Damascus Truck Accident Lawyer
The injuries caused by truck accidents can have profound and long-lasting effects on victims, disrupting their lives in various ways. Physical injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries can result in chronic pain, permanent disabilities, and the need for long-term medical treatment. Beyond the physical injuries, truck accident injuries can also impact victims emotionally and financially, leading to psychological trauma, lost income, and challenges in performing daily tasks or maintaining relationships.
Our legal team can help truck accident victims recover compensation for the damages they incurred. This compensation can be crucial to plaintiffs’ recovery efforts. Without these damages, it may be difficult for injured parties to get their lives back on track.
Seek guidance from our truck accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras by calling (410) 694-7291.
Damages that Can Be Recovered in Damascus Truck Accident Lawsuits
There are wide range of losses that plaintiffs may seek in truck accident cases. After an initial review of your potential lawsuit, our truck accident lawyers can identify which of the following can be sought:
Economic Damages
Economic damages in truck accident lawsuits refer to measurable financial losses incurred by victims as a result of their collisions.
This category includes medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment related to the injuries sustained in the accident. Additionally, economic damages may include compensation for lost wages and income due to missed work, diminished earning capacity, or disability resulting from the accident.
Property damage to vehicles, personal belongings, and other tangible assets may also be included in economic damages sought in truck accident lawsuits.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages in truck accident lawsuits refer to intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify but still have a significant impact on the victim’s life. This category includes compensation for pain and suffering endured because of the accident, including physical anguish, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Non-economic damages may also encompass compensation for permanent disabilities, disfigurement, scarring, and the impact of the injuries on the victim’s personal relationships and quality of life. These damages aim to provide restitution for the non-monetary hardships experienced by the victim due to the truck accident.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, may be awarded in truck accident lawsuits to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which aim to compensate the victim for losses incurred, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and send a message that reckless or intentional misconduct will not be tolerated. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the truck driver or trucking company’s actions were grossly negligent. The amount of punitive damages awarded depends on the severity of the misconduct at issue.
Common Types of Truck Accidents that Occur in Damascus, MD
There are several types of truck accidents that can cause devastating injuries. The type of accident you suffered will likely be considered by our legal team when determining fault and building your case.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents involving trucks occur when the vehicle tips over onto its side or roof, often due to factors such as excessive speed, sharp turns, or shifting cargo. The high center of gravity and heavy weight of trucks make them particularly susceptible to rollover accidents, especially when drivers fail to navigate curves or maneuvers safely. Rollover accidents have a propensity to result in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings outward from the cab at an acute angle, resembling the motion of a folding pocket knife. These accidents often happen when the truck’s wheels lock up, causing the trailer to skid uncontrollably and potentially collide with other vehicles or obstacles on the road. Jackknife accidents can occur due to factors such as slippery road conditions, sudden braking, or equipment failure, potentially leading to serious collisions and widespread damage.
Accidents Caused by Spilled Cargo
Accidents caused by spilled cargo occur when the contents of a truck’s trailer become dislodged or scattered on the roadway, posing hazards to other motorists. Improperly secured cargo, overloading, or shifting loads can cause cargo to spill onto the road, creating obstacles, debris, or hazardous conditions for drivers. Accidents caused by spilled cargo can result in collisions, vehicle damage, and injuries to drivers and passengers, highlighting the importance of proper loading and securing procedures for commercial trucks.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and becomes lodged underneath its trailer. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle due to the lack of protection and structural integrity. Factors such as inadequate rear guards on trucks, defective vehicle parts, and driver negligence are all potential contributors to catastrophic underride accidents.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions involving trucks occur when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other. These accidents often happen on highways, rural roads, and urban streets, potentially stemming from factors like driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment.
Head-on collisions with trucks are highly likely to produce devastating consequences. Fortunately, if you suffered a head-on collision, then our legal professionals can help build a claim against the responsible party.
Blind Spot Accidents
Lastly, blind spot accidents, also known as “no-zone” accidents, occur when a truck driver fails to see a smaller vehicle in their blind spot and inadvertently collides with it while changing lanes or making a turn. Trucks have large blind spots along the sides and rear of the vehicle where smaller vehicles may not be visible to the truck driver. Factors such as driver distraction, fatigue, and inadequate mirror adjustments are all common contributors to blind spot accidents.
Call Our Law Firm for Help with Your Truck Accident Lawsuit in Damascus, MD
Get help from our truck accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras by dialing (410) 694-7291.