Waldorf MD Truck Accident Law Firm

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Large trucks -- semi trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers and Mack trucks -- are an important part of our nation's economy and distribution system. Unfortunately, they're also very dangerous in the wrong hands. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that fatal truck accidents are relatively rare, at just 8.2% of all fatal accidents -- but when they do happen, they almost always kill or very seriously injure the occupants of the other vehicle. Truck accident statistics from 2007 show that a full 83% of truck accident fatalities in two-vehicle accidents are the deaths of people outside the truck.

The trouble is the size of large trucks, which can weigh up to 20 times what a typical economy sedan weighs. In an accident, that greater weight becomes much greater force, which can literally crush a smaller vehicle. Their large size also makes them slower and more difficult to stop or maneuver, and sometimes makes it hard for truck drivers to see other vehicles. When trucks are driven responsibly, these aren't serious problems. But some truck drivers, under pressure to make a tight delivery schedule, make unsafe choices like driving on too little sleep, driving under the influence of methamphetamine or other drugs to stay awake or driving in weather that makes them unsafe.

Trucking companies may also be responsible for trucking safety problems. Trucking companies lose money when they don't make deliveries on time, so some may look the other way or actively pressure drivers to falsify work/sleep logs in order to make shipping goals. Some companies, more concerned about their bottom lines than their own employees' safety, may also send truckers out with unsafe equipment that has not been inspected, replaced or tested in far too long. And a few companies may even hire truck drivers they know hold false commercial driver's licenses, because these unlicensed and unsafe drivers will work for less than a legitimate driver would. In all of these scenarios, the losers are all of the innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians that happen to share the road with an unsafe large truck.

A Maryland trucking accident is a catastrophe for most people, but trucking companies consider them just a part of the job. After a trucking accident, trucking companies or their insurance companies may move very quickly to limit their legal responsibility. Victims and their relatives may receive phone calls the same day or even be approached at the scene, while they are still in shock, with offers of a cash settlement. Accepting this payment may take away your right to collect compensation later, through a Maryland auto accident lawsuit. If you receive this kind of call, politely decline it and contact a Maryland trucking accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

In a Maryland trucking accident lawsuit, you could win the money you need to cover medical costs, a replacement vehicle and other financial costs of the accident; replace any income you lost; and compensate you for a permanent disability or loss of a loved one. Alpert Schreyer can help. Based in Upper Marlboro, Alpert Schreyer serves clients throughout the state of Maryland who have been seriously hurt or lost a loved one in trucking accident. If you would like to tell us more about your case at a free, confidential consultation, please contact one of our Maryland 18-wheeler accident attorneys today at (800) 489-1577 or send us an email.