for sharing false information about an accident.

Rest assured that some of the steps we advise our clients to take are guided by law as seen from the laws detailed above.

What Assistance Can A Truck Accident Attorney Offer?

You require the assistance of a competent Truck Accident Lawyer in Maryland after the occurrence of a truck accident. Remember, there are lots of things that happen once you are involved in a truck accident. Claiming compensation isn’t a walk in the park. Still, the defendants will fight hard to ensure you are awarded the bare minimum. Deciding to go after your compensation on your own may not be a wise idea. You’ll be going up against some of this niche’s finest attorneys. You’ll have a significantly slim chance of winning your case.

Investigating Cause

A truck accident attorney could be of much help in the investigation stage. There’s is a high possibility that you’ll get injured if you are involved in an accident involving trucks. You may not be in the best condition healthwise to conduct an investigation. A lawyer can take up this role. He or she can gather all relevant facts about the accident and build an uptight case. Talking to witnesses is important at this stage. Also, images taken at the scene of the accident can help show that you deserve compensation.

Filing the Claim

The filing of the claim occurs once the attorney has gathered all the facts of the case. This should be done together with all the evidence collected. The amount of compensation goes hand in hand with the strength of your claim. The attorneys representing the defendant are aware of this.

Handling Negotiations

The negotiation stage is usually complex since the trucking company lawyers will try to offer low compensation amounts. They may corner you into a half-baked deal. This is why you need a competent lawyer to handle all negotiations. This ensures you get the compensation that you deserve. This will be done while keeping you in the loop since they know the pros and cons of litigation. You may not need to go to court if they offer you favorable compensation. You may settle all matters out of court.

Representation in Court

Litigation is the next step if an agreement can’t be reached. Your truck accident attorney will present all evidence of your case to the jury. They will present a verdict once they consider all the evidence. Your lawyer has experience in these kinds of cases. Statements that your lawyer will collect and analyze from witnesses, as well as evidence, will go a long way in building a strong case.

Maryland has complex truck accident laws. It’ll be a nightmare for you to get a favorable outcome if you have no idea about these laws. Filing claims is an involving process. You should contact a professional lawyer for assistance in such matters rather than struggling all by yourself.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

Compensations are typically classified into 3 groups. They include:

Economic Damages

These are the most popular. Expenses such as lost wages, domestic services, medical expenses, replacement, or repair of vehicles involved in the accident, among others are covered here.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages involve aspects that aren’t easily measurable. Aspects such as emotional stress, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and lack of life enjoyment are covered here. A multiplier technique is involved in the computation of these damages. The economic damages are multiplied by an arrived at figure depending on the accident’s severity.

Punitive Damages

These damages don’t have anything to do with compensation. They aren’t geared to compensate for your losses. They are punishments given to the defendant to discourage them from committing negligent actions in the future. These punishments vary based on the severity of the defendant’s recklessness.

What’s the Deadline for Filing a Claim in Maryland?

The statute of limitations in Maryland allows for claims to be filed before three years elapse after the occurrence of an accident. This timeline begins from the date of the accident.

How Do You Determine Fault In a Truck Accident?

The actions of the parties in a truck accident are scrutinized to find out who is at fault. It is hard to recollect the actual incidents of an accident. However, the jury can get an idea of what happened through evidence collected as soon as the accident occurred. The plaintiff can’t get any compensation if it is proved that contributory negligence led to the accident. Nonetheless, there are a lot of regulations that trucks are required to follow while on the highway.

Can An Attorney Prove the Negligence of the Truck Driver?

Yes, your truck accident lawyer has a role in proving the negligence of the truck driver. The investigation phase should point this out. Evidence collected during this stage should show the faults that the driver committed leading to the accident. The police usually determine the fault when they arrive at the scene of the accident. Their analysis of data such as skid marks, the car positions after the crash happened, and the statements of witnesses can prove if the driver was negligent.

