Accidents involving large commercial trucks like tanker trucks and tractor-trailers have the potential to be extremely destructive. They occur with unfortunate regularity, and every year thousands of people are hurt by the negligence of truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties that operate in the trucking industry. Many potential clients come to us stressed, confused, and with many questions about the legal side of an accident involving a commercial truck. We’ve answered some of the questions we hear from most truck crash victims below. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your case, call our office today at 301-381-2655 or contact us online.
Will I Be Able to Recover Compensation?
Whether you will be able to recover compensation for your truck accident depends on whether someone else’s negligence caused your accident. Common causes of truck accidents that are almost always considered negligent include speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, failing to adequately secure cargo, poor vehicle maintenance, driving without headlights, or violating the rules of the road.
Who is Liable? The Trucking Company or the Truck Driver?
Federal regulations prevent trucking companies from avoiding liability for the negligent acts of their truck drivers, even when the driver is an independent “owner-operator.” That being said, if a truck driver were acting as an independent contractor for a party other than a carrier (such a for a private individual), liability would likely fall on the driver.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
It is impossible to determine exactly how much a case is worth until it settles or court orders an award. There are a number of factors that will determine how much you will ultimately receive, including the severity of your injuries, your prognosis, your age, and what you do for a living. Common examples of the damages victims seek in commercial truck accident cases include medical expenses, lost income, lost the quality of life, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. An attorney familiar with personal injury law will be able to estimate what a fair settlement for your case would be and ensure that you do not accept a lowball offer from the insurance company handling your case.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Since every case is different, it is not possible to discuss how long an “average” truck accident case will take. The amount of time it takes to resolve a case depends on a number of factors, including whether the other party is contesting liability, the types of injuries you sustained, and whether your case goes to trial. As a result, it could take a matter of months or a matter of years to resolve a truck accident case. Once you meet with an attorney, he or she will be able to give you an idea as to the overall complexity of your case and may be able to provide an estimated timeline for its resolution.
Call Alpert Schreyer, LLC, Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, it is critical that you retain an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. If you can establish that a truck driver, the trucking company, or another party caused your accident, there is a good chance that you’ll be able to recover significant compensation. For a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Maryland, call our office today at 301-381-2655 or contact us online.