The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) documented over 500 deaths involving truck accidents in 2022. The aftermath of these crashes can devastate surviving loved ones emotionally and financially, and they shouldn’t be left to pick up the pieces on their own.
If you lost your loved one in a truck accident, the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow offers our sincerest condolences. While you and your family take time to remember your loved one, our Cecil County fatal truck accident lawyer can pursue compensation on your behalf—whether that’s via settlement negotiations or a trial.
What Our Cecil County Fatal Truck Accident Attorneys Can Do To Help You
We cannot imagine how difficult this time is for you and your family. Working out the legal system and dealing with insurance companies and the court should not even be on your radar right now. Instead, you may want to consider having one of our attorneys manage your case while you grieve. The tasks our Cecil County truck accident lawyer can do on your behalf may involve the following:
- Handle communication with all parties, such as insurance companies, the other party’s lawyer, and the state
- Create an evidence file that comprises available photographic and video documentation of the crash, your medical records, and witness statements
- Order a copy of the accident report
- Ask for information from the trucking company, like black box data, employee and maintenance records, and dash cam footage
- Identify whose negligence caused the accident and name the liable party
- Quantify your damages and demand an amount from the insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company if it doesn’t accept our initial demand
- Take your case before a jury if we cannot agree on a settlement
At the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow, we want to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the claims process. That’s why we give you a special number that you can text 24/7. You can also contact us via phone or email.
How Much We Charge To Work on Your Fatal Truck Accident Case
Reading this list of services may deter you from consulting us due to the lawyer’s fees. However, that’s a non-issue when you hire the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow. Our truck accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. That is, our payment is “contingent” on the success of your case.
Instead of charging you by the hour, out of pocket, or upfront, we will deduct our payment from the final compensatory amount we secure for you. Our lawyers only receive a payment if you do, so you don’t have anything to lose.
For legal consultation with a fatal truck accident attorney in Cecil County, call (410)777-8960
Potential Responsible Parties in Cecil County Fatal Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases can be complicated since they usually involve more than one party. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, your attorney may hold the following parties accountable for your damages:
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers can cause accidents when they engage in behaviors like:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to check their blind spots
- Disregarding traffic signs and signals
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving under the influence
- Merging or changing lanes poorly
Even though truck drivers may cause the accident, they might not be on the hook for your damages, especially if they work for a company. In that case, their employer would bear financial responsibility. However, if the truck driver is an independent contractor or has their own business, you could pursue them for your damages.
The Trucking Company
Even if the trucking company did not directly cause your accident by driving the truck, they can still demonstrate liability. For example, a trucking company can owe you compensation if:
- It failed to carry out regular maintenance checks on the truck.
- It didn’t properly conduct background checks on employees.
- It didn’t enforce safety protocols.
- It inadequately trained the drivers.
- It pushed the drivers to make as many deliveries as possible, even if that meant working overtime.
One of our truck accident lawyers can review maintenance and employee records to see if the truck company holds fault for the collision.
The Parts Manufacturer or Mechanic
The truck could have had malfunctioning brakes or a tire blown out, which caused the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. In that event, the parts manufacturer or mechanic may hold liability for failing to ensure all trucking components were in good working order.
The City Government
The city government has a duty to inform all road users of potential road hazards or defective street signs or signals, especially if they can’t address this issue right away. The truck driver might not realize that there were problems with the road or traffic conditions until it’s too late.
Cecil County Fatal Truck Accident Attorney (410)777-8960
Possible Damages You Can Recover in Cecil County Fatal Truck Crash Cases
Surviving family members who lost a loved one in a truck accident may benefit from wrongful death compensation for the following:
- Loss of consortium and society
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of guidance
According to Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 3-904, in most cases, the surviving spouse, children, and parents may file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you fall into one of these categories, we encourage you to act fast. Generally speaking, the state sets a three-year deadline to file. If the statute runs out before you take action, the court may not accept your case, leaving you responsible for covering the related costs.
Given adequate notice, our lawyers can ensure you adhere to the statute of limitations. We can also help you determine who can file the wrongful death case.
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Connect With Our Firm To Start Your Cecil County Fatal Truck Accident Case Today
Losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident can turn your world upside down. However, you don’t have to cope and try to return to some sense of normalcy on your own. A Cecil County truck accident lawyer with our firm can help you hold the liable party accountable for your damages.
To learn more in a free consultation, call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow today.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form