Why Are Truck Crashes So Dangerous?
That feeling of driving next to a semi truck on the highway is nerve-wracking; you can feel the wind disturbance push your vehicle around. And that’s if everything goes right and there isn’t a misstep from the truck driver. The sheer power and weight of a commercial truck can cause immense physical damage if there is an accident.
At Jackson & Associates Law Firm, LLC, we’ve seen the devastating effects of a commercial truck accident and what it can do to our clients. We’ve fought for injured people across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. We’re caring and attentive to our clients while aggressive and unyielding in the pursuit of their claims.
Truck Crashes Are A Unique Challenge
One way that a commercial vehicle accident claim differs from other car crashes is the resources. Often, trucks are owned by large companies with a lot of resources to fight any claim against them. But we’re not a firm to back down from any challenge.
Aside from the aggressive defense, there are even legitimate complications in trucking accidents that can make the fault discussions confusing, including:
- Inadequate loading
- Improper driver training
- Mechanical failures of the vehicle
- Road conditions
However, while some of these things are out of the company’s control, many of the contributing factors to a truck crash are solely at the company’s discretion.
Who Is Liable For Your Trucking Accident?
When pursuing compensation for Maryland truck accident injuries, you must understand how liability is determined. Unlike car crashes, truck accidents can involve multiple parties, each potentially responsible for the collision.
Identifying those responsible helps to ensure you obtain the maximum allowable compensation for injuries and damages. For an insurance company to establish liability fairly, they must thoroughly investigate and analyze the incident. A fair investigation should involve:
- Reviewing evidence: Physical evidence from the accident scene, including photographs and videos and any damaged property
- Reviewing documentation: Maintenance records, driver logs and electronic data (such as the electronic logging device or ELD) to assess vehicle condition and driver behavior
- Interviewing witnesses: Obtain statements from witnesses and involved parties to gather firsthand accounts, typically in complex accidents
- Using experts: Engaging accident reconstruction experts to analyze collision dynamics, if necessary
Based on the evidence and investigation, the insurance company identifies liability and assesses the extent of injuries and damage to determine compensation. Unfortunately, you cannot always trust trucking company insurers to properly investigate truck accidents and offer fair compensation.
To strengthen the chances of a just award, have an attorney perform a separate investigation that clearly demonstrates the level of compensation you deserve.
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident
Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, and knowing the steps to take afterward is essential for protecting your rights and well-being. Here are some steps to follow:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance
- Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation to identify hidden injuries and obtain medical documentation
- Gather evidence such as accident scene photos and images of injuries and property damage
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
- Get the trucker’s contact details, insurance information and employer name
- Contact a truck accident attorney to discuss your case and your legal options
Taking these early steps helps to preserve evidence and lays a strong foundation for your truck accident claim. Our experienced team can guide you through this challenging time and safeguard your due compensation.
You Are More Than Just A Number
As you struggle to heal and move on after a serious truck accident, you’ll face a lot of pressure from trucking companies to accept their offer. However, they look at you as a number, a minor inconvenience. You deserve every chance to have your voice heard and hold them accountable.
Call us at 301-264-7082 to get started with a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. You can also schedule your appointment online using this form.
We have offices in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Washington, D.C.