One person is injured or killed in a truck accident every 16 minutes. The United States Department of Transportation estimates that over 500,000 truck accidents occur every year. Given these numbers, it is important for drivers to understand and recognize the risks they face every day when sharing the road with eighteen-wheelers and other large commercial trucks.
If you or a family member has just been injured in a commercial truck accident, call a truck accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD from Greenberg Law Offices to explore your legal rights and options.
Table Of Contents
- What You Should Do After A Truck Accident
- Trucking Laws
- Damages
- Most Common Truck Accident Damages Infographic
- Free Case Review
- Paying For A Truck Accident Lawyer
- Greenberg Law Offices, Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers
For more than 50 years, the truck accident lawyers Baltimore, MC trusts from Greenberg Law Offices have been helping victims and their loved ones receive maximum compensation. Our case experience is broad and has included injuries of all severities as well as loss of life. When any of the following trucks caused you harm, please email or call our firm.
- 18-wheeler
- Tanker
- Cement truck
- Delivery truck
- Tractor-trailer
- Mobile crane
- Refrigeration truck
- Log carrier
- Construction truck
For an immediate consultation, at no cost to you, reach out to a truck accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD from Greenberg Law Offices.
What You Should Do After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents generally cause serious, if not catastrophic injuries. The chances of you being able to remain at the scene without being taken immediately to the hospital are slim. The following advice assumes that you sought medical treatment after the accident. If this is not true, you should do so regardless of whether you are in pain. Failure to get a medical exam could result in a case dismissal.
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- File a police report, and get a copy
- Take photos of the scene and injuries
- Ask any witnesses for their contact details
- Avoid communicating with any other insurance company
Ideally, you should contact a truck accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD as soon as possible. A lawyer can help with the above in addition to:
- Investigating the accident
- Communicate with all insurance companies
- Gather evidence from black box data, log books, and other sources
- Negotiate the value of your claim
- Obtain a fair settlement or go to trial
How is a truck accident different from a car accident?
One main difference between a truck accident and a car accident is that you will likely be dealing with a commercial vehicle company and not an individual, as a truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD injury victims trust can explain. This can be intimidating as they likely will have lawyers on retainer and do their best to pay you as little as possible. Their insurance company will also not be eager to pay what they owe you for your injuries and damages. Your lawyer will not be intimidated by them and will fight to get you the compensation you need for your damages.
Can I sue a trucking company for damages?
If the insurance company is not offering you the compensation that you deserve and need to cover your damages, you could then take your case to court by filing a lawsuit. This is where a truck accident lawyer would really be beneficial as they will make it their job to ensure that all of your paperwork and legal filings are done properly and submitted in a timely manner. Suing the company is likely a good option for you, but your lawyer will offer their advice to help you move forward with getting the compensation you need.
Why does it take so long to get compensated after a truck accident?
Unfortunately, the process for getting compensation after being injured in a truck accident is typically somewhat lengthy – even if you don’t have to submit a lawsuit for the damages. There may be settlement offers and negotiations, insurance company investigation, and more. All of these things take time, and, sadly, no one is in a rush to pay you what you deserve for your injuries. Your truck accident lawyer can help keep things moving by not allowing the other party to stall the process and do all that is in their power to speed up the process.
Should I settle with the insurance company or trucking company?
After being in an accident with a truck and submitting a claim for compensation for damages, the insurance company or other entity that your suit is against may try to settle with you so that to keep the lawsuit out of court. Depending on the offer and the total that you’re requesting, settling could be a good option for you because court can be unpredictable. However, they should still pay what they owe, and your lawyer can provide you with legal advice and assist you with negotiating for a higher settlement amount.
Trucking Laws
In addition to the motor vehicle laws that every driver in America must follow, there are federal and state laws specific to truckers. When they don’t follow those laws and cause an accident which injures you, they can be held liable. A truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD injury victims hire may determine which of the following laws the trucker broke:
- Licensing. Commercial truckers are required to hold a commercial driver’s license and to keep it current. Depending on the type of vehicle and freight they haul, they may also need various endorsements. Without the proper licensing and endorsements, a driver cannot legally operate their truck. If a driver was not qualified to drive the truck involved in your accident, that driver may be held liable.
