You are cruising down a highway in Maryland or Virginia when suddenly, you see a massive commercial truck in your rearview mirror. Smash! In a split second, a simple drive can turn into a life-changing disaster. Unlike what some people might think about truck collisions, these accidents are not fender-benders. Truck accidents can shatter lives in an instant. The sheer weight of these large commercial vehicles means that the outcomes are often tragic. Truck accidents usually result in severe injuries and death. Beyond the physical trauma, these accidents frequently leave victims and their families dealing with substantial medical expenses, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. Unfortunately, the effects of a truck accident can last for years. But the good news is that in Maryland and Virginia, you may have legal options for seeking justice and compensation.
How Common are Truck Accidents?
Unfortunately, truck accidents are common in the United States of America. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2023, over 5,300 large trucks were involved in a fatal collision. In the same year, over 114,500 large trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in injuries. While some of these accidents are unpreventable, most are preventable.
Why are Truck Accidents So Devastating?
When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are usually more catastrophic than when a passenger vehicle collides with another passenger vehicle. This is because of the sheer weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas the average passenger car weighs around 3,300 pounds.
When a commercial truck crashes into a passenger vehicle, the smaller vehicle usually does not stand a chance. The significantly higher force of impact puts the passenger vehicle occupants at risk of suffering severe injuries. Because of the huge imbalance in force during a crash between a truck and a passenger vehicle, fatalities are quite common, and often they are passengers in smaller vehicles.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Some truck accidents are unpreventable, meaning they happen due to reasons beyond anyone’s control. Some rare cases where truck collisions may be considered unpreventable include;
- Unforeseen vehicle defects
- Extreme weather events
- Sudden medical emergencies, such as if a truck driver has an unexpected heart attack
However, most truck accidents are caused by negligence, meaning they are preventable. Examples of common negligent acts that cause truck accidents include;
- Driving While Fatigued: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has stringent Hours of Service regulations to prevent truck drivers from operating these huge vehicles while tired. However, many drivers get behind the wheel while fatigued.
- Distracted Driving: Texting or talking on the phone, eating behind the wheel, or using a GPS can be disastrous.
- Improper Loading: When a truck’s load exceeds certain weight thresholds or is loaded unevenly, it can affect a truck’s stability and cause a rollover or jackknife accident.
- Poor Maintenance: Failure to regularly inspect and maintain a truck can cause issues, such as brake failures and tire bursts, which can put everyone on the road in danger.
- Reckless Driving: Behaviors like tailgating, speeding, or ignoring traffic rules are dangerous.
The True Cost of Truck Accidents
The aftermath of a truck accident goes beyond the physical injuries. The cost of a truck collision can impact every aspect of your life. After a truck accident, you may suffer several damages, including;
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages if you are unable to work
- Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your career
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A truck accident can derail a person’s life. For example, a TBI may cause paralysis or long-term disability, resulting in extensive, expensive medical treatment. This can result in financial hardship and the inability to work. The trauma of a truck accident can also cause lasting emotional and mental effects, such as PTSD and anxiety.
Fortunately, after a truck accident, it is possible to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and seek the above damages.
What Can You Do?
On the bright side, after a truck accident, you are not without options. There are steps you can take to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation after a Maryland or Virginia truck accident.
- Call the police immediately. The police report is vital evidence. It contains crucial information such as the officer’s initial observations and witness statements.
- Seek prompt medical attention. Seeing a doctor immediately can prevent injuries from worsening and help establish a medical record linking the injuries to the accident.
- Document everything. If possible, take pictures and videos of the accident scene and your visible injuries. Additionally, get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Talk to an attorney. The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better for your insurance or legal case.
Our attorneys at The Law Offices of Paul A. Samakow, P.C., can help;
- Investigate the accident
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Potential Liable Parties
Truck accident cases can be complex. Often, these cases involve multiple liable parties. Common parties who can be held liable after a truck accident include;
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- A third-party maintenance provider
- Parts manufacturers
Identifying all liable parties is vital for ensuring you recover full compensation.
Your Next Step
We know how overwhelming the aftermath of a truck accident can be. You may be dealing with significant physical and emotional pain, overwhelming financial losses, and feeling uncertain about how you will make it through. But you do not have to let a truck accident define your future. You have the right to fight back if your accident was caused by negligence. And the good news is that you do not have to do this alone. Our experienced truck accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Paul A. Samakow, P.C., are here for you. We can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been in a truck accident, contact us today to discuss your case, your options, and how we can help you.
- even if you don't own a car!
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