Commercial vehicles are a common sight on Maryland’s roads.  Trucks play a vital role in the economy, but it can be scary to encounter them when you’re driving. If you have a regular sedan, it may weigh up to 4,000 pounds. However, tractor-trailers can weigh as much as 70,000 pounds. If you get hit by a commercial truck, the results can be devastating. Accidents occur for a variety of reasons. However, if the driver who hit you broke the law, you may be even angrier about what happened. Victims of truck accidents usually suffer serious injuries. The resulting medical costs can be astronomical. Since injured people often have to take lots of time off work, they also miss out on weeks or months of wages. If you suffered injuries because of a truck driver’s negligence or illegal actions, you deserve full compensation. There is no reason why you should have to handle your losses all alone. Unfortunately, recovering damages is likely to be difficult. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out large settlements and they will do everything possible to avoid paying you. You will need to present proof that the driver broke the law. An experienced Maryland truck crash attorney can help you to build a strong case. They will handle the other party’s insurance company and attorneys while you focus on your recovery.

Truck Driver Actions That Can Cause a Crash

All drivers using the state’s roads are required to follow the law. However, commercial drivers are also expected to adhere to federal safety laws along with the usual traffic regulations. If they break either federal or state laws and they cause an accident, they can be held liable for damages. Some of the things they may do include:

• Driving while texting
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding or driving recklessly
• Driving with improperly loaded cargo
• Driving with overloaded cargo
• Driving for more hours than legally allowed
• Failing to adapt to road conditions or weather

Even if the driver caused the accident, their employer and insurer will try to deny responsibility. They may even put some of the blame on you. Since Maryland practices a contributory negligence system, even the slightest mistake could bar you from getting compensation. Your Maryland truck crash attorney may have to work hard to prove that you had no role to play.

Proving the Driver Was at Fault

In most car accidents, a driver is usually responsible. However, truck accidents can be a lot more complex. In some cases, the trucker’s employer is liable or the person who loaded the truck. Even the individual who repaired or maintained the vehicle could have to compensate you. Sometimes, there are multiple at-fault parties. This means that your attorney will have to carry out a thorough investigation to ensure the truck driver was really at fault. As with any other accident, the police report, photos of the scene, and eyewitness reports will be useful. However, there’s evidence that’s unique to truck accidents. This includes:

• Video footage. Many trucks have cameras that record the driver. If the driver was texting, eating, recording a video or otherwise distracted, the camera will capture this. This footage may be destroyed soon after the crash so your attorney will need to get it quickly.
• Driver logs.  Part of the truck driver’s job is to keep a detailed log of their activities. They need to record the hours they drive and when they take a break. They also need to inspect the truck before and after every trip and write down anything they observe. If the driver worked too long without taking a break, the records should show this. Of course, records can be falsified and investigations may reveal this.
• Black box evidence. Trucks often have black boxes that record things like the speed at which the driver was going or how they They can also record how long the vehicle was in motion. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, this can be very helpful.
• Results of alcohol or drug tests. Drivers who get involved in accidents that cause injuries or death must get tested. If the driver who hit you was impaired, you’ll know they broke the law.

• Company Trucking companies need to keep records of the history of their drivers and on the condition of their vehicles. Your Maryland truck crash attorney will want to see truck’s inspection and maintenance records as well as the driver’s disciplinary records.

Contact a Maryland Truck Crash Attorney at Pinder Plotkin LLC Today!

As soon as possible after your crash, you must contact a trucking accident law firm in Maryland. If you want to get the compensation you deserve, you must get an experienced lawyer on your side. Schedule a free consultation with the team at Pinder Plotkin LLC today.