Interstate 95 (I-95) is one of the oldest routes of the Interstate Highway System as well as the longest north-south interstate and the sixth-longest overall. Unfortunately, it is also one of the deadliest. The Zebra reviewed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data and found that I-95 was the most dangerous interstate in overall fatalities and fatalities per 100 miles traveled.
Commercial trucks frequently cause accidents along I-95 because the highway is a common route used to transport goods along the East Coast. If you suffered injuries when a commercial vehicle crashed into you on I-95 in Harford County, Maryland, you could qualify to recover compensation. An I-95 truck accident lawyer in Harford County, MD, with the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow could help you pursue monetary awards for medical bills, car repairs, and more. For more information contact our Harford personal injury lawyer.
Damages for a Truck Accident on I-95
People involved in accidents with commercial trucks need to understand that trucking companies prepare themselves to fight damages in these cases and minimize their losses. Likewise, insurance adjustors for commercial truck companies will try to diminish possible losses.
Damages are critical to truck accident victims because you often cannot return to work after a catastrophic crash while still needing to pay many bills – including newfound medical expenses. Anybody who suffered injuries in a truck accident has the right to pursue full and fair compensation for all of their losses.
People who sustained injuries in truck accidents on I-95 could be entitled to such damages as:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Types of Truck Accidents on I-95
No two truck accidents are ever the same. Indeed, commercial trucks can find themselves involved in many types of crashes. Some of the most common kinds of commercial truck accidents include:
- Jackknife accidents: A commercial truck jackknifes when the trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle from the cab.
- Rollovers: Trucks may roll onto their sides – sometimes multiple times.
- Tire blowouts: A commercial truck is called an 18-wheeler, and a blowout of any one tire can cause the driver to lose control.
- Wide turn accidents: Commercial trucks frequently have to make wider turns than other vehicles, and such turns can often cause accidents.
- Underride accidents: An underride collision usually involves another motor vehicle sliding underneath the trailer.
- Override accidents: A commercial truck runs over the smaller vehicle in an override accident.
- T-bone accidents: Commercial trucks may be struck in the middle of their vehicles or strike other automobiles in the middle.
- Lost load accidents: Commercial trucks with improperly stored cargo may lose loads that cause accidents.
- Head-on accidents: Some commercial trucks may strike other drivers from the front.
- Rear-end accidents: A commercial truck that does not slow down sufficiently risks causing a rear-end collision.
Determining Liability for Your I-95 Truck Accident
Liability is often complicated in commercial truck accident cases. In many cases, trucking companies bear responsibility under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability. In addition, the company may have failed to maintain its vehicles. There is also the possibility that a manufacturer could bear responsibility for crashes that result from defective parts.
If the trucking company’s insurance company makes you a settlement offer immediately following the accident, be aware that you could recover much more than their initial offer. You should not sign any paperwork or volunteer any recorded statement to an insurer without an attorney present.
The Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow makes itself available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer your questions and get you the help you need.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and handle any case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. We only receive payment if you receive an insurance settlement or jury award.
For legal consultation with a i-95 truck accident attorney in Harford County, call (410)777-8960
I-95 Truck Accident Time Limits
A person has a limited period (known as a statute of limitations) to take legal action after a commercial truck accident. Under Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 5-101, you have three years from the date it occurred.
While three years may sound like a decent amount of time, you should not wait to begin having your crash investigated. Remember that memories can fade and evidence disappear. Therefore, it is essential to get legal help as soon as possible to develop the strongest possible case and hold every negligent party accountable.
Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 3-904 also imposes a three-year statute of limitations on wrongful death cases, but that time limit is from the date of a person’s death, which could end up being later than the date of an accident. Waiting too long to contact an attorney could leave them with insufficient time to investigate before the deadline hits.
Harford County I-95 Truck Accident Attorney (410)777-8960
What to Do After an I-95 Truck Accident
Most people know they should contact the police after any motor vehicle accident in Maryland. However, this is especially true for crashes involving commercial trucks. MD Accident Law will obtain a copy of the police report, which usually details all the specifics relating to your accident.
Another valuable step to take after a commercial truck accident will be to use your cellphone or any other camera to photograph the entire crash scene. Get pictures of the vehicles and all related damage before police clear the scene, and the evidence disappears.
Make sure that you seek medical attention – even if you do not think you were hurt – because many severe injuries can have delayed symptoms. Our truck accident team can suggest medical providers who we would entrust with our families’ healthcare needs in a similar situation.
Important Calls to Make After a Crash
You should certainly contact your insurance company to report your collision. However, be careful about contacting the other driver’s insurer. The insurance company for a commercial trucking company will do what it can to minimize your claim. It can use any statements you make to argue that you contributed to the accident, which would bar you from recovering any compensation under Maryland law.
Instead, contact a truck accident lawyer who can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf. Our team provides clients with a unique text number to contact them 24/7 with any questions regarding your case.
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Find Your Harford County I-95 Truck Accident Lawyer
Did you suffer severe injuries in a truck accident along I-95 in Harford County? The Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow handles cases all over Maryland, including Aberdeen, Bel Air, Darlington, Edgewood, Fallston, Glenville Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Joppatowne, and Riverside.
Call (410) 777-8960 today or schedule a free consultation online. Our firm has an office in Joppa, but we will come to your home or hospital room if you cannot travel due to your injuries.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
