Truck accidents can occur for a number of reasons. From drivers’ negligence to a faulty vehicle part, there are several issues that can lead to a truck accident. No matter the cause of the accident, it is important to understand your options for recovery if you have suffered serious injuries. A Maryland truck accident attorney can help you gather evidence and develop the strongest possible argument to recover damages.
According to a recent news article, a Maryland truck accident shut down all lanes of southbound I-95. The crash involved a car and a tractor-trailer, which was parked on the shoulder when the accident occurred. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported.
What Are the Causes of a Maryland Truck Accident?
A Maryland truck accident can have several overlapping causes. First, a truck driver may have negligently operated their vehicle. In general, distracted driving is a common cause of auto accidents. When drivers fail to pay attention to the road, they may fail to respond to traffic patterns or lose control of their vehicle. Due to the size of a typical truck, truck drivers must stay extra vigilant and minimize distractions to avoid causing a serious crash. When a truck driver fails to exercise reasonable care, their negligent behavior may lead to an accident. On the other hand, a distracted driver may crash into a truck, which occurred in the accident discussed above. Consequently, staying focused on the road can help both car and truck drivers avoid an accident. In addition to drivers’ negligence, a truck accident can result from a manufacturing or design defect in a piece of equipment. For example, a truck’s braking system may have a design flaw that prevents truck drivers from braking quickly in the event of an accident. Alternatively, a mechanic’s shop may have negligently repaired the brakes. Finally, a local government may have negligently maintained the roads, resulting in an increased risk of an accident.
Can You Recover Damages If You Were at Fault?
If you were at fault for a truck accident, you cannot recover damages against another party. Maryland follows a contributory negligence model of liability. Under this theory, plaintiffs cannot recover any damages even if they were only 1% at fault for their accident. In this sense, Maryland differs from the majority of states, which allow a plaintiff to recover a reduced damages award so long as they were either less than 50% or 51% at fault depending on the state. An experienced Maryland personal injury attorney can present evidence to argue you were not responsible for your accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Maryland truck accident, the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen are here to help. Our attorneys possess decades of combined experience representing accident victims throughout Prince George’s, Charles, Baltimore, and Montgomery County. Through our skills and expertise, we will help you navigate Maryland’s complex personal injury laws to help recover compensation for your harm. To learn more, and to schedule a free initial consultation, give us a call today at 800-654-1949. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our time unless we recover compensation on your behalf.