Hagerstown Truck Accident Attorney

Lawyer for Commercial Truck Accidents in Hagerstown, MD

Due to the significant size and weight of large commercial trucks, collisions with passenger vehicles often cause more damage than many other types of car accidents. Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, and while they may result in severe injuries, people may be killed after being struck by a tractor-trailer truck. A Hagerstown truck accident lawyer can help victims navigate the legal landscape and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Truck accidents are unique in the world of personal injury law due to the various factors involved. These cases require experience and a strategic approach. At Serafini Law, our knowledgeable attorney can assist in these situations by investigating the details of an accident, identifying all responsible parties, and working to hold them accountable. Trucking companies and their insurers often have aggressive legal teams, and it is essential for injury victims to have strong legal representation as well so they can protect their best interests.

The Dangers of Truck Accidents

The risks of serious injury or death in a truck accident are a major concern. Commercial trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, are difficult to maneuver and stop, especially in emergency situations. When a large truck collides with a much smaller passenger vehicle, the impact can be catastrophic, causing life-altering injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations
• Amputations
• Burn injuries
• Wrongful death

Even "minor" collisions with large trucks can result in extensive damage and severe injuries. The victims of a truck accident may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Our attorney can evaluate the full extent of a victim's injuries and calculate the compensation they may be entitled to receive. We will work to ensure that medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages will be fully covered.

What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents?

In many cases, truck accidents occur because of negligence by truck drivers, and other parties may also be responsible. Some reasons that people may be injured in collisions with commercial trucks include:

• Driver Fatigue and Drowsiness: Truck drivers may stay behind the wheel for numerous hours at a time and several days in a row while following irregular schedules that may include driving during both the day and night. Despite regulations that are meant to limit truck drivers' time on the road and require them to take regular breaks, fatigue remains a major issue. A drowsy driver is more likely to make mistakes that can lead to accidents, or they may fall asleep behind the wheel and cause catastrophic collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Like all drivers, truckers may become distracted by mobile phones, GPS systems, or other in-cab devices. Distractions can lead to delayed reactions or other issues that can cause accidents.
• Improper Maintenance: Trucks require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that they are safe to operate. Failure to maintain a truck's brakes, tires, or other critical systems can lead to mechanical issues. When a truck breaks down while in transit, a driver will be more likely to lose control and collide with other vehicles.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Federal regulations dictate how much weight a truck can carry and how cargo must be secured. Overloaded or improperly balanced cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents. If cargo falls from a truck, it may strike and seriously damage other vehicles.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Due to delivery deadlines and tight schedules, some truck drivers may engage in unsafe driving practices. Speeding makes it difficult for large trucks to stop or maneuver correctly. Dangerous practices such as tailgating or disobeying traffic signals can lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Driving Under the Influence: Some truck drivers may drink alcohol or use drugs, which can drastically affect their ability to maintain control of large commercial vehicles. Intoxicated truck drivers will be much more likely to collide with other vehicles and inflict serious injuries.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Cases involving commercial truck accident cases are often more complicated than other types of car accident claims, because multiple parties may be held liable. Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to other entities, and assigning fault may be a complex matter. In a truck accident, potential liable parties may include:

• The Truck Driver: If the truck driver engaged in negligent behavior by disobeying traffic laws or violating federal regulations, they will most likely be considered to be at fault for causing an accident.
• The Trucking Company: Employers or companies that hire truck drivers have the responsibility to make sure drivers have the proper training and experience. Trucking companies must also make sure vehicles are maintained in safe working condition. If a company failed to enforce safety protocols or encouraged drivers to break federal regulations, they may share liability.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced or make it more difficult to stop. Those who were responsible for loading trucks may share liability for accidents that occur as a result of negligent practices.
• Maintenance Providers: Trucking companies may contract with third-party companies to maintain their fleets. If an accident was caused by mechanical failure due to inadequate maintenance, the maintenance company may be held accountable.
• Truck Manufacturers: If an accident was caused by a defect in a truck or its parts, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.

Contact Our Hagerstown, Maryland Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

After being injured in a truck accident in or around Hagerstown, it is important to receive legal help as soon as possible. With the right legal support, you can take steps to secure the compensation you need to recover. Contact Serafini Law today at 240-744-1600 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice.