Truck Accident Lawyer MD

truck accident lawyer MD

When you are the victim in a truck accident, you need the help of a truck accident lawyer in MD from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. It’s important to file an injury claim after a truck accident caused by someone other than yourself. Working with a lawyer can increase the likelihood that your claim will be accepted and will receive compensation for your accident damages. This is critical because a serious injury will require expensive medical care. 

If you were to receive a fair settlement, then you can pay your bills while you recover from your injury. Our team can help you reach this goal, and there are things you can do to strengthen your claim. We encourage you to call us to request a free consultation to learn more. Below are some suggestions that may help your claim get approved and receive the maximum amount of compensation possible with assistance from your truck accident lawyer:

What You Should Do if You Are Involved in a Truck Accident

Unfortunately, people get hurt from being in serious truck accidents. It is important to know what steps to take if you ever find yourself in this frightening circumstance. First, you need to check yourself and others for injury. 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. 

Next, 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. 

Preserve the Evidence from Your Accident

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 which 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 own 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.

Do Not Discuss Your Case

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 you with additional insight specific to the circumstances of your case.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Before you agree to any settlement offered by the trucking company’s insurance agency, talk to us. Very likely, we can get you a higher settlement by presenting a strong case that proves you were not at fault. We are also highly skilled at negotiating for maximum compensation on behalf of our clients. Call us today to arrange a free consultation with our truck accident lawyer to learn how we may be able to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

As a truck accident lawyer may explain, injuries sustained from truck accidents are often catastrophic ones. For victims who survived the crash, the injuries they suffer can cause devastating and permanent disabilities. In a matter of seconds, their whole life has changed. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. has successfully represented many truck accident victims and helped their families obtain the financial compensation they deserved for their injuries and may be able to help you.

A truck accident lawyer understands that truck accident cases can be more complex than other motor vehicle accident claims because there is often more than one party who may be liable for damages. Each lawyer at our firm is skilled at negotiating with multiple parties and has a reputation for aggressively advocating for clients.

Reasons Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney May be in Your Best Interest

Trucking accidents can be incredibly devastating. The losses victims stand to experience in the wake of such a significant accident are likely to be substantial. It’s advantageous for truck accident victims to retain the services of a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer when dealing with such a substantial undertaking. A lawyer will know what kind of evidence you need in court, how to calculate the damages that were done in the accident, and how to best go about navigating the entire process. 

An experienced lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. will take the burden from your shoulders and can focus on making sure all of the important deadlines are met. There is a statute of limitations in place in Maryland for lawsuits like this, so it is crucial that you do not miss any filing deadlines. Your lawyer will ensure everything is met and that your case is organized and strong. By hiring a lawyer to handle your truck accident, you are gaining peace of mind while you can focus on recovering. 

Trucking Accidents Are Often Serious

Tractor-trailers are massive, weighing in at 80,000 pounds. No motor vehiclist wants to succumb to an accident involving a tractor-trailer. Should an accident occur, a tractor-trailer has the ability to damage nearly everything in its path. Not only does a vehicle stand to sustain incredible property damage, the victim of the accident may 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

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 that ability to access a truck accident lawyer who can appropriately navigate their legal case.  

Maximize Your Compensation

As a victim, you are likely very keenly 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 run the risk of undervaluing their accident claim. 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 in order 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.

Navigate Any Case Complications

Most trucking accident cases aren’t always as straightforward as they initially may have appeared. It’s not uncommon to experience an unexpected complication at some point during your case. How you face it will be critical. Without an attorney, victims may be left unsure of how to manage. However, with our help, case complications can become more of a bump in the road than something that brings your case to a complete standstill.

Truck Accident Cases

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 an 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 their own insurance companies and it could become overwhelming for a truck accident victim to track these insurance companies down on their own.

A skilled 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.

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 or drugs

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. 

Have You Been Involved in a Trucking Accident?

According to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were more than 5200 fatal accidents across the US involving trucks and buses in 2019, the latest year for which data has been published. Over 96 percent of those accidents resulted from a collision with a tractor-trailer combination, representing 119,000 injuries. If you are a resident of the Old Line State who has been injured in such an accident (or if the accident took place within the state), it is important to contact a Maryland truck accident lawyer right away. 

An attorney from the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can advise you on your rights and how to get compensation. However, be aware that as with all personal injury cases, time is of the essence due to the statute of limitations.

Why Are There So Many Trucking Accidents?

There are many cases of truck drivers who are under the influence (more often stimulants or amphetamines), are careless or poorly trained, or violate federal laws governing rest and break periods. However, when the vehicle involved is a commercial carrier and the driver is acting in the course of his or her employment while on the clock, the company bears liability. 

This answers the question of why serious trucking accidents are so common.  

FMCSA rules are explicit: a driver is not allowed to take the wheel until having had a ten-hour break. While on the road, a driver may not legally drive longer than eight hours at a time before taking a thirty-minute break, and may not spend more than eleven hours on the road over the course of a 14-hour shift. 

