Gaithersburg Truck Accident Lawyer

Many types of vehicles share the Maryland roads and highways. the largest vehicles, by far, are trucks. Some commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A collision with one of these massive vehicles could cause severe injuries or even death, especially to individuals in smaller passenger cars, riding motorcycles, or pedestrians walking along the roadside.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a collision involving a truck, contact our experienced Gaithersburg truck accident lawyer immediately. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Truck Accidents in Gaithersburg, MD

Our seasoned Gaithersburg truck accident attorneys have represented clients who suffered injuries in various types of accidents involving trucks. Truck accidents are often categorized by how they occurred, such as driver error, mechanical failures, or dangerous physical conditions. Some of the most common types and causes of truck accidents that occur on Gaithersburg highways include:

  • A jackknife accident occurs when a trailer swings around a truck cab, resulting in the trailer being propelled forward and out of control
  • A blind spot accident is generally caused by a driver failing to properly review their rearview mirrors or make allowances for the areas of surrounding roadway that are blocked from sight.
  • Accidents caused by driver fatigue are common as truck drivers are on the road for long shifts.
  • Turning trucks often swing wider than anticipated by other drivers and pedestrians, resulting in collisions.
  • A rollover accident occurs when a truck driver turns too quickly or sharply, resulting in the trailer flipping over on the roadway.
  • Bad weather or poor road conditions often contribute to an accident involving a truck.
  • In some circumstances, an accident is caused by an intoxicated or impaired truck driver.

Injuries Sustained in Gaithersburg Truck Accidents

Collisions with trucks could result in a vast array of injuries. Both juries and insurance companies will consider the type and severity of your injuries when determining compensation. Some of the types of injuries sustained by Gaithersburg residents include:

  • Spinal cord damage
  • Neck injuries
  • Head injuries or brain damage
  • Fractures
  • Severe cuts and lacerations
  • Paralysis
  • Dismemberment

Our Gaithersburg truck accident lawyers have years of experience dealing with insurance companies, knowing what information and documents they require. We will work to negotiate a more substantial settlement amount than they will likely initially offer. Additionally, we will prepare your case for trial. Often, the threat of a trial will compel an insurance company to offer a reasonable settlement amount.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Gaithersburg Truck Driving Accident

Truck drivers must comply with all federal and state laws and regulations. Furthermore, they must have a Commercial Driver’s License. Maryland laws specifically address the licensing of truck drivers, the inspection of the vehicles, weight limitations, and other safety concerns. An injured party could file a personal injury lawsuit against a truck driver who failed to comply with the state and federal safety regulations if the violation was the direct cause of the accident. Additionally, if someone is fatally injured in a truck accident, their family could file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Maryland follows the legal doctrine of vicarious liability. Under this doctrine, an employer could be held liable for the negligence of an employee if the negligent conduct occurs during the course of their work performance. A trucking company, under this doctrine, could be held accountable for an accident that occurred due to its employee’s negligence. Additionally, if the collision was the result of company policies or their failure to meet their obligations, the trucking company could be held liable for any injury sustained. For example, a truck driver could cause an accident because the trucking company did not adequately train them or the trucking company required drivers to adhere to unreasonable schedules.

Contributory Negligence in Gaithersburg, MD

One factor our Gaithersburg truck accident attorneys must consider in every personal injury lawsuit is that Maryland follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. In Maryland, negligence in an accident could be proportioned out between all partied involved in a vehicle collision. If a jury determines that an injured party contributed, even slightly, to the accident, they are prohibited from collecting compensation from the other driver or their insurance company. We understand and will work to counter the tactics that insurance companies and defense attorneys will use to shift the blame on the injured party.

Call Our Gaithersburg Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Our Gaithersburg truck accident lawyer will thoroughly examine all the factors related to your accident. We will gather evidence including police accident reports, your medical records and expert testimony from medical professionals, eyewitness accounts of the accident, and other vital information to prepare your case. We will work negotiate with the various insurance companies involved, and if required, determine what parties could be held liable and sued in court. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a truck, you could be facing substantial medical costs, lost wages, or years of occupational and physical therapy. Our experienced attorneys will fight for your proper compensation. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.