How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?
In Maryland, you usually have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. When a truck accident results in fatal injuries, the time limit for a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of the victim’s passing, which is not necessarily the date of the collision. Missing the relevant deadline will likely prevent you from pursuing your case or recovering damages.
You shouldn’t wait to get legal advice after a commercial truck accident, even though you have up to three years to file a claim. The sooner our team at United Attorney Group can get started on your case, the sooner we can work to preserve important evidence that may be lost or altered if you wait too long.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Ascertaining liability in a truck accident case is rarely straightforward and typically requires a thorough investigation. Identifying all possible avenues of recovering compensation necessitates a deep dive into the specifics of the crash, the operations of the trucking company, and the roles of various third parties involved in maintaining the truck. More than one party, including parties other than the truck driver, may be legally responsible if their negligence contributed to the collision.
Depending on what happened, one or more of the following parties could be liable for a commercial truck accident:
- The truck driver. Just like any other motorist, a truck driver can be at fault if their negligent actions cause an accident. Examples of negligence include speeding, running red lights, changing lanes without signaling or checking blind spots, following too closely, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Truck drivers are also subject to strict rules about how long they can drive without resting. If they drive too long and cause an accident because they're fatigued, they can be held legally responsible.
- The trucking company. Often, the company that owns or operates the truck can also be held responsible for the accident, as they have a major role in putting the truck and its driver on the road. If a trucking company’s failure to screen or sufficiently train its drivers leads to an accident, for example, the company could be at fault. Similarly, a trucking company could be liable if there is evidence that they pressured the driver to break safety rules, such as driving too many hours without rest or carrying too much weight.
- The cargo loaders. Sometimes, the way the cargo is loaded onto a truck can cause an accident. If the cargo is too heavy, unevenly placed, or not properly secured, it can fall off or make the truck unstable. The company responsible for cargo loading could be liable if its failure to properly load and secure the truck’s cargo led to a crash.
- The truck manufacturer or parts manufacturer. In some cases, an accident might happen because a part of the truck was defective. This could be faulty brakes, a bad tire that blows out, or a steering system that malfunctions. If a defect in the truck or one of its parts directly caused the accident, the company that made that part or the truck itself could be responsible.
- The maintenance or repair company. If the trucking company uses an outside company to fix or maintain their trucks and their failure to do their jobs properly leads to a collision, that third-party maintenance or repair company may be liable for the crash.
What If I Was Partially Responsible for a Truck Accident in Maryland?
More than one party can be held legally responsible for a truck accident. But what if you’re concerned that you share some of the blame?
The unfortunate reality is that any allegation that you were partially responsible for the collision can significantly complicate a Maryland truck accident claim. Under the state’s contributory negligence rules, you cannot typically recover any damages if you are found to be even slightly to blame for the crash.
Because the stakes are so high and this rule is so strict, trucking companies and their commercial insurance carriers will likely attempt to prove any degree of contributory negligence on your part. You should expect their legal teams to scrutinize every detail of the accident, looking for anything that could suggest you contributed to the collision. This might include claims that you were speeding, failed to signal, or made an unsafe maneuver, regardless of how minor your alleged contribution.
Our team at United Attorney Group can anticipate and counter groundless claims of contributory negligence. Some limited exceptions do apply in these scenarios, so you shouldn’t assume you don’t have a claim, even if the trucking company or their insurer is insisting you’re partially responsible. We can walk you through your rights and legal options at no cost to you.
Types of Compensation Available in a Truck Accident Case
In a truck accident case, you can seek financial compensation for the losses you've suffered due to the collision. These losses are generally categorized into two main types: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the actual, out-of-pocket financial losses you've incurred or will incur because of the truck accident. There are no caps on the amount of economic damages you can recover.
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the intangible, non-monetary losses you experience due to the accident. These are more subjective and harder to assign a precise dollar amount to, as they relate to your personal pain, suffering, and the overall impact on your quality of life. Maryland does enforce a cap on the amount of non-economic damages you can recover.
Our truck accident attorneys can work to get you full and fair compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Understanding the Impact of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, not only for the victims directly involved but also for their families and communities. Understanding the full impact of a truck accident can help victims and their loved ones navigate the aftermath more effectively. Our experienced attorneys at United Attorney Group are here to support you through this challenging time.
Here are some key aspects to consider when dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident:
- Physical Injuries: Truck accidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fractures. It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention and document all injuries for your case.
- Emotional and Psychological Toll: Victims may experience emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD following a truck accident. Seeking counseling or support groups can be beneficial in your recovery process.
- Financial Strain: Beyond immediate medical costs, victims may face lost wages, ongoing rehabilitation expenses, and future medical needs. A thorough understanding of potential compensation can help you plan for these costs.
- Legal Nuances: The complexities of truck accident laws can be daunting. Each case is unique, and specific regulations governing trucking companies, such as maintenance records and driver logs, can play a crucial role in liability determinations.
At United Attorney Group, we prioritize giving our clients clarity and support. We take the time to explain the nuances of your case, helping you understand your rights and the steps you can take to secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Your Rights After a Truck Accident
Experiencing a truck accident can be a traumatic event that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. At United Attorney Group, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding your legal rights is essential to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
After a truck accident, it’s crucial to know the following:
- Right to Medical Treatment: You have the right to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is essential to get checked out by a healthcare professional.
- Right to File a Claim: You have the right to file a claim against the responsible party (or their insurer) for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and advocate for your best interests.
- Right to Collect Evidence: Gathering evidence after the accident, such as photographs, witness statements, and police reports, is critical. You have the right to collect this evidence to strengthen your case.
- Right to Negotiate: You have the right to negotiate with insurance companies. Having a skilled attorney can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a fair settlement.
Our dedicated team at United Attorney Group is here to help you understand and exercise your rights. We’re committed to advocating for truck accident victims in Baltimore and ensuring you reach the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Why Choose United Attorney Group for Your Truck Accident Case?
When facing the aftermath of a truck accident, choosing the right legal representation can significantly influence the outcome of your case. At United Attorney Group, we pride ourselves on our client-focused approach, ensuring that your needs and concerns are at the forefront of every decision we make.
Here are compelling reasons to select United Attorney Group as your trusted legal partner:
- Experienced Legal Team: Our attorneys have extensive experience specifically in truck accident cases, navigating the complexities of these incidents with expertise.
- Personalized Attention: We treat each client as an individual, taking the time to understand your unique circumstances, while developing a tailored legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Proven Track Record: With numerous successful settlements and verdicts for our clients, our results speak for themselves. We are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to case resolution, we provide extensive support, including assistance with medical records, insurance claims, and more.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours.
Let us be your advocate in the pursuit of justice. Contact United Attorney Group today to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can help in your truck accident case.
If you’ve been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident, don’t wait to call (888) 447-4962 or contact us online. We offer virtual consultations if you cannot travel to our office.