Filling out the claim form can happen once all this information is available. This ensures the lawyer provides sufficient reasons detailing why the truck driver was negligent. Here, they also state the compensation they’ve determined that you deserve for the damages.

Call Our Ellicott City Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Maryland laws make truck accidents less straightforward in comparison to auto accidents. For this reason, you need the help of an experienced and competent truck accident attorney. Our car accident lawyers will provide you with all the legal assistance you require for your truck accident case. Evidence collection, filing of the claim, and negotiations with the defendant’s team are the responsibilities of your lawyer. Still, your truck accident attorney should represent you in court if matters can’t be resolved out of court.

You should not just pick any lawyer to represent you in your truck accident case. Your lawyer should have a great track record of handling truck accident cases. You have a greater chance of getting your rightful compensation if you choose a competent and experienced lawyer. Pinder Plotkin LLC has the best truck accident attorneys in Ellicott City. They have reliable and professional lawyers who will help you at every step of the way with your case.

Accidents involving trucks are very devastating. A lot of these accidents happen in Maryland, especially in Baltimore and Prince George Counties, where there is a huge presence of trucks. Due to the size of trucks and weight of the materials being carried, the other motorists involved in such crashes usually suffer from severe injuries with some passing on. When you are involved in such, it is your right to be compensated for the damages as injuries can disrupt your life and put everything on hold. It would be best if you depended on a diligent Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer to stand up on your behalf as you recuperate from the injuries.

Our attorneys offer a free consultation to anyone involved in a truck accident to review the details of the incident and advise them on their best legal options. Call our Maryland injury firm today at (410) 525-5337 to learn how we can help you.

What Should You Do After A Truck Accident?

We understand that it is not easy to remain calm in the aftermath of a truck accident. However, the steps you take will go a long way in determining how the case turns out. This way, amidst the anxiety and confusion, it is important to have an idea of what you need to do. Do not be tempted to drive away, even if your car is not damaged. Leave it on the scene and contact the police. They need to document the accident since the jury relies on their report when awarding compensation.

Be compassionate and help others if you are not injured. Some simple actions can save lives, though it should be noted it is not recommended to move someone after an accident unless they are in immediate danger. Ensure that you collect information from the other motorists, such as their insurance coverage information and driving license. If there are any witnesses around, ask them about the accident and get their contacts.

When you come out unscathed in an accident, do not assume that you are fine. Seek medical attention to clear the possibility of you suffering from any internal injuries. Finally, contact your truck accident lawyer in Maryland, to give them ample time to start working on your claim.

What Are the Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability in Maryland?

The laws regarding truck accident liability in Maryland give victims a couple of avenues to recover from losses suffered. This is because trucking companies must comply with various state rules and regulations covering the weight of the load, route restrictions, and working hour limits for the drivers. Failing to adhere to any of these laws can serve as a solid basis for a legal claim.

For instance, Maryland has a contributory negligence rule that can prevent a plaintiff from compensation if they were at fault in any way. This applies even if their actions were 1% behind the cause of the accident. However, this rule applies if their conduct caused the accident and not the injuries suffered. An example is that the failure of a motorist to wear a seatbelt can cause injuries and not an accident; therefore, it does not count as contributory negligence.

Other laws that apply for these accidents include;

Statute of limitations that explains the time limits for filing a claim
The obligations to stop and exchange information after the accident
The obligations to offer reasonable assistance to injured people after the accident, including helping to transport them to medical facilities
The obligation to exchange relevant information after the accident
The requirement to report accidents involving bodily harm and death to the authorities
Suspension of licenses and registration for failing to provide correct information about an accident

How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer Help My Claim?

So much happens after a truck accident, and you need the services of a qualified Truck Accident Lawyer. This is because the claim process is not as simple as it might seem, and the defendants will try all they can do to reduce the amount awarded to the bare minimum. If you decide to face off with them, you will be battling some of the best lawyers in this niche, and your chances of winning are very minimal.

