Baltimore Truck Accident Attorney
The National Safety Council reports that large trucks were involved in 112,000 crashes involving injuries in 2018. Another 4,951 people were killed in crashes that involved trucks that year as well. These numbers have been steadily rising over the last decade and because the trucking industry is so important for transporting goods across the country, there is no sign that these horrific statistics will improve. If you or a loved one has been one of the many injured or killed by an incident involving a large truck on the road, it is important you speak with a skilled Baltimore truck accident attorney who can help you file a personal injury claim for compensation. While compensation cannot take away the pain and trauma of the event, it can assist you during the recovery period and give you the best possible chance of moving on with life.
Common Reasons for Truck Collisions
Many truckers are under pressure to deliver their goods in time. There are regulations for how long a truck driver can be behind the wheel before taking a break or sleeping, but those laws are not always abided by. In attempts to speed up their travel or make the long hours behind the wheel pass by, truck drivers engage in behaviors likely to cause crashes such as:
- Distracted driving;
- Aggressive driving;
- Alcohol or drug consumption;
- Drowsy driving; and
- Speeding.
Other collisions are the result of the truck not being in working order. According to Policy Advice, tire defects account for 30 percent of all trucking accidents. In addition to tire defects, steering wheel defects and braking problems can lead to collisions on the road. Trucking companies are still responsible for maintaining vehicles so that they are safe for the roads.
What Makes Trucking Crashes So Dangerous?
While any crash on the road can end in tragedy, trucks are so hazardous in part because of their sheer size and weight. When a truck crashes into a passenger vehicle, the force is much greater than that of another passenger vehicle and the impact is likely to hit higher near the windshield. Trucks are also harder to maneuver and stop because of their size and weight, which means the truck driver needs to anticipate what is happening on the road sooner in order to react in time. It is also critical that cargo is properly loaded into the vehicle to avoid it being unstable, which can lead to a rollover crash.
A Baltimore Truck Crash Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a crash involving a large truck, it is imperative you speak with a Baltimore personal injury attorney about your case. The trucking company and their insurance will try to shift blame for the crash to avoid paying compensation. The Maryland truck crash attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP will advocate on your behalf and work diligently to get the compensation you deserve. Contact our offices at 800-248-3352 to schedule a free consultation today.
