Truck Accident Victims in Maryland FAQ

by Saller Law Last updated Jan 21, 2022

If you have been in a truck accident in Maryland, your actions will determine the level of normalcy you will have in your life after the accident.

Here’s everything that truck accident victims in Maryland need to know to restore their lives as before and how involving truck accident lawyers can help you through the process.

What causes most truck accidents in maryland?

Though most states have strict laws regarding the number of hours commercial truck drivers can be behind the wheel, there are still many instances where driver fatigue has caused accidents. Speeding and negligence are a couple of other common reasons for truck accidents.

The truth is, some drivers simply do not adhere to safety regulations, which includes not overloading the truck. Both inexperienced and veteran drivers tend to overload their trucks or make modifications that they think will improve their vehicles’ performance, which also leads to a large number of truck accidents.

What is the best course of action after a truck accident?

Acting quickly after a truck accident is easier said than done. But if you can think straight afterwards, here is what you should be doing ideally.

Collect information - Ask for the other driver's name, address, phone number and insurance company information (including policy number).
Contact your own insurance company - This is crucial to take care of as soon as possible. Your insurance company will want to know that there was an accident, how it occurred and whether anyone was injured. They will also want to know if there's any damage done to your vehicle.
Get medical attention - Injuries from a truck accident often don't show up until hours afterwards when symptoms such as back pain and headaches appear. That's why it's important to get yourself checked out by a doctor even if you don't have visible injuries.

Should I involve the police after a truck accident?

Ideally, you should call the police if someone has been injured or killed because they will need to file a report immediately. If everyone is fine, the police aren’t necessary.

However, just to be on the safe side, the police should be called to the scene so they can record insurance information and other details.

Should I file a truck accident lawsuit in Maryland?

There are many reasons why someone would decide to hire truck accident lawyers and file a truck accident lawsuit.

For example, if the truck driver was negligent and caused you physical harm or caused damage to your property, then it is important that you contact an attorney immediately.

A trucking company may not admit fault in these situations if they can help it, but as long as you have evidence and a strong case, there is little room for them to deny their negligence.

In some cases, you may have been partially at fault for the accident. If this is the case, then it may be possible for you to recover partial compensation from the other party involved in the crash. However, proving your own negligence can be extremely difficult and costly and working with Baltimore truck accident lawyers may be your best shot at getting justice.

Will the truck driver’s insurance company pay my bills?

The truck driver’s insurance company will only pay the bills if the truck driver was at fault. If they were not at fault, then your insurance company has to pay your bills. It is best to lawyer up because they will be able to help you investigate and find out whose fault it was for sure.

A lawyer may help you get your hands at the following:

The police report showing the truck driver was at fault.
Witnesses who saw the accident and can tell you what happened.
Evidence from the scene of the crime.

All of the above are extremely important to build your case in court and are instrumental in helping you prove your innocence.

Can I negotiate for more money after my truck accident?

Negotiation is one of the best ways of getting compensation from the other party. However, there are many factors that will determine how much compensation you will get from the other party.

For example, your injuries and their severity will be important in this process. If your injuries are minor, then you may not get a very high amount of money as compared to someone whose injuries are severe.

But the problem with this is that damage from an accident exceeds physical injuries. Nobody even accounts for the emotional and mental trauma, which makes it difficult for victims to get back to normalcy. So, you will have to prove that the damages have affected your life in any way whatsoever.

That’s why it is recommended that you enlist help from an experienced truck accident lawyer. Your lawyer can do a lot to help you get the maximum compensation possible after your truck accident. They can collect evidence and simplify the judicial process for you, which is especially important when you have experienced emotional stress.

Besides, if a lawyer isn’t involved in the process, it might be more difficult for you to get everything that you are entitled to while keeping your rights protected as the trucking company might do everything to avoid paying for the damages.

When should I involve a truck accident lawyer in Baltimore?

You may not realize it, but having the right legal representation can be critical in the aftermath of a Baltimore truck accident lawyers. Trucking companies are well-versed in the laws and regulations that govern the industry.

They know how to protect themselves and avoid the consequences of responsibility. So, if you don’t have an attorney on your side, then you may find yourself at a disadvantage.

Ideally, you should consult an attorney right away to discuss your options and protect your rights. The longer you wait, the greater the risk. This is especially true if you are suffering from injuries.

Your legal aid can help ensure that you are treated fairly as well as protect your rights when it comes to navigating the judicial procedure. They will help you obtain the right compensation for your case and make sure that your emotional well-being is protected.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, contact Saller Law for a free estimate. If you’re worried about hiring the right lawyer for the job, check out our top 5 tips for hiring the best truck accident lawyer in Baltimore.