Commercial vehicle collisions are catastrophic events, typically resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Because a fully loaded truck is a 40-ton vehicle, it can cause immense damage and destruction when it collides with another smaller vehicle or object on the roadway. Despite the fact that the commercial trucking industry is subject to extensive federal regulation, truck accidents often occur due to internal and external pressure that leads to these regulations being ignored.
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, it’s important that you seek competent legal representation from a personal injury team with the experience and skill to effectively advocate for your recovery. At Portner & Shure, P.A., we have been representing victims of truck accidents in Columbia, Maryland and throughout Howard County for over 30 years. We are ready to fight for you and the full, fair compensation you are owed.
Schedule your free initial consultation today; call or contact us online to get started.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Maryland
The working conditions in the commercial trucking industry are difficult at best. In many instances, they are downright harsh. Truck drivers spend long hours in isolated conditions transporting cargo across our nation’s highways. If a truck driver fails to deliver their cargo on time, they often suffer financial penalties or lose customers. As a result, the commercial trucking industry is highly competitive, with drivers subject to intense pressure to meet strict deadlines. As a result of this pressure, driver fatigue is fairly common.
Fatigued driving is incredibly dangerous. In fact, many studies have shown that driving without adequate sleep can be equally as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol. Despite this, truck drivers often forgo federally required rest periods and continue driving—all while suffering from sleep deprivation.
Driver fatigue has several effects, including but not limited to:
- Reduced or impaired reaction time
- Inability to concentrate
- Impaired vision
- Increased likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel
Simply put, a fatigued truck driver is a hazard on the road. Falling asleep behind the wheel of an automobile is lethal; falling asleep at the wheel of a massive commercial truck amplifies this lethality due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
Additionally, a fatigued driver is more likely to be a distracted driver, which can be especially dangerous when the drive is operating a 40-ton truck. Commercial trucks are large and complex machines to operate, and they have several blind spots. As such, a commercial truck driver must be more attentive than other drivers on the road.
Reckless Truck Driving
While many truck accidents are caused by negligence, such as fatigued or distracted driving, others are the result of reckless, inherently unsafe behaviors.
Drug use is a fairly common cause of truck accidents. Commercial truck drivers often abuse illicit, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs in order to combat the effects of fatigue. While this may work in the short term, the effects of fatigue are actually amplified after the effects of the stimulant wear off.
Another common cause of trucking accidents is speeding. Drivers often try to meet their deadlines by speeding, especially when unexpected events, like traffic or poor weather conditions, cause them to lose time on the road. While speeding is dangerous in a normal automobile, a 40-ton truck traveling at excessive speeds is a lethal weapon. This is due to the fact that trucks require more time and distance to safely stop. Unsurprisingly, rear-end commercial truck collisions frequently occur when truck drivers speed.
Injuries & Compensation in Truck Accident Claims
Truck accidents frequently lead to severe injuries and lifelong effects.
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Accidental amputation
Accordingly, truck accident victims often require emergency medical treatment, surgery, and physical therapy and rehabilitation. All of this, in addition to the lost wages a victim will experience as they are unable to return to work either temporarily or permanently, can place an immense financial burden on victims and their families.
Maryland law allows personal injury victims to file claims against liable parties and seek both economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages are any financial losses the victim endures as a result of the accident/their injuries, including medical bills, ongoing medical expenses, in-home care costs, lost wages, lost or reduced future earnings, and other actual financial costs.
- Non-economic damages are intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Victims of truck accidents are entitled to pursue compensation for these and other damages when someone else—be it the truck driver, the trucking company, or even a manufacturer—is liable for the accident.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases are legally and factually complex. Due to the severity of the injuries and the potential for a high payout, insurance companies fiercely defend these claims. These cases are further complicated by the fact that they typically require extensive discovery and investigation. There may be many potentially liable parties; finding out who is responsible for your injuries and damages is not always easy. As such, if you were injured in a truck accident or lost a loved one in such a collision, it’s important that you seek legal guidance and representation from an experienced attorney.
For over 30 years, the Columbia truck accident attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have been successfully representing injured victims in Howard County, Maryland. Insurance companies know that we fight for our clients, and that we are unwilling to back down from even the toughest, most complex cases. We invite you to learn more about what past clients are saying about our firm by browsing our many five-star reviews, or get in touch with us directly to learn how we can fight for you and your recovery.
Call or contact us online for a free consultation. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Truck Accident FAQ:
How long do you have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Columbia, MD?
In Maryland the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it's important to consult with a lawyer to understand the specific time limits that may apply to your case. Certain factors, such as the involvement of a government entity or the discovery of injuries at a later date, could affect the deadline. Failing to file a lawsuit within the designated time frame may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
What is the typical settlement for a truck accident claim?
The typical settlement for a truck accident claim can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, the available insurance coverage, and the specific circumstances of the case. Each truck accident claim is unique, and settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. There is no predetermined or guaranteed amount for a truck accident claim. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in truck accident cases is the best way to determine the potential value of your claim.
