Get Help Filing a Claim for Compensation
Commercial trucks, especially the large 18-wheelers, are capable of causing significant destruction to other vehicles and drivers on the road if they are not operated in a safe and responsible manner. While truck drivers and their companies are governed by a strict set of state and federal regulations, many do not abide by them. When this results in an accident, the sheer size of the truck itself increases the chance of property damage and personal injury or even wrongful death.
If you have suffered a serious injury during a commercial trucking accident, there is no reason that you should have to bear the expensive burden of repairing damaged property, dealing with lost wages, and paying for current and future medical bills. Truck drivers and their employers should be held fully responsible for their negligence! You may be able to recover compensation from these parties by filing a personal injury claim. Having an experienced Harford County truck accident attorney at your side can greatly increase your chances of obtaining the fair compensation that you deserve in your case.
Dial (410) 886-6215 to speak with an experienced Harford County truck accident lawyer and discover your legal options.
Causes of Truck Collisions
Some of the common causes of commercial trucking accidents include:
- Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
- Fatigued drivers who have been on the road for an extended period of time
- Overloaded or improperly balanced trucks
- Drivers failing to abide by posted speed limits or traffic laws
- Drivers failing to see others when making turns or changing lanes
- Drivers under the influence of drugs (prescription or illegal) or alcohol
Establishing Fault in Trucking Accident Cases
The initial investigation and research phase is arguably the most important stage in any trucking accident case. This will typically involve your attorney sifting through evidence such as vehicle inspection records, driving logs, police reports, and data from electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) in order to find out who is responsible for your collision.
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be liable for your accident, including:
- The truck driver: Driving while fatigued, failing to perform pre-trip inspections, speeding,
driving while distracted, or driving while intoxicated are all examples
of negligent actions by big rig drivers. - The trucking company: Trucking companies who fail to execute proper safety and maintenance plans,
encourage dangerous driving, or hire drivers without proper vetting can
expose their drivers and other motorists to the risk of injury. - The truck manufacturer: Even the safest truck drivers can be involved in collisions when their
trucks or the parts used in their trucks are defective, such as tires,
brakes, trailer hitches, and lights.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident
If you or a loved one has been in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you may be feeling uncertain about how to proceed. There are certain steps, however, that you can take to protect yourself and maximize your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
After a crash, be sure to do the following:
- Call the police: Stay at the scene of the crash and get to a safe place if you can.
If you or someone else was injured, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, call
the police or highway patrol. The responding officer will assess the situation,
create a report of the collision, and instruct you on what your next steps
should be. Make sure to tell the police your version of what happened. - Exchange information: Once the truck driver leaves the scene, it can be hard to track
them down. Make sure to get the name, address, phone number, email, insurance
information, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration information
of all parties involved. - Collect evidence: While you may be shaken up, try to collect as much evidence related
to your crash as you can in the immediate aftermath. This will include
photographs of the scene, damage to all vehicles, tire tracks, photos
of your injuries, weather conditions, and other details. Record your recovery
with photos or a journal detailing how your injuries have affected your
day-to-day life. - Seek medical care: Most trucking accidents involve serious injuries and fatalities due to
the vast size and weight of commercial vehicles. Even low-speed collisions
have a high potential for injury. Even if you are not aware that you have
been injured, it is still wise to seek care from an experienced medical
provider. There is a chance that the symptoms of your injuries are delayed
and may take days or even weeks to surface. - Speak wisely: After your accident, you will be contacted by an insurance adjuster.
Be very careful what you say to this adjuster because anything you say
can potentially be used against you to limit your compensation. Cooperate
with them but do not make any written or recorded statements without first
consulting with an attorney.
Holding Drivers & Their Companies Responsible
For more than 10 years, our legal team at the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow has assisted numerous clients in effectively pursuing damages through personal injury claims, and we are ready to take on your case. From the moment that we first consult with you, our Baltimore truck accident lawyer can closely review any applicable trucking laws and regulations, investigate and recreate the accident scene, determine the state of the driver when the accident occurred, and go through any other evidence that strengthens your case.
Contact us now at (410) 886-6215 to speak with an experienced attorney today.