Glenarden Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents in Glenarden are responsible for some of the most devastating injuries our attorneys see. That is why we are dedicated to helping victims get the compensation they deserve by filing a lawsuit on their behalf.

Truck accident claims are notoriously complex. There could be several defendants in the case, all requiring evidence to prove how they contributed to your injuries. The evidence also tends to be complicated, with much of the relevant evidence being in the defendant’s possession. Fortunately, our team knows how to gather this information and prove the truck driver or other parties were negligent. Most importantly, we will collect and present evidence to show you did not contribute to causing your accident. If the defendant tries to get out of paying compensation by claiming you were partially at fault, we will be ready to fight it.

Contact Rice Law today at (410) 694-7291 for a free case assessment with our Silver Springs, MD truck accident lawyers.

Proving a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Glenarden, MD

Often, the key to success in a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a truck accident is the volume and quality of the evidence supporting the claims. Evidence like your medical records and accident reports will tell the story of your accident and provide valuable context. Other evidence, like truck driver logs and trucking company records, can fill in the gaps of how your accident was negligently caused.

It is especially important to have as much convincing evidence as you can get since “contributory negligence” rules are used to determine liability in Glenarden accident lawsuits. Unlike other states that use more modern liability rules, truck accident victims will not be able to recover any compensation if they are even slightly at fault during the accident. If the court finds you just 1% liable, you will be responsible for your damages.

To avoid unfounded claims that you partially caused your accident, contact our truck accident lawyers immediately so we can gather evidence proving you deserve to be compensated. Much of the evidence that will be critical to deciding the issue will be in the defendant’s possession, which we can obtain during litigation. The more evidence used in your case, the more likely you are to recover the compensation you deserve. The following are common types of evidence used to prove trucker and trucking company liability in a Glenarden lawsuit:

Police and Trucking Company Accident Reports

Accident reports will often be the first pieces of evidence our team reviews. One report used in your claim will be the police crash report. The police reports will include information like the truck driver’s name, the company they work for, and their insurance information. It will also contain the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses the police interviewed on the scene. Our team can not only help you get a copy of your police report, but we can also contact any witnesses on your behalf.

Importantly, the police report will include the investigating officer’s observations, like debris on the scene, as well as their conclusions regarding how the accident was caused. While it is true that police reports are inadmissible during a truck accident trial, there is no restriction on their use during settlement negotiations with the insurance company, which is where most cases are concluded.

The trucking company might also have had the trucker make an internal crash report or sent a representative to make one. During the “discovery” portion of litigation, we can request relevant documents from the defendant, including company accident reports.

Medical Documentation

Your medical records and bills will typically make up much of the evidence submitted in your lawsuit. After getting injured in a truck accident, it is vital to get emergency care. Of course, your truck accident injuries might be such that you will be taken to the emergency room by ambulance. If not, you should go to the hospital directly from the scene. You will get tested for injuries you might not be aware of and will receive instructions on how to get further care for the injuries you sustained.

To win your lawsuit, you must not only show that you were actually injured but also that the injuries were caused by your truck accident. Having medical records helps connect your reasons for seeking medical care with the damages that care has cost. If you do not immediately get treatment after the crash or do not attend all of your doctors’ appointments, it could be used to deny your claim.

It is likely that you received medical records already when you were discharged from the emergency room. However, do not worry if you did not as our team will get your records for you. If you have already started treating your injuries when we take your case, we can reach out to each provider to gather and organize your records. If you are having trouble arranging treatment when you meet with us, we can help find providers and ensure their records are sent to us after each session.

Trucking Company Records

As mentioned, trucking company records are usually critical to settling a case. When we sue a truck driver, we can generally sue the trucking company as well under the principle of “vicarious liability.” This allows us to demand evidence from the trucking company that could show how they or the driver were negligent beforehand.

For instance, we might discover that the trucking company knowingly allowed a dangerous driver on the road after reviewing the employee’s records and finding accidents in the past. Company records of drug and alcohol testing might show that the driver was under the influence when the accident occurred since many truckers are tested after being involved in most accidents.

Many truck accidents happen because trucking companies do not take proper care of their vehicles or parts and do not take the time to inspect them between trips, which is a direct violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Maintenance records could show that repairs that should have been done never were, or there might be no records of inspection or repair at all, indicating that the required actions did not take place.

Truck Driver Trip Logs

The truck driver will also likely be in possession of evidence we have a right to in your lawsuits, such as their trip logs. Most truck drivers are required to keep detailed logs of every trip. These logs typically include information like distances traveled, when rests were taken, inspections conducted, and much else. If a truck driver’s logs show that they were operating longer than what Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules allow, it can serve as proof of their negligence.

Our Glenarden, MD Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here to Fight for Your Compensation

For a free case review with our truck accident attorneys, call Rice Law at (410) 694-7291.