After a collision with a large truck, you may be forced to endure personal and financial suffering for months or years to come. You shouldn’t have to bear this burden on your own, however. Our personal injury attorneys can help you recover compensation that will restore your financial stability and offset your suffering.
When we take you on as our client, we will fight from the beginning to the end of your case for compensation that will help you move forward with life after your accident. We strive to provide quality care that provides peace of mind during the legal process. As we negotiate for your financial award, you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Understanding the Types of Compensation
There are different types of compensation available for traffic accidents. The first is referred to as economic damages. This includes costs that can be directly attributed to your injuries–costs you would not have incurred without the accident.
The second type of compensation is non-economic. This category of damages aims to offset the negative personal consequences of the accident, like your physical and emotional pain.
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, your family could recoup their lost financial support and demand compensation for your personal suffering.
Economic Compensation
Economic losses from a truck accident can include the following:
- Ambulance costs
- Medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgical procedures
- Follow-up medical care
- Medical equipment
- Home modifications
- Medications
- Physical and occupational therapy
- In-home care
In addition to costs related to your injuries, you might also be compensated for lost wages and property damages. When you contact our truck accident team for a free consultation, we can explain more about recoverable losses.
Non-Economic Compensation
This area of compensation deals with things that affect your life negatively. Money cannot return your joy. However, it can help you make adjustments after a truck accident to improve your quality of life as much as possible. Some of the areas we might seek compensation for include:
- Chronic pain
- Continued suffering
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment, partial or complete
- Scarring
- Stress and anxiety
- Personality changes
- Loss of consortium
Our team works with you and your family to determine the long-term effects of your accident. We will calculate a level of non-economic compensation commensurate with your losses.
For legal consultation with a truck accident attorney in Perry Hall, call (410)777-8960
Exploring the Causes of Truck Accidents
Driver error can cause truck accidents, but often the cause can be traced to one or more factors, including
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Drinking and driving
- Use of drugs, including over-the-counter medications
- Driving tired
- Distracted driving, including the use of GPS devices
- Aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
- Ignoring traffic control devices or warnings
- Poor vehicle maintenance (malfunctioning brakes)
- Inexperienced drivers
Exhausted Drivers Are Dangerous to Motorists
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. Some of the risk factors of fatigue include
- Reduced ability to remain aware of your route
- Slower reaction times
- Impeded judgment when quick decisions are needed
Truck drivers are driving more hours to meet deadlines for the delivery of goods. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) maintains strict limits for commercial drivers limiting their behind-the-wheel time. They specify the required rest, sleep breaks, and weekly hours a driver can work. While the regulations are there to reduce truck accidents, not all drivers adhere to the guidelines.
Perry Hall Truck Accident Attorney (410)777-8960
Benefits of Having Law Firm Representation
After a truck accident, it can be helpful to have a law firm representing you while you file your injury claim. You might be hospitalized with extensive injuries, and compiling the necessary documentation can be time-consuming. A truck accident lawyer knows what is needed and has experience gathering evidence. Some of the items required include
- Police or accident reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Video from dash cams or traffic surveillance footage
- Computer (black box) info from vehicles
- Information on the driver, including medications
- Truck service logs
- Driver logs
How We Will Handle Your Case
In addition to compiling documentation to support a solid claim, your Perry Hall truck accident lawyer will:
- File your case according to the deadlines and regulations
- Update you on the status of your case
- Conduct a complete investigation
- Preserve time-sensitive evidence through a spoliation letter
- Represent you in negotiations with insurance companies, trucking companies, and in court, if necessary
- Act as your advocate, standing beside you throughout the entire process
Many truck accident cases settle before going to civil court. Our team will advise you if a settlement is possible and discuss any settlement offers. If the insurance companies are trying to lowball, we will tell you. All decisions will be yours, although our team may offer recommendations.
Understanding the Fee Agreement
The cost of hiring a lawyer won’t set you even further back financially. Our team works on your claim with no upfront fees from your free consultation until the final resolution. Our attorney fees will be a percentage of your settlement or award.
For you, that means you can get the compensation you deserve without trying to count your pennies to afford a flat-rate fee. We only get paid for our services when we win, which is a low-risk arrangement for you.
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Finding the Liable Parties in a Perry Hall Truck Accident
Truck accident cases are typically more complex than typical auto accident cases, as there might be more than one liable party. Our truck accident team will uncover all parties that might be responsible for your injuries. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The truck driver
- A maintenance company
- The company that owns the truck
- Parts manufacturers
- Cargo-loading personnel and companies
The Elements of Negligence Required to Prove Liability
When our investigation is complete, we can prove negligence in your case by demonstrating these four elements:
- Duty of care. For example, The truck driver had a responsibility to drive safely and cautiously to protect other motorists.
- Breach of duty. The truck driver committed a traffic violation that endangered you.
- Causation. The action or inaction of the driver caused a collision.
- Damages. The collision resulted in your injuries and other losses.
Once negligence is established, our truck accident team will fight for the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party’s insurer.
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How the Statute of Limitations May Affect Your Claim
Maryland limits the time to file a claim for injuries to three years from the date of an accident per Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 5-101. Due to the time constraints, it is crucial to begin the process soon after an accident.
The truck accident team from the Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow is ready to build a case for you. Contact our team to begin your free consultation today.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form