Owings Mills Truck Accident Lawyer

Driving on the road next to a large commercial vehicle can make any driver skeptical, especially if a truck driver is behaving erratically. This is because commercial truck accidents have the potential to leave a victim with long-term or life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, a truck driver and their employer could be held liable for a severe crash they caused. If you or a family member was injured in a severe truck accident, consult with an experienced Owings Mills truck accident lawyer today.

At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we recognize the difficulty of being burdened with medical bills and other expenses after a serious crash, and we are here for you in your time of need. Our firm can help you seek the compensation you deserve after a truck accident. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your potential claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact us using our online submission form.

Determining Liability for a Trucking Accident in Owings Mills, MD

If you were involved in a truck accident, it is important to learn who is responsible for the accident so that you may pursue compensation for your injuries. Maryland is an “at-fault” state for car insurance coverage. This means that the at-fault driver must compensate the victim of the accident.

If a truck driver causes a serious accident, it is true that they could be held liable for the crash. However, there may be other parties that are liable for the accident as well. If the truck driver’s employer played a role in the accident, they could also be held liable for the accident. For example, if the trucking company overloaded the trailer, which later caused a truck tire to blowout, this could lead to a dangerous crash.

A trucking company could be held liable for the actions of a truck driver under the doctrine of respondeat superior. the doctrine of respondeat superior deals with the vicarious liability of an employer. Specifically, an employer could be held liable for actions taken by an employee to advance the goals of the employer or an act performed by an employee that is within the scope of their employment. For example, a truck driver transporting goods would advance the goals of their employer. This means that if a truck driver causes an accident while transporting those goods, the employer could be held liable for their negligence.

If you need assistance determining liability for your truck accident, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Owings Mills personal injury lawyer.

Common Injuries Sustained in a Truck Accident

As mentioned, the injuries sustained in a truck accident are often severe or fatal. the sheer size and weight of a tractor-trailer mean that even a seemingly mild accident can cause a person to suffer serious injuries. As a result, a victim may require surgery or months of rehabilitation to begin feeling better, while others may be permanently injured. the following is a list of common injuries sustained in a truck accident.

Crushing Injuries

When a passenger vehicle is struck by a large commercial truck, the passenger vehicle often cannot withstand the impact. As a result, the occupants of the vehicle could become trapped and suffer serious crushing injuries like a shattered pelvis. These injuries are often life-threatening because of how difficult they can be to correct with surgery and other procedures.

Head Injuries

Head injuries typically occur in a car accident when a victim’s head makes contact with a hard surface in the vehicle during a crash. For example, if the impact of a truck accident causes the airbags to deploy, the driver and passenger could hit their head and suffer a concussion.

Head injuries are especially dangerous because they could lead to many other issues. For example, a victim may experience memory loss or could even experience a loss of sensation in certain areas of the body.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are among the most dangerous injuries because a victim may experience partial or full paralysis in severe cases. Spinal injuries are often caused by rear-end car accidents.

There are many other injuries that may result from a truck accident, like broken bones or lacerations. If you need assistance seeking compensation for your injuries, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Owings Mills truck accident lawyer.

Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Owings Mills, MD

To prevail in a personal injury lawsuit against a trucking company, a plaintiff will have to show how the entity acted negligently. While a truck driver can pursue a claim against the driver directly, the truck driver may not be able to fully compensate the victim for their injuries and financial losses.

There are four elements that a plaintiff must prove in order to show negligence and receive damages for their injuries and other expenses:

  • The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
  • The defendant breached the duty of care (e.g., driving fatigued)
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury due to the defendant’s breach
  • The plaintiff’s injuries can be compensated by a court of law

Contact Our Committed Owings Mills Truck Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Claim

If you or a family member was severely injured due to the negligence of a truck driver, contact an experienced Owings Mills truck accident attorney today. Rice, Murtha & Psoras have served the residents of Owings Mills for years, and we are ready to work with you for an injury case. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.