Seek Compensation After A Truck Accident
When you’re the victim in a truck accident, you need the help of our MD truck accident lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. It’s important to file an injury claim after a truck accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver. Working with our experienced and dedicated team can increase the likelihood that your claim will be accepted and will receive compensation for your accident damages. This is critical because trucking collisions often result in serious injuries, which will require extensive (and expensive) medical care. Our firm has fought and won over $25 million in damages for our clients, and we are prepared to help you. When you choose us as your legal partner, we assure you that your case is in good hands. Contact our Maryland firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Table Of Contents
What You Should Do Immediately After A Truck Accident
Tractor-trailers are massive, weighing in at 80,000 pounds. No driver wants to succumb to an accident involving a tractor-trailer. Should an accident occur, a tractor-trailer can damage nearly everything in its path. Not only does a vehicle stand to sustain incredible property damage, but the victim of the accident may also experience a devastating fate. The sheer force of a tractor-trailer upon impact can deliver results such as serious physical injury, loss of life, property damage, lifelong disabilities, inability to work, pain and suffering, emotional damage, and more.
Trucking accidents can leave victims with significant baggage to take care of. With so much to contend with, we may be an accident victim’s best bet. This gives victims the ability to access a truck accident lawyer who can appropriately navigate their legal case.
We hope you never have to experience a truck collision, but it’s important to know what to do should you ever find yourself in the aftermath of one:
- First, you need to check yourself and others for injuries. This is a crucial step, as injuries could be life-threatening and may need to be treated right away. If someone is hurt, call an ambulance immediately.
- Second, you should take photos of the accident scene if it is safe to do so. If not, you need to pull over to safety.
- Third, you can call the police to get an officer to the scene of the accident to make a police report about what he or she thinks happened. A police report can be some of the most important evidence in a personal injury case involving a truck, so even if the other party asks you to not involve the police, be sure to get an officer to come anyway.
- Finally, you need to exchange information with the other person. You should get their name, phone number, insurance information, and car information like the license plate, make, and model of their vehicle. You should take photos of both vehicles as well to show how severe the accident was and what damages were done.
Once the immediate aftermath is over, there are still steps to consider taking to strengthen your claim for compensation:
- If your accident was caused by a commercial trucking company driver, your truck accident lawyer will send a letter to that company notifying them that they must preserve any evidence related to the crash. If they do not comply, it could be detrimental to your case. If you have photos taken immediately after the accident that show the trucker’s vehicle, offer them to your lawyer. The images may show valuable evidence that the trucking company may try to hide.
- In addition, preserve the evidence that is in your possession. This includes your vehicle. Do not take it in for repairs until the damage is fully documented. Your lawyer may decide to consult a forensic accident scene investigator. The investigator may be able to help ascertain liability after a thorough examination of the damage to your vehicle.
- After a traumatic experience such as a vehicle accident that resulted in a serious injury, it’s common for victims to post pictures and commentary about it on their social media accounts. This is a bad idea. Any information you provide in this way becomes a matter of public record. The insurance company for the at-fault party can use that information against you to deny your claim or in court if you pursue a lawsuit.
- It’s best to suspend or close your social media accounts until after your case is resolved and your truck accident lawyer gives you the green light to get back on social media. Your lawyer can provide additional insight specific to the circumstances of your case.
What To Know Before Opening Your Case
Filing an injury claim for a commercial truck accident can be a much more complicated process than a car accident claim. For this reason, it may be wise to contact our experienced truck accident lawyer for legal counsel. If you are involved in a car crash with another car, there is only you and your insurance company, and the other driver and their insurance company.
Truck accident claims often involve multiple insurance companies due to who is deemed liable for the accident. Many truck accident claims involve any combination of the truck driver, the trucking company, the company who loaded the truck, or the truck parts manufacturer. Each of these entities has its own insurance companies and it could become overwhelming for a truck accident victim to track these insurance companies down on their own.
