Chillum MD Truck Accident Lawyers | Farmer & Klopf

Chillum Personal Injury Lawyers

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At Farmer & Klopfer, we understand that accidents can have life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else's negligence, our dedicated team of Chillum personal injury lawyers is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. With our extensive experience and commitment to client advocacy, we aim to provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your unique needs.

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Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be particularly devastating due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Understanding the common types of truck accidents can help victims and their families comprehend the nature of these incidents and the potential legal recourse available.

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it. These accidents often result from the truck driver’s inability to stop in time due to factors such as excessive speed, driver fatigue, or distracted driving.
• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of the truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling a folding knife. This type of accident can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to serious multi-vehicle collisions.
• Rollovers: Truck rollovers can occur when a driver loses control of the vehicle, causing it to tip over onto its side or roof. Rollovers are particularly dangerous for both the truck driver and nearby motorists.
• Underride Accidents: Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck. These accidents can be fatal due to the severe impact on the smaller vehicle’s occupants.
• T-Bone Collisions: T-bone collisions, or side-impact crashes, occur when the front of a truck strikes the side of another vehicle. These accidents often happen at intersections and can cause significant injuries to the occupants of the impacted vehicle.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The following are the common causes of truck accidents in Maryland:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may suffer from fatigue, which impairs their ability to operate the vehicle safely. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road, but violations of these rules are not uncommon.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of all types of vehicle accidents, including those involving trucks. Distractions can include using a cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road.
• Speeding: Speeding is a significant factor in many truck accidents. Due to their size and weight, trucks require more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver exceeds the speed limit, they reduce their ability to react to changing road conditions and other drivers.
• Mechanical Failures: Mechanical failures, such as brake or tire malfunctions, can lead to serious accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections are required to ensure that trucks are safe to operate, but neglecting these responsibilities can result in dangerous mechanical issues.
• Improper Loading: Improperly loaded cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, increasing the risk of a rollover or loss of control. Overloading a truck or failing to secure the load properly can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Liability in a Truck Accident

While the truck driver is often at fault for causing truck accidents, it is not uncommon for more than one party to be held liable for a crash. Here are the common liable parties in a truck accident claim:

• Truck Driver: The truck driver may be liable if their negligence or reckless behavior caused the accident. This includes actions such as driving while fatigued, distracted driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company can be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers. This includes cases where the company failed to enforce proper safety protocols, neglected vehicle maintenance, or encouraged drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts may be liable. This includes defective brakes, tires, or other components that failed to function correctly.
• Cargo Loaders: Improper loading of cargo can lead to accidents, and the party responsible for loading the truck may be held liable if their negligence resulted in an unbalanced or overloaded vehicle.

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible. Our Chillum personal injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties and build a strong claim for compensation.

Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries

At Farmer & Klopfer, we are dedicated to helping accident victims in Chillum, MD, recover the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Compensation in a personal injury case can cover a range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation costs
• Property damage
• Emotional distress