The investigation phase is critical, and here is where a truck accident lawyer comes in handy. The chances of you getting injured during an accident are very high, and you might not be in the best health condition to investigate. A lawyer will gather all the information you collected after the accident and start to investigate the matter in a bid to build a strong case. They will talk to the witnesses and use the images of the accident scene to show that you need to be compensated.

Once your Maryland car accident lawyer has all the facts, they will file the claim. It is important to file this claim with the evidence collected from the investigation phase to show the defendant your intent. Note that the amount to be compensated depends on how strong your claim is, and the lawyers who represent the trucking company understand this.

The negotiation phase is a tricky one since the trucking company attorneys will try to make you settle for a low amount of money. Your lawyer will handle this stage and hold up for the right amount. They will do this while consulting you since they understand the pros and cons of going into litigation. If the compensation amount offered is favorable, there is an opportunity to clear the matter without going to court, and they might beseech you to take it.

If they cannot agree, the matter will have to go into litigation. Here, your truck accident lawyer will present the case before a jury and let them give their verdict on the matter. They have the courtroom experience and will get statements from witnesses and evidence to prove your claim.

The truck accident laws in Maryland are complicated, and if you are not familiar with them, it is hard to get the compensation you deserve. The procedures for filing claims are involved and, rather than struggle with them, find a reliable attorney to help you out.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

The compensation awarded in the event of a truck accident can be grouped into three. They include;

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the most common ones. They are meant to cover the expenses incurred after an accident, for instance, repair or replacement of damaged vehicles, medical expenses, domestic services, and lost wages, among others.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are subjective since they cover aspects that are hard to measure. They include pain and suffering, emotional stress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. These damages are calculated using a multiplier technique where the economic damages arrived at is multiplied by a number arrived at depending on the severity of the accident.

Punitive damages

The most subjective of the three are punitive damages. They are different since they are not meant to compensate you for any loss on your part. They aim to punish the defendant and deter them from any future negligent behavior. This way, they vary greatly and only apply where the defendant was reckless in their actions.

Is There A Deadline for Filing a Claim in Maryland?

In Maryland, the statute of limitations indicates that a claim should be filed within three years of the date of the accident.

How is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?

Fault in a truck accident is determined by assessing the actions of the involved parties during the accidents. While it is hard to recollect the exact happenings, the evidence collected immediately after the crash gives the jury a picture of what transpired. If the accident is a result of contributory negligence from both parties, then the plaintiff cannot recover any compensation. However, trucks are required to adhere to many laws regarding their conduct on highways.

Can A Lawyer Prove the Truck Driver was Negligent?

Yes, it is the work of your truck accident lawyer to prove that the truck driver was negligent. This should come out in the investigation phase, where they collect evidence regarding the accident. The police are among the first people to arrive at the accident scene, and they have to conduct their assessment of the accident to determine fault. Things such as skid marks, position of the cars after the crash, and witness statements are what help to prove negligence. Once all this is available, the lawyer fills a claim form giving the reasons why they believe that the truck driver was negligent and stating the amount of compensation you deserve for the damages.

Call A Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer To Get Your Claim Started

Truck accidents are not as straightforward as auto accidents due to the special set of Maryland laws that apply. This way, it is critical to seek the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Maryland and have them do the job for you. They will gather the facts, file a claim, negotiate with the defendants, and represent you in court if the matter goes to litigation.

Do not make the mistake of choosing any lawyer you come across, as they should have handled similar cases before and have a good track record. You want to deal with the best if you expect to get rightful compensation for your damages. If you are looking for one, check out Pinder Plotkin LLC, a reliable and experienced truck accident lawyer in Maryland. They have a team of experts ready to take your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

truck accidents

Accidents that involve commercial vehicles often leave their victims with catastrophic, life-changing injuries.

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?

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

Contact our Baltimore truck accident lawyers today.

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?

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.

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer Infographic

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.