Our skilled MD truck accident lawyer knows exactly how to find out this information and may aggressively pursue every party that holds liability for their client’s injuries.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
One of the major causes of truck accidents in this country is truck driver fatigue. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and despite federal rules and regulations, many of them feel pressured by almost impossible delivery schedules to ignore these rules and the results are often tragic. Other causes of truck accidents include improperly loaded or overloaded trucks, failure to inspect or maintain the truck, inexperience or lack of training of truck drivers, truck driver speeding, truck drivers operating under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and more.
No matter what the cause of the accident, you deserve compensation for having to go through all of this. Even if you feel that the other driver was not completely at fault, you need to hire a truck accident lawyer to look at the details and determine what you may still be entitled to.
Maximize Your Compensation
As a victim, you are likely aware of the fact that you are entitled to compensation. However, knowing how much to ask for can be a bit overwhelming. Without an attorney, truck accident victims risk undervaluing their accident claims. We can carefully review the case of an accident victim to ensure that the appropriate value is assigned to the case.
We will look at the damages you have faced to determine how much a victim’s case may be worth. Steps towards maximizing compensation often don’t stop there, with savvy and steadfast negotiation skills, we can review each offer that comes in from the insurance company. Determining whether or not to accept or counter settlement offers can be nerve-wracking. We will be able to guide you through the process so that you don’t accept an offer that is well below what you are entitled to.
Maryland Truck Accident Laws
- Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations in the state of Maryland is three years for completing a lawsuit or submitting a personal injury case for a truck accident. Your truck accident lawyer can go over the details with you in-depth about the varying amount of paperwork and other issues that may come up in submitting a case. While three years may sound like a lot of time, this is not always the case. Obtaining various reports, processing paperwork, conducting investigations on fault, and other issues are all things that can slow down the submission of a case drastically.
- Liability
In the aftermath of a truck accident, identifying and proving liability becomes a pivotal, albeit complex, process. This complexity originates from the numerous entities involved in truck operations – from the driver to the owner, and from the manufacturer to the cargo loader. Each entity, governed by an array of federal and state regulations, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, comes under scrutiny following an accident. An astute truck accident lawyer delves into these entanglements, meticulously dissecting every detail to establish liability and build a formidable case.
- Contributory Negligence
One of the pivotal reasons to enlist the expertise of a Maryland truck accident lawyer revolves around the state’s adherence to the doctrine of contributory negligence. This doctrine dictates that if a plaintiff is found to bear any degree of fault in the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages. Navigating through this rigid legal principle, especially amidst the complexities of a truck accident claim, demands a strategic, experienced, and adept legal representative.
- Accident Reporting
Maryland law mandates that any motor vehicle accident, leading to death, bodily injury, or property damage beyond $1,000, must be reported to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Timely reporting, along with meticulous collection of evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analyses, under the guidance of a seasoned Maryland truck accident lawyer, fortifies your claim, ensuring it withstands the scrutinizing legal lens.
- Compensation And Damage Caps
The route toward claiming compensation in Maryland is paved with specificities, where both economic and non-economic damages intertwine. While economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, are typically recoverable in full, non-economic damages (pain and suffering) face statutory caps. As per Maryland’s laws, it becomes imperative to accurately calculate, validate, and advocate for every dollar of deserved compensation, requiring the representation of a skilled lawyer like ours at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C..
MD Truck Accident Infographic
Truck Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks are involved in an average of 5,000 fatal crashes each year in the United States. The most common type of truck accident is a rear-end collision. Truck accidents are more likely to be fatal than car accidents.
FAQs
What Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Do? Why Do I Need One?
We handle legal cases related to accidents involving commercial trucks and provide legal representation and guidance to individuals who have been injured or suffered property damage in a truck accident. Our main goal is to help clients obtain fair compensation for their losses and navigate the legal process associated with truck accident claims.
When choosing a lawyer, consider their experience in handling truck accident cases specifically. Look for someone who has a track record of successful settlements and trial experience. It is also important to find a responsive lawyer who communicates well and understands your needs.
