Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer
Baltimore is one of only a few ports in the eastern U.S. which can accommodate the largest cargo-carriers. With 16 interstates connecting the state with the rest of the nation, Maryland is home to a high volume of big rigs and tractor-trailers, fully loaded with cargo and headed down the highways at all hours of the day and night. Unfortunately, more truck traffic increases the likelihood of auto-truck collisions, which are potentially catastrophic for the occupants of the motor vehicle.
Commercial truck accidents differ significantly from typical passenger vehicle collisions due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. The average commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to the average passenger car weight of approximately 3,000 pounds. This dramatic difference in size often results in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage when accidents occur.
When preventable truck accidents occur because of the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP stand up for the accident victims and help them get the compensation they need to recover from their injuries to the greatest extent possible.
Truck Driving Dangers
The average loaded semi-truck (single trailer) weighs around 80,000 pounds, compared to the 3,000 to 5,000 pound weight of the average passenger vehicle. A tractor-trailer is also typically three and a half to four times longer than a passenger car. These size and weight differentials create many different hazards on the road, such as the following:
- Stopping Distance – Trucks take much longer to come to a stop than cars do. Truckers must keep adequate distance between themselves and other vehicles in order to have time to react to sudden traffic situations and stop safely.
- Impact – The tremendous force of a fully-loaded tractor-trailer on a smaller, lighter vehicle is highly likely to cause catastrophic injury or death to the occupants of the automobile, especially in accidents occurring on the highway.
- Blind Spots – All drivers have blind spots that must be checked before changing lanes, but for truck drivers, these blind spots extend for several car lengths behind the trailer, for multiple lanes on either side of the truck, and even directly in front of the cab. Giving plenty of warning and checking blind spots before a maneuver is absolutely essential for the trucker to avoid colliding with another vehicle on the road.
Types of Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Collisions
The sheer force involved in truck accidents often leads to severe and life-altering injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and severe burns are unfortunately common outcomes. Many victims face months or years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and may never fully recover their pre-accident quality of life.
At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, we understand that the long-term implications of truck accident injuries often don’t become apparent until well after the initial occurrence. Our attorneys have the depth and breadth of experience necessary to evaluate and litigate your claim for the full amount of compensation you deserve. We work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economic analysts to build comprehensive cases that account for both current and future damages.
Our comprehensive approach includes investigating all potential sources of compensation. This may involve the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loading company, or maintenance providers. The complex web of relationships in the commercial trucking industry requires experienced legal representation to navigate successfully.
Understanding Commercial Truck Accidents in Maryland
Baltimore’s position as a major port city and transportation hub means that Interstate 95, Interstate 695, and other major highways see heavy commercial truck traffic daily. The convergence of these major routes, combined with the busy Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 1, creates numerous opportunities for serious truck accidents throughout the metropolitan area.
According to the most recent available data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large truck crashes have shown concerning trends nationwide, with thousands of fatalities and injuries occurring annually. In Maryland, the combination of heavy traffic, construction zones, and varying weather conditions contributes to the risk factors surrounding commercial vehicle operations.
Common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, improper loading, mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance, and violations of federal Hours of Service regulations. Trucking companies and their drivers must comply with strict federal regulations governing everything from vehicle maintenance schedules to mandatory rest periods. When these regulations are violated, serious accidents often result.
Federal Law Mandates Safety, But Rules Are Often Ignored
Every truck driver and trucking company is familiar with the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Importantly, these regulations limit the amount of time a truck driver can be on duty and behind the wheel on a given day or in a given week without taking rest breaks. FMCSA regulations also require trucking companies to only hire qualified, licensed drivers, and to inspect their fleet regularly and keep their vehicles properly maintained. Yet every time law enforcement or government agencies pull over commercial vehicles for inspection, they find a disturbing number of truck drivers and trucks that must be immediately pulled from service for lack of a license, out of adjustment brakes, bad tires and other serious safety concerns.
Sadly, truck inspections only cover a fraction of the country’s fleet, and dangerous errors are often not found until after a tragic accident. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Overly tired driver
- Driver is asleep at the wheel
- Texting and other distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Truck is improperly loaded; cargo is unbalanced or unsecured
- Faulty brakes, bad tires, nonworking signal lights
Investigating Your Truck Accident Case
Successful truck accident litigation requires immediate and thorough investigation. Evidence can disappear quickly, and trucking companies often have teams of lawyers and investigators working to protect their interests from the moment an accident occurs. Electronic logging devices, driver logbooks, maintenance records, and vehicle inspection reports all contain crucial evidence that must be preserved and analyzed.
Our firm begins investigating immediately upon being retained. We work to secure crucial evidence including the truck’s “black box” data, driver phone records, shipping manifests, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. This evidence is essential for establishing liability and proving the full extent of damages in your case.
Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain extensive records, but they also allow these companies to dispose of certain records after specified time periods. Acting quickly is essential to prevent the loss of critical evidence that could make or break your case.
How an Experienced Baltimore Truck Accident Attorney can Help
At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, our experienced truck accident lawyers are thoroughly familiar with the FMCSA regulations and all the state and federal laws governing the trucking industry for safety. We know that trucking safety records are frequently falsified or altered after an accident, but we know how to investigate a truck accident and uncover the facts. As experienced trial lawyers, we have the skills and resources to take on the major trucking corporations and their insurance companies and stand up for the rights of the injured accident victim. We build a strong case for full compensation and are willing to take the case all the way to a jury verdict if necessary to achieve the result our clients deserve.
Baltimore Truck Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeframe, making it crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Interstate trucking is common, and out-of-state drivers can still be held liable for accidents that occur in Maryland. Our firm has experience handling cases involving drivers and trucking companies from across the country.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which can be complex in truck accident cases. Even if you bear some responsibility, there may still be avenues for recovery depending on the specific circumstances of your accident.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of truck accident cases varies significantly based on factors including the severity of injuries, extent of property damage, lost wages, future medical needs, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys evaluate each case individually to pursue maximum compensation.
What if the trucking company’s insurance adjuster contacts me?
You should avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents without legal representation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and statements you make early on could be used against you later.
Do most truck accident cases go to trial?
While many cases settle out of court, our firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial when necessary. Our attorneys’ proven ability at trial has been key to obtaining positive results for clients over the years.
What costs are involved in pursuing a truck accident claim?
We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case. Many personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Serving Throughout Baltimore
- Federal Hill
- Fells Point
- Canton
- Inner Harbor
- Mount Vernon
- Hampden
- Charles Village
- Roland Park
- Locust Point
- Highlandtown
Contact Iamele & Iamele after a Baltimore Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle collision, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The experienced Baltimore truck accident attorney team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP provides the aggressive advocacy and personal attention your case deserves. We serve clients throughout Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s counties, offering evening and weekend meetings when necessary. Contact our firm today to schedule your complimentary consultation and find out how we can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call truck accident lawyers Iamele & Iamele, LLP at 410-779-6160 for a free consultation.