Unfortunately, cargo delay is profit loss for many companies — particularly in an age of CoVID-19, a time when the trucking industry faces a serious labor shortage. Consider this in light of the fact that in 13 percent of serious trucking accidents, driver fatigue is determined to be the cause. A corporate entity will not openly require its employees to skirt or ignore federal law, but it can offer incentives in the form of bonus pay.

In other cases, the driver may not be an employee of the company, but rather an independent owner-operator.  In that case, it is slightly more difficult to assign liability to the company. The law does recognize such liability in a number of cases, however: for example, if the company had known, or should have known, something about the contractor that could lead to consequences the company should reasonably have foreseen, it could be held responsible for said consequences. 

Consult With a Truck Accident Lawyer

The truck accident lawyers at the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. 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. 

Maximize Your Compensation Infographic

 

truck accident infographic

 

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 MD 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. 

That is why contacting The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is crucial to have a strong case. Being injured in a truck accident can involve serious injuries that need to be compensated to the victim. These cases are serious and require a lot of detail in gathering all of the data and information to submit the case. Our lawyers can help you out every step of the way and successfully fight for what you deserve. Contact us today to begin drafting your case.  

Be Wary of Truck Driver Fatigue

A leading cause of truck accidents is truck driver fatigue. Truckers often have to work monotonous and long hours that may require driving at night. It is no surprise that truck driver drowsiness can rapidly turn into a tragic situation. Truckers are bound by regulations and laws that necessitate proper breaks and rest periods. However, due to the demand of commerce, the culture at the trucking company may be to arrive at the destination quickly and by whatever means needed. 

Those who are in an accident with a commercial truck should be wary that fatigue may have been a factor in the collision unfolding. Here are a few factors that often lead to truck driver fatigue:

What time of day the trucker drives.

Truckers who choose to drive at night are at a greater risk for causing an accident. Research shows that accidents due to fatigue are more likely to happen during normal sleeping hours. Truckers may prefer to drive at night since there are fewer cars, but if they are low on sleep then they could cause a fatigue-related collision.

How many hours the trucker has been awake.

Truckers who have already been awake for 18 hours or more may show impairment in their cognitive ability. Being awake for that number of hours is similar to having a blood alcohol level of someone who is drunk. Essentially, a trucker who is on the road and hasn’t slept in 18 hours poses as much of a danger to others as a drunk driver. 

Whether the trucker has a sleep disorder.

Many cases of sleep disorder go undiagnosed and untreated, which greatly increases the risk of being in a fatigue-related accident. For example, studies show that truckers who have sleep apnea are twice as likely to cause a serious collision.

The rotating nature of shift schedules.

Due to the schedules of the commerce industry, truckers frequently have to fulfill shifts that are not set. Rotating schedules have shown to increase fatigue, simply because of the fact that this can cause someone to not get the rest they need between each shift. 

Sleep deprivation has shown to cause numerous adverse impacts on a trucker’s cognitive abilities, such as:

  • Impaired memory
  • Increased distractability
  • Slower reflexes and reaction time
  • Impaired sense of balance
  • Impaired judgement
  • Increased chances of falling asleep

MD Truck Accident Statistics

According to 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.

What You Should Know About Truck Accidents

Truck Accidents Are Usually More Serious Than Car Accidents

Physics is the main reason truck accidents are often more serious than car crashes. Commercial trucks carrying heavy loads are much heavier than passenger cars. Newton’s second law tells us that force is proportional to an object’s mass. The more mass something has, the more force it tends to generate at any given rate of speed. This makes getting hit by a large truck at highway speeds much worse than getting hit by a passenger vehicle at the same speed. If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, a truck accident lawyer in MD may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

You May Be Able To Sue the Truck Driver and the Trucking Company

The truck driver may be liable for any injuries caused by the driver’s negligent actions, such as driving too fast or failing to stop at a red light. However, in some cases, the trucking company may also have liability. For example, if the company failed to properly screen drivers and the driver that hit you had a long record of unsafe driving, the trucking company may share some fault in the accident. You can not collect more than once for the same damages, but the trucking company often has more resources to pay settlements and if their behavior was egregious you could get awarded punitive damages on top of your compensatory damages. A truck accident lawyer in MD will be able to determine whether the trucking company should be named in any lawsuits or claims related to your accident.

There Are Steps You Can Take To Avoid Truck Accidents

Because of the serious nature of truck accidents, it is a good idea to drive extra carefully when operating around commercial vehicles. Drive at a safe speed. Always use your turn signals when turning or changing lanes. Don’t slam on your brakes in front of a truck if you can avoid it. Avoid driving in a truck driver’s blind spot. If you are injured in a truck accident, your attorney at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. will attempt to recover your damages, but it is best to avoid those damages in the first place.

The Truck Driver Isn’t Always at Fault

Your attorney at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. will investigate your case for evidence that the truck driver or trucking company caused your accident. However, if you were intoxicated, driving too fast or otherwise not practicing safe driving, you could be found at fault for the accident.

