Trucking is a vital industry in the US, but there can be no doubt that large commercial vehicles can cause massive destruction in an accident. According to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are approximately 119,000 injury-causing crashes involving semis, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large trucks every year nationwide. More than 172,000 people are hurt in these collisions annually, so it is fortunate that Maryland laws provide options for victims.
While truck operator negligence is usually the direct cause of a truck crash, liability may also extend to a trucking company. There are numerous ways that trucking companies put dangerous drivers on the road through carelessness. If you were hurt in a collision, it is critical to retain an Owings Mills truck accident lawyer to assist with your claim. The truck company may be liable in the following ways:
Trucking Company Negligence
A trucking company may not be in the cab of a semi when the driver is involved in a crash, but it certainly plays a role in the operator, truck, and cargo being on the road. Negligence by a business could cause truck accidents in various ways:
- The truck company does not enforce FMCSA rules about equipment, maintenance, inspections, and logs.
- An organization may encourage drivers to violate federal regulations on Hours of Service (HOS), which are intended to prevent truck collisions due to fatigue.
- A business owner may not verify Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), training requirements, and certifications.
- There may be a lack of training or a failure to conduct background checks.
Vicarious Liability and Truck Accidents
Many truck drivers are officially employees of a truck company, as opposed to independent contractors. When there is an employment relationship, the employer may be liable for the negligent acts of an employee under the theory of vicarious liability.
In addition, there are certain cases when even an independent contractor would be considered an agent for purposes of the law. The driver might be an agent, being directed by the trucking company as principal.
Insurance for Truck Crash Claims
In traffic accident cases, the first step for an injured victim will usually be pursuing a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurer. This is also true for truck collisions, but there is a key challenge when you file a claim. Insurance coverage ranges from $750,000 to millions. Because they have a lot to lose, insurers assign their most experienced agents. Their goal is to fight your claim and find reasons to deny it just to protect their own interests.
Discuss Legal Remedies with a Baltimore County Truck Accident Attorney When trucking companies put dangerous drivers on the road, Maryland law allows truck collision victims to seek compensation. It is possible to recover amounts for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, so please contact the Law Office of Michael A. Freedman to learn more. You can call 410.363.6848 or go online to schedule a no-cost case review. A skilled truck accident lawyer will meet with you at our offices in Owings Mills or Glen Burnie, MD.
