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If you’ve been in a collision with a commercial truck or tractor trailer in Maryland, severe damage and injuries can occur. Fortunately, you may be eligible to seek compensation through a lawsuit or claim related to the truck accident. For a complimentary case assessment and connection with a top-rated truck accident attorney in Maryland, reach out to LegalFinders now.
Finding a skilled attorney is vital when you’ve been in a collision with a semi-truck. Truck accident injuries can be serious and lead to extensive medical expenses, and legal action may be the next best step.
In Maryland, filing a truck accident claim may result in financial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, or other damages.
However, these cases are often complex, involving multiple parties, and require an experienced lawyer to handle them successfully.
If you’re considering filing a truck accident claim in Maryland, LegalFinders can connect you with a competent attorney that can assist you in filing your case.
Determining liability in a trucking accident is a complicated process.
Usually, the primary individual at fault is the driver or party responsible for initiating and causing the accident.
In order for the at-fault driver to be held financially responsible for damages, they must be found negligent.
Negligence refers to careless or thoughtless actions that may have led to the accident, regardless of intent.
Multiple parties can be involved in the accident, meaning that it is not just the initial driver who is held responsible or at-fault.
In some cases, the trucking company may be found liable for the accident, especially if they were negligent in their hiring, training, or maintenance of the truck.
Liability for a truck accident is not always placed solely on the truck driver.
Sometimes, a commercial truck accident could be the fault of the other motorist involved in the accident, or there may be situations where neither motorist is held responsible.
In such cases, the trucking company or the manufacturer of one of the truck’s parts could be held accountable for the accident due to a defect during assembly.
It’s crucial to note that those who are found to be negligent in the accident are the ones who are responsible for the resulting damages.
If you’ve been in a Maryland truck accident involving a commercial vehicle, you may be wondering how to recover damages.
One way is to file a personal injury claim, which can provide compensation for medical expenses and lost wages due to your injuries.
Aside from these damages, a settlement award may also cover intangible losses, including loss of companionship, consortium, or enjoyment of life.
In some situations, if a settlement cannot be reached, a truck accident lawsuit may be necessary.
It’s crucial to seek counsel from an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney who can assist you in understanding your legal options and guide you through the process.
Some lawyers even offer a complimentary consultation to assist you in determining the next steps in your case.
Keep in mind that insurance companies may attempt to settle for a lower amount, so having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can be critical to obtaining a settlement.
By following the steps below, you can give yourself the best possible chance to recover a fair settlement.
You can obtain some documents for your case immediately after the accident occurs, but there are still pieces of evidence that you will need to obtain in the following days or weeks.
Some important pieces of evidence to collect from the accident scene:
After a truck accident, it’s essential to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the legal process.
By consulting a lawyer, you can avoid making any mistakes that could hurt your case.
Your truck accident lawyer can assist you in collecting all the necessary evidence and submitting your claim before the statute of limitations expires.
They can also provide legal counsel and help you determine the appropriate compensation for your injuries and damages.
It’s crucial to ensure that you don’t miss your deadline to file a claim by submitting all the necessary evidence before the statute of limitations runs out.
Once this time limit has passed, you will not be able to file a claim.
Thankfully, working with an experienced lawyer can help you keep track of these deadlines and ensure you meet all necessary requirements.
This allows you to concentrate on recovering from your injuries and getting back to your life.
When negotiating a settlement, your attorney will communicate with the opposing party’s attorney and insurance adjusters in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable compensation amount.
A multi-wheeler or tractor-trailer crash settlement cannot be awarded until both parties agree on the amount.
If a settlement agreement cannot be reached through negotiations, the next step would be to file a lawsuit and proceed to court.
In the event that your personal injury claim fails to reach a satisfactory settlement, you may consider pursuing a legal lawsuit.
It is crucial to seek out a proficient truck accident lawyer with a proven record of successful outcomes, as they will serve as your legal representative in court.
Truck accidents can cause a variety of damages that may be both tangible and intangible, ranging from medical bills to loss of enjoyment in life.
In Maryland, some common types of damages listed on truck accident claims include:
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these motor vehicles can result in severe injuries, including fatalities.
It’s important to note that even seemingly minor injuries sustained in a tractor-trailer accident can still be listed on a personal injury claim.
Below are some common injuries that may be included:
If you have been involved in a truck accident, seek medical attention immediately and document all injuries sustained in the accident.
This information can be used to support your personal injury claim and help you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Truck drivers often work long hours and face extreme conditions, despite regulations that aim to prevent them from driving for extended periods.
Unfortunately, driver fatigue and inexperience are the most prevalent reasons for truck accidents.
In Maryland, common causes of truck accidents include:
Addressing these causes can help improve trucking safety and reduce the number of accidents on the roads.
The following factors may affect truck accident victims and their ability to file claims in Maryland following a vehicle accident.
In Maryland, the insurance system is based on at-fault laws.
This means that people can file claims with the insurance company of the party responsible for the accident.
Doing so allows victims of commercial truck accidents to obtain compensation for any bodily injury or property damage incurred.
This differs from no-fault states, where drivers are obligated to file claims with their own insurance companies to receive compensation for serious injuries.
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years, providing individuals with three years from the accident date to file their claims.
Although three years may appear to be an extended period, missing this deadline can significantly restrict your legal options.
The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case, and some claims have different filing deadlines.
Consult a legal professional to understand the appropriate timeline for your specific case.
Failing to file your claim within the statute of limitations timeframe can result in your case being dismissed, and you will be unable to recover any damages or compensation.
Maryland follows the contributory negligence principle.
This is a legal doctrine that can prevent an injured party from recovering damages if they are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident that caused their injuries.
This principle differs from the comparative negligence system utilized in many other states, which allows the injured party to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident.
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, truck accidents account for a significant proportion of all accidents on Maryland roads.
In 2020, there were 8,732 total accidents involving large trucks and buses in Maryland, resulting in 3,160 injuries and 70 fatalities.
While truck accidents can occur for various reasons, driver error and fatigue remain the primary contributing factors.
It is vital for truck drivers to abide by regulations, such as the hours of service limitations, to prevent driver fatigue and increase road safety.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Maryland and need legal assistance, be sure to connect with the best truck accident lawyers serving Maryland.
Contact LegalFinders today to connect with a reputable law firm specializing in personal injury or truck accident cases and to receive expert legal advice and a free consultation.
