Being hit by a semi-truck is a serious and often scary experience. The massive size and weight of semi-truck can cause severe injuries and extensive property damage. Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple parties, federal and state laws, and expert evidence collection. This is why it’s important to have an experienced personal injury accident attorney on your side who will protect your rights, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
I Was Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident. What Lawyer Do I Call?
If you’ve been hit by a semi-truck in Maryland, contact our personal injury lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC 24/7 by calling us at (301) 720-1309 or filling out our online form. During your consultation we will review the facts and evidence, including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Cause of the accident
- All parties involved, and whether any witnesses were present
- The police report
- Photos, videos, or other evidence of the scene
- The extent of your injuries and symptoms, medical treatment received, and any future treatment recommendations
- Time missed from work, lost income, and any future lost income
- The impact of the injuries on your daily life and activities
- Actions or negligence by the other party that may have led to the incident
- Deadlines that could affect your right to file a claim
- Determine if another party is at-fault and if you have a strong case.
- Discuss the next steps for your claim
Why Semi-Truck Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents
In a typical car accident, you usually work with a single insurance company to resolve your claim, however, semi-truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, and each of these entities may have their own insurance company and legal team working to minimize their responsibility. An experienced Maryland semi-truck accident attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC will protect your rights and make sure the liable parties are held responsible.
Potential Liable Parties in a Semi-Truck Accident
In a semi-truck accident, determining fault is more complicated than a regular car accident. Several parties could be held responsible, including the:
- Truck Driver⎯Was the driver fatigued, distracted, or under the influence?
- Trucking Company⎯ Did the company hire unqualified or improperly trained drivers, overlook FMCSA English-language or safety compliance rules, neglect proper vehicle maintenance, or pressure drivers to violate hours-of-service limits to meet deadlines?
- Truck Manufacturer⎯Did a failure in the truck’s brakes, tires, or essential components play a role?
- Cargo Loaders⎯Was the truck improperly loaded, causing it to be unbalanced and difficult to control?
Federal and State Regulations For Semi-Trucks
The trucking industry is governed by a complex set of federal and state laws, regulated by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover everything from a driver’s hours of service and drug testing protocols, to vehicle maintenance logs and cargo securement.
Critical Needed For a Semi-Truck Claim
The sheer size and complexity of semi-trucks makes determining liability far more complicated. Semi-truck crashes often require expert analysis to determine the at-fault party or parties. Examples of evidence can include:
- Driver Logs and Hours-of-Service Records⎯Truck drivers are legally required to take designated rest breaks to prevent fatigue. If records reveal violations of these rules, this can be strong evidence of negligence.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)⎯New semi-trucks have ELDs that record speed, braking, and engine performance. This data shows whether the driver was speeding, braking abruptly, or doing something unsafe at the time of the crash.
- Vehicle Maintenance Records⎯A poorly maintained truck can be a serious hazard on the road. Reviewing maintenance logs, inspection reports, and repair histories will help your lawyer uncover mechanical failures that may have played a role in the accident.
- Cargo and Load Documentation⎯Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to tip or lose control. Documents like bills of lading, weight tickets, and load distribution reports help identify if the trucking company didn’t secure the cargo correctly.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts⎯For some cases, accident reconstruction specialists may be brought in to examine skid marks, vehicle damage, and take measurements of the scene to recreate the crash and determine what caused it.
- Driver Qualification Files⎯A skilled semi-truck accident attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC will review the driver’s records, training and safety certifications, compliance with FMCSA qualification standards, and any prior accidents or violations to determine whether the driver was properly vetted and qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
Why You Should Hire a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer at Alpert Schreyer, LLC
Hiring an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer at Alpert Schreyer, LLC ensures you have an expert on your side who understands the complex federal and state laws, regulations, and investigative process involved. Our attorneys will be able to:
- Determine liability
- Gather critical evidence
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Fight for maximum compensation
Expert Negotiation & Litigation
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court, so having an attorney from Alpert Schreyer, LLC advocate for you, gives you a strong legal advantage. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to take cases to trial, and that can influence settlement negotiations, along with the strength of the evidence, the extent of damages, and other case-specific factors. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, our attorneys will be prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court, as well as handle all legal procedures, filings, and court proceedings.
Contact Alpert Schreyer, LLC Personal Injury Attorneys
Hiring a personal injury attorney that’s experienced in semi-truck accidents will ensure your rights are protected and help you secure the settlement you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, contact Alpert Schreyer, LLC for a free consultation by calling us (301) 298-3306 or filling out our online form. We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick, and help all clients in Maryland.
We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick, and proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Frederick County, St. Mary’s County, County, Charles County, all of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
FAQs
How long do semi-truck accident settlements take?
Semi-truck accident settlements can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case. Truck accident cases tend to take longer than typical car accidents because they involve higher damages, more investigation, and multiple insurers.
Who is responsible in a semi-truck accident?
Responsibility for a truck accident usually involves multiple parties including the driver, the trucking company, vehicle maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even the tire and truck part manufacturers. Determining liability depends on identifying which party’s negligence led to the accident.
Do trucking companies have special insurance?
Trucking companies must carry specialized commercial insurance that differs from standard personal auto coverage. This type of policy is designed to account for the higher risks of operating large commercial vehicles, including increased liability exposure, potential cargo damage or loss, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and compensation for future costs, if your injuries are long-term or permanent.