Fatal Truck Accidents

A fatal truck accident can shatter a family in an instant, leaving loved ones grappling with the emotional, financial, and practical fallout. In Prince George’s County, these tragedies often stem from preventable causes like distracted driving, overloaded cargo, or mechanical failures. Large commercial trucks, with their immense size and weight, are especially dangerous when proper precautions are not taken.

A Prince George’s County fatal truck accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding your loss and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand that losing a loved one in a truck crash raises more than questions—it demands action. We take a thorough, compassionate approach to identifying the factors that led to the collision. Whether the crash involved a reckless driver, inadequate maintenance, or unsafe practices by a trucking company, we work tirelessly to pursue answers and secure the justice your family deserves. Contact our team to discuss how we can support you in seeking closure and fair compensation after such a devastating loss.

Fatal truck accidents occur for many reasons, often involving preventable factors. Speeding, driver fatigue, and distraction are the leading causes. Large trucks, which weigh over 10,000 lbs., require longer stopping distances and precise handling, making even minor mistakes deadly. Collisions involving head-on impacts or jackknifed trailers frequently result in fatalities, particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles. Data from Maryland indicates 511 deaths were reported in 2024, with heavy trucks contributing significantly.

In Prince George’s County, the five-year average includes 114 fatal crashes and 123 fatalities annually, highlighting the ongoing danger these vehicles pose. Poor maintenance, including faulty brakes or worn tires, further increases risks. Combined with improperly secured cargo, these issues turn trucks into lethal hazards. Victims deserve accountability for the harm caused by negligence, and a Prince George’s County fatal truck accident lawyer can help you pursue justice.

Maryland law often assigns liability to multiple parties in fatal truck accidents. Drivers may bear responsibility for reckless behaviors, such as speeding or ignoring road conditions. Trucking companies share accountability when they fail to enforce safety protocols, train operators adequately, or maintain vehicles properly. In some cases, cargo loaders or manufacturers of defective truck parts can also be held liable.

Understanding Maryland’s contributory negligence standard is critical. Victims or their families cannot recover compensation if found even 1% at fault for the crash. This strict rule underscores the importance of legal representation. A skilled attorney will investigate every detail, from driver logs to maintenance records, to build a case that protects your rights. Contacting a Prince George’s County fatal truck accident lawyer ensures negligent parties are held accountable, whether they are drivers, trucking companies, or other entities.

Families may pursue several types of legal claims when a fatal truck accident occurs. Wrongful death claims focus on the losses suffered by surviving family members, including funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress. These claims allow close relatives, such as spouses, children, or parents, to seek compensation for the impact of their loved one’s death.

Survivor claims, by contrast, address the suffering experienced by the deceased before passing. These claims may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, or lost wages incurred between the time of injury and death. Families may file both wrongful death and survivor claims to ensure all damages are accounted for.

Fatal truck accidents differ significantly from other crashes due to the severity of damage and unique challenges involved. The massive weight and size create greater force during collisions, often crushing passenger vehicles. Victims in smaller cars are at higher risk, accounting for the majority of fatalities in truck-related crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,936 deaths occurred in truck crashes in 2022, marking a 2% increase from the previous year.

Head-on collisions, which frequently occur in truck crashes, are especially deadly, as their impact force far exceeds that of sideswipe or single-vehicle accidents. Maryland statistics further reveal that rear-end crashes account for a significant portion of fatal collisions, often caused by trucks’ extended stopping distances. Additionally, improper cargo loading, such as unsecured or overweight freight, can make accidents more severe by increasing the likelihood of rollovers or jackknifing.

Trucking accidents often involve unique challenges when gathering and analyzing evidence. Black box data, maintenance logs, and driver records frequently serve as critical proof of negligence, but obtaining these materials requires prompt legal action. With the help of an experienced attorney, victims’ families can hold all responsible parties accountable.

Losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident is an unimaginable tragedy that leaves families grieving and facing financial uncertainty. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand the unique challenges of wrongful death claims and are here to help you seek justice. As compassionate Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys, we work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, or other responsible parties accountable. We advance all costs and only collect fees if we recover for you. Call 301-441-2022 or connect with us through our secure online contact form for a free consultation to discuss your family’s needs.