Baltimore Truck Accident Attorneys

Dedicated Law Firm Fighting for Truck Accident Victims

When a colossal commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the outcome is frequently far more terrifying and devastating than a typical car accident. The sheer difference in size and weight of these vehicles means that the force of impact in an 18-wheeler accident can lead to catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. These cases also tend to be more complicated due to the potential for multiple liable parties beyond just the driver. 

At United Attorney Group, we have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges truck accident cases present, from deciphering complex federal trucking regulations to identifying all potentially liable parties. We also recognize the severe injuries these collisions can inflict and are here to help truck accident victims recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to under the law. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have a track record of success and understand how to effectively investigate and approach these cases. 

We aim to earn your trust, exceed your expectations, and secure the best possible outcome, no matter the complexity of your case. You owe our team no legal fees unless we help you recover compensation. We are also available to take your call 24/7, so don’t wait to reach out.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Baltimore truck accident lawyers by calling (888) 447-4962 or contacting us online. Se habla español.

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

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.