Being involved in a truck accident can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. Tractor-trailers dwarf most passenger vehicles on the road, and the force of a collision can cause catastrophic injuries or even death. If you’ve been injured in a Baltimore truck accident that wasn’t your fault, understanding the role of negligence is crucial to protecting your rights and seeking compensation for your damages. Read Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Baltimore, MD to learn more.
What Is Negligence?
Negligence is the legal term used to describe when someone fails to act with the reasonable care that a person in their position should. This applies to all drivers on the road, including truck drivers and trucking companies. When a truck driver or trucking company breaches this duty of care and causes an accident, they can be held liable for the damages resulting from the crash.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents Due To Negligence In Baltimore
There are many factors that can contribute to truck accidents in Baltimore. Here are some of the most common causes involving negligence:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are subject to strict federal regulations on how many hours they can drive without a break. Disregarding these regulations and driving while drowsy can significantly impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on a cell phone, or eating while driving are all forms of distracted driving that can be dangerous for any driver, but especially for those operating large commercial vehicles.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a major cause of accidents, and it’s particularly dangerous for large trucks that take longer to stop than cars.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. The effects of intoxication can severely impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Improper vehicle maintenance: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained and in safe working order. Failing to do so can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents.
- Overloaded trucks: Trucks have weight limits for a reason. Exceeding these limits can make the truck difficult to handle and increase the risk of a rollover accident.
How Attorney Big Al Can Help With Your Baltimore Truck Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a Baltimore truck accident caused by negligence, truck accident lawyer Baltimore can help. Here’s what Attorney Big Al can do for you:
- Investigate the accident: Attorney Big Al will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and truck driver logs. This investigation is essential to proving negligence.
- Determine liability: Attorney Big Al will work to identify all parties liable for the accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any other responsible parties.
- Calculate your damages: Attorney Big Al will work with medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries and calculate the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies: Insurance companies are notorious for trying to undervalue claims. Attorney Big Al will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, Attorney Big Al will represent you in court and fight for your rights.
Sharing The Road Safely With Baltimore’s Trucks
Baltimore’s economy thrives in part due to the constant flow of goods through its busy highways and port. Large trucks are a vital part of this economic engine, but they also share the road with passenger vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring safety. Here are some tips for sharing the road safely with Baltimore’s trucks:
- Maintain a safe following distance: Due to their size and weight, trucks take longer to stop than cars. Increase your following distance considerably when behind a truck.
- Be aware of blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots on the sides and rear of the vehicle. Avoid lingering in these areas and make eye contact with the truck driver when possible.
- Use your turn signals properly: Always signal well in advance of changing lanes or turning. This will give truck drivers ample time to react to your maneuvers.
- Don’t cut off trucks: Never attempt to squeeze into a lane occupied by a truck, especially when there’s oncoming traffic.
- Pass trucks cautiously: Only pass when it’s safe and legal to do so. Never pass on the right shoulder or when approaching a hill or curve.
- Be mindful of weather conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can significantly impact stopping distances and visibility. Adjust your following distance and speed accordingly when sharing the road with trucks in bad weather.
By following these tips and practicing defensive driving techniques, we can all help to keep Baltimore’s roads safer for everyone.
Why Choose Attorney Big Al For Your Baltimore Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident lawyer Baltimore understands the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that truck accident victims face. Here’s what sets Attorney Big Al apart:
- Extensive experience: Attorney Big Al has a proven track record of success in handling Baltimore truck accident cases.
- Personalized attention: Attorney Big Al will provide you with personalized attention and guidance throughout the legal process.
- Relentless advocacy: Attorney Big Al will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
- No upfront fees: Attorney Big Al works on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless he wins your case.
Call Attorney Big Al today for a free consultation. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need after a Baltimore truck accident. Attorney Big Al is here to fight for you.
FAQs: Baltimore Truck Accident Cases and Attorney Big Al
Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to Baltimore truck accidents and Attorney Big Al’s services:
How much will it cost to hire truck accident lawyer Baltimore for my truck accident case?
Attorney Big Al works on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any fees upfront unless he wins your case. His fee will be a percentage of the compensation you receive.
What if I’m unsure whether I have a case?
Attorney Big Al offers free consultations. During this consultation, he will review the details of your accident and advise you on whether you have a case and what your legal options are.
How long will it take to resolve my Baltimore truck accident case?
The length of time it takes to resolve a truck accident case can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Attorney Big Al will work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
What evidence do I need to prove negligence in my truck accident case?
Evidence that can help prove negligence includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, truck driver logs, and maintenance records for the truck. Attorney Big Al will handle the investigation and evidence gathering for you.
What should I do after a Baltimore truck accident?
Here are some initial steps to take after a truck accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.
- Report the accident to the police.
- Don’t speak to the insurance company for the truck driver or trucking company without first consulting with an attorney.
- Gather any evidence you can from the scene of the accident, such as photographs and witness contact information.
- Contact Attorney Big Al for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.