Trucks are extremely heavy and cannot stop instantly. As a result, truck accidents can be especially dangerous, often leading to catastrophic injuries or even death—particularly when they involve smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one are involved in a truck accident in Charles County, Maryland, you need experienced help to guide you through the process.
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the experience you need. Our Charles County truck accident lawyers can meet with you, discuss your situation, and formulate a plan to get you maximum compensation for your truck accident injuries and losses.
Contact us today at (301) 932-9997 for a free consultation.
How Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Charles County
At Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring over 125 years of combined experience and have secured more than $100 million in compensation for injured clients seeking justice. When you trust us to take on your case in Charles County, MD, we will:
- Meet with you and discuss your situation
- Investigate all of the circumstances surrounding your accident
- Negotiate with the insurance company and/or trucking company on your behalf
- Fight to secure a substantial settlement
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Call, contact us online, or stop by to schedule a free consultation with a Charles County personal injury attorney.
What is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
Every accident case is different, as case value depends on a number of different factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The pain and suffering you endured
- The extent of your medical bills
- The length of your recovery
- Whether or not you were partially at fault
Of course, the best way to know what your case could be worth is to consult a personal injury lawyer. Our experienced team can evaluate all of the above factors and more to give you an idea of what your case might be worth.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
There are several types of damages victims in Maryland might be entitled to. The two main categories are economic and non-economic damages. Economic (financial) damages you might be entitled to include:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
In rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, you might also be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish wrongdoing. To discuss what damages might be applicable in your particular case, speak with a legal professional.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers in Maryland, including Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, won’t charge an upfront fee. In fact, you won’t owe anything at all unless the attorney wins your case. This is called a contingency fee agreement. If your case concludes and you recover compensation, your attorney will be paid a percentage of this total recovery, usually between 33% and 40%. This system enables law firms and attorneys to provide services to individuals across all economic backgrounds while also aligning the interests of both the attorney and the client.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Truck Accident in Maryland?
Unfortunately for accident victims, Maryland applies an extremely strict contributory negligence rule to comparative fault. Under this regime, you won’t be able to recover any compensation if you are even 1% at fault for your truck accident. Because of this harsh rule, it is critical to have competent legal help on your side in Maryland. Your attorney can fight to dispel accusations of fault so you can recover compensation for your injuries.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Truck Accident Injuries
In our experience, truck accidents can lead to all types of injuries, from minor scrapes to catastrophic injuries or death. Some of the most common injuries we see after truck accidents in Charles County include:
- Whiplash
- Cuts and abrasions
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- PTSD and anxiety
- Death
No matter what injuries you or your loved one experienced in a truck accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Charles County, Maryland?
While large truck drivers are subject to certain rules and regulations under both state and federal law, accidents can always happen. Some of the most common causes of accidents in Charles County, MD, include:
- Lack of proper training: Inadequate training can lead to poor decision-making, difficulty handling the truck in emergencies, and an increased risk of accidents.
- Inexperience: New or unseasoned drivers may struggle with maneuvering large trucks, judging distances, or reacting appropriately to hazards.
- Drowsy driving: Long hours on the road, tight schedules, and inadequate rest breaks can lead to fatigue, reducing reaction times and impairing judgment.
- Speeding: Driving too fast, especially in poor conditions or on curves, makes it harder to stop or control the truck, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced motor control, making crashes more likely.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, or sudden braking can increase accident risks, especially with large trucks.
- Failure to follow traffic laws: Running red lights, not yielding, or ignoring road signs can cause dangerous collisions with other vehicles.
- Improper loading: Unbalanced or overloaded trucks can cause instability.
- Mechanical failures: Break failures, tire blowouts, and more can lead to loss of control.
- Poor or improper maintenance: Failing to inspect and repair critical components like brakes, tires, and lights can increase the risk of mechanical failures while driving.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can make it harder to control a truck, leading to accidents, especially at high speeds.
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and strong winds can reduce visibility and traction, making driving more dangerous and increasing stopping distances.
Understanding these common causes can help both truck drivers and other motorists take precautions to reduce the risk of crashes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal guidance
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Maryland?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including truck accidents, in Maryland, is typically three years from the date of your accident. This means you’ll need to bring your case before this deadline or risk losing your right to compensation entirely. There are certain exceptions that may change this date, however, such as in cases where a government entity or a minor was involved, so you should always discuss your particular circumstances with your attorney.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
It is easy to be frightened after an accident involving a truck. Take the following steps to stay safe and preserve your claim:
- Call 911 and seek emergency medical help if necessary: Contact emergency services immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
- Move to safety if needed, but remain near the scene: If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents, but stay close to the scene until authorities arrive.
- Gather contact information for everyone involved, as well as witnesses:
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage experienced.
- Report the accident to your insurance company: Call to report the accident, but make sure to avoid admitting fault.
- Seek medical help: Even if you don’t feel injured, you should still see a doctor to create a record and ensure your adrenaline isn’t masking any underlying issues.
After you have taken the above steps, contact a truck accident lawyer. They will be able to help you gather evidence and fight for your rights.
Contact Our Charles County Truck Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Being involved in a truck accident in Charles County, Maryland, can turn your life upside down. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The team at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. With over 125 years of combined experience and a track record of success, we know what it takes to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you have been in a truck accident, get in touch with our firm today to schedule your free consultation with a Charles County truck accident lawyer.