Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are a constant presence on Prince George’s County roads, transporting goods across Maryland and beyond. When these large vehicles are involved in accidents, the consequences are often severe. Factors such as driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, or mechanical failures can turn an ordinary drive into a life-changing event. A Prince George’s County commercial truck accident lawyer can help you identify the cause of your crash and take steps to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Foran & Foran, P.A. works to uncover every detail contributing to the collision. Whether the accident involved negligent driving, unsafe trucks, or overlooked maintenance issues, our legal team will fight to get the answers you deserve. Reach out today to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovering fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Commercial truck accidents remain one of the most devastating types of crashes on Prince George’s County roads and across the country. These incidents often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities, particularly for passenger vehicle occupants. Statistics highlight the severity: in 2022 alone, 4,764 people died in large truck crashes, with 66% being passenger vehicle occupants. Trucks weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars, making collisions especially dangerous. The massive weight and height difference increases the risk of deadly underride accidents, where cars slide under truck trailers. If you or a loved one has been injured in one of these crashes, a Prince George’s County commercial truck accident lawyer can fight for your rights and help secure the compensation you deserve. 

Commercial truck accidents occur in many forms, each presenting unique dangers. Some types of collisions include:

Underride Accidents

These accidents happen when smaller vehicles slide underneath a truck’s trailer. The height difference makes underride crashes particularly deadly, but strong underride guards can help prevent them.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifing occurs when the truck’s cab and trailer fold at sharp angles, often due to sudden braking or slippery conditions. This loss of control can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-car pileups.

Rollover Crashes

When trucks turn too quickly or carry unbalanced loads, they may tip over. Rollovers are especially common on sharp curves, inclines, or during adverse weather conditions.

Rear-End Collisions

Commercial trucks require much longer stopping distances compared to passenger vehicles. Poorly maintained brakes or driver inattention frequently lead to rear-end crashes, particularly on wet roads.

Wide Turn Accidents

Large trucks require extra space to make right-hand turns. Misjudging the space or failing to account for smaller vehicles can result in dangerous collisions.

Recognizing the type of accident is essential for determining what caused the crash and who is responsible. Each scenario requires a tailored investigation to uncover critical details that support your claim.

Several factors contribute to commercial truck accidents, many of which are preventable. Driver fatigue remains one of the leading risks. Under federal hours-of-service regulations, truck drivers can spend up to 11 hours behind the wheel without a significant break. Long hours lead to slower reaction times and an increased likelihood of errors. Mechanical failures, particularly related to brakes, also play an essential role. Trucks require longer stopping distances, and poorly maintained braking systems worsen the problem, especially on slippery or wet surfaces. In addition, overloaded cargo can destabilize trucks, leading to jackknife incidents or rollovers. Distracted driving, speeding, and failure to account for blind spots further increase risks for drivers and other vehicles.

Weather conditions add another layer of danger. Wet, icy, or foggy roads make large trucks more difficult to control, leading to crashes that could have been avoided with proper caution. A Prince George’s County commercial truck accident lawyer will examine these contributing factors to identify negligence and hold responsible parties accountable.

Passenger vehicles bear the brunt of injuries and fatalities in truck crashes. In 2022, only 17% of truck crash fatalities were truck occupants, while passenger vehicle drivers and passengers accounted for over two-thirds of deaths. This imbalance occurs because trucks are significantly larger, heavier, and taller. When collisions happen, smaller vehicles absorb most of the impact. For example, a rear-end collision with a truck can crush the smaller car, while an underride accident frequently results in deadly consequences for occupants.

Beyond physical harm, victims often face overwhelming medical costs, lost income, and emotional trauma. Family members of fatal accident victims may experience additional financial strain and grief. Legal action against negligent parties can help you recover compensation for these losses, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward.

Determining responsibility for commercial truck accidents requires investigating multiple parties. Drivers may be held accountable for speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue-related mistakes. Trucking companies share responsibility when they fail to enforce safety protocols, properly train drivers, or maintain vehicles. Cargo loaders can also be liable if improperly loaded or unbalanced freight contributes to a crash. Additionally, manufacturers of defective parts—like brakes or tires—may face liability if equipment failure causes the accident.

A thorough investigation often reveals overlapping causes, requiring skilled legal representation to untangle the details. Your attorney will review driver logs, maintenance records, cargo manifests, and crash reports to identify all negligent parties. Holding everyone involved accountable improves your chances of receiving full compensation for your losses.

Collisions with commercial trucks can devastate victims and their families, often requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. The attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. understand the complexities of these cases, including dealing with large trucking companies and their insurers. As trusted Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys, we handle every aspect of your claim, from investigating the cause to pursuing compensation for your losses. Our office is conveniently accessible from the Metro, and we offer home or hospital visits for your convenience. Call 301-441-2022 or use our secure online contact form to set up a free consultation today.