Dundalk Truck Accident Lawyer

Driving next to a large commercial truck on the highway is enough to make any motorist nervous. Many people are aware that truck accidents are often devastating and capable of leaving victims with severe and sometimes fatal injuries. If this happens, it is important that a victim is not forced to cover medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and many other related expenses. If you or a family member was injured in a serious truck accident, contact an experienced Dundalk truck accident lawyer.

Rice, Murtha & Psoras understand the difficulty of being involved in a serious truck accident, and we are dedicated to fighting for you. Our firm has worked with residents of Dundalk for over a decade, and we would be honored to work with you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact us online.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Dundalk, MD

Being involved in a serious trucking accident is enough to change a person’s life completely. the result of a truck accident may leave a victim with severe injuries or a family coping with the loss of a loved one. That is why it is important to understand why a truck accident occurred so a victim or family member can seek the compensation they need. the following is a list of common causes of truck accidents.

Drowsy Driving

Truck drivers are often required to drive for hours to reach their destination. To avoid the possibility of truck drivers overworking, there are a number of regulations addressing the work hours of truck drivers. Unfortunately, some trucking companies or truck drivers may violate these regulations in order to increase their profits.

Drowsy driving can is dangerous because a driver’s reaction time will be decreased, and the driver could even fall asleep behind the wheel of a commercial truck.

Overloaded Trailer

18-wheelers and similar commercial vehicles have a strict weight limit for transporting materials. When a trailer is overloaded with items, the truck will carry additional weight and could be more difficult to maneuver. This could lead to a serious accident as the driver could lose control of the vehicle, or a tire blowout could occur.

Intoxicated Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can substantially impact the driving abilities of any person. When a driver is under the influence, they can fail to notice changes in traffic and are prone to act erratically behind the wheel of the vehicle.

Inexperienced Driving

Before operating a commercial truck, it is vital that a truck driver receives the adequate training. Unfortunately, some poorly trained truck drivers may struggle with making tight turns and performing other maneuvers. As a result, a truck driver could cause a devastating accident.

To learn more about pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Dundalk truck accident attorney.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Dundalk, MD

If you were injured in a serious personal injury lawsuit, you should consider filing a lawsuit against the truck driver and their employer. it is important to note that a personal injury lawsuit is subject to the statute of limitations. the statute of limitations determines the length of time that a person has to file a particular type of lawsuit.

In Maryland, there is a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. If a plaintiff does not file a personal injury lawsuit within the given timeframe, they risk the possibility of having the court bar their claim. the defendant, in the case, can move for the court to dismiss the claim due to a violation of the statute of limitations.

Additionally, while three years is a lengthy amount of time to file a lawsuit, you should not wait a significant amount of time before filing your case. Waiting years to file a lawsuit can affect various aspects of the case. For example, a valuable witness could move, or evidence could be misplaced.

Proving Negligence in a Dundalk Truck Accident Injury Lawsuit

Personal injury lawsuits are often based on a theory of negligence. To show that a defendant acted negligently, the plaintiff in the case must prove the following four elements:

  • The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
  • The defendant breached their duty of care to the plaintiff
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury due to the defendant’s breach
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury that is compensable by the court

Once a plaintiff prevails in the case, they will be awarded compensatory damages. Compensatory damages can be awarded for economic and noneconomic losses. the following is a list of damages that a plaintiff can be awarded:

  • Medical bills
  • Expenses for rehabilitation and medication
  • Loss of consortium
  • Damage to a vehicle
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

Work with Our Experienced Dundalk Truck Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Claim

If your loved was killed in a trucking accident, you should consult with an experienced Dundalk truck accident attorney today. Personal injury attorney Randolph Rice has a broad range of experience litigating a variety of car accident cases, and he is ready to represent you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You can also contact us online.