Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer

Baltimore plays a significant role in the trucking industry. With the constant pressure to deliver packages at an ever-increasing speed, truck accidents are more common than ever.

In their haste to meet tight delivery deadlines, drivers often tend to compromise on safety measures, which puts them and other motorists at risk. When they do, our team is ready to step in and help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Truck drivers and trucking companies have many important responsibilities, some of which they try to get around to gain a competitive edge. However, you should never be made to pay for their mistakes.

Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras by calling (443) 339-8368 for a free case assessment with our truck accident lawyers.

Common Causes of Baltimore Truck Accidents

Understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Baltimore is the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve. The next step is reaching out to our truck accident attorneys, who can help you bring the negligent parties to justice. The following are common reasons truck accidents occur in Baltimore:

Fatigued Driving

Truck accidents in Baltimore are sadly common, and one of the most significant contributing factors is driver fatigue. Long hours on the road, coupled with demanding schedules, can take a toll on commercial truck drivers, leading to both physical and mental exhaustion. Unfortunately, fatigue can impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and concentration, ultimately increasing the risk of accidents on the road.

To address this issue, federal regulations have been put in place to limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest. However, these rules are sometimes ignored because of pressure from employers or a desire for increased earnings. As such, both drivers and their employers are often sued together in the same lawsuit.

Overloading the Truck

Overloading a truck beyond its maximum capacity is a serious reason for truck accidents. When a truck is overloaded, it becomes difficult to control, especially when taking turns or stopping suddenly. Additionally, it puts undue stress on the vehicle’s brakes and tires, which increases the chances of mechanical failure.

Although there are regulations that specify the maximum weight that a truck can carry, these are often disregarded in an attempt to transport as much cargo as possible in one trip. To tackle this issue, enforcement of weight restrictions and strict penalties for violations are critical, along with frequent inspections of commercial trucks. If drivers and trucking companies negligently overload a truck, they should be held accountable.

Distracted During Operation

Distracted driving is also a pervasive problem in Baltimore. However, when it involves a large truck, the consequences can be especially catastrophic. Distractions can take many forms, from using a cell phone to adjusting the radio, eating, or even simply daydreaming.

Any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from the road can cause them to lose focus or react too slowly, leading to potentially deadly accidents. When they do, they should pay for their mistake.

Cargo Improperly Secured

Improperly secured cargo is another common cause of truck accidents in Baltimore. If cargo shifts during transport, it can throw off the truck’s balance, making it difficult to control. In extreme cases, cargo might fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other drivers.

Securing cargo properly requires appropriate training and the correct use of equipment like straps, chains, and blocks. Regular inspections to ensure cargo is properly secured before a truck hits the road can also help prevent these accidents. In many cases, several parties are responsible for overseeing the cargo, potentially opening several paths to compensation.

Driving Under the Influence

Despite strict laws and severe penalties, the problem of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs continues to be a major cause of truck accidents in Baltimore. This dangerous practice impairs a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, leading to decreased reaction times, coordination problems, and impaired decision-making abilities. Of course, with vehicles the size of most commercial trucks, the consequences can be catastrophic.

In such cases, punitive damages are often awarded as a form of punishment for the driver’s irresponsible behavior and to serve as a warning to others who might consider engaging in such reckless conduct in the future.

Proving a Truck Accident Claim in Baltimore

Proving a truck accident claim in Baltimore requires gathering a great deal of complex evidence, often from many different parties. However, the following guide will help break down what evidence is useful in a truck accident lawsuit:

Police Reports

A police report is an essential piece of evidence in a truck accident lawsuit. This report is prepared by the responding officers who investigates the accident scene. It typically includes details about the accident’s date, time, and location, as well as a summary of what happened, any citations issued, and the officer’s opinion regarding the cause of the accident.

Photographs

Photographs taken at the accident scene can serve as powerful visual evidence. These can include images of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, injuries, and any other relevant aspects of the accident scene. Photos can help reconstruct the accident, highlight the severity of the collision, and demonstrate the full extent of your injuries.

Medical Records

Medical records are crucial in demonstrating the extent and nature of your injuries. These documents can link your injuries directly to the accident and prove the cost of your medical treatment. Medical records can include emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, physical therapy records, and receipts for any related medical expenses.

Truck Driver’s Logbook

Commercial truck drivers are required by federal law to keep a logbook detailing their hours of service. This record can provide critical information about the driver’s activities leading up to the accident. For instance, if the logbook shows that the driver violated regulations regarding rest periods, it could be evidence of driver fatigue contributing to the accident.

Trucking Company Records

Records from the trucking company can provide evidence of negligent hiring, inadequate training, or poor vehicle maintenance. These records might include the driver’s employment history, training records, maintenance logs, and internal communications.

If the trucking company failed in its duty to ensure the safety of its operations, these records could strengthen your claim.

Black Box Data

Many commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) or “black boxes” that record data about the truck’s operation. This data can include speed, braking patterns, and hours of operation. Black box data can provide a factual account of the truck’s actions leading up to the accident and can be instrumental in proving your claim.

Expert Testimonies

Experts in fields such as accident reconstruction, medical specialists, or trucking industry experts can provide testimonies to support your claim. We can arrange to have these professionals analyze the evidence, provide informed opinions, and present complex information in a way that is understandable to the court.

Our Baltimore Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You Get the Compensation You Need

For a free case review with our truck accident attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (443) 339-8368.