Whether the cause was an inexperienced driver or something else, you know you weren’t to blame for the truck accident resulting in your severe injury. You want justice, and you want it quickly. An attorney with Penn Kestner & McEwen is ready to help you get that justice.
We have decades of experience representing truck accident clients, and we’re standing by to put our knowledge and skill to work for you. Please call (800) 732-3070 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Maryland Truck Accident Injury and Fatality Statistics
Between 2015-2019, commercial motor vehicles (CMV) accounted for 11.5% of all fatal accidents in Maryland. Nearly 5% of all vehicle accidents involved large trucks. Speed was a contributing factor in nearly 20% of truck accidents. From 2016-2020, an average of 57 people died in collisions with semis.
During 2018 alone, more than 3,500 CMV accidents occurred on Maryland roads, with 1,280 causing severe injuries that hurt 1,985 motorists.
The Cost & Consequences of a Maryland Truck Accident Injury
The cost of treating truck accident injuries can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the type of medical treatment required. Some common truck accident injuries include broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue damage. Treating these injuries can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands. Factors such as location, type of medical facility, and insurance coverage can also impact the overall cost of treatment.
Causes of Maryland Truck Accidents
Many different factors can cause truck accidents. These include mechanical malfunctions, driver errors and several others. Here are just some of the reasons truck accidents take place:
Driver Fatigue. Truckers often remain behind the wheel for too long, leading to fatigue and impaired driving. Fatigue can cause drivers to fall asleep, lose control of the truck, or make poor driving decisions.
Distracted Driving. Truck drivers can become distracted by various factors, such as cell phones, navigation systems, and onboard computers. Distracted driving can lead to accidents, as drivers must pay attention to the road and surrounding vehicles.
Improper Loading. Improper loading of a truck’s cargo can make the vehicle unstable and increase the risk of an accident. Overloading or unevenly distributing the cargo’s weight can also stress the truck’s tires, brakes, and suspension system, increasing the risk of mechanical failure.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance. Poor maintenance of trucks can increase the risk of accidents and the severity of any accidents that occur. Defective brakes, worn tires, and other vehicle malfunctions can all increase the risk of an accident.
Speeding. Speeding is a significant cause of truck accidents, as it makes it more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle and react to changes in traffic. Additionally, speeding increases the time and distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision.
Who’s Liable for My Injuries?
Various factors, including driver negligence, vehicle malfunction, and other contributing circumstances, determine liability in truck accidents. This is one of the many reasons a truck accident case is very complex and requires the help of a skilled, experienced lawyer.
Understanding Multi-Party Liability in Maryland Truck Crashes
The liable party or parties can include:
The truck driver: The truck driver is often the first to be held liable in a truck accident, especially if the driver was at fault for causing the accident. If the driver acted negligently, such as driving under the influence or violating traffic laws, the driver could be held liable for any resulting damages or injuries.
The trucking company: The trucking company can also be held liable in a truck accident, especially if the company was responsible for hiring or supervising the driver or violated safety regulations.
The vehicle manufacturer: In some cases, a truck accident may be caused by a defect in the vehicle itself, such as a tire blowout or brake failure. If this is the case, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable for damages or injuries.
Cargo loading companies: If improper loading of the truck’s cargo caused or contributed to the accident, the company responsible for loading the cargo can be held liable.
Government agencies: If a road defect or inadequate road maintenance contributed to the accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road could be held liable.
To determine liability in a truck accident, it’s essential to hire an attorney who can thoroughly investigate the accident’s circumstances. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing the driver’s and trucking company’s records. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you to determine who is liable for your injuries and assist you in seeking compensation for your damages.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
Damages are the financial losses you’ve experienced because of your injury. These include economic losses, such as lost wages and medical bills. Non-economic damages include loss of quality of life and emotional trauma.
How Much Will My Trucking Accident Settlement Offer Be?
The amount of money you will get from your truck accident lawsuit depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of economic damages and the strength of your case. Your attorney will know the value of your damages once they’ve investigated the accident and determined all potentially liable parties.
While you would like to think the insurance companies representing the at-fault parties would do the right thing and offer you a fair settlement, this typically doesn’t happen. Your attorney will use the evidence gathered through the investigation to compel the insurer to make a fair settlement offer.
Do I Need to Hire a Maryland Truck Accident Attorney?
Hiring an attorney can be beneficial if you have suffered significant injuries or damages. They can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and be your representative in court if needed. An attorney can also work to help recover the maximum compensation possible for your losses.
Call Penn Kestner & McEwen Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Penn Kestner & McEwen attorneys are ready to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free review of your case by using our online contact form or calling (800) 732-3070.