While it is possible to handle a truck accident case on your own, it is generally not recommended. Truck accident cases can be complex, involving multiple parties and intricate legal procedures. Insurance companies and trucking companies often have teams of lawyers working on their behalf to minimize their liability and reduce settlement amounts.
Truck accident cases can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, insurance companies, and possibly government entities. Our skilled truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, determine liability, and pursue a fair settlement on your behalf. We can assist you in several ways. We will investigate the accident, and collect evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage. We’ll also evaluate your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. When you partner with our firm, we will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and, if necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court to advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved In A Truck Collision?
After a truck accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Call the police to report the accident and document the scene by taking photographs and gathering information from witnesses. Avoid discussing the accident with the truck driver or their insurance company without consulting your lawyer first. Finally, contact our office as soon as possible to protect your rights and receive guidance on the next steps to take. In Maryland, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing personal injury claims. Generally, for truck accident cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. It is crucial to consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the specified time frame.
What Evidence Should I Collect To Help My Truck Crash Claim?
When involved in a truck crash, contacting our MD truck accident lawyer can make a huge difference—and so can gathering the right evidence after your accident. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we’ve secured over $25,000,000 in damages for our clients. We also provide over 25 years of collective experience for every case. Read on to see how you can collect the best evidence for your claim:
- Photographs Of The Scene
Photos are powerful pieces of evidence, and they can really help your attorney. Take pictures from different angles of the crash site, all vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks on the road. Photos should be taken as soon as safely possible after the accident to capture the scene accurately.
- Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to the crash, their accounts could be vital. Gather names, contact information, and if possible, written statements about what they saw. Witness testimonies can provide an unbiased perspective that supports your version of events.
- Police Report
Always call the police after a truck crash. The responding officer will file a report that includes details about the accident, diagrams of the scene, and initial assessments of fault. This official report is a critical piece of evidence for your claim.
- Dash Cam Footage
If your vehicle or any nearby vehicle has a dash cam, the footage can be an invaluable piece of evidence. It provides a real-time account of the crash and can clearly show the actions of the truck driver and other vehicles involved.
- Truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data
Most modern trucks are equipped with an ECM, which records data about the truck’s operation, such as speed, braking, and engine performance. Accessing this data can help reconstruct the accident and show the truck’s condition and actions before the crash.
- Medical Records
Documenting your injuries through medical records is essential. These should include initial medical reports, treatment records, bills, and expert opinions on your prognosis. This documentation helps establish the direct impact of the crash on your health.
- Employment And Income Records
If you’ve lost wages due to the accident, having detailed records of your employment and income can help quantify your financial losses. This includes pay stubs, employment letters, and statements from your employer about missed work days.
- Traffic Camera Footage
Check if there were any traffic cameras that might have captured the crash. Footage from traffic cameras can provide additional perspectives of the accident, supplementing your evidence.
- Driver’s Logs and Employment Records
The truck driver’s logs, which record hours of service, and the employment records can provide insights into the driver’s behavior and state before the crash, such as fatigue from overwork. These are regulated by federal laws and can be crucial in proving negligence.
Contact Our Maryland Truck Accident Attorney
Our firm can assist you in pursuing compensation for injuries, lost wages, ongoing therapy, and more. Toward that end, be sure to document the accident as much as you can. Also, avoid discussing your case with anyone else beforehand, as this could impede your complaint going forward. In the best-case scenario, the company will offer a settlement, meaning the case will not go to trial.
If you, or a loved one, find yourselves enveloped by the unfortunate clouds of a truck accident, allow us to be your shield and sword through the legal storm. Our dedicated team of attorneys will meticulously untangle every strand of your case, constructing a fortress of advocacy and ensuring your rights remain steadfastly protected. We serve clients who have been injured in various ways, whether in auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, or even truck accidents. For help following your truck accident injuries, contact the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to speak with our compassionate MD truck accident lawyer.
Client Review
“Mr Brynn did a good job but i was told my case would stay open because a bill was paid out of my settlement that shouldnt have been paid. But he did such a good job that once again I’m using his services”
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