Seeking compensation after a truck accident can be a complicated matter. Commercial vehicles are not only more likely to cause severe, complex injuries due to their tremendous size and weight, but theyāre also governed by both state and federal regulations and connected to multiple potentially liable parties. Thatās why having experienced legal representation is crucial when pursuing your case.
The team at Trollinger Law LLC has extensive experience tackling complex truck accident lawsuits. We offer sound legal guidance, tenacious representation, and compassionate support to our clients as they seek justice and fair compensation for their injuries. Contact us today to learn more.
What Is a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
A truck accident lawsuit is a civil legal action filed against one or more parties believed to be responsible for causing a tractor-trailer accident. Those parties can include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The truck manufacturer
- A third-party maintenance company
The lawsuitās main intention is to hold the liable party accountable for the injuries and damage theyāve caused. That can include the medical bills and lost time at work caused by your injuries, and the physical and mental suffering caused by the accident.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Truck accident lawsuits differ from car accident claims in ways that make them significantly more complicated and challenging to pursue. Some of the most significant differences include:
- Severity of Injuries ā Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs around 4,000 pounds. Collisions involving trucks can more frequently be catastrophic, life-altering, or fatal, which can significantly complicate truck accident cases.
- Multiple Potentially Liable Parties ā Car accidents most frequently involve two drivers, and liability most frequently falls on one or both of them. Truck accidents can involve multiple potentially liable parties, which means a more in-depth investigation and more evidence are needed to prove your case.
- Federal Regulations ā Commercial trucks are heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Investigating the accident requires a close look at whether any regulations were violated. To do this, your truck accident attorney may have to obtain driver logs, black box data, and maintenance logs.
- Complex Insurance Coverage ā The insurance policies that cover commercial trucks are large and layered, and seeking compensation through them can be complex. This becomes even more of an issue when the case involves multiple liable parties with complicated insurance policies to grapple with.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Maryland when seeking compensation for your injuries can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can offer the following:
- Sound Legal Guidance ā Truck accident cases are complicated, and even determining whether youāve got a valid claim can feel overwhelming. Your lawyer can meet with you, review your case, and inform you of your legal options.
- Access to Resources ā Your attorney can work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and trucking industry consultants to obtain testimony and evidence that can seriously strengthen your case.
- Negotiation and Litigation ā Insurance companies will do whatever they can to reduce truck accident lawsuit settlements by weakening or denying your claim. Your attorney will fight for a fair outcome at the negotiating table, and if the insurers refuse a reasonable truck accident settlement, theyāll take your case to court and fight for your rights there.
The Truck Accident Lawsuit Process
The truck accident lawsuit process includes the following:
Initial Consultation
First, youāll speak with a truck accident lawyer in Maryland about your case. Theyāll listen to your story, ask you specific questions, and review any documentation you might have to determine whether you have a valid claim.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
If you choose to pursue your truck accident case, the next step is to begin investigating the accident and gathering evidence. Your attorney will obtain police reports, interview witnesses, seek surveillance footage, gather black box data, check FMCSA compliance records, and collect medical and financial documents showing the impact and extent of your injuries.
Filing Your Claim and the Discovery Phase
Once liability is established, your lawyer will file a formal complaint against the responsible parties. From there, both sides will exchange evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare for a potential trial.
Settlement Negotiations
Most truck accident cases are resolved outside of court through settlement negotiations. Insurance companies will often attempt to offer lowball settlements, downplay your injuries, deflect blame, and employ other tactics for minimizing your payout. An experienced truck accident lawyer knows all of their tricks and how to counter them.
Trial (if Necessary)
When truck accident lawsuit settlements canāt be reached, the case will have to go to court. In court, your lawyer will present your case before a judge or jury rather than to the liable partyās insurer. The goal is to achieve a favorable verdict that will force the insurance company to pay you the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Compensation for a Maryland truck accident may include the following:
- Medical Expenses ā Ambulance services, hospital visits, doctorās appointments, surgeries, medical devices, prescription medication, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical expenses for serious injuries
- Lost Wages ā Hourly wages or salary, tips and commissions, missed raises or promotions, sick days and vacation time, medical benefits, and future lost wages related to your injuries
- Property Damage ā The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident, as well as compensation for the diminished resale value of your vehicle
- Pain and Suffering ā Compensation for your physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional trauma caused by the accident
How a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer Strengthens Your Case
Your truck accident lawyer in Maryland will help strengthen your case by:
- Offering Local Knowledge ā A deep understanding of local roads, traffic patterns, and courts can provide valuable insight when establishing liability and building your case.
- Gathering Evidence ā Your attorney can obtain and analyze key evidence, including black boxes, electronic logging device data, maintenance and inspection logs, load and cargo securement records, and onboard camera footage.
- Calculating for Maximum Compensation ā Determining the full extent of your injuries and losses requires careful calculation. Experienced attorneys know how to identify and fight for all possible damages in truck accident claims.
If youāve suffered injuries in a truck accident caused by someone elseās negligence, the team at Trollinger Law LLC can help. Our reputation for fiercely protecting the rights of truck accident victims is backed by a strong track record of substantial settlements. As one of our client testimonials says:
Amazing staff! John in particular, was so kind and attentive to not only my case but my individual needs while navigating this process. Their expertise lead to a great outcome. I would highly recommend this firm!
Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
