Large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, pose a high risk for life-threatening or fatal road crashes. Due to their greater length, height, and weight compared to standard passenger vehicles, trucks can cause catastrophic collisions resulting in severe injuries for everyone involved.
When a truck operator is negligent or reckless, the likelihood of an accident increases. Consult a seasoned Upper Marlboro truck accident lawyer for help with a claim. A personal injury attorney could assist you in gathering crucial evidence and establishing liability for your claim.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Collisions
Tractor-trailer crashes often result from driver negligence. However, a collision can occur for various reasons. Some examples include:
- Overweight or improperly loaded cargo
- Adverse weather creating unsafe road conditions
- Tailgating and other aggressive driving behaviors
- Distracted truckers who fail to notice traffic changes
- Intoxicated driving, resulting in impaired reaction times
- Speeding and reckless driving that can cause a trucker to lose control of the vehicle
- Driver fatigue, which can lead to slower reaction times or, in severe cases, falling asleep at the wheel
- Failing to maintain vehicles as required by law, leading to mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions
A knowledgeable Upper Marlboro truck crash attorney could explain relevant driving laws and regulations and investigate the accident to determine the cause.
Commercial Trucking Industry Regulations
Federal and state regulations require that all truckers obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). They must also complete extensive training to acquire the knowledge, understanding, and agility necessary to operate large commercial vehicles safely. Under Code of Federal Regulations § 383.111, trucker training includes:
- Requirements for maintenance, inspections, and repairs
- Successfully managing hazardous situations and emergencies
- Effective communication while driving large commercial vehicles
- Complying with maximum length, height, and weight requirements
- Knowledge of regulations regarding drunk driving and adhering to testing requirements
- Procedures for safely operating the vehicle, including control and safety control systems
- The hazards and risks of fatigued driving, intoxicated driving, and the hours-of-service guidelines
If 18-wheeler operators or trucking companies fail to comply with these regulations, they may face harsh penalties, such as substantial fines and the loss of operating authority. A meticulous Upper Marlboro semi-truck accident lawyer could investigate the accident and determine whether a truck driver or trucking company violated these regulations.
Establishing Liability After a Wreck
Establishing liability after an 18-wheeler wreck requires gathering sufficient evidence, such as the truckers’ hours of service and vehicle maintenance records. Depending on the cause of the collision, a claim may assign fault to multiple individuals, including the trucker, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or the company responsible for vehicle maintenance.
Types of Recoverable Damages
Damages are typically categorized into two groups: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are meant to cover the monetary losses a person incurred as a result of a wreck, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address injuries that are not easily quantifiable, such as pain and suffering.
A truck collision attorney in Upper Marlboro could answer questions about the legal claims process and calculate the estimated damages.
Reach Out to an Upper Marlboro Truck Accident Attorney Today
While all crashes have the potential to be serious, accidents involving large commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, are more likely to lead to catastrophic injuries and damages. Federal and state regulations strictly govern truck drivers and the trucking industry to prevent avoidable wrecks that may result in severe or fatal injuries.
If you were injured in a tractor-trailer collision due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Langford Law is a minority-owned law firm, and we take pride in our owner, Eddie Langford, being a Howard Law School graduate. Having been recognized with the prestigious National Black Lawyers 40 Under 40, our team will fiercely advocate for you. Schedule a consultation with a tenacious Upper Marlboro truck accident lawyer to explore your options for financial recovery.
