Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer
The trucking industry is rife with safety hazards, and semi-trucks crash all the time. Inevitably, innocent people suffer terrible injuries in these crashes. It is not hard to see why. Semi-trucks are much bigger and heavier compared to normal passenger vehicles. In addition, they are much more difficult to maneuver, and they have much slower braking distances. In addition, semi-trucks carry much more fuel compared to passenger vehicles – increasing the potential for serious fires and explosions. Finally, semi-trucks often carry dangerous cargo, such as explosives, toxins, or even radioactive materials.
But what can you do if you have been injured in one of these crashes? How easy is it to sue the trucking company responsible for your accident and recover the compensation you need to cover your damages? How much money could you receive? What do you need to prove, and what kind of evidence do you need?
The Process of Suing After a Truck Accident in Maryland
You can begin fighting for compensation after a truck accident almost immediately after the accident. The sooner you get in touch with an attorney, the better. That being said, your first priority should be your own health. This is why getting medical treatment is your first step toward justice and compensation.
Not only does medical treatment help you address serious health concerns, but it also provides you with important evidence to back up your claim. For example, you might have suffered a head injury in your truck accident. You might then go to a hospital and get a CT scan. Not only can your CT scan reveal issues like brain bleeds, but it can also be used as evidence to show just how serious your injuries really were.
After you get started with your medical treatment and your condition stabilizes, you can get in touch with a Maryland truck accident lawyer and begin the legal process of fighting for compensation. During an initial consultation, you and your attorney can discuss your unique situation. Your attorney can then help you gather important documents, such as medical records, police reports, the employment history of the trucker, photos from the crash scene, and so on. You might also contact witnesses who saw the accident and ask them to testify on your behalf.
Once you have enough evidence, it is time to negotiate for a settlement. Most civil cases are handled outside of court, as this is usually beneficial for both parties. A settlement allows you to avoid the stressful, time-consuming process of a trial. It also helps you cut down on legal fees. Trucking companies are almost always represented by insurance companies that can offer settlements to injured victims. You might have to negotiate with an insurance adjuster with your attorney’s help.
What Do You Need to Prove in a Maryland Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Because Maryland is an “at-fault” state, you must take on the responsibility of proving negligence after a trucking accident. In other words, you cannot receive compensation unless you show that the trucker or the trucking company was somehow to blame for the accident. Not only that, but Maryland is a “contributory negligence” state. This means that even if you were 1% responsible for your own injuries, you will be barred from moving forward with your lawsuit.
Maryland is one of only five jurisdictions that follow this system, and most other states follow some variation of “comparative negligence.” In fact, some states allow you to sue even if you were 99% responsible for your own injuries! While Maryland’s system can make it difficult for victims to recover compensation, you should not give up hope. With a reliable attorney at your side, you can prove that you did not contribute to your own crash.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer?
The Law Office of Ben Evan is standing by to assist truck accident victims in Maryland. We know how traumatic and life-altering these accidents can be, and we are ready to guide you toward the best possible outcome. Trucking companies must be held accountable for the danger they pose to innocent motorists in Maryland. With our help, you can pursue both justice and compensation – allowing you to achieve a sense of closure and justice while covering your medical expenses, missed wages, and emotional distress.
If you are ready to get started with an effective action plan, Reach out to the Law Office of Ben Evans today. During your consultation, we can assess your unique situation before recommending the best course of action. Reach out now.