Westminster, MD Truck Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents are dangerous experiences. Crashes involving large trucks and tractor-trailers are especially dangerous because of the vehicles’ size and weight. Motorists and pedestrians who are struck by trucks can suffer devastating injuries.
If you were injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Truck drivers are liable for damages caused by their negligent actions. However, you may face disputes from truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance companies after filing a claim. The assistance of our Westminster truck accident lawyers can be highly beneficial when pursuing compensation.
If you were injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, get help from experienced Westminster truck accident lawyers by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free case review.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Westminster, MD
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident in Westminster, there are certain steps you may take to protect your interest in a future lawsuit. The moments after a crash can be very stressful. However, it is important to keep your composure and take the following actions:
Remain at the Scene of the Accident
It is important for you to remain at the scene of the crash after a truck accident. Leaving the scene of an accident could inhibit your ability to recover damages related to the accident. However, you should not remain in an area where you are at risk of being hit by another car, so move to the side of the road if necessary.
Call 911
You should call the authorities immediately after being hit by a truck. First, a 911 dispatcher will be able to send emergency services if anyone requires immediate medical attention. Furthermore, a police officer will need to visit the scene of a truck accident to draft a report. An officer’s report can help prove who was at fault in a future lawsuit.
Exchange Information
Next, you should exchange information with all parties to a truck accident. The contact information of the truck driver should be collected in addition to the truck’s license plate number and insurance information. Collecting this information may help you when filing a claim.
Furthermore, you should avoid admitting fault when speaking with other parties. It can be natural to apologize after an accident even if it is not your fault. However, insurance companies may misconstrue an apology as an admission that you were at fault.
Document the Accident Scene
You should also document the scene of a truck accident after a crash. Photo documentation can help establish conditions surrounding an accident such as weather and road conditions. Furthermore, photos may be used to prove property damage from the truck accident. Our Westminster truck accident lawyers can help you determine what else should be documented and how to create good records after a truck accident.
Seek Medical Treatment
You should not wait to seek medical treatment after a trucking accident. Even if you think you are fine, some injuries may not be obvious until days or even weeks after an accident. Furthermore, insurance companies may use a delay in treatment to complicate the settlement process.
Insurance companies may also refer you to doctors who might minimize the extent of your injuries. Our Westminster truck accident lawyers can refer injury victims to doctors who can provide proper treatment instead of serving the interests of insurance companies.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Westminster, MD
There are various types of trucking accidents that can occur. However, severe injuries can result from any type of truck accident. Our Westminster truck accident lawyers can help recover compensation if you have been injured in any of the following types of truck accident:
Truck Rollovers
A truck rollover can be a terrifying accident. Tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks have a much higher rollover risk than standard cars. Accordingly, truck drivers must be careful when making turns so as to avoid sudden swerves.
Head-On Collisions
Unfortunately, there are occasions where truck drivers may drift out of their lane and into oncoming traffic. Drivers may do this because they are fatigued or impaired. Regardless, head-on collisions involving trucks are likely to cause devastating injuries because of the sheer weight and momentum of the oncoming truck.
Rear-End Collisions
Large trucks may have difficulty slowing down because of their weight. Accordingly, when truck drivers are tailgating, speeding, or driving while distracted, their negligence can lead to serious rear-end collisions. If you were injured because a truck driver caused a rear-end collision, our Westminster truck accident lawyers can help you with your case.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents refer to situations where large trucks with joints between the tractor and trailer fold in on themselves like a folding jackknife. Trucks involved in jackknife conditions can skid out of control, roll over, flip, and cause terrible devastation, especially on crowded highways.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents are side-impact or broadside crashes. These types of crashes occur most frequently at intersections. Truckers who fail to obey traffic lights can cause T-bone accidents that have serious or even fatal consequences for victims.
Common Types of Trucks Involved in Trucking Accidents in Westminster, MD
There are a variety of trucks that can cause serious damage in accidents because of their size. If you suffered injuries because of a truck accident, determining who to sue may depend on the type of truck that was involved. The following types of vehicles can cause truck accidents in Westminster:
- Mail delivery trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Semi-trucks
- 18-wheelers
- Livestock carriers
- Fire engines
- Ambulances
If you were injured in a truck accident, our experienced Westminster truck accident lawyers can provide assistance no matter which type of truck caused the crash.
If You Were Injured in a Truck Accident in Westminster, MD, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you suffered injuries because of a truck accident, get help recovering the compensation you deserve by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free case review.