Truck Accident Attorney Rockville, MD

Truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences, causing life-changing injuries that demand extensive and expensive medical care for victims. The financial strain from such treatments and medical bills often weighs heavily on the victims and their families.

When these accidents occur due to negligence by commercial truck drivers, trucking companies, or other industry entities, the victims may have a right to seek compensation for the losses caused by their injuries.

However, obtaining rightful compensation can be challenging as the trucking industry and insurers frequently contest legitimate claims and use various tactics to pressure victims into accepting inadequate settlements that fail to either recover compensation or cover the full extent of their damages.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a commercial or semi-truck accident, contact a Rockville truck accident attorney today from Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, PC.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Rockville, MD

In the event of a truck accident in Rockville, your first step is to prioritize safety for yourself and any passengers. If your vehicle is operational, try to move it to a safe spot on the road, though it might be challenging on a highway.

If you or others have been injured in a truck crash, and your injuries are serious you should call for an ambulance to take you to a nearby hospital. While receiving medical attention, inform the healthcare staff about how the injuries occurred to document your claim accurately.

Furthermore, contact law enforcement to assess the accident scene. A police report will be valuable when reporting the incident to your insurance company. In certain situations, you may be legally obligated to report the accident to law enforcement, especially if severe injuries or fatalities were involved in the crash.

Request Information From The Truck Driver

Once you reach safety, ensure to exchange essential information with the truck driver, including:

• The truck driver’s name and contact information.
• The license plate, make, and model of the truck, along with the truck’s insurance company details
• Inquire about the name of the truck driver’s employer.

Requesting the name of the employing company is crucial. If the accident happened while the large trucking companies’ driver was carrying out their employer’s duties, the trucking company could be held liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. This doctrine allows an employer to be held responsible for their employee’s actions when those actions occur within the scope of employment.

Though the truck driver may bear personal liability towards the accident victim, they might lack sufficient resources to compensate for the injuries and vehicle damage, mainly if the victim requires extensive medical care.

Gather Evidence of the Accident

 Gathering pertinent information to help your insurance company establish fault in the accident is crucial. Maryland operates under an at-fault system for car accidents, so having evidence that demonstrates your non-responsibility is essential.

Ensure that you gather the following evidence related to the truck accident:

• The precise location of the accident, including the intersection or road.
• Photographs depicting the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the collision.
• Document injuries sustained by you and any passengers in your vehicle with photographs as well.
• Take note of any adverse weather conditions that might have contributed to the accident.
• If any witnesses were present during the accident, obtain their statements. Record their names and contact information for future reference.

By gathering this evidence, you’ll be better equipped to support your case and demonstrate your innocence in the accident.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

After becoming capable, it is essential to report the accident to your insurance company promptly. They will then initiate contact with the insurance company associated with the trucking company. Subsequently, you might receive communication from a representative representing the negligent truck driver’s insurance company. Recognizing that this representative’s priority will be protecting the negligent truck drivers and their company from liability, not your interests, is crucial. Consequently, it is imperative to be well-prepared with accurate information and refrain from making unnecessary statements.

For further information on determining when to pursue legal action for a trucking accident injury, we encourage you to contact an experienced Rockville personal injury lawyer.

Common Truck Accident Injuries in Rockville

• Broken bones
• Burns
• Crushing injuries
• Spinal and back injuries
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash
• Headaches
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Concussions

Who Is Liable In An Accident Involving A Commercial Truck?

Driving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or large commercial trucks is a vastly different experience compared to operating a family SUV. These semi-truck vehicles can weigh 20 to 30 times more than standard passenger vehicles and occupy significantly more space on the road. Consequently, they handle it in a manner that most of us are not accustomed to.

Due to their considerable size and weight, commercial trucks have slower acceleration, require more space to make turns, and severely limit visibility for the driver. Moreover, they have specialized features not commonly found in passenger vehicles, such as air brakes and coupling devices.

Given the stark contrast between driving commercial trucks and regular cars, those who wish to drive commercial vehicles must undergo specialized training and obtain commercial driver’s licenses to ensure legal operation.

Despite these measures, there are still instances where commercial truck drivers make mistakes and drive carelessly, leading to severe accidents. These accidents are often a result of driver negligence, which may include reckless driving, driver fatigue, impaired driving, failure to yield, tailgating, improper turns, failure to signal lane changes, and even driving on the wrong side of the road. Such negligence can have severe consequences and pose a significant road safety risk.

• Reckless driving
• Driver fatigue
• Impaired driving
• Failure to yield
• Following too closely
• Improper turns
• Need to signal lane changes
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Distracted driving

What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case?

Our trucking accident lawyers will hold the responsible party liable for any resulting injuries after the accident and the amount in damages, including:

• Loss of income if you were unable to work while recovering
• Emergency care, including the cost of ambulance transportation
• All reasonable medical expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Learn how Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. can help you when you schedule a free consultation. Call us for a no-obligation opportunity to get answers to your legal questions, including what you can expect from a truck accident case.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Trucking Accident in Rockville, MD

If the trucking company or its insurance company does not offer you fair compensation for your injuries, you will likely have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In that situation, your claim must be filed within the  statute of limitations.

The statute of limitations specifies the time limit for a plaintiff to file a lawsuit against a defendant. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the accident date. Failing to file your case within this three-year window may result in the court dismissing your claim.

Don’t delay in pursuing the rightful compensation you deserve. Our firm is here to promptly assist you in commencing your personal injury claim.

How Our Rockville Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Thorough Investigation: Your legal team at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. will establish who is at fault in a truck accident by conducting a thorough investigation. This includes gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and using experts to recreate the scene.

Determining Liability: With multiple parties potentially involved, like truck drivers or trucking companies, our lawyers will pinpoint who’s responsible for the crash.

Insurance Negotiations: Your lawyer will handle negotiations with trucking companies’ insurers to secure a settlement that reflects their higher insurance limits.

Calculating Full Damages: Our attorneys accurately calculate all damages from medical bills to lost wages and pain, using experts to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Skilled Settlement Negotiations: Our attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C know how to negotiate a fair settlement and will advise if it’s better to settle or go to court.

Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys will argue on your behalf, examine witnesses, and aim for a favorable verdict.

Guidance and Support: Our Rockville, MD truck accident lawyers provide legal guidance, support your decisions, and keep you informed throughout the process.

Contingency Fees: The law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. works on a no-win, no-fee basis, ensuring legal help is available regardless of personal finances.

Our Dedicated Rockville Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here For You

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C., our devoted Rockville truck accident Lawyers understand the complexities of your truck accident claim cases and are equipped to navigate this legal landscape effectively. We believe in your right to fair compensation and will fight tirelessly to ensure justice is served. Coping with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you on the road to recovery.