Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Baltimore

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Baltimore, Maryland?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Baltimore local police station is 311.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Baltimore, Maryland?

  A police report may be requested through an online LexisNexis database. You will need the report number, full name, date of the incident, location, and method of payment, which is $14 for retrieving a report. You can also email requests to CCU@baltimorepolice.org or mail in forms to Baltimore Police Department, Attention: Community Correspondence Unit, 242 W. 29th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211. BPD will produce disclosable records no more than thirty days after your requests.

• Is it more complicated to file a truck accident injury claim if the accident happens in Baltimore and the trucking firm is located in another state?

  If the company is out of state, the truck accident claim will not be complicated because the accident happened in Baltimore, and the Maryland courts will have jurisdiction over the parties. This suggests that any trial, even the majority of pre-trial development, would be in Maryland.

• What distinguishes truck accidents from car accidents in Baltimore?

  Due to the size and weight of trucks in Baltimore, the most obvious difference is that there is a greater danger of severe injuries and fatalities in truck accidents than in car accidents. Another difference is that commercial truck insurance is not the same as auto insurance. Trucks have more minimum coverage limitations than cars. Maryland mandates a minimum of $30,000 in bodily injury coverage for autos and $750,000 for general carrier commercial vehicles.

• Are commercial truck drivers in Baltimore required to have a special license?

  Drivers of tractor trailers, freight lines, semis, dump trucks, large rigs, fire engines, and buses in Baltimore are required by Maryland state law to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). This is divided into several groupings depending on characteristics such as vehicle size and commodities transported. Passing a knowledge and driving competency exam is required for a commercial driver's license.

• Why does it matter how much truck drivers are paid in Baltimore?

  Many drivers are paid depending on mileage. For drivers stuck in traffic, completing paperwork, or fuelling up their tanks, they are not earning. The need to log as many miles as possible forces drivers to exceed government regulations controlling how long a motorist may be on the road. Some drivers are compensated hourly or based on distance and time spent on other chores. It also forces them to push themselves to their limits, this can result in truck driver fatigue, which is a leading cause of truck crashes.

• What are the Maryland Truck Cargo Security Regulations?

  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has mandated cargo security regulations for commercial truck drivers in Maryland, including Baltimore. Cargo must be securely fastened within a truck using appropriate strength devices. Items prone to sliding or rolling should be securely confined and placed adjacent. It should be secured with tie-downs and should not move during shipment. Failure to comply with these regulations by drivers and freight companies can lead to catastrophic accidents.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.