Thousands of trucks travel through Maryland each day, spending much of their time on I-695. Given their massive size and weight, these trucks can pose a threat of accidents to other drivers on I-695, causing severe injuries and damage to property for all drivers involved. If you suffered from injuries while you were in a truck accident, you should speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about how you can file a lawsuit against the truck driver who was responsible for your injuries.
The truck accident attorneys from Rice, Murtha, & Psoras are eager to assist victims of truck accidents in recovering compensation for their injuries. Get in touch with the truck accident lawyers from Rice, Murtha, & Psoras today to learn more about moving forward with your case. Call (410) 694-7291.
An Overview of Truck Accidents on I-695 in Maryland
Truck accidents on RP-165 can happen for many reasons and can involve nearly any type of truck.
Causes of Truck Accidents on I-695
Due to the size and mass of trucks, they’re more prone to accidents than other types of vehicles. Given their size, trucks often create blind spots for truck drivers, making it difficult for them to see other drivers on the road. Trucks are also extremely heavy, often making it difficult for them to brake in time. the high center of gravity of most trucks makes them likely to tip over if they’re involved in a high-velocity accident. Despite the risks that the weight and size of trucks carry, accidents can be avoided if truck drivers are diligent.
Truck accidents may also happen because of inclement weather. When it rains or snows, roads become slippery and it’s difficult for truck drivers to see the road and other drivers when it’s foggy. It’s important for truck drivers to adapt themselves to inclement weather to reduce the risk of accidents with other cars, otherwise they may have a personal injury lawsuit filed against them.
Truck driver fatigue is another common cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers often face fatigue since they have to drive long distances without many opportunities for breaks, which can greatly increase their chances of getting into an accident. If a trucking company did not allow a driver to take an adequate amount of breaks and it caused fatigue that led them to initiate an accident, the trucking company may be held responsible in a personal injury lawsuit.
Trucks Involved in Accidents on I-695
Every type of truck is at risk of being involved in an accident when they get on the road. Whether it’s a dump truck, fuel truck, cargo truck, tow truck, big rig, or another type of truck, trucks can cause serious accidents when travelling on I-695. Each type of truck carries a specific type of risk for accidents due to its purpose, weight, shape, and size.
Violating the Federal Regulations for Trucks Cause Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (also known as FMCSA) is responsible for regulating the behavior of trucking companies so that they can ensure the safety of both truck drivers and drivers with whom trucks share the road. They impose regulations on truck companies’ treatment of drivers and the way that they can load their trucks with cargo.
Trucking companies do not always fully adhere to the regulations set by the FMCSA, unfortunately. Failing to adhere to the regulations set by the FMCSA is a sign of negligence that can be crucial in establishing a case against a trucking company that owns the truck that was responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. Work with an experienced truck accident attorney to determine which regulations the at-fault company violated so that you can prove that they’re responsible for your injuries.
What to Do After a Truck Accident on I-695 in Maryland
The first thing you should do if you are ever involved in a truck accident on I-695 is to seek medical attention. Getting medical attention is useful if you plan on filing a lawsuit later since you’ll have documentation of the type and severity of your injuries. Get medical attention even if you don’t seem to be injured since some injuries have symptoms that take time to make themselves known.
Next, call the police. When police arrive, they’ll write a report of the accident and will ask you to describe what happened. This report will be useful later when you file a lawsuit against the driver. You should also speak with the other driver involved at this time. Get their contact information and their trucking company’s insurance information. Refrain from discussing who was at fault with them since anything you say can be used against you later.
The next thing you should do is to collect physical evidence of the accident. If you’re able, take photos of the accident—make sure to get photos of the damage to each vehicle, the damage to other personal property, the conditions of the road at the time of the accident, nearby road signs and traffic lights, and anything else that was a factor in the accident. Now is the time to speak with witnesses to get their account of what happened during the accident.
Finally, call your insurance company when you get home. Remember that it’s their job to figure out who was at fault for the accident so don’t discuss it with them. Then, call an experienced truck accident attorney, who will be able to deal with the insurance company for you. Remember to keep all records related to your injury going forward, including medical bills and changes to your employment.
Speak to an Interstate 695 in Maryland Truck Accident Attorney
If a negligent truck driver caused an accident that resulted in serious injuries for you, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. the truck accident lawyers from Rice, Murtha, & Psoras are prepared to represent victims of injuries resulting from accidents that occur on I-695 and elsewhere in Maryland. Call us today at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.