Maryland Truck Accident Attorney
Early data suggests that traffic deaths dropped in 2019. Despite the overall drop in traffic deaths, fatal collisions involving large trucks increased last year. The fact that these deaths rose even as others declined is a cause for concern, not only for truck drivers but for all drivers who share the road with massive eighteen-wheeler vehicles.
Large trucks present several risks. Their size alone makes for a formidable force on the road, but the profession of truck driving creates some additional dangers as well.
When trucks are involved in a collision, the chances of serious injuries and deaths are high. Thousands of Americans die annually in such crashes, and in many cases, those tragedies could have been avoided.
If you or someone you love was hurt or killed in a crash that involved a large truck, you should speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney. Crash victims are often entitled to compensation for their injuries. The money that you could recover in a truck crash case could be crucial to your ability to move forward, recuperate, and continue to provide for your family.
Contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP today to discuss your claim and to learn how our dedicated Maryland truck crash attorneys can help you.
Truck Crash Victims Are Typically Those in Smaller Cars
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that most truck crash victims are people who were in another vehicle, typically, a passenger car. People in passenger vehicles account for about two out of every three people killed in a collision with a large truck.
When looking at crash statistics for only those incidents in which large trucks and passenger cars were involved, the victims are nearly always the people in the smaller car. The weight difference between car and truck puts the passenger vehicle occupants at a massive disadvantage. Another problem is that trucks are taller than cars and further off the ground. In some wrecks, a car will crash beneath a truck. These so-called underride accidents lead to horrific results.
Truck Drivers Are Overworked, Making them a Danger to Themselves and Others
Trucking regulations are influenced by those in the business who want to maximize miles traveled to move goods quickly and efficiently across the country. While this service is vital to keeping our country moving, the pressure on drivers to cover so much territory in so much time can lead to fatigue.
Regulations state that drivers can spend up to eleven hours operating their trucks before they must stop. This law does not fully take into account the realistic capabilities of a driver. Once they are eight hours into their shifts, truckers are far more likely to be in a crash.
Drugs and Work Violations Create Serious Risks of Injuries and Deaths
The pressure to stay on the road can lead to drivers taking drugs to help them stay awake for longer periods. Not only is this a health problem for the drivers, but the drugs can lead to more dangerous behavior and a higher chance of something going wrong.
Lawsuits and High Verdicts Against Truck Companies are Increasing
Studies show that lawsuits against large truck companies are increasing, and so are high verdicts in the millions. When a truck driver violated government regulations by staying on the road too long, took drugs, or consumed alcohol and caused a crash, the trucking company will often end up paying out large sums.
Because of the size of trucks and their complex handling and maneuverability, truck drivers must be professional, skilled and responsible. Anyone driving on the road when trucks are present must be able to trust that the driver is sober and paying attention. When drivers are negligent, they can and do cause tragedies.
Common Truck Crash Injuries in Maryland
Truck crashes are more likely to cause serious injuries than are accidents involving smaller vehicles. Head trauma, bone fractures, paralysis, and other severe and life-altering injuries often result from truck crashes.
In Maryland, insurance policies acknowledge the fact that injuries caused by truck crashes are more likely to have severe consequences for the victims. For this reason, the insurance minimums for trucking companies are higher than the insurance minimums in the state for individuals who drive cars.
Hiring a Maryland Truck Crash Attorney to Represent You
If you were injured or a loved one were killed in a crash involving a large truck, contact an attorney right away. It is best not to deal with the insurance company on your own; in many cases, these professionals are working to limit the liability of the claim and not to help you get the compensation to which you are entitled.
The injuries that result from a truck crash can be devastating. Contact the Maryland truck crash attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP to learn how we can work to protect your rights and get you the compensation that you need. We are ready to fight for you so that you can focus on healing and recovering. Contact us at 410-769-5400 to speak with one of our dedicated attorneys.
