If you have been injured in a truck accident in Baltimore, having a clear understanding of how truck accidents are different from car accidents can help your pursuit of justice. Truck accidents are different from car accidents in several ways, and recovering just compensation for your injuries will involve a different set of processes and procedures. To protect your legal rights, you need to make informed decisions, and you need to make sure you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your financial recovery.
7 Important Ways Truck Accidents are Different from Car Accidents
So, what do you need to know after a truck accident in Baltimore? Here are seven important ways truck accidents are different from car accidents:
1. Small Mistakes Are More Likely to Have Big Consequences
Due to the size and weight of 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks, even minor driving errors can have major consequences. While truck drivers should be fully capable of maintaining control of their vehicles, many truck drivers lack the training and experience they need to either: (i) avoid making mistakes that lead to loss of control; or, (ii) regain control of their trucks in time to avoid dangerous collisions.
Additionally, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and driving under the influence are all more dangerous behind the wheel of a large commercial truck. When truck drivers aren’t paying attention or aren’t fully in control of their faculties, they are far more likely to cause serious or fatal accidents.
2. More Vehicle-Related Issues Can Lead to Serious Accidents
Large commercial trucks have several components that aren’t on cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. Additionally, since these trucks often cover an extraordinary amount of miles, they need regular maintenance to stay safe on the roads. From issues with couplings and cargo straps to worn-out tires and brake pads, numerous vehicle-related issues have the potential to cause truck drivers to lose control.
3. The Driver’s Employer is More Likely to Be Responsible
In “ordinary” car accident cases, recovering just compensation usually involves dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But, in truck accident cases, the truck driver’s employer is more likely to be responsible. In Maryland, employers are legally responsible for employees’ conduct “within the scope of their employment,” and this includes truck driving. While some truck drivers are owner-operators who have their own insurance, most work for big companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Wegmans, and Walgreens.
4. Other Companies Could Be Liable for the Accident
Since so many issues can cause truck accidents, a variety of other companies can potentially be liable as well. For example, when investigating our clients’ truck accident cases, we explore the possibility of pursuing claims against:
- The truck manufacturer
- Component manufacturers (i.e., manufacturers of brakes and tires)
- Shipping companies and product manufacturers (in cases involving cargo-related accidents)
- Repair shops, dealerships, and maintenance providers
This is in addition to examining the possibility of pursuing claims against your vehicle’s manufacturer, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), and various other entities.
5. You Shouldn’t Have to Worry About Insurance Coverage
In some car accident cases, the amount of insurance coverage that is available will limit the amount accident victims can recover for their losses. However, in truck accident cases, this generally isn’t an issue. Trucking companies and other businesses usually have substantial liability insurance policies, and these policies will provide more than enough coverage in most cases.
6. But, Obtaining Insurance Coverage Could Be Even More Challenging
Even though most companies have plenty of insurance coverage to compensate truck accident victims, recovering just compensation after a truck accident can prove extremely challenging. From gathering the necessary evidence to dealing with the liable company’s defense lawyers, truck accident cases present a variety of unique challenges. Unfortunately, this means that many truck accident victims end up without the compensation they deserve.
7. It Is Even More Important to Have an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side
With an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side, you can recover fair compensation for your truck accident losses. Your lawyer can conduct an investigation, gather additional evidence through discovery, and negotiate effectively on your behalf. Your lawyer can also take your case to court if necessary. If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident, you cannot afford to try to handle your situation on your own. You need an experienced attorney who is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
The Bishop Law Group can help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve after a wreck. We know how truck accidents are different from car accidents. We work vigorously to protect the rights of our clients and hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their wrongdoing.
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Don’t face your injuries alone. Contact our office today online or at (410) 390-3101 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a Baltimore truck accident lawyer. We serve clients in Baltimore, Ocean City, and other Maryland areas.