- Hours of service. Truckers must rest a certain number of hours between driving stints. This is to help prevent accidents caused by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or unable to react fast enough to avoid hazards. A seasoned truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD commuters turn to for representation can review the trucker’s driving log. By comparing the log to arrival times and other pieces of information, the attorney can establish that the driver had driven for too long.
- Truck maintenance. Trucks often have a lot of miles on them and are driven in all types of conditions. By law they must be maintained, inspected, and serviced on a regular basis. If a manufacturer recalls a part then the part must be replaced or otherwise dealt with as per the recall. If a defective part caused the accident which led to your injury, your attorney may name the manufacturer as a defendant. A skilled truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD drivers recommend from Greenberg Law Offices has experience pursuing multi-party claims and lawsuits. Our attorneys have helped thousands of personal injury victims in complex claims and lawsuits.
- Maximum load. The amount a trucker can haul at one time is based on the size of his truck. Generally, a single axle truck can haul as much as 20,000 pounds and two-axle trucks can haul as much as 34,000 pounds. If a truck driver overloads his truck and causes an accident, a truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD relies on may investigate what the truck was hauling and the last time it was weighed.
- Quality control and product liability. The individual components on a truck are regulated in the manufacturing process and in the future repair process. It’s important that these parts are in good working condition at all times. If a defect in a part of the truck causes an accident, you may have a product liability case. Your truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts may be able to advise you of your next steps.
- Hazardous waste. Some trucks haul hazardous waste materials and it’s crucial that the driver follows proper safety regulations. The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) creates these regulations, so your lawyer may check with these guidelines to determine if the truck driver was negligent. You could have a claim against the driver, the driver’s company, and/or the company that ordered the shipment of the hazardous materials.
Damages
When you talk with a truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD residents recommend, you may ask us about what damages you can expect to be compensated for. This depends on the details of your case, but there are some general categories in truck accident cases.
Your damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Ambulance fees, hospital charges, doctor visits, and any other applicable medical care required after your accident.
- Pain and suffering: Physical and mental suffering caused as a result of the accident by stress, pain, anxiety, etc.
- Lost wages: Any time lost from work caused by the accident. This may include the initial recovery period as well as follow up health care appointments after the accident.
- Lost earning capacity: If your injuries from the accident are severe enough, you may be eligible for damages based on your future inability to earn money. A truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD relies on may be able to help you estimate this amount.
- Loss of companionship: This comes up most often in wrongful death cases in which an accident resulted in the loss of a loved one. However, there are cases in which the accident may have resulted in a loss of affection/relations in the marriage.
Most Common Truck Accident Damages Infographic
Free Case Review
When a truck accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD proves that the trucker broke the law and harmed you as a result of their negligence, it’s your right to receive compensation. The amount of compensation is directly related to how you were harmed and the amount of your damages. Call the Greenberg Law Offices at (410) 539-5250 to learn the value of your case from an experienced Maryland truck accident lawyer.
It may be in your best interest to contact a truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts if you’re looking to recover damages for a truck-related accident. If you, your family members, or loved ones have been victims of a truck accident and experienced catastrophic injuries such as broken limbs, burns, neck injuries, paralysis, brain injuries, or even spinal cord injuries, then you may be in need of legal help from a truck accident lawyer.
Our lawyers have held a good number of negligent truck companies liable for many of the deaths and injuries caused by reckless driving. A truck accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD can recover the losses for victims, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You can have confidence that the type of truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD residents should look for will stand by your side to seek compensation from reckless truck drivers and their companies, so you get the settlement you deserve.
Semi trucks, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks and other commercial trucks can cause serious accidents when colliding with other passenger vehicles. This can happen for many reasons, such as:
- Truck driver being fatigued;
- Driver unfocused while driving and being engaged on the phone, either texting or calling;
- Speeding or reckless driving;
- Carrying loads that are not properly secured;
- Mechanical failures;
- Tire blowouts;
- Driver skill level; and
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If your loved one has been involved in an accident with any type of truck, they have rights and may be eligible to recoup damages. To ensure your rights are protected, you can call a Baltimore truck accident lawyer to give a legal perspective on your situation today.
