Commercial trucks have a higher center of gravity than other vehicles, making them more prone to tipping over. As such, there are numerous rules trucking companies and truck drivers must comply with to prevent the risk of rollover crashes. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers and trucking companies heed the applicable rules, and their carelessness often leads to catastrophic collisions. Rollover truck accidents can cause devastating injuries, and the parties responsible for causing crashes should be held liable for any damages incurred. If you sustained injuries in a rollover truck collision, you should meet with an attorney to discuss what claims you may be able to pursue. The dedicated Maryland truck accident attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A. are proficient at helping parties hurt by the negligence of others in the pursuit of compensation, and if you engage our services, we will advocate tirelessly on your behalf.
Causes of Rollover Truck AccidentsCommercial truck drivers traveling in Maryland must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations (the Regulations) and state law. For example, there is a limit to the amount of weight trucks are permitted to transport. Overweight loads are also more likely to become unbalanced and shift during transport, which can result in a rollover accident. Tire blowouts, underinflated tires, and faulty brakes frequently cause rollover accidents, as well; as such, trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure everything is in working order. Driving at excessive speeds and failing to slow down when turning also often leads to rollover crashes.
Elements of a Lawsuit Arising out of a Rollover Truck AccidentAnyone involved in an accident with a commercial truck can pursue compensation for their harm via a civil lawsuit. In many cases, a plaintiff in a trucking accident case will be able to recover damages not only from the driver but if the driver was operating the truck in the scope of an employment relationship, from the driver's employer as well.
In most lawsuits arising out of rollover truck accidents, the plaintiff will assert a negligence claim against the driver. In Maryland, to prove negligence, the person injured must first show that the defendant owed the person injured a duty of care and that the defendant breached the duty. Usually, a plaintiff in a trucking accident case will argue that the defendant had a duty to comply with the Regulations and state laws and that the defendant breached the duty by failing to abide by the terms of the applicable rule. The plaintiff must then establish that the defendant's breach was the cause of the accident and that the accident caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm.
If the driver's employer is named as a defendant as well, the employer may be held vicariously liable for the driver's negligent acts. The employer may also be liable under a theory of negligent hiring or negligent supervision if the plaintiff can show that the employer knew or should have known that the driver was unfit to perform their duties and posed a risk of harm to other people on the road.
A plaintiff that successfully establishes liability in a trucking accident case may be awarded damages for the economic harm they suffered, like the cost of medical care and lost wages, and their noneconomic losses, such as pain, suffering, and mental trauma.
Meet With a Trusted Maryland Attorney TodayIf you suffered injuries in a rollover truck accident, you have the right to seek compensation, and it is in your best interest to meet with an attorney to discuss your harm and what damages you may be able to recover. The trusted Maryland attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A. are well-versed in what it takes to prove liability for trucking accidents, and if we represent you, we will provide you with compelling arguments to help you seek a successful result. We have an office in Greenbelt, and we regularly represent injured parties in truck accident lawsuits in Bowie and other cities in Prince George's County and Montgomery County. You can contact us to set up a confidential and free meeting by using our online form or calling us at (301) 441-2022.