Commercial Truck Accidents

As a major trucking route, Maryland has a large number of commercial vehicles on its roads. The substantial number of semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial trucks may increase the risk of a collision in Maryland, causing serious or fatal injuries to the drivers and passengers of cars and smaller vehicles. Unlike a typical car crash, commercial truck accidents are viewed in the context of trucking industry practices and regulations, federal transportation laws, and other areas of specialized knowledge. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we know that retaining an attorney with experience litigating semi- and commercial truck collisions may be crucial to getting the payout you deserve. If you have been injured, our Prince George’s County truck accident lawyers are prepared to help you seek the maximum amount of compensation you are owed.

Commercial trucks are some of the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road. Commercial vehicles include tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers, as well as flatbed trucks, garbage trucks, and other vehicles used for business purposes with a gross weight rating that exceeds 10,000 lbs. When an accident involving a commercial vehicle occurs, there may be multiple people responsible. Liable parties in a trucking accident case may include the operator of the commercial vehicle, their employer, the owner or lessor of the truck, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, the maintenance or service company, and/or the insurance companies of these parties. Depending on the circumstances, a person may be held liable for their own negligence, or vicariously liable for the negligence of their employees and agents. Irresponsible driving and noncompliance with trucking regulations are often the basis of a negligence claim in a commercial truck accident, as explained below.

Operators of commercial vehicles must be in good health and receive special training to obtain their commercial driver’s license. Nevertheless, semi-truck accidents are often caused by the same kind of careless driving that causes any type of collision on the road. A commercial truck accident may be the result of distracted driving or cell phone use, speeding, a traffic violation, or other negligent or reckless driving. Alcohol and controlled substance abuse may also play a role in commercial truck accidents, and truck drivers are frequently asked to undergo blood testing following a collision. Insofar as inclement weather and road hazards may increase the likelihood of jack-knifing or brake failure, a lack of good judgment on the part of the commercial driver and/or prolonged driving in adverse conditions may be the cause of a trucking accident.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations provide safety standards that professional truck drivers and motor carriers must follow while operating commercial motor vehicles. These regulations, as well as Maryland laws, cover every aspect of the trucking industry, from required maintenance and vehicle safety inspections to the amount of time drivers are permitted to be on duty. Noncompliance on the part of trucking companies or commercial drivers may establish their liability for damages if it factors into the cause of the accident. For example, a violation of hours of service regulations, which govern the maximum amount of time drivers are permitted to be on duty, may lead to driver fatigue, a major cause of trucking accidents. Likewise, failing to comply with cargo securement rules may result in fallen cargo striking another vehicle or becoming a road hazard. A qualified attorney can review the facts of your case to determine whether or not safety regulations were violated.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., we have the resources and experience to represent victims of commercial truck accidents against those responsible for their injuries. Our attorneys represent people throughout Prince George's County and Montgomery County, including Rockville, Silver Spring, Beltsville, Bowie, Clinton, Fort Washington, Greater Landover, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Lanham, Oxon Hill, Riverdale Park, Laurel, and Suitland. Request a free consultation with a Prince George's County truck accident lawyer by calling (301) 441-2022 or contacting us online.