A commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is about 20 times what an average passenger vehicle weighs. Even at slow speeds, a collision with a commercial truck can leave all parties involved with life-threatening injuries and expensive medical costs. If you have been involved in a Maryland truck accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for the injury and expense you have incurred. To recover the maximum amount of compensation, seek the guidance of a seasoned Maryland personal injury lawyer.
The attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO have been fighting for Maryland injury victims from over 30 years. Our experience has allowed us to work with a variety of victims. Whether you need to recover damages for minor injuries, or you are seeking compensation on behalf of a family member who has not survived their injuries, we have the knowledge and experience to support you through the process.
Especially if you have never needed an attorney before, it can be hard to know how to choose the right lawyer for your case. Our injury lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in favorable settlements and verdicts for our previous clients, and we will put this experience to work for your case, too. Call (301) 220-0050 today to speak with a Maryland truck accident attorney about your situation.
Why Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?
When a truck accident occurs, it may be your first instinct to assume that the driver of the truck is at fault for the collision. While this may be true in some cases, other parties may have played a role in the accident. To pursue all possible sources of compensation, it is essential to establish whether the trucking company, the driver, a third-party, or multiple parties bear responsibility in the incident. Your injury lawyer will investigate your claim to determine liability so that you can recover suitable damages for what you’ve lost.
When you decide to take legal action against a trucking company, they may argue that you were partially at fault for your injuries. If the defendant is arguing that you were at fault for the accident, it could ultimately hurt the value of your claim. Your injury lawyer will look at the facts of your case and make sure that the blame falls where it should.
In addition to establishing fault, a lawyer can help your claim proceed more efficiently. While the timeline for each case is different, having a lawyer oversee your case will ensure that the defendant or their insurer doesn’t employ tactics to delay paying your injury claim.
Why Hire CHASENBOSCOLO to Handle my Case?
At CHASENBOSCOLO, our main objective is to take care of clients. We know that when you reach out to us you need the support of a lawyer who cares. Our team takes this responsibility very seriously. To achieve the best possible results for you, we get to work looking at the details of your case, investigating the accident, collecting witness statements, and evaluating all of your past, present, and future injury-related expenses to determine how much compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Since injuries are such a significant disruption to your life, our lawyers always aim to make sure that you feel comfortable and confident with how your claim is being handled. We are available to you when you need us, no matter what time. Hiring our firm to handle your claim is an act of trust on your part, which is why we emphasize accessibility and transparency.
Understandably, the potential cost of a lawyer is a source of stress for many injury victims. We believe that the financial burden caused by your injuries shouldn’t prevent you from seeking the best possible legal representation. For this reason, the team at CHASENBOSCOLO offers free initial consultations, and you will not owe us a dime unless we recover compensation for you as part of our No Fee Guarantee®.
Truck Accident Cases We Handle
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that in 2016, 3,896 fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred. Of the 4,369 people who died in these accidents, only 725 victims were truck drivers. When sharing the road with large commercial vehicles, drivers in passenger vehicles are incredibly vulnerable.
When truck drivers, trucking companies, or other third parties fail to operate with the safety of others in mind, devastating accidents can occur. The following are some common causes of truck accidents in Maryland.
Fatigue – Though the FMCSA has regulations in place to limit the number of hours that truck drivers are allowed to drive, these rules are often violated. When a driver is drowsy, their focus and reflexes are compromised, making the possibility of an accident much higher.
Intoxication – Though no driver should get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the potential consequences are compounded when a truck driver is involved in a crash. Additionally, unintentional medication interactions can cause a variety of dangerous symptoms which compromise a driver’s ability.
Distracted Driving – Since drivers spend much of their professional life on the road, they need to remain vigilant in focusing on road conditions and traffic. Unfortunately, truck drivers are prone to daydreaming, texting, talking on the phone, and engaging in other behaviors that distract them from the road ahead.
Failure to Brake – Because trucks weigh much more than passenger cars, they take longer to stop. If a driver isn’t paying attention when traffic stops suddenly, they are more likely to rear-end the car ahead of them. For this reason, truck drivers should never follow the vehicle ahead of them too closely.
Speeding – Because of the weight and velocity of a cargo truck when drivers drive too fast, it makes their truck harder to stop and maneuver if they need to. Truck drivers have to be especially careful during bad weather and drive according to the conditions.
Improper Loading – When the load in a truck is not secured correctly the probability of shifting is much higher. When cargo in the trailer shifts, the driver has much less control over the vehicle as a whole, making the truck more vulnerable to jackknifing. The FMCSA has regulations for safely securing loads to avoid this issue.
Mechanical Defects – The truck and trailer need to be checked and maintained regularly to ensure that everything is in safe working condition. If a driver or a trucking company neglects to perform routine maintenance, it could end up costing someone’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a truck accident, you may be seriously considering taking action against those responsible. You have questions, and the lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO are ready to address them. Below are some questions we get from clients often. Call us at (301) 220-0050 to speak in more depth with a member of our team.
When Should I File?
Injury victims in Maryland have up to three years from the time they are injured to file a claim. The period immediately following a serious truck accident is often a blur for injury victims and their families. While reaching out to a lawyer might seem like added stress to an already hectic situation, finding a qualified lawyer to take your case as soon as possible will help you recover the compensation that you need.
How Much is My Claim Worth?
Since each case is different, the amount of compensation that you may be able to recover will vary depending on several factors. Some factors that your lawyer will take into consideration when calculating how much compensation you are owed include, but are not limited to:
- The severity of a victim’s injuries
- If the victim passed away from their injuries
- Property damage and expenses incurred from the accident
- Future expenses of medical treatments and lost wages
- If the responsible party has a history of causing accidents
Based on the circumstances of your case, a lawyer will be able to give you a better idea of the value of your claim.
How Long Will My Case Take?
The lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO are most concerned with making sure that we recover the resources that you need. The quickest way to resolving a case is typically through negotiating a fair settlement. If the responsible party’s representation or insurer is resistant to cooperating in settlement discussions, your claim may be taken to trial. Though going to trial will extend the legal process, what’s most important is that you get the compensation that you need to deal with your injuries and move forward.
Contact a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Holding those responsible for your injuries accountable is about recovering what you’ve lost so that you can heal and move forward. Your injuries may have cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost wages while compromising your quality of life. When you are the victim of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to reach out to a lawyer for help.
While finding the right lawyer can feel overwhelming when you are already facing other physical and financial challenges, the lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO help ease the process. To speak to one of our Maryland accident attorneys about your case, call us today at (301) 220-0050.