These accidents can bring a great loss to a family. Truck companies also typically have large insurance policies and will want to engage their lawyers to fight claims made against them. They usually do this to protect their reputation and their interests. They will also engage their lawyers and adjusters so that their companies are safeguarded and do not have to pay the compensation amount to the victims.
You should also be doing the same to ensure your interests and rights are safeguarded against the losses and hardships you have endured. The kind of experienced truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD residents should look for can help and guide you with compassion and sincerity.
From the moment you contact a truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD citizens deserve, our prime focus will be on you so you can get the legal support you need. Our lawyers strategize and go through the legal details of the accident so that nothing gets missed. You can have confidence that you will be well taken care of.
Whatever may be the cause or circumstances surrounding your injury or accident, we try our best to ensure the trucking company, driver, or any other negligent parties are held responsible for the injuries and damages they have caused. You can contact Greenberg Law Offices to speak with the type of truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD is proud to have representing its community at 410-539-5250 and schedule your free consultation today.
Paying for a Truck Accident Lawyer
Many victims fail to seek legal representation because they have concerns about the fees. As a truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD relies on, we take on 99% of all personal injury cases as a contingency fee. This means you will start with a consultation that will involve a complete evaluation of your case. If we believe you have a strong case, we may handle it on contingency. You won’t have to pay anything up front. Rather, our legal fees will be a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we do not recover money, you will not pay anything. Rest assured, our firm seeks to obtain maximum damages so that all of your losses, now and in the future, are covered.
What are the benefits of having a truck accident lawyer?
There are many benefits to having a lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices to represent you after being involved in a truck accident. Your lawyer can provide you with legal guidance as you make decisions throughout the legal process, answer your questions, speak on your behalf in legal settings, and more. Because your lawyer has experience with cases like yours, they will help to make it a smooth process for you so that you can focus on your healing and recovery.
Waiting to File a Claim
Many victims decide to wait a few months before exploring their legal options. Yes, you can do this, but it is not recommended. Even though you may have 2-3 years to file a claim, depending on the state, the longer you wait, the more likely it will be for evidence to be destroyed. Furthermore, if any government entity or organization was involved, the deadline to file is reduced to 3-6 months on average. The point is that you should not wait. In fact, you may not be able to afford to wait. Act now, and call a truck accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD.
We Stand By You
If you are ready to find out how you can cover your medical bills and other financial losses that resulted from a truck accident, call a truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts from Greenberg Law Offices right now.
Holding the Trucking Company and their Driver Responsible
Federal and state laws require Trucking companies to ensure that their vehicles, trailers and drivers do not endanger other drivers on the road. Many oIf you would like to learn more about your rights, contact the Greenberg Law Offices to speak with a truck accident lawyer Baltimore Maryland offers. If you have been injured in a collision with a truck, you have the right to recover your damages from the at-fault party.f these safety rules are contained in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which specify everything from how often the trucks have to be inspected and when a driver has to be medically tested to how many hours a driver may drive in a 24 hour period.
Motor vehicle laws and motor carrier regulations can be complicated. A Baltimore, MD truck accident lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices may walk you through the legal process. For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us at (410) 539-5250. The following general information may be helpful in advance of meeting with a truck accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD.
Proving Liability
To win your case, we need to prove that the driver, or another relevant party (such as the truck company or mechanic), was responsible for causing your accident. In some cases, we may be able to argue that several parties are technically liable, depending on the details of your case.
A truck accident lawyer Baltimore, MD drivers hire to fight for them will tell you that the critical component of a case is negligence. There are many things that could point towards negligence, and the responsibility may be on the driver or on another party. The key is working with a skilled and trusted Baltimore truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Greenberg Law Offices, Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers
6 E Biddle St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Client Review
“Greenberg Law Offices was wonderful to work with. They are extremely responsive and resolved my issue. I would highly recommend using them for any of your legal needs.”
Andrew Shevrin