Tractor-trailer accidents are some of the most terrible highway crashes because of the gargantuan size and weight of a truck. In Baltimore, crowded city roads and major highways provide ample opportunity for a big rig to become a familiar part of the landscape. When accidents happen, victims sustain life-changing injuries, skyrocketing medical expenses, and complicated legal battles. That is where a Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer enters to help victims work through identifying causes, assigning fault, and recovering restitution.
Typical Baltimore Truck Accident Causes
Understanding why truck accidents occur is the basis for any claim of a truck accident. Since every accident presents new facts and circumstances, there are some typical causes that arise in Baltimore as they do throughout the rest of Maryland.
Driver Fatigue
- Truck drivers drive long hours as well in an attempt to keep to the delivery schedule. Even though there are federal regulations that govern driving time, employer pressure or reward in the form of compensation can persuade drivers to drive more than is safe. Fatigue slows down reaction and judgment and results in severe accidents.
Distracted Driving
- As with all drivers, truckers are also prone to distraction. The only variation is typically that a distracted 18-wheeler for an instant can lead to devastating loss. Distractions could be by cell phone usage, GPS unit adjustment, or eating while driving.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
- Baltimore’s congested roads cause the drivers to speed or make incorrect moves in an effort to maintain the schedule. High-speed tailgating is easy, and it becomes hard for trucks to stop in time, and aggressive lane change subsequently increases the chances of accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
- Commercial trucks require regular checkup and maintenance to stay safe. Worn-out brakes, bad tires, and engine issues can turn a truck highly dangerous overnight. When businesses don’t keep up with routine maintenance, accidents are much more likely to happen.
Improper Loading of Cargo
- Truck loads must be properly balanced and loaded. Poorly loaded or unbalanced freight causes tipovers or loss of control while sharply cornering or abruptly braking.
Weather and Road Conditions
- Baltimore city traffic coupled with bad weather is an extra hazard. Rain, ice, and snow make the roads slippery, and road work zones and potholes come with the extra challenge for big rigs to safely pass through without crashing.
How Lawyers Construct Strong Truck Crash Cases
It is not always simple to determine liability after a crash. A truck crash is not just about the driver but also trucking companies, maintenance personnel, cargo loaders, and insurance. Lawyers thoroughly investigate all the possible causes to construct a strong case.
Carrying Out Proper Investigations
Lawyers initially take evidence at the crash site. That could be pictures, video, skid marks, and car damage. Police accounts and eyewitnesses are good background too.
Reviewing Driver Logs and Company Records
Federal law requires truck drivers to maintain complete driving records. Lawyers typically review such records to see if the driver had gained more driving hours than allowed by hours-of-service rules. Lawyers examine company safety reports and maintenance records as well in an effort to find patterns of negligence.
Working with Guidance
A strong case will rely on expert witnesses. Accident reconstruction specialists are able to demonstrate how the accident occurred, and physicians detail the seriousness of an injury to a victim. Economists will even provide a dollar amount for long-term economic damages for lost income and medical care.
Identifying Multiple Responsible Parties
Though the majority of car accidents have a single defendant, truck accident claims tend to have multiple defendants. An attorney might sue the driver, the trucking firm, the manufacturer of the truck, or contractors that loaded the truck with cargo. Having multiple individuals to blame might strongly enhance the chances of proper compensation.
Tractor-trailer accident claims are far more complicated than typical automobile wrecks. Victims are forced to deal with battalions of corporate attorneys, feds’ trucking laws, and millions of dollars. Victims might not be able to receive the award they are entitled to without the help of the experience of a good attorney. A good attorney ensures that victims are heard and safeguarded throughout the legal process.
Baltimore truck accidents have a myriad of reasons behind them—driver drowsiness, technical breakdown, inculpable loading of cargo, and unfavorable conditions are just a few. Every accident must be investigated case by case to determine the cause and hold the perpetrators accountable. With the help of a skilled Baltimore Truck Accident Attorney, victims can stake their claim to justice and compensation necessary to heal from a ghastly accident.