Every day, thousands of trucks travel on Maryland’s I-70. Unfortunately, sometimes truck drivers or trucking companies act in a way that causes accidents with other drivers on the road. If you were involved in an accident with a truck on I-70 and you would like to recover compensation for your injuries, get in touch with an experienced truck accident attorney today.
The personal injury lawyers from Rice, Murtha, & Psoras are prepared to help victims of truck accidents with their personal injury claims. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Call (410) 694-7291.
Causes of Truck Accidents on I-70 in Maryland
Trucks that drive on I-70 in Maryland can cause accidents if their drivers are negligent or otherwise behave in a way that lacks consideration for the safety of other drivers on the road. the following are common causes of truck accidents on I-70.
Heavy and Large Trucks
Since trucks are extremely large and heavy, they are more prone to accidents than other types of vehicles. Drivers often experience blind spots that keep them from being able to see other drivers on the road and their weight makes it difficult for truck drivers to brake when they need to. Since trucks have a high center of gravity, it’s possible for them to tip over when involved in high-velocity accidents. the nature of truck accidents means that some accidents cannot be avoided; however, some accidents happen because the driver of the truck acted negligently by failing to take the proper amount of care.
Inclement Weather
Some truck accidents on I-70 happen because of inclement weather. Whether because of rain, snow, ice, or fog, trucks are more likely than other vehicles to experience difficulties while adapting to poor road conditions created by the weather. Truck drivers who cause accidents when they fail to take the proper precautions in inclement weather can have personal injury lawsuits filed against them.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers are required to drive for long periods of time without the chance to take a break, which can result in fatigue. If a fatigued driver causes an accident because the trucking company they work for didn’t allow them to take time to rest adequately, the victim of the accident may be able to file a lawsuit against the trucking company.
Types of Trucks That Can Cause Accidents on Maryland’s I-70
Many different types of trucks drive on I-70 every day, each of which carries its own risk of being involved in an accident. 18-wheelrs, big rigs, tow trucks, cargo trucks, flatbed trucks, dumptrucks, coal trucks, fuel trucks, and more run the risk of being involved in accidents with other drivers every time they get on the road. Since each type of truck has a different shape, mass, and purpose, each carries specific risk factors that can lead to an accident.
Violations of Federal Regulations for Trucks Cause Accidents
Trucks are deployed by trucking companies, which are regulated closely by the FMCSA (the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). This organization is responsible for regulating the behavior of trucking companies across the United States, with the intention of ensuring that truck drivers and the drivers that they share the road with are safe. the FMCSA imposes regulations that dictate how trucking companies should behave regarding the way they treat truck drivers and how they load their trucks.
The regulations set forth by the FMCSA are intended to protect the trucking industry. Many trucking companies, however, ignore these regulations. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to the regulations set forth by the FMCSA are exhibiting a form of negligence—if their trucks are involved in an accident, the trucking company that has violated FMCSA regulations may be held accountable for any injuries sustained during any accidents caused by their trucks.
Compensation You May Be Able To Receive for a Truck Accident Injury in Maryland
You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a truck accident on I-70 in Maryland. the compensation you can receive may be one of two categories:
economic and non-economic. Economic damages are those that have a direct monetary value—these include medical costs (ambulance rides, surgeries, physical therapy, lab work, medications, and visits with physicians), income that was lost due to an inability to work, future wages that won’t be able to earned because of your injury, out-of-pocket expenses, and the cost of replacing damaged property.
The non-economic damages that victims can recover in a personal injury lawsuit are those that don’t have a direct monetary value. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. the spouses of injured victims may also be able to recover compensation for loss of consortium.
The families of people who die in truck accidents may be entitled to death benefits, which include the cost of the funeral and a part of the deceased person’s salary. Only close family members are eligible to receive death benefits. In accidents in which extreme negligence was displayed, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are rare, however.
Speak to a Maryland Truck Accident Attorney
A truck accident on I-70 can change your life. Aside from damage to your property, you may suffer injuries that can keep you from working, performing tasks and chores, and being there for your loved ones. Get in touch with an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer if you would like to pursue a personal injury claim following your accident with a truck. Call (410) 694-7291 today.