Helping Victims of Truck Accidents in Silver Spring

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating and deadly types of motor vehicle accidents. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, these vehicles can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries when they collide with smaller passenger cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

At the Law Offices of Maria Mena, we understand the unique challenges that truck accident victims face. Our Silver Spring truck accident attorney is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We have a proven track record of success and are prepared to put our extensive experience to work for you.

Call our office at (240) 607-8686 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation with our truck accident lawyer in Silver Spring.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. Determining the cause of a truck accident is crucial to establishing liability and pursuing a personal injury claim.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver error/negligence: Truck driver negligence is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. This includes all forms of driver error, such as speeding, tailgating, failing to yield the right of way, running red lights, and more. It also includes driver negligence, such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Truck driver fatigue: Truck driver fatigue is a major problem in the trucking industry. Due to the long hours they spend on the road, many truck drivers become dangerously fatigued. This can lead to slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and even falling asleep at the wheel.
• Truck driver inexperience: Truck drivers must undergo extensive training and obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to operate a commercial truck. Unfortunately, many truck drivers are inexperienced and do not have the necessary skills to safely operate these large vehicles.
• Truck driver impairment: Truck drivers are prohibited from using drugs or alcohol while on duty. However, many truck drivers violate these rules and drive while impaired. This can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
• Truck driver recklessness: In some cases, truck drivers engage in reckless behavior, such as aggressive driving, road rage, and more. This can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
• Truck driver violations: Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow all federal and state trucking regulations. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries. Common truck driver violations include hours-of-service violations, overweight truck violations, and more.
• Trucking company negligence: Trucking companies have a legal obligation to hire qualified drivers, ensure their drivers are properly trained, and follow all federal and state trucking regulations. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.
• Defective truck parts: In some cases, truck accidents are caused by defective truck parts. This could include defective brakes, tires, steering systems, and more. When a defective truck part causes an accident, the manufacturer can be held strictly liable for any resulting injuries.
• Improperly loaded cargo: Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that cargo is properly loaded and secured. When cargo is not loaded or secured properly, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and increasing the risk of a rollover accident.
• Inclement weather: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, fog, and high winds, can make it more difficult for truck drivers to safely operate their vehicles. However, truck drivers are still expected to exercise caution and adjust their driving to account for the weather.
• Poor road conditions: Poorly designed or maintained roads can also contribute to truck accidents. In these cases, the government entity responsible for designing, building, and/or maintaining the road may be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.

What Are My Legal Rights After a Truck Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Reduced quality of life

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, you will need to file an insurance claim in order to recover compensation for your damages. This will involve working with the trucking company’s insurance provider. However, it is important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, or even nothing at all. As such, it is crucial that you are extremely careful about what you say to the insurance company and that you do not provide a recorded statement or sign anything without first consulting with us.

When filing an insurance claim after a truck accident, there are several key steps you should take:

• Report the accident to the insurance company
• Seek medical attention
• Document your injuries and damages
• Do not sign anything
• Do not accept a settlement offer
• Consult with an attorney

In the days following a crash, it can also be helpful to keep a written journal of your symptoms, limitations, and how the injuries affect your daily routine, work, and family life. Our attorney can use this information, along with police reports from agencies such as the Montgomery County Police Department and any available photographs or witness statements, to present a clear picture of how the collision has changed your life.

How Our Firm Handles Truck Accident Claims

When you come to the Law Offices of Maria Mena after a serious truck crash, we take the time to learn the details of what happened and how your injuries are affecting you and your family. We then begin a careful investigation that can include obtaining police reports, visiting the scene, reviewing photographs or video, and requesting records from the trucking company and its insurer. Our goal is to build a clear picture of liability and damages so you can make informed decisions about your case.

As your claim moves forward, we communicate with insurance adjusters and defense lawyers on your behalf so you can focus on medical treatment and recovery instead of stressful phone calls. We also track important deadlines under Maryland law, request and organize your medical records, and work with you to document lost income and other financial losses. By approaching each case methodically, our team aims to put you in the strongest possible position for negotiation or litigation in Montgomery County courts.

Contact our Silver Spring truck accident attorney at the Law Offices of Maria Mena by calling (240) 607-8686 today!