Truck collisions are dangerous and can result in serious injury and even death. In the United States, truck accidents are one of the most common types of collisions. Each year, thousands of people are injured by serious and potentially deadly truck accidents in Maryland, which is why it’s important to know your rights if you’re injured in a truck accident in Greenbelt.
Our law firm represents victims injured as a result of truck accidents in Greenbelt, MD. We can help you fight for your legal rights if you have been injured. We can begin by offering you a free case consultation to explain your right to pursue compensation for your losses.
The Compensation You May Pursue after a Truck Accident in Greenbelt
Most people involved in car accidents suffer some degree of injury, but truck accidents can result in significant bodily harm. You could find yourself at home for weeks, possibly much longer or indefinitely. Out of work with bills mounting, the stress can be overwhelming. The possibility of filing an insurance claim can be daunting. There is help, though.
We can help you build a case for compensation for:
- Lost income and opportunities
- Reduced earnings due to disability
- Any medical expenses, both now and in the future
- Repair or replacement of your car and property
- Mental distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety
- Permanent disability
Your losses could include home modification, rehabilitation, medications, transportation, and just about any out-of-pocket expenses. You may also qualify to seek non-economic losses, like pain and suffering and reduced quality of life. If you lost a loved one, please know that you have our heartfelt condolences. We can assist you through this difficult process. Through a wrongful death claim, you may be eligible for
- Burial and funeral costs
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
For legal consultation with a truck accident attorney in Greenbelt, call (410)777-8960
Possible Liable Parties of Truck Accidents
With truck accidents, different parties may be responsible for the accident, depending on the circumstances. Trucking companies and drivers must follow state and federal regulations. Any one of these parties may have contributed to your accident. They should be held accountable when they fail to do so:
- Driver negligence: Excessive speeding, not following traffic signs or laws, or driving recklessly
- Unfit employee choice: Truck company making a negligent hiring decision
- Lack of proper training: Drivers not being properly trained to drive or maintain a truck
- Liable manufacturer’s negligence: A truck’s or part’s manufacturer may be held responsible for dangerous defects
- Trucking company negligence: Failure to inspect trucks routinely and not complying with federal trucking regulations; maintaining the condition of 18-wheelers is essential for preventing road accidents
Federal Trucking Laws
Most of the federal regulations governing the trucking industry are located in the Code of Federal Regulations – Title 49. The federal trucking laws stipulate standards that carriers, owners, and drivers must meet. They can be used to determine if a trucking accident was caused by one of these parties. For example, federal law restricts the number of hours a driver can work.
Greenbelt Truck Accident Attorney (410)777-8960
Common Causes in Truck Accidents
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 538,000 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents in 2019. Also, there were 5,005 individuals killed in crashes involving large trucks that same year.
Several factors may cause a truck accident. These factors may include but are not limited to the following:
- Distracted driving: Driving while using a mobile device or radio.
- Fatigue: Failure to adhere to driving hours regulations in order to meet deadlines.
- Improper loading: An improperly loaded truck can become unsafe to drive, including making it harder to stop safely.
- Mechanical failures: A driver can lose control of a truck if a defect affects its operation.
- Weather: Failure to adjust driving to road and weather hazards may cause safety issues.
- Drugs or alcohol abuse: Drugs and alcohol will impair judgment while driving.
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How We Build Your Truck Accident Case
When we take you on as a client, we want you to focus on your health. In fact, we can suggest medical providers we trust sending our families to if you need someone.
While you work on recovering, we will build your case by:
- Obtaining the police report
- Gathering all medical records and other related documents
- Collecting all photos and video surveillance
- Investigating the scene of the accident
- Speaking with all eyewitnesses, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists
- Identifying all liable parties to your truck accident
- Determining a settlement value for all your losses
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Laws
Maryland strictly enforces a pure contributory negligence policy. You may be barred from receiving compensation if you are found to be 1% at fault for your accident. If you are being falsely accused, our lawyers will fight for your right to compensation.
Maryland’s Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal deadline. To file a lawsuit, you must submit your paperwork before the deadline expires. Additionally, some exceptions can shorten and lengthen the deadline, which our attorneys can explain. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from seeking compensation at trial if we cannot secure a fair settlement during negotiations.
In Maryland, there are two statutes of limitation relevant to truck accident cases. The personal injury statute of limitations, Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 5-101, generally gives victims three years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you lost a loved one, you generally have three years from your loved one’s passing under Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 3-904.
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Call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow Today
If you are involved in a truck accident, our Greenbelt attorneys can investigate the accident and determine your recoverable damages in a fair settlement. For a free consultation of your truck accident case, call the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow at (410) 877-6021.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form