Let a Truck Accident Lawyer Fight for You

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may need legal help that only a skilled truck accident lawyer can provide. The truck accident lawyers at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. have more than 75 years of combined experience fighting for injured victims against trucking companies and their insurance companies — who try to compensate victims with far less than they deserve, or try to deny the claim and their liability completely.

Accident victims may be unclear of the legal process to follow after an accident. In many cases, accident victims may be too consumed with their recovery to be able to dedicate or focus any time on their accident case. As a result, you may unknowingly make a mistake by speaking with the opposing counsel or insurance adjuster. This is a key reason for obtaining a truck accident lawyer. Let us do the talking and keep your interests at the forefront so that you are able to fully focus on your recovery in the days following the accident.

Contact a Maryland lawyer for truck accident cases The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to set up your free case evaluation.

Proving a Truck Accident Case

In order to receive compensation and damages, it must be proven that the truck driver was at fault for the accident that led to your injury. This can be done in a variety of different ways and can be the difference between no compensation and substantial compensation. Our lawyers can look into the details of the accident including:

  • Police Reports: The police report is very important to review as this is a firm document proving the truck accident occurred and other details involved in the crash. Your truck accident lawyer will want to review this document as soon as possible to understand the truck accident better.
  • Video Surveillance: If video footage exists of the case, our lawyers can review the video footage and have a better understanding of the crash and how to present the cause of the crash.
  • Truck Records: This could include maintenance records and also a log of hours worked. If the driver was working over their daily allotted hours, this could be another form of proof for their fault. Also, if the truck was improperly maintained and this was the cause of the accident, your case may be quite strong.
  • Injury & Crash Pictures: These are pictures taken after the crash that may detail injuries and pictures that could be crucial in determining fault.
  • Interviewing Witnesses: Interviewing witnesses is sometimes the most powerful thing that can be conducted in these types of accidents, especially if there is no video footage. 

All of these are especially important in proving the fault in a truck accident case. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. has dealt with many of these types of cases and a truck accident lawyer from our firm can greatly assist you with your case. Contact us today to get the compensation you deserve for your injury and to hold those accountable who have left you in this painful and inconvenient predicament.

What does a truck accident lawyer do?

 An MD truck accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. specializes in handling legal cases related to accidents involving commercial trucks. They provide legal representation and guidance to individuals who have been injured or suffered property damage in a truck accident. Their main goal is to help clients obtain fair compensation for their losses and navigate the complex legal process associated with truck accident claims. When choosing a truck accident lawyer, consider their experience and expertise in handling truck accident cases specifically. Look for a lawyer who has a track record of successful settlements and trial experience. It is also important to find a lawyer who is responsive, communicates well and understands your needs. 

Why do I need a truck accident lawyer after a crash in Maryland?

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. A 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. They have the necessary expertise to navigate the legal complexities and increase your chances of receiving adequate compensation.  The compensation you may recover in a truck accident case can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your damages. Generally, you may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, disability, and other related losses. A truck accident lawyer will assess your case and help you understand the potential compensation you may be entitled to pursue.

How can a truck accident lawyer assist me in pursuing compensation?

A truck accident lawyer can assist you in several ways. They will investigate the accident, and collect evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage. They will also evaluate your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. They will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and, if necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue fair compensation for your losses.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Maryland?

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 a truck accident lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. 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.

Can I handle a truck accident case on my own without hiring a lawyer?

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. Hiring an experienced DC truck accident lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. gives you the best chance of navigating through the legal complexities, building a strong case, and maximizing your compensation. Contact them today for a risk-free consultation!

Maryland Truck Accident Laws

Navigating The Intricate Pathways Of Truck Accident Laws In Maryland

The bustling highways of Maryland, streaming with a myriad of vehicles including colossal trucks, lay down a scenario where accidents, though unfortunate, can be an uninvited reality. Within this framework, understanding the labyrinthine laws pertaining to truck accidents becomes imperative, especially when seeking rightful compensation and justice. Thus, arming oneself with a knowledgeable Maryland truck accident lawyer, well-versed in the specificities of Maryland’s law, becomes a cornerstone in navigating through these legal complexities.

Unraveling The Web Of 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 Maryland truck accident lawyer delves into these entanglements, meticulously dissecting every detail to establish liability and build a formidable case.

The Vitality Of Prompt 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.

Decoding Compensation And Damage Caps

The route towards 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 steadfast expertise of a skilled lawyer.

Understanding Contributory Negligence In Maryland

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.

Journeying With The Law Firm Of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

Embarking upon the journey towards justice and rightful compensation amidst the intricacies of Maryland’s truck accident laws mandates a seasoned, empathetic, and determined legal ally. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. stands tall as a beacon of hope, expertise, and relentless advocacy for those entrapped in the legal aftermath of a truck accident.

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. Extend your hand towards us, and together, let’s embark upon a journey towards justice, restoration, and peace.

The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., MD Truck Accident Lawyer

922 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20003


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“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”
Sharon Douglas
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