A trucking accident in Maryland can change your life forever. The injuries sustained in tractor trailer accidents are usually catastrophic, if not fatal. Our Bel Air Maryland trucking accident lawyers handle all types of large vehicle accidents, including trucking accidents and tractor trailer occurring on Maryland roads, highways and interstates. With their extensive experience handling tractor trailer accidents in Maryland they possesses the skills, knowledge and resources to obtain you the fair and just compensation you are entitled to based on the severity of your injuries.
Our Upper Marlboro Maryland accident attorneys have many years experience successfully handling all types of commercial vehicle accidents in Maryland including Annapolis, Bowie, College Park, Columbia, Salisbury, Ocean City, Frederick, Hagerstown, Ellicott City, Rockville and Glen Burnie.
In addition, to our attorneys being experienced litigators their staff also has a wealth of experience handling Maryland trucking accident cases. Together they will help you through the complex legal process so you can focus on recovering.
Trucking Accident Statistics
According to recent studies in 2012, there were 3,921 people killed and 104,000 people injured in crashes involving large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds). Across the country, 333,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes during 2012.
Fatalities in crashes involving large trucks showed a 4-percent increase from 3,781 in 2011 to 3,921 in 2012. Of these fatalities in 2012, 73 percent were occupants of other vehicles, 10 percent were nonoccupants, and 18 percent were occupants of large trucks. Between 2011 and 2012, fatalities in these crashes showed a 5-percent increase in the number of occupants of other vehicles killed and a 9-percent increase in the number of large-truck occupants killed. The number of non-occupants killed decreased by 11 percent.
In 2012, there were 104,000 people injured in crashes involving large trucks—an increase of 18 percent from 88,000 in 2011. Of these people injured in 2012, 73 percent were occupants of other vehicles, 3 percent were non-occupants, and 24 percent were occupants of large trucks. The 2012 percentages show non-significant change when compared to 2011. There was a 1-percentage-point increase in occupants of other vehicles injured and a 2-percentage-point decrease in large truck occupants injured.
Focused On Serious Maryland Trucking Accidents
Our Glen Burnie auto accident lawyers serve those injured throughout Maryland and they focus their entire practice on auto accident and personal injury litigation. They are very well versed in the details and nuances surrounding large truck accidents, types of trucking accidents as well as injuries sustained in a tractor trailer accident. Our legal team is also very aware of the physical, emotional and financial devastation that can result from a trucking accident, commercial vehicle accident or tractor trailer accident in the state of Maryland.
In the tragic event that you, or a loved one, are involved in a Maryland Trucking Accident or Maryland Tractor Trailer Collision it is very important that a thorough and complete investigation be conducted immediately following the accident. Regardless of who or what caused the accident an investigation is necessary as that will identify any and all liable parties. This will help to ensure that you receive any and all medical benefits and means of compensation you are entitled to. If you, a loved one or family member have been hurt, injured or killed in a Delaware Tractor Trailer Accident you may be entitled to compensation under Maryland Truck Accident Injury Law. For this reason it behooves you to consult with a skilled Bel Maryland Trucking Accident Attorney immediately.
The Importance Of A Trucking Accident Investigation
For the most part trucking companies, as well as their insurance carriers, send investigation teams out to the accident site immediately following the accident. Their sole purpose is to locate and secure evidence on behalf of the trucking company. This is done as they will need to support the truck drivers side of the story regarding how the accident occurred. Your version of the story may differ greatly from the truckers story. An investigator hired by your attorney should go out and find evidence to support your version of the story regarding the accident and how it happened.
It is also important that you do not offer or give any oral or written statements regarding your accident to anyone representing the trucking company or their interests following the accident. Doing so can jeopardize the outcome of your Maryland Trucking accident lawsuit claim which can impact the benefits and compensation you may be entitled to. If you are approached by anyone representing the trucking company, their interests or their insurance company do not speak with them. Call our Elkton accident lawyers immediately regarding your next move so that you do not inadvertently forfeit any legal rights.
Our Towson accident lawyers competently handle all types of tractor trailer accidents including:
Maryland Unsecured Cargo Accidents
Maryland Truck Override/Underride Accidents
Maryland Jack-Knife Accidents
Poorly Maintained Vehicle Accidents In Maryland
Intoxicated Truck Driver Accidents In Maryland
Our attorneys and staff work closely with subject matter experts when handling trucking accident cases. They will do everything in their power to determine who is at fault and make that person, persons or corporate entity liable in the courtroom. They will recreate the accident scene if necessary. They will determine not only who caused the accident but what may have caused the accident such as the driver being intoxicated or debris flying from the truck. All of this will be done in an effort to determine the full monetary amount of your claim and get you the compensation and benefits you are entitled to.
What to Do After A Trucking Accident in Maryland
Statistics show that over the past decade, 18 wheeler truck accidents have increased. In 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one out of nine traffic fatalities resulted from a collision involving a large truck. Furthermore, over 64,000 accidents involving small vehicles and large trucks occurred.
With such a high number of truck accidents steadily increasing, you need to know what steps you should take to protect yourself physically and financially if you are involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident.
Call the Police & Seek Emergency Medical Attention if Needed
The first thing you should do if you are involved in a truck accident is call 911. The police and a team of emergency medical technicians will assist you with your injuries and secure the scene of the accident.
The police will create an official record of the accident. Make sure you provide the police officer with a detailed account of what occurred. This information may be used as evidence in a legal proceeding if you seek legal damages against the party who injured you.
Exchange Information with the Truck Driver
Never leave the scene of a truck accident without obtaining information from all involved parties. Record an accurate description of the other driver’s vehicle color, type and model. You also want to document their driver’s license number, car license plate number, and record all of their personal information (name, physical description, address, phone number, etc).
Document the Accident
In addition to the police report, you should document the truck accident for your personal records. Use a recording device if possible and describe in detail the event that led to the accident. Take pictures of any damaged property and the injuries you sustained.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company immediately following the truck accident. Your insurance company will ask you a series of general questions. Use your best judgment when responding to their questions. You do not want to disclose information that can be used against you in a negative manner during a legal proceeding as a result of the truck accident.
It is wise to contact a truck accident attorney prior to disclosing any information to your insurance company. Your attorney can speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
You should contact a truck accident attorney if you sustain any bodily or property injury as a result of the truck accident. If you are the victim of a negligent and careless truck driver, an experienced injury attorney can help you recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, loss use of your vehicle, pain and suffering, and/or mental anguish (if applicable).
Aggressive Legal Representation In Glen Burnie Maryland
Our lawyers are skilled Maryland Trial Attorney who is at their best in the courtroom. While they will do everything in their power to obtain a fair and just settlement on your behalf he is also completely comfortable taking your case to court if needed. They will determine the full monetary value of your claim and fight to get you that amount.
Contact A Salisbury Maryland Accident Lawyer
Injuries commonly sustained in a trucking accident can range from soft tissue injuries to broken bones to accidental death. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Maryland trucking accident please call our auto accident law office today to schedule a free case analysis. Our trucking accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis meaning that they charge nothing unless they recovers for you.
Our Maryland trucking accident lawyers serve all of Maryland including Aberdeen, Annapolis, Bel Air, Beltsville, Chestertown, Havre De Grace, Salisbury, Ocean City, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, College Park, Laurel, Landover, Oakland, Hagerstown, Hyattsville, Elkton, Chesapeake City, Denton, Easton, Ellicott City, Towson, Glen Burnie, Baltimore City and Baltimore County.