Calverton Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident is one of the more dangerous types of accidents that can be suffered by a motorist in Calverton. When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian, the victim is likely to incur severe harm. Thankfully, after such an accident, the at-fault parties can be held responsible for the damages they caused.

There are several different parties who may be liable for a crash involving a large truck. For instance, a truck driver or a third-party driver may be responsible for a crash caused by their careless actions behind the wheel. Meanwhile, trucking companies and vehicle manufactures can also be sued for crashes that stem from their negligent conduct. Assistance from our legal team can be highly valuable when determining who is to blame for an accident.

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

Potential Causes of Truck Accidents in Calverton, MD

Identifying the cause of a truck accident can be difficult without assistance from legal representation. Fortunately, our truck accident attorneys can review the circumstances of your accident to determine if it stems from one of the following:

Improperly Stored Cargo

Improperly stored cargo is a common cause of truck accidents. Cargo that has not been adequately stored and secured may shift during transit, leading to instability and lack of control for truck drivers. Accidents caused by negligent cargo storage are especially common during sharp turns and sudden stops.

Negligent Vehicle Maintenance

Truck accidents can also occur because of negligent vehicle maintenance. When trucks are not properly maintained, issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems can arise. These issues can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents on the road. Regular maintenance checks and timely repairs are crucial to ensuring the safe operation of large trucks.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is another common source of truck accidents. Long hours on the road can cause drivers to suffer from drowsiness and decreased alertness. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make errors in judgment, have slower reaction times, and even fall asleep at the wheel. Regulations on driving hours and mandatory rest periods are in place to address this issue, but violations unfortunately still occur.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can significantly impair a driver’s ability to focus on the road and react to changing traffic conditions. Even a momentary distraction can have catastrophic consequences when operating a large vehicle.

There are several types of distraction that can affect motorists. For instance, a driver may be visually distracted by taking their eyes off the road or manually distracted by taking their hands of the wheel. Further, a motorist may be cognitively distracted by taking their mind off the task of driving.

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of truck accidents because it reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards. Trucks require longer distances to stop compared to smaller vehicles, so driving at excessive speeds greatly enhances the risk of rear-end collisions, rollovers, and loss of control situations.

Furthermore, large trucks can become difficult to control at high speeds. Some accidents may occur because drivers simply lost control of their vehicles.

Drunk Driving

Similar to distracted driving, drunk driving is a serious problem in the trucking industry. Alcohol impairs coordination, reaction time, and decision-making abilities. Therefore, operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Thankfully, our legal team can help hold drunk drivers accountable for the truck accidents they cause.

Negligent Hiring Practices

Accidents can occur because of negligent hiring practices by trucking companies. Employing drivers with poor driving records, insufficient training, or a history of safety violations can increase the risk of accidents. Trucking companies have a responsibility to thoroughly vet and train their drivers to ensure they are competent and capable of safely operating commercial vehicles.

Defective Vehicle Parts

Truck accidents can also be caused by defective vehicle parts such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering components. Manufacturers have a responsibility to produce safe and reliable vehicle parts because the failure to do so may result in devastating harm. Regular inspections and recalls are necessary to identify and address potential defects before they cause harm on the road.

Improper Lane Changes

Improper lane changes by truck drivers can cause collisions with other vehicles because of the large blind spots and limited maneuverability of large trucks. Failing to properly signal, misjudging distances, or changing lanes abruptly without checking mirrors can result in sideswipes, rear-end collisions, or even forcing other vehicles off the road.

Running Red Lights

Lastly, running red lights is another dangerous form of conduct that can cause intersection-related accidents involving trucks. Ignoring traffic signals heightens the risk of collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists crossing the intersection. Truck drivers have to obey traffic laws and exercise caution when approaching intersections to prevent these types of accidents.

What if You Are Partially to Blame for Your Truck Accident in Calverton, MD?

There are situations where fault can be shared for truck accidents. For instance, a speeding driver may share blame for a collision with a truck driver who committed an illegal lane change.

Unfortunately, Maryland follows the rules of contributory negligence. This means that if you share any portion of fault for your truck accident, then you will be unable to file a lawsuit seeking compensation from another party. For example, even if you are only 5% responsible for your truck accident while another party is 95% to blame, you will be prevented from suing the other party.

While this rule may seem harsh and outdated, it should not deter you from seeking compensation after a truck accident. Our experienced legal team is prepared to fight fiercely on your behalf. We will help build your case and establish that another party is entirely to blame.

Contact Our Attorneys for Help After a Truck Accident in Calverton

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