Hillcrest Heights Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can often be unavoidable for victims. Despite defensive driving measures taken by motorists, the limited maneuverability and longer stopping distances of trucks can make it challenging to evade accidents in certain situations. Additionally, factors such as adverse weather conditions, road hazards, or sudden mechanical failures in trucks can further increase the unpredictability and inevitability of accidents for victims on the roadways.

Thankfully, those who are injured because of these collisions may be entitled to payment. Both economic and non-economic damages may be compensated through truck accident lawsuits. The team at our law firm is prepared to help plaintiffs build their claims and recover what they are rightfully owed.

Get help from our experienced truck accident attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras today by dialing (410) 694-7291.

Common Sources of Truck Accidents in Hillcrest Heights, MD

Truck accidents can stem from several different causes. Identifying the cause of your crash is necessary to recover full compensation for your injuries. After reviewing the specifics of your case, our truck accident lawyers can assess whether any of the following are to blame:

Driver Distraction

Driver distraction is a leading cause of truck accidents. Many motorists are distracted by activities such as texting, using GPS devices, or eating behind the wheel. These types of distractions can significantly impair truck drivers’ abilities to react to changing traffic conditions, increasing the risk of collisions with other vehicles or obstacles on the road.

Improper Lane Changes

Truck accidents frequently occur because of improper lane changes, where the driver fails to signal, checks mirrors inadequately, or misjudges distances while changing lanes. Improper lane changes can result in sideswipes, collisions with other vehicles, or forcing other motorists off the road, especially on highways and interstates where speed limits are high and traffic is dense.

Equipment Failure

Equipment failure, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems, can cause truck accidents. Failure to properly maintain and inspect commercial vehicles can result in mechanical issues that compromise the truck’s ability to operate safely on the road. Equipment failures can be particularly hazardous on highways and at high speeds, increasing the risk of serious accidents and injuries.

Inexperienced Drivers

Truck accidents can occur because of inexperienced drivers who lack the skills and training necessary to safely operate large commercial vehicles. Inexperienced drivers may struggle to maneuver trucks in challenging situations, such as navigating narrow streets, making sharp turns, or driving in adverse weather conditions. Lack of experience can increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when combined with factors like speeding or distracted driving.

Failure to Adjust for Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can contribute to truck accidents by reducing visibility, decreasing traction, and creating hazardous driving conditions. Truck drivers must adjust their driving behavior and adapt to changing weather conditions to maintain control of their vehicles and prevent accidents. Failure to do so can result in skidding, sliding, or loss of control, leading to collisions with other vehicles or roadway obstacles.

Trucking Regulation Violations

Violations of trucking regulations, such as exceeding hours of service limits, improperly securing cargo, or failing to conduct required inspections, can also contribute to harmful accidents. Non-compliance with regulations designed to ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles increases the risk of accidents and jeopardizes the safety of other motorists on the road.

Trucking regulation violations may result from pressure to meet delivery deadlines, inadequate training, or neglecting to prioritize safety over profit.

What Happens if You Are Partially at Fault for Your Truck Accident in Hillcrest Heights?

Maryland courts follow the doctrine of contributory negligence when awarding damages in truck accidents cases. Unfortunately, this means that if you are found to have played any role in causing your accident, then you will be restricted from recovering payment from another at-fault party.

While this rule is harsh, it should not prevent you from filing a claim after your harmful truck accident. Our legal professionals can help prove your case and defeat any alternative theories of fault. Therefore, you obtain the full extent of financial compensation you deserve.

Common Areas Where Truck Accidents Happen in Hillcrest Heights, MD

While truck accidents may occur nearly anywhere vehicles can be driven, there are specific areas where these types of collisions are most likely to happen. For example, the following are common locations for truck accidents in Hillcrest Heights:

Highway Interchanges and Off-Ramps

Truck accidents frequently occur at highway interchanges and off-ramps, where traffic patterns change abruptly, and vehicles must merge or exit the highway. The complexity of navigating these interchanges, combined with the high speeds of trucks and other vehicles, increases the risk of collisions, particularly during congested traffic conditions or adverse weather.

Construction Zones

Construction zones are common sites for truck accidents due to the presence of reduced speed limits, narrowed lanes, and temporary barriers or lane shifts. Trucks passing through construction zones may encounter uneven road surfaces, lane closures, or sudden changes in traffic patterns, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Failure to adjust speed and follow signage in perilous construction zones can result in rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and other types of collisions.

Urban Areas with Dense Traffic

Truck accidents often occur in urban areas with dense traffic, where commercial vehicles interact with passenger cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Challenges such as navigating narrow streets, negotiating tight turns, and maneuvering through congested intersections can increase the risk of accidents involving trucks. Factors like driver distraction, delivery deadlines, and limited visibility contribute to the prevalence of truck accidents in urban environments.

Rural Roads and Highways

Truck accidents also frequently occur on rural roads and highways, where factors such as poor visibility, winding roads, and wildlife crossings pose significant hazards for truck drivers. Additionally, the higher speeds often associated with rural roadways can increase the severity of truck accidents, particularly when combined with factors like driver fatigue or distracted driving.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers for Support in Hillcrest Heights, MD

Seek guidance from our experienced truck accident attorneys by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 694-7291.